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Best vacuum sealers to keep food fresher for longer
Tired of limp lettuce and rotten tomatoes in the bottom of your fridge? Finding you’re losing food due to freezer burn? A vacuum sealer may be just what you’re looking for. Here’s our pick of the bset vacuum sealers to make food storage that much easier.
By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Feb 9, 2023
In a nutshell, the best vacuum sealer will delay food from rotting. The sealing process means that food can stay fresher for up to three to four times longer, so you’ll soon find that you throw less away, not only doing your bit for planet Earth, but less spoiled food means a smaller shopping bill too.
If food is constantly in the open air and coming into contact with oxygen, it can rot or attract bacteria. A vacuum sealer can prevent this from happening for longer so the food cooked is less likely to be harmful to your health. What’s more, if you’re tight on space, food which has been vacuum packed tends to take up a lot less room, meaning a more organised and tidy kitchen, ideal if you’re wanting to batch cook and meal prep this year.
So whether you’re looking to save a bit of space in the fridge or freezer, cut down on your food waste or maybe just love a new kitchen gadget, a vacuum sealer ticks a lot of boxes. To help you find the best vacuum sealer for your family, we’ve extensively researched the top makes and models on the market, scrutinising experts’ recommendations, bestseller lists and real customer reviews. We've also taken a deep dive into the Mumsnet forums - as the largest online network of parents, our posters are an invaluable source of insight for the best products for UK families, with tried and tested recommendations for everything from the best cleaning products to the best oven cleaners.
Here are the best vacuum sealers UK 2023.
The best vacuum sealers UK 2023: at a glance
1. Best overall vacuum sealer: Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer
Price on writing: £40 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 39.2 x 23.2 x 10.1 cm | Weight: 2.38 kg | Removable drip tray: No, but the lid comes off for cleaning
What we love
- Sleek design
- Starter Pack included
- Easy to operate
- Effective on a range of different foods
What to know
Some found the sealer lost power after a while
What Mumsnet users say
"I've seen one on Amazon that has good reviews and [it's] about £40." (Retailer idea recommended by Mumsnet user buckeejit)
Our verdict
When collating our extensive research, Bonsenkitchen was a brand that popped its head up again and again thanks to glowing customer reviews. Multifunctional, simple to operate with loads of little added extras, this model has it all.
This sealer can help preserve food for up to five times longer and reviewers loved the built-in cutter, which made using the machine even easier. The separated design is also a nifty feature we liked. Simply remove the top lid to clean in the machine, ultimately making the clean-up process a lot quicker.
It also comes with a fantastic little starter kit, including a variety of bags and two vacuum tubes, so you can begin your vacuum sealing as soon as it’s delivered.
A few users did report that the sealer was faulty after many months of use, so that is something to bear in mind if you’ll be using it extensively, but to prevent this you should leave a few seconds between each use, as the instruction manual states. However, for just under £40, it’s easy to see why the Bonsenkitchen came top of the list.
Looking for more Mumsnet-recommended essentials for the kitchen? Don't miss our guides to the best dishwashers and best dishwasher tablets.
2. Best budget vacuum sealer: Homeasy Automatic Food Sealer Machine
Price on writing: From £29 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 38.5 x 11.4 x 10 cm | Weight: 0.87kg | Removable drip tray: No
What we love
- Easy to use
- Very lightweight
- Not too bulky
- Cheap
What to know
- No drip tray or cutting facility
- Some reviewers felt it lost some suction after prolonged use
What Mumsnet users say
"I tend to seal everything in a vacuum sealer... Dehydrators and vacuum sealers are relatively cheap on Amazon as are the absorbers." (Shop recommendation from Mumsnet user bellinisurge)
Our verdict
Currently available for just under £30, this small vacuum sealer is simple to use with just one touch needed to kick it into action, and with the help of your trusty fridge freezer, it promises to keep food fresher for up to seven times longer than usual.
We were impressed with the two settings on the machine, allowing you to choose between seal-only or the full-on vacuum seal, so you can tailor the strength of the vacuum to the foods you are storing. Helpfully, this vacuum sealer machine also includes 10 seal bags so you can get started straight away. You can also choose two other colours, white or pink, although our favourite is the black for its sleek design and ability to fit into almost any kitchen style.
A few reviewers did find that it lost a little suction power after a while, but most found it easy to use and highly effective.
