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Extend the life of your food with these handy appliances.
Photo:EatingWell / Nick Simpson
As the word implies, oxidation pops up if food is exposed to oxygen.
These convenient contraptions use a suction mechanism to remove the air (i.e.
oxygen) from a package of food, which helps to extend its shelf life andreduce food waste.
PHOTO: Amazon
(In fact, the word sous vide literally translates to under a vacuum in French.
The more you know!)
Read on to find our top picks.
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
It can even change a foods nutrient contentthough that you cant usually see.
A vacuum bag is also great for marinating foods, as the tight seal imparts the flavor quickly.
For this reason, they may not be the most cost-effective or eco-friendly choice for vacuum sealing.
Depending on the container, the removal of air can happen in two different ways.
In fact, several of the sealers on our list have both of these functions.
This machine scored perfect 5s across the board during our testingand it’s easy to see why.
Right off the bat, we were impressed with how detailed the manufacturer’s instructions were for this sealer.
(This comes in handy if when sealing soft or delicate foods like bread.)
(And if you ask us, this machine is worth every penny.)
This thing can be a bit tedious to clean.
What to know:The suction on the machine can be inconsistent at times.
The Bonsenkitchen machine has five buttons for different functionsseal, dry, moist, vac and accessory.
To keep this from happening, confirm that you dont overfill the bags before sealing them.
One thing to keep in mind is that this machine requires a brief refractory period between sealings.
What to know:Works a little better with dry foods than wet.
Looking to try out a chamber-style vacuum sealer?
This Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer is a splurge-worthy option.
Then, simply sit back and let the machine do its thing.
After roughly 30 seconds, the air is suddenly sucked out of the chamber (including the bag).
The bag is then sealed and ready to go.
None of our cereal was crushed in the processwe didn’t even hear any crackling sounds.
What to know:It may be best to stick to small jobs with this one.
In testing, this machine created a tight seal around our avocado and chicken breast.
For this reason, we think the NutriChef may not be the best for sealing delicate foods.
What to know:You may need to purchase extra containers for added storage.
When we tested this sealer, we loved how streamlined and intuitive it was.
One important note, however: Do not use this gear to seal wet foods.
(In fact, the instructions specifically tell you to avoid liquids when using this sealer.)
So, learn from our mistakes and only use this machine for dry foods.
What to know:Its one of the priciest machines on our list.
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Although the FoodSaver V4400 comes with a higher price tag, its worth considering due to the plentiful extras.
It boasts multiple smart technology features, including an automatic bag and moisture detection.
Theres also a built-in handheld sealer that you could use for jars or containers.
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The machine itself is strong and durable, working both quickly and effectively to seal foods.
What to know:Not recommended for wet foods.
What to know:Lacks extra features, like a drip tray.
PHOTO: EatingWell / Nick Simpson
When it comes to sealing dry foods, the Nesco Deluxe sealer was one of our top performers.
We recommend sticking to dry foods with the Nescoyoull thank us later.
Choosing a Vacuum Sealer
How Efficient Is It?
The goal of vacuum sealing is to keep air out of your food for a prolonged period of time.
How Powerful Is It?
Generally speaking, vacuum sealers under 200 watts may not be able to handle bigger jobs.
Is It Easy to Use?
Is It Versatile?
We also tested how much air the sealer removed and how well it continued to keep air out.
Common Questions
Do I have to purchase special vacuum seal bags?
Vacuum seal bags are often textured, which also promotes efficiency and a better seal.
Is there anything I shouldn’t vacuum seal?
Under most conditions, many foods can be vacuum sealed.
How long does vacuum sealed food last?
How long any food lastsincluding vacuum sealed foodsdepends on how it is being stored.
Evenfood thats frozenwill degrade in quality over time.
PHOTO: EatingWell
PHOTO: EatingWell
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EatingWell / Nick Simpson
