Sous vide cooking is one of the most delicious and safest ways to cook meats, fish and vegetables. But cooking meals using the sous vide method – which literally translates to “under vacuum” – first requires you to vacuum seal your favorite foods in an airtight bag. For this, you need a vacuum sealer that will not only ensure the safety of your food and prevent any unwanted spillage during the cooking process, but will also improve the marinating process prior to vacuum cooking.

When searching for the best vacuum sealer among the many vacuum heat sealers currently on the market, we took into account a number of features. First, the device must be able to hold bags and rolls that can be safely used at the high temperatures of sous vide cooking. Second, the device must have the strength to quickly seal packages of different sizes. We also looked at the size and weight of vacuum sealers, as these devices simply take up space in your kitchen when not in use. The inclusion of a manufacturer’s warranty was also considered, as you want to be sure that the device you invest in will last for years.

After spending dozens of hours reading technical specifications and customer reviews of the most popular vacuum heat sealers, we’ve identified nine of the best vacuum heat sealers currently available. The table below shows our picks, and read on for detailed reviews of each unit, with pros and cons. Our buying guide and frequently asked questions cover everything you need to know about choosing a device that’s right for both you and the sous vide. Finally, we summarize our three favorite vacuum cleaners for sous vide.

The 9 best vacuum sealer

FoodSaver FM24350ECR

Users rave about this model from FoodSaver, which is more compact than the V4440 while offering the same suction power and an extra-wide sealing strip that can fit bags over 16 inches wide. While this unit is manual – meaning you have to activate a latch to get the sealer to attach to your bag – it’s extremely easy to use and has only a few buttons to choose from on top of the unit to allow you to control suction power. Another welcome feature of this vacuum sealer is the dishwasher-safe drip tray, which makes it easy to clean up any spills when heat-sealing pickled foods. As expected, the unit also has a hose attachment port, so you can seal cans and store half-finished bottles of wine.

FoodSaver also includes a great starter kit with this vacuum sealer, including plenty of large bags and a 10-foot roll, so you won’t need to buy additional bags for a while. FoodSaver only provides a one-year limited warranty, and it’s worth noting that some customers report problems enforcing the warranty when they encounter defective units.

FoodSaver automated vacuum machine

This vacuum sealer from FoodSaver is perfect for those who like to cook in bulk and then store individual meals, as it is specifically designed for rolls. First, the unit has internal roll storage that is visible, so you’ll know quickly when your roll is used up and it’s time to order another one. Second, the sealer uses a unique roll sealing and cutting design that allows you to very quickly measure the depth of roll you need for a specific food product, then cut and seal your own bag. Specifically, the sealer automatically seals one end of the bag, then cuts it off after measuring, so you can then turn around and seal the other end after filling the bag.

The 17-inch width allows you to use relatively large bags, while FoodSaver also provides a large number of bags and a 10-foot roll to get you started with this unit. The dishwasher-safe drip tray is a bonus for cleaning pickled foods, while the sealer also offers an accessory port for attaching a vacuum hose. FoodSaver offers a two-year limited warranty, but users have not reported any common problems with this sealer.

Gourmia GVS445 vacuum packaging machine

While the shape of this Gourmia vacuum sealer immediately stands out from other heat sealers, users loved the ability to store bags inside the sealer while pushing it against a kitchen wall and out of the way. However, note that you’ll need access to the controls on top of the sealer in order to operate and lock it, so make sure the nearly eight-inch height will be compatible with your kitchen setup. The controls on top of the unit may seem intimidating at first, but users found operating the sealer to be extremely intuitive and appreciated having a wide variety of sealing methods available. In particular, this sealer is one of the best for sealing cans and even has a stripping feature to make this task easier, in addition to vacuum sealing for sous-vide. Users also liked the fact that the sealer has a built-in cutter that makes it easy to use the internal rollers to make custom bags.

Note that this vacuum sealer only comes with one bag and a small roll, so you’ll need to invest in additional bags to get started with sous vide cooking. While Gourmia does not specify the warranty period for this heat sealer, users have reported good experiences with the company’s customer service when dealing with faulty units.

FoodSaver FM2000

The FM2000 is the least expensive vacuum sealer from FoodSaver that we reviewed. While this heat sealer offers everything you need to seal food, note that it lacks the advanced and useful features found on more expensive FoodSaver heat sealers. For example, there is no roll storage in this food sealer and no cutter, so if you’re working with rolls, you’ll have to cut the roll yourself with scissors. Users also note that the unit doesn’t have a wet food mode and can be problematic for sealing foods with a liquid marinade – in which case, you may need to use multiple bags to create a seal without spilling. Like other vacuum heat sealers, this unit has an accessory port for attaching a hose to seal cans.

Compared to other FoodSaver vacuums, this unit is very compact and lightweight for easy storage, while accommodating bags up to 14 inches wide. Plus, this unit comes with one of the best warranties we’ve found among appliances of this type, a five-year warranty. Note that the sealer doesn’t come with many bags when you buy it, so expect to invest some extra money in bags and rolls.

