ConsFirst / Vacuum sealers
Vacuum sealers: the downsides, first
Expert top picks and owner ratings disagree here: Wirecutter's top pick has the highest share of 1–2 star Amazon ratings (23%) of the sealers we could check. Here are the most popular vacuum sealers in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared17 sources readUpdated October 2026
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
All 8 vacuum sealers, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Avid Armor
$$$Chamber sealerScore 4.1/5
3%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (about 1,170 ratings).A compact home chamber sealer that Amazon owners rate very highly for sealing liquids and using cheaper bags. Wirecutter warns that home chambers like Avid Armor's are too small for large cuts or pint jars, and we found no full expert test.
Top complaints
- Small chamberMentioned often
Wirecutter says home chamber sealers it has encountered, including Avid Armor's, have small cavities that won't fit large cuts of meat or pint Mason jars. Avid Armor lists maximum pouch size as 11 x 10 inches.
- Short warranty for the priceOccasional
Avid Armor lists a 1-year warranty on a machine with a $349 regular price.
What owners love
- Cheaper bags
Amazon's summary says owners value that it uses less expensive bags and saves money by preventing food waste.
- Seals liquids, meats and grains
Owners say it seals liquids, meats and grains without issues, with a quick vacuum time; one reports about 200 bags without problems.
- No-oil pump, solid build
Avid Armor says it uses a dry rocker pump with no oil or service schedule. Amazon owners praise its build quality and counter-friendly size.
Skip it if…- You seal large roasts or game
- You want to vacuum-seal jars inside the chamber
- You want an expert-tested pick
Good for- Sealing soups, sauces and marinades
- Cheaper smooth chamber pouches
- Frequent sealers who want a no-oil pump
Scores (tap for why)
- Seal quality4.0
Why 4.0?
Amazon owners say it seals liquids, meats and grains without issues. This rests on owner reports only; no expert test was found. - Suction4.0
Why 4.0?
Vacuum time is a positive aspect on Amazon; there is no measured figure from an expert. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
Ease of use and size are Amazon positives, but the small chamber limits what fits (Wirecutter; pouches up to 11 x 10 inches). - Bag cost & waste4.5
Why 4.5?
Owners say it uses less expensive bags (smooth chamber pouches), and value for money is the top Amazon positive. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Build quality is an Amazon positive and only 3% of ratings are 1-2 stars, and the pump needs no oil. The warranty is only 1 year.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Did not test it. As a group, home chamber sealers from Anova, Avid Armor and NutriChef have cavities too small for large cuts or pint jars, so Wirecutter suggests a commercial model like the VacMaster VP210 instead.
#2
Nesco
$$External (edge) sealerScore 4.0/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The most consistently recommended sealer: it's the top pick at Food & Wine and America's Test Kitchen and the runner-up at Wirecutter and Serious Eats, with fine-grained controls and seals that last for years. It needs up to 2 minutes of rest between bags, and some owners report the cycle stopping partway.
Top complaints
- Cycle stops partway or vacuum quitsVery common
Amazon's review summary says multiple owners report the vacuum function stopping after a few months. Several 1-star Walmart reviews describe the countdown stopping at 6 or 7 seconds without finishing the seal. A long-term Wirecutter tester also gets an error message mid-cycle.
- Long rest between bagsVery common
Serious Eats and Food & Wine both flag the recommended 2-minute refractory period. If you skip it, seals can be compromised, which makes bulk sessions slow.
- Bulkier, with a hard-to-clean juice channelMentioned often
Wirecutter says it is bulkier and a pound heavier than the Anova Pro. Its long-term testers say the juice canal is hard to clean, and Serious Eats notes the drip tray doesn't come out. In one Food & Wine test, marinade crept past both seals.
What owners love
- Seals that last years
In Wirecutter's long-term test, beef and pork chops sealed more than two years earlier showed minimal freezer burn and no broken seals. It also never leaked in Serious Eats' sous vide tests.
- Gentle on delicate foods
Normal/gentle pressure, a pulse button and moist/dry/double-seal modes. Serious Eats' cereal stayed uncrushed on the gentle setting, and ATK says the gentle and pulse modes both worked well.
