Vacuum Food Sealers: What They Are, How They Work, and Their Benefits

If you wish your holiday breads and stuffed cabbage would stay fresher longer, or hate finding limp strawberries in the fridge, a vacuum sealer could be the solution. By removing air and sealing food in airtight bags or containers, vacuum sealers prevent oxidation and slow bacterial growth, extending shelf life and preserving flavor and texture.

How Vacuum Sealers Work

Vacuum sealers draw out most of the air from a specially designed bag or container and then heat-seal it shut. While not every last molecule of air is removed, the small amount left cannot transport moisture or spoilage organisms, making the environment inhospitable to bacteria and mold.

What You Can Vacuum-Seal

Raw and cooked meats
Fish and seafood
Fruits, vegetables, and herbs
Dry goods (flour, beans, coffee)
Deli meats and cheeses
Leftovers and prepared meals
Breads, pastries, and sweets
Snacks like chips and crackers
Beverages (with special bottles/domes)

Key Advantages

Longer freshness: Vacuum-sealed foods can last up to 5× longer than with conventional storage.
Reduced waste: Save leftovers, holiday dishes, and bulk buys instead of tossing them.
Space-saving: Air removal compacts packages for more efficient fridge and freezer storage.
Faster marination: Remove air from meat plus marinade, and flavors infuse in minutes instead of hours.
Sous-vide cooking: Vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for precise low-temperature water-bath cooking.
Wine preservation: Special vacuum stoppers keep opened bottles fresh for weeks.

Types of Sealers

Bag sealers: Compact home units that seal only bags.
Chamber sealers: Professional machines that seal both bags and containers in a full chamber vacuum.
Hand pump sealers: Manual units versatile for both bags and compatible containers.

Choosing a Vacuum Sealer

Consider the sealing method you need (bags only vs. bags and containers), ongoing costs of bags or accessories, and sealing speed. For home use, a bag sealer or a hand-pump model offers a good balance of performance, cost, and versatility.