Best Food / Vacuum Sealers
Luvele Supreme LSVS130G
- Price (RRP) $198.95
- Type External
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Solid unit but very slow to cool between seals. Buy the model up if you need to do more Show details
Luvele Deluxe Pro LDPVS140W
- Price (RRP) $258.95
- Type External
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Not a professional level product. Used it to vacuum seal fresh sausages. It had issues every time we used it. Support was good at making the customer… Read more
look like the problem. I eventually got my money back but its the worst appliance I’ve ever owned. Never again.
FoodSaver Cut & Seal VS2198
- Type External
Doesn’t last – Was great initially however the seals have gone in it and now you have to press down hard on the lid to get a proper suction. Also seals smell like rotten meat Have cleaned them but no luck. Show details
Hi Lisa, Thank you for sharing your experience while… Read more
FoodSaver Controlled Multi Seal VS3198
- Type Handheld
- See all
Air still in the bag – I have recently purchased the foodsaver multi seal and just wanted to get some feedback if other people have the same experience with vacuuming meat. Mine seams to still have air in the bag, any help would be appreciated.
Dear Todd E, Thank you for sharing your experience… Read more
Sinchies Reusable Food Pouch
Very poor durability abd quality to this product. Hard to keep clean and useful. Fairly useless product.
Kleva Vac Seal & Save
- Price (RRP) $176.90
- Type Handheld
Works well. Packed away a load of meat into the freezer
Russell Hobbs Seal Fresh RHVS1
This vacuum sealer can be found cheaply enough around the place but you will pay DEARLY for the vacuum bags. They are crazy expensive. You cannot use… Read more
other, cheaper vacuum packing bags - you must use the Russell Hobbs branded bags.
Their vacuum bag rolls are 6m long which seems like a good amount, but once you start using them they disappear quickly, especially if you're vacuum sealing longer items like long fish fillets or root vegetables.
Doing a quick calculation I would be paying 75c to $1 per bag - it's ridiculous
I could only find Russell Hobbs branded vacuum bags that are 28cm in width. They do not offer a variety of width sizes. It's 28cm and that's it!
You need to seal and cut your own bags. So I'm paying like $1 per bag PLUS I have to make them myself by sealing and cutting them? Um, no.
The suction isn't great. It's OK if you're storing items for a short period I think, but if you want long term, shelf stable storage for a year or so or if you want to freeze something for quite a few months I would not trust it.
I'm returning this vacuum sealer. Avoid!
FoodSaver Lock & Seal VS4500
The sealer works but the vacuum dont. I wasted a number of sunbeam vaccum bags and it doesnt vaccuum. i emailed customer service and send them the… Read more
video that it doesnt work at all they gave me troubleshooting and then i said still it doesnt work. They told me to find an electrician. What a waste of money and the customer service is useless. I had other brands like smeg, breville, and bose that when i told them my problem with the product they send me a new one straight away.but sunbeam is useless
Hi Lyra T, Thank you for sharing your experience while… Read more (+1 reply)
Kmart Vacuum Food Sealer Machine
- Price (RRP) $59
- Type External
Took it back for a refund after about a month as it only worked for a few weeks, then it would make a lot of loud noise but never finish the vacuuming process. The seal function still worked, but not much point as the air wasn't vacuumed out first.
Hi there, we’re really sorry to hear your vacuum sealer… Read more
Dometic Vacuum Sealer
- Price (RRP) $249
- Type External
DO NOT BUY - ZERO STARS – As other posters said - a total POS. Hard to tell which failed first after one use. The heating/sealing strip or the useless pump seals. Either of which made it unserviceable. Never buying Dometic cr*p again Show details
Wrapmaster Compact 63M15
- Type Handheld
Makes Wrapping Food Easy – I was tired of having broken lids and faulty cutting edges on plastic wrap boxes so I purchased a WrapMaster. I have had this product for about 5… Read more
months and am very pleased with its performance. It is easy to use, just place in a normal size plastic wrap roll, feed through and everything stays neat and tidy. The stainless steel blade cuts well and if safe. I did take a few tries to get used to locking but it wasn't really an issue. It is also lightweight and can be stored in a drawer. So happy with this purchase I am intending to buy one for a couple of my daughters.
