Vacuum Sealer Buying Guide: Keep Food Fresh for Longer

Food waste is a pressing issue in many households. Opened packages quickly lose their freshness, and in the freezer, the dreaded freezer burn is a constant threat. A vacuum sealer, also known as a heat sealer, offers a practical solution. By removing air, the shelf life of food is significantly extended, flavours are preserved, and storage becomes more space-efficient.

This article serves as a guide. It explains the essential functions of vacuum sealers and presents selected products to provide you with an informed basis for your decision-making in the kitchen.

What to Look for When Choosing a Vacuum Sealer

Selecting the right appliance depends on your individual needs. Whether you want to portion bulk purchases, preserve your garden harvest, or delve into sous vide cooking – the following criteria will help guide your choice.

Suction Power and Vacuum Pressure

The performance of a vacuum sealer is often specified in litres per minute (suction power) and the negative pressure generated in bar.

• Suction Power (Litres/Min): This value describes how quickly the device removes air from the bag. A higher litre count means a faster vacuuming process, which is particularly advantageous for large quantities.
• Vacuum Pressure (-Bar): A value close to -0.8 bar is considered very good and ensures a strong vacuum. This is crucial to keep food fresh for longer and effectively slow down the oxidation process.

The Seal: Quality and Width

The seal is the core of the sealing process. A messy or thin seal can leak, allowing air to enter the bag and defeating the entire purpose of vacuum sealing. Look for devices that create a wide and durable seal. Some models even offer a double seal for extra security, which is especially relevant when storing liquids or for sous vide cooking.

Additional Features and Handling

Modern vacuum sealers offer more than just sealing food. Useful additional features can expand their range of applications:

• Adjustable Vacuum Strength: For delicate foods like berries or pastries, a function to reduce suction power is essential to prevent crushing.
• Marinating Function: Some devices feature a special programme that uses alternating pressure to help marinades penetrate meat or fish more deeply and quickly.
• Canister Function: With an additional hose attachment, special vacuum canisters and containers can also be used, ideal for soups, salads, or pressure-sensitive foods.

Our Selection of Appliances and Accessories for Your Kitchen

Based on the criteria mentioned, we have compiled a selection of products that cover different kitchen requirements.

ProfiCook Vacuum Sealer PC-VK 1146

Why it stands out: The ProfiCook PC-VK 1146 is a fully automatic vacuum sealer with a stainless steel housing. It is operated via an electronic sensor-touch control panel. As a practical vacuum sealer set, the device comes with 18 professional-grade food storage bags in two different sizes.

Advantages:

• Powerful: With a suction power of 12 litres per minute and a vacuum of approx. -0.8 bar, the device operates efficiently.
• Controlled Application: The four-stage electronic vacuum regulation allows for the gentle handling of even delicate foods.
• Secure Seal: The device creates an extra-wide, durable seal that helps to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness.
• Versatile: According to the manufacturer, the included bags are suitable for boiling and microwaving, making them ideal for sous vide cooking.

Who it's for: This model is suitable for households that regularly process larger quantities of food, for culinary enthusiasts who use sous vide techniques, and for anyone who values long-lasting and secure preservation.

Useful Accessories for Food Storage

Not every task requires a vacuum. For everyday storage or special preparation methods, other tools can also be useful.

COOKER KING Food Grade Aluminium Foil

Why it stands out: This aluminium foil is distinguished by its thickness of 15μm, which makes it more tear-resistant than many standard foils. It is certified as food-grade and intended for direct contact with food.

Advantages:

• Robust: The increased thickness provides stability when grilling, baking, or covering dishes.
• Reusable: According to the manufacturer, the foil can be used multiple times if cleaned properly.
• Generous Dimensions: With a length of 20 metres and a width of 30 cm, it fits most baking trays and grill racks.

Who it's for: Ideal for grilling enthusiasts, bakers, and air fryer users who need a sturdy and heat-resistant cover or lining for their food.

Quickpack Premiumline Cling Film

Why it stands out: This cling film features a 7-layer system that, according to the manufacturer, offers special aroma protection. It is self-adhesive and designed for a wide temperature range from -60°C to 160°C.

Advantages:

• Temperature-Resistant: Suitable for storage in the freezer as well as for use in the microwave (up to 160°C).
• Aroma Protection: The multi-layer material is designed to minimise the transfer of odours and flavours.
• Flexible: The film is self-adhesive and breathable, making it practical for covering bowls or for the short-term preservation of cut fruits and vegetables.

Who it's for: A great addition to any household for short- to medium-term food storage, covering containers, and for use in the microwave.

Looking for Speciality Foils for Other Purposes?

Vacuum sealing is an excellent method of preservation. However, for specific culinary tasks, such as decorating cakes or protecting delicate pastries, special foils are often required. If your kitchen projects also include baking, our selection of cake collars might be of interest to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between a vacuum sealer and a heat sealer?

The term heat sealer generally describes a device that thermally welds foils together. A vacuum sealer is a specific type of heat sealer that also has a pump to remove air from the bag before sealing. Therefore, every vacuum sealer is also a heat sealer, but not the other way around.

Can you vacuum seal liquids?

Vacuum sealing pure liquids like soups or sauces in bags is a challenge, as the liquid can be sucked into the vacuum pump and damage the device. A common method is to first partially freeze the liquid in the bag and then vacuum seal it in its solid state. Alternatively, some models offer a function for vacuum canisters, which are better suited for liquids.

Which foods are not suitable for vacuum sealing?

Some foods should not be vacuum-sealed raw because they release gases that can cause the bag to inflate. These include certain vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables. It is recommended to blanch them briefly before vacuum sealing. Fresh mushrooms and very soft cheeses (e.g., blue cheese) are also only suitable to a limited extent, as their structure can be compromised by the vacuum.