NESCO VS-12

This moderately priced vacuum sealer from Nesco is a direct competitor to FoodSaver’s offerings, but its users don’t regret choosing a lesser known brand. The packer can hold rolls up to 11.8 inches wide without being too bulky and heavy. This is especially impressive because the sealer is capable of storing bags inside and is equipped with a cutter to make using the roll extremely quick and easy. The sealer is also equipped with a double seal to ensure that your bags stay closed until you cut them.

The LED display is extremely easy to use and the sealer has several options for controlling the vacuum, including the ability to set whether the food is wet or dry. Importantly, the sealer also has a vacuum pulse function so you can seal delicate foods like bread or pastries without crushing them. All of the bags that come with the unit and the replacement bags sold by Nesco are BPA-free, so you can safely heat them up and cook sous vide afterwards. Nesco does not specify the details of its warranty, but users have not reported any issues with the durability of this sealer.

SARKI vacuum sealer

Don’t let the low price of this vacuum sealer from SARKI fool you – this sealer has all the features you need to seal any food you can think of. The unit has options for vacuum speed and for dry or wet foods, allowing you to tightly control the power of the vacuum exerted on your food to keep it intact and avoid jams. In addition, the indicator lights on the large touch-sensitive buttons make this sealer extremely user-friendly, while the locking latch on the side of the unit is large and easy to grip.

The sealer is compact and lightweight at just over three pounds, making it extremely easy to store in a small kitchen. However, note that the unit is only 16 inches wide, so it is somewhat limited in the width of bags it can handle. While it doesn’t come with many bags, SARKI does provide a 1.5-foot suction hose so you can start sealing cans. In addition, SARKI offers a one-year replacement warranty and three-year service with this vacuum heat sealer that users have appreciated for the peace of mind it provides.

Foodsaver V4440

FoodSaver is one of the most respected brands when it comes to vacuum sealers, and users rave about the V4440. This vacuum sealer is somewhat bulky, but the reason is that it’s capable of holding up to 20 feet of 8- or 11-inch-wide rolls, so you can quickly make and seal your bags. However, note that the unit weighs 12 pounds – more than five times the weight of the NutriChef packer – which can be a problem if you need to move it frequently or store it in a high spot in your kitchen.

This sealer has many useful features, including wet and dry food modes, a hose for sealing jars, and automatic bag detection that makes sealing even faster and easier. The sealer also has a quick marinating mode, which can be extremely useful if you want to prepare and cook sous vide foods in quick succession rather than keeping them in the refrigerator overnight.

While the unit comes with a great kit that includes a number of bags and a roller to get you started, note that FoodSaver only offers a one-year limited warranty – surprisingly short considering the price of this unit.

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer 4800

This vacuum sealer from FoodSaver is extremely similar to its 4440 model, with a few design improvements that account for its higher cost. The main difference is that the unit’s housing is made of stainless steel parts in many places, whereas the 4440 is made of plastic. In addition, FoodSaver has extended the warranty on this unit to five years, compared to one year on the 4440. Like the 4440, this vacuum sealer is fully automatic and uses patented technology to automatically identify the width of the bags you put in. The unit has just a few buttons to let you control the vacuum power, but it also has a quick marinating feature that users liked for preparing meals quickly rather than waiting overnight.

Users note that while the bags that come with the sealer are 11 7/16 inches wide, it makes much more sense to use 11 ¼ inch bags given the width of the sealing port. The internal storage compartment of the sealer is capable of storing up to 20-foot rolls to make your own bags quickly and easily. One problem with this unit, like many sealers with internal roll storage, is that it is relatively heavy and cumbersome to store in small kitchen spaces.

NutriChef vacuum packer

This inexpensive sous vide heat sealer from popular kitchen brand NutriChef keeps the design relatively simple, but offers everything you need in a heat sealer for sous vide cooking. Operating the unit is extremely simple thanks to the limited number of unique buttons on the top of the unit and the indicator lights that show the selected options. The sealer also offers separate modes for sealing fully dry and wet foods, such as steamed or pickled foods, which can make it easier to use this sealer for a wider variety of meals. The sealer is only 14.1 inches wide, so it should be noted that you will be somewhat limited in the width of the bags you can seal, although the sealer also works for rolls.

The sealer comes in a starter kit with five small bags and one large 79-inch roll to get you started sealing. In addition, the unit comes with an air suction hose and a wine stopper so you can seal cans or store unfinished wine bottles. NutriChef also offers a one-year limited warranty, though users have reported that this sealer lasts longer than most other models they’ve tested.

What are the benefits of having the best vacuum sealer for sous vide?

There are many benefits to using a vacuum packaging machine in your kitchen, both for food preparation in general and for sous vide in particular.

The most common and important reason people use vacuum sealers to contain food and cook sous vide is to prevent spoilage. Sealing foods like meat, fish and vegetables in a vacuum bag is a great way to preserve food, just like canning, which does not require the addition of sugar, salt or other additives that would alter the taste of your food. Using a vacuum sealer can allow you to store fresh food for long periods of time or safely package leftovers without fear of mold or bacteria growth that could cause foodborne illness later on.