- Easy to use, works with any bags
Ease of use is the top theme in Amazon's summary, and Walmart's summary agrees. CNN Underscored notes it works with any brand of vacuum-sealer bags.
Skip it if…- You seal dozens of bags in one session
- You want the smallest footprint
- You want a removable drip tray
Good for- Long-term freezer storage
- Delicate foods (gentle mode and pulse)
- Using any brand of bags
Scores (tap for why)
- Seal quality4.5
Why 4.5?
Seals held for more than 2 years in Wirecutter's test and never leaked in Serious Eats' sous vide tests. Food & Wine saw marinade pass the double seal once, and Amazon gives mixed feedback. - Suction4.5
Why 4.5?
25.1 inHg per Nesco via Wirecutter; Food & Wine says it truly removed all the air. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
The wide handle is easy to lock, and it has a cancel button and an intuitive panel. Food & Wine found the printed instructions hard to follow, and the 2-minute rest slows bulk work. - Bag cost & waste4.0
Why 4.0?
It comes with two starter rolls, and the roll storage and cutter feed straight to the seal bar. CNN says it accepts any brand of bags. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Wirecutter has long-term tested it since 2017, but it has only a 1-year warranty. Amazon owners report the vacuum quitting after months, and Walmart owners report cycles stopping partway.
What experts say
- Food & Wine: Best overall (2026-09-03): easy even for beginners and removed air without crushing food. Cons are the long refractory period and liquid that crept past the double seal once.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up with the same 25.1 inHg suction as the Anova Pro and extra controls, but bulkier. Get it if the Anova is out of stock or you want a cancel button and gentle mode.
- America's Test Kitchen: Best overall (June 2025) for a simple, intuitive panel and stellar performance; the seal bar and gaskets sit fairly high off the counter.
#3
FoodSaver
$$$External (edge) sealerScore 3.6/5
6%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The best-rated FoodSaver on Amazon, with a built-in handheld hose for jars and containers, a removable drip tray and a 5-year warranty. It is big and heavy, has no pulse mode, and its auto-start can let marinade escape.
Top complaints
- Large, heavy and awkwardly shapedMentioned often
Serious Eats calls it pricey, heavy (10 lb) and awkwardly shaped at 20 x 12 x 11 inches. Wirecutter skipped FoodSaver's similar V4440 because it is so bulky.
- No pulse mode; auto-start leaks marinadeMentioned often
Serious Eats says it has no manual vacuum or pulse mode. In the marinated-steak test, it had to hit manual seal to avoid a blowout, and some drops still escaped. The automatic bag-detection start was less convenient than a start button.
- Inconsistent seals for some ownersMentioned often
Amazon's review summary calls sealing performance mixed, with some owners saying it doesn't seal properly. Serious Eats also found the roll-holding arm loose, so short rolls shifted while cutting.
What owners love
- Built-in handheld sealer
A hose-attached handheld sealer works with FoodSaver zipper bags, containers and Mason-jar accessories (sold separately).
- Tight seals, easy cleanup
Serious Eats says it sealed chicken tightly with no sous vide leaks, and its removable drip trays made spills easy to clean.
- Owners find it easy and worth it
Amazon's summary says owners find it easy to use, especially the slide cutter, and some say it pays for itself within a year. It has a 4.6-star average from more than 11,000 ratings.
Skip it if…- Counter or cabinet space is tight
- You seal fragile foods (no pulse/manual vacuum)
- You prefer to start the cycle yourself
Good for- Owners who also seal jars and canisters
- Easy cleanup (removable drip tray)
- Buyers who want a long warranty
Scores (tap for why)
- Seal quality4.0
Why 4.0?
It sealed chicken tightly with no sous vide leaks (Serious Eats), but some marinade escaped and Amazon owners give mixed feedback on sealing. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Ease of use is the top Amazon positive and the drip trays are removable, but Serious Eats disliked the auto-start, missing pulse mode and awkward size. - Bag cost & waste3.0
Why 3.0?
