Vacuum sealers for food storage, from everyday household models to heavy-duty machines. They suit people who batch cook, freeze meat and fish in portions, buy in bulk or cook sous vide. CASO, ZWILLING, MAGICVAC and EMSA lead the range, alongside GASTROBACK and SEVERIN.
How to choose a vacuum sealer
Type of machine. Most vacuum sealers for the home are external-suction machines: the bag is clamped at its open end, air is drawn out and the bag is welded shut. Chamber machines place the whole bag inside, cope far better with soups and marinades, and suit professional kitchens and keen home cooks who seal liquids often. Chamber models are larger and cost noticeably more, so they only make sense if you seal wet food regularly.
Sealing bar length. The bar sets the widest bag you can use. A bar of around 30 cm handles typical portions of meat, fish and vegetables, while longer bars are needed for large joints, whole fish or bulk packs. Check the bar length before you buy, because bags and rolls need to fit it.
Pump strength and continuous use. A stronger pump removes air faster and more completely, which matters for dense food such as meat. If you plan to seal a dozen bags in one session, look for a machine that can run several cycles in a row without a cooling pause.
Bag compatibility. Many external machines need embossed or channelled bags to draw air out properly, so ask whether you can use standard rolls or only the maker’s own bags. Machines that work with rolls let you cut a bag to the exact size and waste less material.
Extra functions. Useful features include a gentle mode for delicate food such as berries or bread, a moist mode for marinated food, and a port for vacuum containers and jar lids. The container port is handy for foods that would be crushed in a bag.
Vacuum sealer brands we carry
- CASO: a German kitchen appliance brand with a large number of vacuum sealers, from simple household machines to more advanced models.
- ZWILLING: best known for knives and cookware, and also for its Fresh & Save system of vacuum bags and glass containers.
- MAGICVAC (Magic Vac): a brand focused on vacuum sealing, with sealers and matching accessories for storing food under vacuum.
- EMSA: a German maker of food storage containers and drinks flasks, which makes it a natural choice for keeping food fresh.
- GASTROBACK: a German brand of kitchen appliances that includes machines aimed at more demanding home cooks.
- SEVERIN: a German household appliance maker with a long-standing range of small kitchen appliances.
Also in our range: ADDLIVING, METALTEX, ROMMELSBACHER, STEBA and TRISA.
Vacuum sealer FAQ
How long does vacuum-sealed food last?
Vacuum-sealed food generally keeps much longer than food in ordinary bags, because removing air slows spoilage and freezer burn. Frozen meat and fish can stay in good condition for many months. Sealing does not replace refrigeration, so perishable food still needs to be kept cold.
Can a vacuum sealer seal liquids and soups?
Most external-suction machines struggle with liquids, as the liquid can be pulled towards the sealing bar and spoil the weld. The usual workaround is to freeze the soup or sauce first and then seal the frozen block. Chamber machines are designed to handle liquids directly.
Do I need special bags for a vacuum sealer?
It depends on the machine. Many external sealers need embossed or channelled bags, while some also accept smooth rolls with the right accessories. Check what your chosen model supports before buying bags in bulk.
What can I vacuum seal besides meat and fish?
Cheese, vegetables, coffee, nuts, dry goods and prepared meals all store well under vacuum. Soft foods such as bread or berries need a gentle setting or a rigid vacuum container to avoid being crushed. Sous vide cooking also relies on sealed bags, so a vacuum sealer is useful there too.
