CNET reviews: The best vacuum sealers for food

The good news about vacuum sealers is that most do exactly what they promise: Vacuum and seal, and any model worth its salt should at least deliver on that basic premise. Ease of use and intuitiveness, along with various additional features, price and required real estate are what separate the “fine” from the “great” in this category.

A vacuum sealer can serve a number of purposes in your kitchen. Food storage longevity is its most basic function; an oxygen-free environment makes for longer-lasting freshness, whether your vacuum-sealed food items are stored in the pantry, fridge or freezer. To that end, it’s an ideal appliance to consider for dedicated bulk shoppers or meal preppers. Here are three of the best.

WHAT Nesco Deluxe VS 12

THE COST $144.99

AVAILABLE FROM nesco.com

Nesco’s vacuum sealer is fairly budget-friendly and offers consistent results while being extremely easy to operate. This intuitive model features a push-down handle that is the easiest locking mechanism of any vacuum sealer out there. You'll also appreciate Nesco’s display, which shows a countdown progress for each stage of the vacuum and seal, whereas other top models just show a blinking light that you’ll have to wait to stop. A canister sealing option is also available with the inclusion of a plug-in tube.

WHAT Anova Culinary Precision

THE COST $59.99

AVAILABLE FROM anovaculinary.com

All of Anova’s models perform extremely well in terms of functionality and ease. Its basic model has a slightly smaller footprint than Nesco’s similar model, and it was the quickest and easiest to get set up and sealing with, giving it the advantage in the starter vacuum sealer category. Along with its modest price and high-level functionality, it’s an ideal model for someone with occasional vacuum sealing needs looking for a low-maintenance but worth-the-effort countertop model.

WHAT FoodSaver Premiere Multi-Use

THE COST $199.99

AVAILABLE FROM foodsaver.com

This slightly pricier ovaccum sealer, may be less intuitive than some of the other models on this list, but it does have one features that makes it stand out. A drip tray is built into the mechanism to prevent small amounts of errant liquids from getting sucked into the machine. The bag cutting mechanism is also one of the easiest to operate, utilizing the hood of the apparatus to hold the plastic in place while it is cut. A built-in handheld mechanism with hose is also included and attached to the machine to keep you from losing it.