It has roll storage and a cutter, but Serious Eats found the roll arm loose. It also comes with a starter kit of bags and a roll. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
It has a 5-year limited warranty (Serious Eats), and only 6% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: An excellent multipurpose sealer with a handheld attachment and a 5-year warranty. It is pricey, heavy and awkwardly shaped, with no pulse mode and an auto-start the testers disliked.
#4
Anova
$$External (edge) sealerScore 3.8/5
23%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The top pick at Wirecutter and Serious Eats for strong suction, a default double seal and no wait between bags. But nearly a quarter of its Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, mostly from units that stopped sealing.
Top complaints
- Units that stop workingVery common
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed: some owners say it works great, while others say it stops working or breaks after about 30 uses. On Walmart, low-star owners say it stopped sealing after a month, or after moisture got onto the seal area.
- Crushes delicate foods; no gentle modeMentioned often
In Food & Wine's tests, it crushed cereal and smushed strawberries on its automatic mode. You need to use the pulse button carefully because there is no gentle setting.
- Drip channel isn't removable; cutter can jam; loudMentioned often
Wirecutter and Serious Eats both note that the drip tray isn't removable, so you have to clean spills out with a paper towel. Wirecutter measured 83 dBA, about as loud as a vacuum cleaner. America's Test Kitchen found the bag cutter flimsy and says it sometimes jammed.
What owners love
- Strong suction and a double seal
Wirecutter reports 25.1 inHg of suction, close to commercial machines (about 29 inHg). It double-seals every bag by default. In Serious Eats' tests, one seal leaked once, but the second seal held.
- No wait between bags
Serious Eats says it needs no refractory period, and Anova claims it can do more than 100 seals back to back. That makes it good for bulk freezer sessions.
- Handles liquids well
Food & Wine calls it one of the best machines it tested at sealing liquids. Serious Eats found it pulled no marinade out of the bag.
Skip it if…- You want a gentle mode for chips and berries
- Reliability matters more than features
- Noise bothers you
Good for- Sealing many bags back to back
- Sous vide and marinated foods
- Small counters (compact for its features)
Scores (tap for why)
- Seal quality4.5
Why 4.5?
Bags held their seals for 6-9 months in Wirecutter's freezer tests, and the double seal caught a single leak in Serious Eats' tests. Amazon owners give mixed feedback on sealing performance. - Suction4.5
Why 4.5?
25.1 inHg, the strongest Wirecutter tested among home external sealers; Amazon owners give mixed feedback on suction. - Ease of use4.0
Why 4.0?
The lid closes with little effort, the controls are simple and there's no wait between seals. It has no gentle mode or cancel button, and ATK found the cutter jams. - Bag cost & waste3.5
Why 3.5?
Built-in roll storage and a cutter let you make bags to size, and it works with widely sold FoodSaver bags. Anova says its own bags aren't recyclable. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
It has a 2-year warranty, but reliability is the most-mentioned mixed aspect on Amazon (432 mentions), 23% of ratings are 1-2 stars, and Walmart owners report it stopping within a month.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-09-28) for powerful suction, useful controls and an easy lid in a compact body. Its flaws are a non-removable drip tray and loud operation.
- Serious Eats: Best overall (2026-02-17). Reviewers struggled to find any major drawbacks; the drip tray isn't removable.
- Food & Wine: Best for beginners and great with liquids, but it crushed delicate foods without a gentle mode.
#5
LEM
$$$Chamber sealerScore 3.9/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
The best chamber sealer at both Serious Eats and Food & Wine: it seals liquids and odd shapes tightly and fits canning jars. It is a 20-lb, roughly $550 machine with settings that can overwhelm beginners, and it needs chamber-specific bags.
Top complaints
- Big, heavy and expensiveVery common
Serious Eats calls chamber sealers bulky, heavy (this one is 20 lb) and expensive, and overengineered for most home cooks. Food & Wine says it's not cheap and may not be worth it for casual users.
- Confusing for beginnersMentioned often
Food & Wine says its numerous settings might confuse beginners.