This is actually a review of the Ambiano sealer refill rolls – I am having trouble with the sealer rolls as they have creases across them which allows air to re enter the bag after sealing (photo attached) Show details
It's becoming more and more important to me to shop and plan out my meals properly, and a lot of that typically means buying bulk amounts of meats… Read more
when they're cheap... and a vacuum sealer like this helps me preserve those cheap meats for longer!
Very happy with this item - real easy to use, seals effectively, very simple and straightforward stuff. Great thing for any budget-conscious or bulk-buying home!
FoodSaver 2x28 cm Rolls VS0520
Best I've used – I recommend the original FoodSaver bags, as they have little packaging, and are wrapped tightly in place so the roll can not move or come undone… Read more
while in store or transit. Meaning there are no wrinkles which means no wastage when using as with others that I have purchased.
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer VS1185
- Price (RRP) $89.95
- Type Handheld
This product works OK on the bags, but the plastic storage containers with hard lids start failing after only a few uses. I bought several of them in… Read more
different sizes and the vaccuum seal on all of them but two has failed after six months. I do not put them in the dishwasher either. I am very disappointed as they are expensive.
Hi Jay, Thank you for sharing your experience while… Read more
Teka VS 152 GS
- Type Built-in Drawer
Looks good, does the job and love the idea! – To be honest, we are still getting our heads around how to use this Vacuum Sealer from a cooking perspective, but we love the concept and how cleanly… Read more
it fits in with our oven and microwave. It's soft closing and we are primarily using it for sealing food for the fridge or freezer currently. We are attending a cooking demonstration with Teka next month and learning how to use this for sous vide cooking which i'm super excited about.
Flora Food Vacuum Sealer FL-FVS-3206
- Price (RRP) $149.95
- Type Handheld
Affordable device n does a good Job – I have gone through a lot of research n testing of many Vaccum sealers ... This device was my 5th. Pros: good suction and sealing, 50ml dripping… Read more
tray + 50ml space in champer, locking handle, optional single/double/extended sealing, hand cutter, hose accessory, competitive price, quality, and affordable canisters and double side textured roll bags, compact size which is great for storage, good customer support. A hand cutter is a great tool I have it stuck to the edge of my kitchen bench where I can cut many bags to measure from a roll so quickly.
Cons: lack of replaceable quick availability, The foam gaskets come off sometimes but are easily inserted back bit troubling when u r trying to get a job done on the run, liquids handling can improve, 1y wty only. After 2 weeks of use, one of its internal sensors gave up, it doesn't recognize when to seal now during the auto Vac-seal cycle but the device still works well when I press manual seal. LiLy from Flora customer support has been very supportive and offered a satisfactory solution + compensation. Sounded fair and I like the device :)
Luvele Supreme Plus LSPVS120AUS
- Price (RRP) $268.95
- Type External
This is a solid vacuum sealer. The lock handle on the Supreme Plus is far more convenient than the press-down mechanism on the lower-end Supreme, and… Read more
the double sealing strip is a must-have feature. Vacuum is strong, the duration of the Dry and Moist sealing settings is appropriate, and it is possible to instantly cut the vacuum phase short by pressing the Seal button. For items that require only a little bit of vacuum (such as fragile dehydrated fruit chips), the Pulse button can be used to create just the right level of vacuum.
My original unit had a problem, sometimes not sealing correctly. I contacted Luvele nine months into the warranty period. Support was fast, efficient, and friendly, and, after diagnosing the issue, Luvele sent me a replacement unit free of charge (which worked perfectly). This is some of the best support I have experienced from any Australian company, and I would buy a Luvele product again just for their outstanding support and customer service.
Highly recommended!