3. Best vacuum sealer for time-saving: SousVideTools IV2.5 Chamber Vacuum Sealer
Price on writing: From £309 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 31.9 x 32.8 x 20.8 cm | Weight: 9.83kg | Removable drip tray: No, but you can remove the sealer bar for cleaning
What we love
- Will do a lot of prep in one go
- Can handle moisture-rich foods
- Great sealing function
What to know
- Expensive
- Bulkier than most models
Our verdict
If you’re a parent on a mission, this is the best option for you. It’s pricey, but the powerful pump has the capability of vacuuming up to 70 litres in just one minute, and with a larger chamber than our other selected products, you can get a lot prepped in one go. You can even use it to vacuum pack clothes (yes, really!) too.
Reviewers raved about its excellent quality, creating a secure seal every time, meaning this chamber sealer is equipped to handle liquid-rich foods better than most. The big price tag may be off putting for beginners but as it’s the ideal choice if you want to prepare a feast and give sous vide cooking a serious go.
While you're getting organised in the kitchen ahead of spring cleaning season, don't miss our guides to the best glass cleaner and best kitchen bins for 2023.
4. Best vacuum sealer for beginners: Fresko Vacuum Sealer
Price on writing: £34 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 39.9 x 16 x 7.2 centimetres | Weight: 1.9 Kilograms | Removable drip tray: Yes
What we love
- User-friendly
- Sleek design
- Excellent quality for the price
What to know
One reviewer struggled with the touch screen sensitivity
What Mumsnet users say
"I try and wrap food in parchment paper before I vacuum seal. To try and create a barrier between the plastic bag and the prickly food." (Tip for using a vacuum sealer from Mumsnet user bellinisurge)
Our verdict
For the ultimate hands-free sealing experience, the Fresko Vacuum Sealer comes highly recommended.
Simply put the food items into the bags, feed the edge of the bag into the machine, press a button, and the machine will do the rest for you. With its nifty and straightforward LED display, this is a foolproof way to seal or vacuum your food.
We loved that the Fresko also comes with a starter kit including 20 food vacuum sealer bags, and that with five modes it can tackle many different types of food. It's not the cheapest, but it's simple to use and versatile, making it the perfect sealer for a vacuum food novice.
5. Best handheld vacuum sealer: FoodSaver Handheld Cordless Food Vacuum Sealer Machine
Price on writing: £50 | Buy now on Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.7 x 12 cm |Weight: 1.06 Kilograms | Removable drip tray: No
What we love
- Saves space and easy to store
- Transportable
- Reasonable price
What to know
Won’t preserve food for as long as other sealers
What Mumsnet users say
"I bought the FoodSaver vacuum sealers for regular mouth and widemouth jars." (Brand of vacuum sealer vetted by Mumsnet user Snugglepumpkin)
Our verdict
The FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer certainly lives up it’s promise of “small size, big power”. This pocket-sized sealer is ideal for using in small kitchens or taking away with you on your travels.
You can choose between either a bulkier mains powered machine or this cordless model for ultimate portability, and it’s easy to use; simply push the button and it will seal. It also promises to keep your food fresh for twice as long, not quite as impactful as some other sealers, but it’s impressive for such a small machine that’s easy to stow away in a kitchen cupboard.
The FoodSaver also comes with a charging dock that powers the unit to provide 100 seals per charge, plus a container and 10 bags. On the subject of getting organised in the kitchen this spring, don't miss our guides to the best dish racks and best tea towels as recommended by Mumsnetters.
6. Best vacuum sealer for marinating: Geryon Vacuum Sealer
Price on writing: £40 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 6.6 x 13.97 x 36.58 cm | Weight: 1.18 kg | Removable drip tray: Yes
What we love
- Different options for sealing or vacuuming
- Excellent starter kit included
- Effective seal
What to know
- A little louder than some models
- Some find the buttons too sensitive
Our verdict
If you’re wanting to enhance the taste of your food with a marinade, vacuum sealing is a great way to ensure your food soaks up all the flavours while it rests. The two ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ functions of this Geryon sealer allows you to marinate food effectively in a liquid sauce, and reviewers found the seal was sufficient enough to prevent any leaks from the bag.
We also liked the separated design, which makes post-sealing tidying a cinch; simply remove the sealer lid to reach all areas for a thorough clean.