- Needs chamber bags; spotty availabilityMentioned often
Serious Eats notes that you must buy chamber-specific bags, that a few air pockets remained in its marinated-steak bag, and that online availability can be limited.
What owners love
- Handles liquids and odd shapes
Food & Wine says everything it sealed was tightly suctioned, with no air pockets in liquid bags and no bags floating in sous vide. Serious Eats' bags didn't leak during sous vide.
- Fits jars, highly adjustable
The large chamber fits canning jars, and the dishwasher-safe riser helps with small items. Custom vacuum and seal times give fine control.
- Comes well equipped
Serious Eats says it includes a hose, a jar attachment, a spare gasket and seal, and a 2-year warranty plus lifetime support. Food & Wine lists 80 included bags.
Skip it if…- You only seal a few bags a month
- You have little counter space
- You want something simple for beginners
Good for- Sealing soups, marinades and other liquids
- Infusions, pickling and compression
- Hunters and bulk processors
Scores (tap for why)
- Seal quality4.5
Why 4.5?
No leaks in either outlet's sous vide tests. Serious Eats saw a few air pockets in the steak bag but called it snugger than the Anova chamber. - Suction4.5
Why 4.5?
Food & Wine says everything was tightly suctioned, even oddly shaped items, and that it evacuates the whole chamber at once. - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
The manual and riser help, but the many settings may confuse beginners, and at 20 lb it is hard to move. - Bag cost & waste3.5
Why 3.5?
It uses smooth chamber-specific bags rather than textured external-sealer bags. No source compared their cost, and 80 bags are included. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
It has a 2-year warranty plus lifetime support and comes with a spare gasket and seal (Serious Eats). Costco describes the pump as maintenance-free with a removable heat bar. No owner reliability data was found.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Best chamber sealer: well-sealed bags with an in-depth manual, but bulky, heavy, expensive and overkill for most home cooks.
- Food & Wine: Best chamber sealer: endlessly customizable and edged out the Anova chamber, but expensive and not geared to beginners.
#6
Anova
$External (edge) sealerScore 3.3/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A slim, drawer-sized budget pick that Wirecutter and Serious Eats like for occasional dry-food sealing. It has about half the suction of the Pro, only a single seal, and testers found it weak with wet foods.
Top complaints
- Weak with wet foodsMentioned often
America's Test Kitchen says it had less strength than the top models and didn't fare well with wet foods, with some leakage. It has a single seal, and Wirecutter says it is weaker than the Pro's double seal.
- Seal button and reliabilityMentioned often
Amazon's summary says some owners report the seal button not working consistently, and that some units completely stop working. A Wirecutter staffer says that after long sessions, 'seal only' sometimes needs a few forceful pushes.
- Hard to close, no cutter or bag storageMentioned often
Wirecutter says it takes more pressure to close than its other picks. It has no bag cutter, roll storage or accessory port, so you cut rolls with scissors.
What owners love
- Tiny and light
At 2.3 lb and about 15 x 5 x 3 inches, it fits in a drawer. Wirecutter says its testers reach for small models most often.
- Long-lasting dry seals
Wirecutter's sealed beef stayed intact for more than two years, with virtually no freezer burn, and its long-term unit is still working since 2019.
- Pulse button, fast and quiet
Wirecutter says it is unusual at this price to have a pulse button, it was among the quietest it tested, and it sealed in about 21 seconds.
Skip it if…- You seal wet or marinated foods often
- You want a built-in bag cutter and roll storage
- You have weak hands (the lid takes force to close)
Good for- Occasional sealing
- Tiny kitchens (fits in a drawer)
- Sous vide hobbyists on a budget
Scores (tap for why)
- Seal quality3.5
Why 3.5?
Dry seals lasted more than 2 years (Wirecutter), but it has a single seal and leaked with wet foods for ATK. Amazon owners give mixed feedback on sealing. - Suction3.0
Why 3.0?