Using a vacuum sealer can also be a great way to portion your food and plan your meals. With a vacuum packer, it is possible to simply prepare meals in bulk, then subdivide them into long-term vacuum-sealed packages that can be opened individually. In the long run, this saves a lot of time and money on meal preparation.

How is a vacuum sealer used?

There are two main types of vacuum sealers, which operate slightly differently.

Bar sealers are extremely simple vacuum devices in which you place the open end of the bag. The device sucks out all the air in the bag, then uses heat and pressure to seal the two plastic flaps with your food inside. It is important to note that bar sealers suck any liquid out of the bag along with the air. Therefore, this type of vacuum sealer can only be used for dry foods.

Can sealers are more complex, but are capable of handling liquids as well as dry foods. Can sealers work with sealed cans rather than bags, and generally draw air through the top of the can, so that the liquid in the bottom of the can is not expelled. These sealers are less common, although some bar sealers are equipped with a hose to seal the cans.

Another consideration when using a food sealer is whether you want to use bags or rolls. Bags are the easiest to use, as they are very similar to typical Ziploc bags – already sealed on three sides, with an opening to put the food you are going to seal in. However, the bags come in predetermined sizes, which can limit your flexibility. Rolls, on the other hand, have a set width but allow you to cut them to the length of bag you need. When using rolls, you must cut the desired length, then seal one side (both sides are pre-sealed) to create your own bag before adding the food.

Features to consider before purchasing a vacuum sealer

Accepted bags and rolls

One of the main considerations when choosing a vacuum sealer is the type of bags and rolls it will accept. Many vacuum sealers are designed to accept only the bags and rolls of the company that manufactures the vacuum sealer itself. However, this is not the case with all vacuum sealers: some accept almost all bags and rolls, while others only accept bags and rolls from a subset of manufacturers. The more freedom you have to choose which bags and rolls you can use, the more you’ll be able to compare prices when you need to buy new bags.

Vacuum Resistance

Not all vacuum machines are created equally. Some vacuums have stronger suction than others, which can make a big difference in the time it takes to suck all the air out of a large bag. If you prepare a lot of food with your appliance, the time spent waiting for a weak vacuum can add up. However, most manufacturers do not list the power of their vacuums. So you have to rely largely on customer reviews and personal experience with specific brands to determine if a particular vacuum packer has the power you need.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of your vacuum packer is important because you will likely be moving this appliance around your kitchen and possibly storing it in a cupboard when you are not preparing food. With these considerations in mind, you might think that a smaller, lighter vacuum packer is the best choice. However, the size and weight of the machine usually depends on the size of the vacuum unit that is built into it. Also, a heat sealer can only seal bags as large as the bar. So you may need a particularly large heat sealer if you’re working with large volumes of food and large bags.

Ease of use and additional features

Ease of use is one of the most important considerations when choosing a vacuum sealer, as you won’t use your vacuum sealer if closing the bags is a pain. Many vacuum sealers offer one-button activation steps, so minimal work is required on your part to go from food preparation to sealed bags. Although more complicated, some machines, like the SARKI, also allow you to toggle the vacuum mode to account for the presence of marinade in your bag (that you don’t want the vacuum to suck up or that you want the vacuum to work gently on) the food you are trying to seal. While not strictly necessary, additional features such as an LED display can be useful if you use your device very frequently.

Warranty

Most people who buy a vacuum sealer expect it to work for years. Therefore, the warranty can be important if there are any problems with the manufacturer. Most, but not all, manufacturers offer warranties on the vacuum heat sealers they sell, although the length of these warranties can vary from one year to five years, as with the FoodSaver FM2000.

How to make your vacuum-packed food even more delicious

How can you use your vacuum sealer to make your sous vide foods even more delicious than they already are? The answer lies in the marinade.

Although it may be tempting, don’t overuse the marinade! Just add enough marinade to the bag to cover the outside of the food, not to make the food swim in the marinade. The sealing process will also go more smoothly since there is less liquid that can cause problems.

The next step in the marinade, letting the food rest, is also essential. If possible, prepare your food a day or two ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator under vacuum until ready to cook. This gives the marinade time to permeate the food, thanks to the pressure of the vacuum seal.

When sealing, it is also important to leave as few creases and gaps as possible between the food and the bag. This way, the food will cook more evenly when placed in the water bath.

Our verdict

Our favorite sous-vide appliances are the 24350ECR and FM5200-000 from FoodSaver, as well as the NutriChef model. All three offer excellent suction power without being too noisy. The FM5200-000 offers internal roll storage and a cutter that makes it quick and easy to make your own bags cut to size, while the 24350ECR has an extra-wide sealing belt that users appreciate for vacuum sealing large portions. All three sealers were capable of attaching vacuum hoses. The NutriChef heat sealer, in particular, was one of the best heat sealers for those on a budget, thanks to the wet and dry food sealing modes. However, we felt the 24350ECR was the best vacuum sealer because of its compact size and light weight, as well as its dishwasher-safe drip tray and money-saving starter bag kit.