Vacuum sealers and vacuum bags can help you portion food neatly, store supplies without taking up too much space and compress clothes in your wardrobe. However, not every system is right for every household. A vacuum sealer for food works differently from a vacuum storage bag for clothing, which is usually emptied using a vacuum cleaner.
Before you buy, think about how you’ll actually use it. Will you be sealing meat, vegetables and dry foods? Do you need a vacuum sealer for sous vide cooking? Or do you want to store suits, coats and jackets on hangers? The following points can help you avoid common buying mistakes.
High suction figures might sound impressive, but they don’t tell you much about how practical a machine is for everyday use. A consistent seal, a suitable film width and the ability to vacuum-seal delicate foods with control are important too. With moist ingredients, liquid can get into the vacuum chamber if the machine isn’t designed for this or doesn’t have a suitable operating mode.
Many vacuum sealers need textured film or ribbed food vacuum bags so air can escape through the bag channel. Smooth bags aren’t automatically compatible. Before buying, check the bag type, maximum width and closure type.
Clothing bags work differently. They usually have a valve for a vacuum cleaner and a zip closure. They aren’t designed to be sealed with a heat sealer.
A bag that’s 28 or 30 cm wide isn’t automatically suitable for large portions. The usable space inside is reduced by the sealing area and closure. For hanging vacuum bags, also check that the length, width and hook design will fit your wardrobe.
For food, a strong, continuous seal is important. Machines with a separate sealing function can seal without vacuuming, which is useful, for example, for sealing rolls of film. Adjustable vacuum strength is helpful when packing delicate foods such as berries, bread or soft vegetables.
Also check the maximum bag width. According to the product details, the SEVERIN FS 3610 is designed for vacuum bags and rolls of film up to 28 cm wide. The supplier states that the ProfiCook PC-VK 1146 is designed for textured film and bags up to 30 cm wide.
If you regularly vacuum-seal meat, fish or marinated ingredients, look for a machine with a suitable liquid collection system and an easy-to-clean vacuum chamber. A removable drip tray can make cleaning easier.
For sous vide cooking, both the bags and the machine must be specifically suitable for this purpose. The manufacturer’s guidance on temperature range, cooking time and material compatibility is essential. Vacuum sealing also doesn’t replace hygienic refrigeration: perishable foods still need to be stored correctly and used promptly.
Vacuum storage bags for clothing are often made from polyamide and polyethylene, or PA and PE for short. Durable material, a secure zip closure and a suitable valve are essential for storing clothes compactly.
Hanging vacuum bags are suitable for suits, coats and jackets, provided the hooks and dimensions fit your wardrobe. Clothes should be clean and completely dry before you put them in the bag. Sharp objects, naked flames and overfilling can damage the material and closure.
Why this product suits this need: This compact vacuum sealer is ideal for households looking to pack foods such as meat, vegetables, fruit and dry goods with simple automatic controls.
One-touch operation means fewer steps. You’ll still need to check that you have suitable food vacuum bags and review the details about the seal before buying.
Compact design and automatic vacuum sealing, according to the product description.
Why this product suits this need: A good choice for anyone looking for automatic operation, a stop function for delicate foods and flexible bag sizes.
According to the product details, the stop function gives you greater control when vacuum sealing. The integrated cutter means you don’t have to rely solely on pre-cut bag sizes.
Includes 10 bags measuring 28 × 35 cm, automatic vacuum sealing and compatibility with rolls of film up to 28 cm wide.
Why this product suits this need: This vacuum sealer is designed for households that prepare larger portions, regularly store supplies or are interested in sous vide cooking.
Four vacuum settings and a collection container can make it easier to handle different foods. You’ll still need to check the manufacturer’s guidance to confirm that the bags and food are suitable for sous vide cooking.
12 l/min suction power according to the supplier, 18 textured bags and a maximum film width of 30 cm.
Why this product suits this need: The combination of long and short bags is ideal for households looking to store jackets, suits and coats vertically in a wardrobe.
Colour-changing double seals and a valve without a separate cap are designed to make it easier to check the seal and use the bags with a standard vacuum cleaner.
Six bags in two sizes, five ring hooks and PA-PE material, according to the product description.
We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.
It depends on the machine. Many food vacuum sealers need textured bags or rolls of film. Clothing is usually stored in large zip bags with a valve for a vacuum cleaner. The two systems aren’t normally interchangeable.
Don’t vacuum-seal liquid foods directly without chilling them first. Depending on the machine, suitable options include chilled or partially frozen ingredients and a controlled vacuum setting. Check the instruction manual to see whether the machine has a drip tray and how it can be used with moist foods.
How long they last depends on the material, closure, how they’re used and where they’re stored. Sharp objects, severe creasing and overfilling can damage the bags. For reusable models, make sure the closure and valve are clean, dry and dust-free after each use.