FoodSaver GameSaver VS9000
I purchased the FoodSaver GameSaver VS9000 a few years ago and it has had very little use. It has always been stored correctly in store mode and kept… Read more
in its box, yet the vacuum hose has failed anyway. For a premium-priced machine, this simply should not happen. This is clearly a design fault rather than wear and tear.
The most disappointing part has been FoodSaver Australia’s customer service. When I contacted them for assistance, I was met with zero interest in actually helping. I explained the product had been looked after and barely used, but because I no longer have the receipt and now live over 900km away from where it was purchased, they refused to properly assist.
I also spoke with a staff member named Maxwell, who was completely unhelpful and would not allow me to escalate the issue to a manager. Instead of standing behind a product they clearly know has faults, they just brushed the problem aside.
For a product marketed as durable and heavy duty, this has been a massive disappointment. Expensive machine, poor reliability, and even worse customer support. I would strongly recommend people look at other brands before spending money on this.
Hi M K, Thank you for sharing your experience. We are… Read more (+3 replies)
FoodSaver PowerVac VS1500
Banana Seal Bag Sealer
- Type Handheld
So called banana seal is rubbish, doesn’t work at all don’t waste your money it’s cheap and nasty. Show details
- Price (RRP) $89
- Type Handheld
This product is ok for the money. Mostly seals well. Doesn't always work properly. ie: seal or vacuum rhe air out. States under 2 hours to charge. Actually takes 7-9 hours to charge,regardless of what cord is used. Would not buy this again.
Hi Angela, Thank you for your feedback. We’re… Read more
What is a food sealer used for?
A food sealer (sometimes called a cryovac machine) removes the air around food in a bag and then uses a heating element to fuse together the sides of the bag, creating a vacuum that prevents air from entering the bag and spoiling your food over time.
Using a food sealer can:
- Preserve the quality of your food by preventing the growth of bacteria and protecting it from dehydration and freezer burn.
- Save you time and effort by cooking sous vide (cooking vacuum sealed foods in a hot bath) or packaging individual food servings to help with meal planning.
- Reduce food waste by increasing the shelf life of food.
- Save you money by letting you buy in bulk and seal foods for later use.
How long does vacuum sealed food last?
How long your vacuum sealed food lasts largely depends on what type of food it is and where you store it after sealing. We’ve compiled a short list of foods and how long they last when vacuum sealed below.
| Food | Storage location | Regular shelf life | Shelf life when vacuum sealed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bread, cakes | Freezer | 6-12 months | 1-3 years |
| Nuts | Pantry | 6-8 months | 2 years |
| Sauces, soups, stews | Freezer | 3-5 months | 1-2 years |
| Meat, fish | Freezer | 6 months | 2-3 years |
| Fruit | Freezer | 6-12 months | 2-3 years |
| Vegetables | Freezer | 8-10 months | 2-3 years |
What foods can be vacuum sealed?
Most foods can be vacuum sealed, however you should blanch the following items before you vacuum package them:
- Rocket, kale, and bok choy
- Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussel sprouts
- Radishes and turnips
What shouldn't you vacuum seal?
These foods may contain anaerobic bacteria which can develop in an oxygen-free environment and therefore shouldn’t be vacuum sealed:
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Soft, unpasteurised cheeses, such as camembert and ricotta
Types of food sealers
External vacuum sealers
An external vacuum sealer seals the bag while it’s outside the unit - it has a rod that you place the edge you want sealed against. External sealers are the most common type of vacuum pack machine used for household purposes.
Handheld vacuum sealers
A handheld vacuum sealer is an external vacuum sealer that attaches to the valve of compatible sealer bags and containers to remove air from them.
Some regular external vacuum sealers come with a handheld attachment, letting you reap the benefits of both types of sealers.
Chamber vacuum sealers
A chamber vacuum sealer has an enclosure in which you put the entire bag (containing food) that you want to vacuum seal.
They tend to be more commercial grade, and although they’re generally more efficient, they might be unnecessary if you’re not sealing food on a large scale.
