Vacuum Sealers

What is a Vacuum Sealer?

A vacuum sealer is a kitchen appliance designed to remove air from plastic bags or containers, sealing the contents in an airtight environment. This process significantly slows down the oxidation process, which is responsible for the deterioration of food. By keeping out air and moisture, vacuum sealers help preserve food, prevent freezer burn, and reduce food waste, all while maintaining the food's taste and nutritional value.

Vacuum sealing can be used for a variety of food items, from meats and vegetables to dry goods and even liquids. It’s an incredibly versatile tool for anyone who wants to take food preservation to the next level.

Benefits of Using a Vacuum Sealer

1. Prolonged Freshness and Shelf Life

One of the primary benefits of vacuum sealing is that it helps extend the shelf life of your food. By removing air from bags or containers, vacuum sealers prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast that thrive in oxygen. This process can keep fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats fresher for days or even weeks longer than traditional storage methods.

For instance, meat that is vacuum sealed and frozen can last for up to three years without losing its flavor or texture, compared to only six months when stored in traditional plastic bags. Vegetables and fruits will also stay fresh much longer in the fridge or freezer, which helps to cut down on spoilage and food waste.

2. Prevent Freezer Burn

Freezer burn occurs when food is exposed to air in the freezer, causing dehydration and oxidation. This can lead to unpleasant tastes and textures, ruining your frozen food. Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burn by keeping your food completely airtight and moisture-free. Whether you’re freezing steak, chicken, or leftovers, vacuum sealing ensures that your food remains as fresh as the day it was sealed.

3. Marinate Food Faster

If you’ve ever marinated meat or vegetables for hours (or even overnight), you know that it can be a lengthy process. With a vacuum sealer, you can cut down the marinating time dramatically. By vacuum-sealing your food with the marinade, you create a high-pressure environment that forces the liquid into the food. This results in faster and more flavorful marination in just a fraction of the time. It's an excellent way to infuse deep flavors into meats, poultry, and even vegetables.

4. Space-Saving Storage

Vacuum sealing is not only a great way to preserve food but also an excellent way to organize and save space. Once the air is removed from the bag, the contents shrink down, creating a compact package that takes up much less space than traditional food storage methods. This is especially useful for storing bulky items like meat, vegetables, or even clothing in emergency preparedness situations. You’ll find that your freezer, pantry, and refrigerator are much more organized and less cluttered when using vacuum-sealed bags.

5. Save Money

By vacuum sealing food, you can take advantage of bulk purchasing, special deals, and seasonal sales. You can buy in larger quantities, vacuum seal the food, and store it for future use without worrying about it going bad before you can finish it. This reduces the amount of food you throw away and helps you save money in the long run.

Types of Vacuum Sealers

Not all vacuum sealers are created equal, and depending on your needs, you’ll want to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and cooking habits. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of vacuum sealers available:

1. External Vacuum Sealers

External vacuum sealers are the most common type found in kitchens. They are simple to use and typically come at an affordable price point. With external sealers, you place the open end of the vacuum-seal bag into the vacuum chamber, close the lid, and press a button to start the vacuuming and sealing process. Once the air is removed, the machine seals the bag with heat, leaving it airtight.

External vacuum sealers are versatile and work well for most home-use situations, including sealing dry goods, meats, and frozen foods. They are also relatively easy to clean and maintain.

2. Chamber Vacuum Sealers

Chamber vacuum sealers are typically used by professionals or those who need to vacuum seal large quantities of food at once. Unlike external sealers, chamber vacuum sealers use a chamber to enclose the entire bag, allowing it to remove air and seal the food in one go. This type of sealer is ideal for sealing liquid-rich foods (like soups or stews), as it doesn’t require the use of external bags and can handle wet items more effectively.

While chamber vacuum sealers tend to be more expensive and bulky than external models, they are much more durable and efficient for larger quantities of food. They also tend to create stronger, longer-lasting seals than external machines, which is especially important for high-volume storage.

3. Handheld Vacuum Sealers

Handheld vacuum sealers are the smallest and most portable option available. They are perfect for smaller jobs or quick tasks, such as sealing snacks, small bags of produce, or even clothing. Handheld vacuum sealers typically work with specially designed vacuum seal bags or zipper bags and require less effort to use compared to larger models.

While handheld vacuum sealers don’t have the power or capacity of external or chamber models, they are ideal for quick tasks or smaller household needs. They're compact and easy to store, making them a great addition to your kitchen if you need an occasional vacuum sealer.

How to Use a Vacuum Sealer

Using a vacuum sealer is simple, but it’s important to follow the instructions for the best results. Here’s a general guide on how to use your vacuum sealer:

Step 1: Prepare the Food

Before you begin sealing, ensure that the food you are sealing is prepared for storage. This may include washing, chopping, or portioning it into appropriate serving sizes. If you’re sealing liquids or marinating foods, ensure the bag is sealed properly without leakage.

Step 2: Choose the Right Bag

Select the vacuum-seal bag or container that fits the amount of food you're sealing. There are different types of vacuum bags available, including heavy-duty bags for meats, freezer bags for long-term storage, and zipper bags for quick, lightweight sealing.

Step 3: Seal the Bag

Place the open end of the bag into the vacuum chamber or nozzle of the sealer, depending on your machine. The vacuum sealer will remove the air from the bag and then automatically seal it. For larger items, you might need to manually adjust the sealing time to ensure a tight, leak-proof seal.

Step 4: Store Your Food

Once the bag is sealed, store your food in the fridge, freezer, or pantry as appropriate. Vacuum-sealed items will stay fresher for longer, allowing you to enjoy your food at its best.

Features to Look for in a Vacuum Sealer

When choosing a vacuum sealer, there are a few important features to consider to ensure you get the best machine for your needs:

1. Vacuum Strength

The strength of the vacuum is crucial for ensuring that the air is completely removed from the bag, especially when sealing items like meat or vegetables. Look for a vacuum sealer that provides powerful suction for effective sealing.

2. Sealing Time

Some vacuum sealers can seal food faster than others. If you’re planning to use your vacuum sealer frequently or for large batches of food, a machine with a faster sealing time may be important.

3. Portability and Storage

If you have limited kitchen space, a compact and lightweight vacuum sealer may be a better choice. Look for models that are easy to store and don’t take up too much counter space.

4. Versatility

Some vacuum sealers come with multiple settings, such as options for sealing moist or delicate items, and they may also have an accessory port for sealing containers and jars. Consider how versatile the sealer is for your specific needs.