While most reviewers agreed that the machine was super easy to use, one did remark that the set-up wasn’t the easiest, so do make sure you read all the instructions, but once it’s up and running it’s a fantastic addition to your kitchen.
7. Best vacuum sealer for liquids: NutriChef Automatic Food Vacuum Sealer Machine
Price on writing: £42.50 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 42.8 x 22.2 x 13.3 cm | Weight: 2.01 kg | Removable drip tray: No
What we love
- Good for sealing foods or liquids like wine
- Sleek design
- Good value
What to know
Hard to close - requires a lot of pressure
Our verdict
If you've ever found yourself having to throw away wine as it's gone off, you'll know just how annoying that waste can be. Luckily, if you ever need to vacuum seal bottles of liquid to preserve freshness, this handy NutriChef gadget will be a welcome addition to your kitchen countertop. It comes with a air suction hose and wine stopper cork, as well as multiple bags and a bag roll, so you can get your sealing started with ease.
Reviewers found it to be a highly efficient sealer for the cost, although some did find the closing function hard to use, reporting that it takes a lot of pressure to work.
What is a vacuum sealer?
A vacuum sealer works by sucking out the air from specially designed storage bags and then sealing them with heat. Stopping the food coming into contact with the air means it’s less likely to attract bacteria and will therefore stay fresher for longer periods of time.
Sealing food also helps prevent freezer burn and can keep food moist for longer. The more comprehensive models can seal moisture rich foods, dried foods and have attachments for liquids, but different models have different primary functions.
Vacuum storage is also a great space saver for your fridge, as it's likely to take up less room than the original packaging, so you can store more for longer – win, win!
How do you clean a vacuum sealer?
One of the downsides of a kitchen gadget is that they can be a pain to clean. If your vacuum sealer has a removable drip tray you can take it out and give it a good wash. You’ll also need to make sure you give the machine, including the heat seal, a good wipe down and use an antibacterial spray to avoid the spread of bacteria. Some machines also have a separated design, meaning you can lift the lid off to clean too, which is handy for cleaning.
Products with LED screens as opposed to dials and buttons will also leave less hiding places for germs. You should also read the instructions provided to see if there’s any care and cleaning requirements for your machine.
Is a vacuum sealer worth having?
If you're a fan of prepping meals ahead of time, a good vacuum sealer may well be a worthy investment. Many Mumsnetters swear by them as an essential for sous vide cooking. They will keep food fresh, reduce food waste and benefit the environment.
What to consider when shopping for food vacuum sealers
If the world of food vacuum storage is new to you, there's a few questions you may want to ask yourself before investing in a new gadget.
Storage bags
Ordinary food bags aren’t fit for purpose when it comes to using a vacuum sealer. You’ll need to purchase specially designed bags which will allow the vacuum to suck out all of the air from the inside and that won’t melt with the heat of the sealer. Some machines only accept bags of a certain size or are only compatible with particular brands so double check before you buy.
Are you cooking sous vide?
All our recommended products can cope with the sealing of basic foodstuffs and leftovers but if you plan on using a sealer for sous vide cooking you may have to spend a bit more as cooking food in a water bath requires a tighter seal and therefore a more powerful machine.
Can it handle liquids?
If you plan on sealing liquids you’ll need to make sure your product creates a reliable seal. Many find it tricky as the liquid can get sucked up into the tube and damage the machine so you’ll need to be careful. If you’re planning on sealing liquids regularly, you need a machine that is capable. Real-user reviews are also good for making sure they’re fit for purpose too.
Which is the best vacuum sealer?
Based on its overwhelmingly positive reviews, the Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer is our top pick. It promises to keep food fresh for up five times longer, and we love that it has all the added extras and even comes with starter pack.
This vacuum sealer will suit nearly all your sealing and vacuuming needs whilst representing excellent value for money. A clear winner in our eyes.
How we chose our recommendations
It’s always daunting buying a product that may be new to you. That’s why we’ve spent an extensive amount of time researching the brands, models and makes rated by food experts. We also scrutinised bestseller lists and authentic online reviews to check we were bringing you the top sealers that real people love and use every day. We also took to the Mumsnet forums to see the features that our trusted users look for in a vacuum sealer, also noting any tried and tested tips they had for use along the way.
We took into consideration price, functionality and reliability; leaving us with a comprehensive list of products that customers love and we hope you will too.
Why you should trust us
We base all of our product recommendations on unbiased, independent advice that you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.