Other types of food sealers
While this article mostly focuses on vacuum food sealers, there are other types of food sealers, such as reusable food pouches, that are also effective at sealing food. Like vacuum sealers, they make it easy to store food, however they’re not necessarily designed to keep your food fresh for longer.
What to look for in a food vacuum sealer
Function
Before shopping around, ask yourself how much food you want to seal every day or week and what types of food you’ll be sealing.
Handheld devices are generally better suited for everyday kitchen items, leftovers, and snacks, and are a great option for those who aren’t serial vacuum packagers.
If you’re storing large amounts of food and large items, for example bulk bought foods (or even big fish you caught on your last fishing trip), then you going for an external vacuum sealer, or in some cases, a chamber vacuum sealer, may be your safest bet.
If you want to package soups, sauces and other moisture-rich items, ensure you get a sealer that you can vacuum seal wet foods with.
 A handheld food sealer. Image credit: FoodSaver. |  An external food sealer. Image credit: Russell Hobbs. |
Features
The features you should look out for in a sealer depend on what you intend to use your sealer for.
- Gas flush: A gas flush replaces the oxygen in the food vacuum sealer bag with a combination of gases, often carbon dioxide and nitrogen - this prolongs the shelf life of food, offers it extra protection, and prevents it from discolouring.
- Roll storage and bag cutter: An inbuilt roll storage component and bag cutter lets you cut off the length you need for a bag, letting you customise it depending on what you’re vacuum packaging.
- Pulse mode: Pulse mode lets you control the pressure used when sealing, which can help you safeguard more delicate foods, such as bread and lettuce.
- Dry/moist function: The option to switch between dry and moist mode lets you change the sealing to suit the type of food you’re packaging.
- Removable drip tray: A removable drip tray catches any spills from moisture-rich foods, helping keep your food sealer clean. These trays are usually dishwasher friendly.
- Marinade mode: A marinade mode lowers the pressure inside the bag, making your meats or other foods more porous so that they quickly soak up flavour.
Size
Consider the size of your kitchen and whether your food sealer machine will be kept on the benchtop or in a pantry when it’s not being used, and ensure you check your available space against the dimensions of the sealer you’re considering buying.
Handheld sealers are generally more compact and often fit inside kitchen drawers, while you may need to clear out some cupboard space to store your chamber or external vacuum.
If you’re planning on sealing large food items or large amounts of food in a single bag, then you’ll likely need a larger sealer that can take bigger bags - you probably won’t be able to package that chicken you roasted with a small unit.
Compatible containers
While most vacuum sealing is done with disposable bags, some sealers can be used with reusable vacuum seal bags or containers. These containers usually have a special valve that connects to a handheld sealer which sucks out the air.
Ensure you check the price of bags and bag sealer rolls and work out how much it will cost you per item you seal - you might find that the ongoing costs aren’t worth it or that you want to use a sealer that’s compatible with cheaper storage bags.
It’s also worth looking at the composition of the bags if that’s a concern for you - some sealer bags and containers are phthalate and BPA-free, giving you some peace of mind knowing that they don’t have common chemicals that can be harmful to human health.
Noise level
The noise level of food sealers vary, and some external sealers are only slightly quieter than a blender, which means you should consider the times at which you expect to be vacuum packaging.
No one wants to wake the kids during a late night sealing session, so if you think your sealing might distract others, see if the model you’re considering buying has in store or video demonstrations for you to judge whether it’s suitable for your living situation.
Price
Regular external vacuum sealers can cost anywhere between $59 and $2200, although most are in the $150 to $300 range and are perfectly suitable for household use.
Handheld sealers usually cost from $30 to $130, while chamber sealers can cost anywhere from $500 to $11000 and upwards - although many models in this price range are industrial vacuum sealers.
Generally speaking, the more features and attachments you want your sealer to have, the more you should expect to fork out. Food sealers are one of the easiest ways to keep your food fresh, and paying for a durable model that prevents your groceries from spoiling can wind up saving you more money in the long run.
Hi Paddy, Thanks for your feedback, and I’m sorry to hear… Read more