14.77 inHg is enough for Wirecutter's tests but well below the Pro. ATK says it had less strength than the top models. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
It has just three buttons including pulse, and Amazon owners find it easy, but the lid needs force to close (Wirecutter) and some owners report a flaky seal button. - Bag cost & waste3.0
Why 3.0?
It comes with 10 pre-cut bags and has no roll storage or cutter, so you cut rolls with scissors. It still accepts standard rolls. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Wirecutter's unit has been a workhorse since 2019, and it has a 2-year warranty, but Amazon gives mixed reliability feedback, with some units completely stopping.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick for small spaces and occasional use. It has 14.77 inHg of suction (vs. 25.1 for the picks above it) and takes more force to close.
- Serious Eats: Best affordable, compact sealer; it skips the extras but handled every test.
- America's Test Kitchen: Recommended with reservations: compact and good with dry goods, but weaker and leaky with wet foods.
#7
Potane
$$External (edge) sealerScore 3.1/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing shows many style options, so ratings may be pooled across Potane variants.A popular Amazon alternative with Anova-like features and 4 food modes, rated 4.4 stars from more than 10,000 ratings. Serious Eats found it slower than the Anova at a slightly higher price, and owners are split on how long it lasts.
Top complaints
- Sealing and suction inconsistentVery common
Amazon's review summary says sealing performance and suction power are mixed: some owners report strong suction, while others report poor sealing and suction issues.
- Some units fail earlyMentioned often
Amazon's summary says durability is mixed: some units last more than two years, while others broke within five weeks.
- Slower cycleOccasional
Serious Eats says its vacuum-and-seal time took longer than other models, and it costs slightly more than the comparable Anova.
Skip it if…- You want the fastest cycle
- You want an expert top pick
- You need proven long-term durability
Good for- Preset modes for dry, moist, soft and delicate foods
- Compact storage
- Shoppers who prioritize owner ratings
Scores (tap for why)
- Seal quality3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon gives mixed feedback on sealing performance; no expert test singled out seal problems. - Suction3.0
Why 3.0?
Suction power is mixed on Amazon, and Serious Eats found the vacuum cycle slower than other models. - Ease of use3.5
Why 3.5?
Owners find it straightforward and compact, but the cycle is slower (Serious Eats). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon gives mixed feedback on durability: some units last more than 2 years, while others break within 5 weeks.
What experts say
- Serious Eats: Not recommended (Competition list): it matches the Anova's features at a slightly higher price, but vacuuming and sealing took longer.
- Food & Wine: Tested, but listed under 'What Didn't Make the List' (listed at $119) with no specific reason given.
#8
FoodSaver
$$External (edge) sealerScore 2.8/5
14%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing appears to pool ratings across PowerVac Compact colors and bundles. A second ASIN (B08BDHZ1PV) shows the same ~16K rating count.One of the most-rated sealers on Amazon, liked for its compact, upright-storing body. Owners frequently report bad seals and units failing within months, and Food & Wine tested it but left it off its list.
Top complaints
- Seals failVery common
Amazon's review summary says sealing performance and durability are problematic, with multiple owners reporting incorrect sealing. Several low-star Walmart reviews (VS0160 white variant) say it wouldn't seal properly, and one owner had to pre-freeze moist items to get a seal.
- Breaks within monthsVery common
Amazon's summary cites devices breaking after about three months. Functionality (about 1,100 mentions) and quality (956) are mixed aspects there.
- Lid latch trouble; suction variesMentioned often
Walmart owners describe a lid that won't lock on both sides at once, or that needs to be held down hard. Amazon owners are split on suction: some praise it, others find it insufficient.
What owners love
- Compact and easy
Amazon owners find it easy to use and appreciate the compact size; one notes it takes only about two inches of space stored upright.
- Dry and moist settings
The listing describes it as for both dry and wet food, and FoodSaver markets it as reducing bag waste.
Skip it if…- You need dependable seals for long freezer storage
- You seal moist foods often
- You want an expert-recommended pick
Good for- Storing upright in a narrow spot
- Light, occasional dry-food sealing
- Staying in the FoodSaver bag ecosystem
Scores (tap for why)
- Seal quality2.5
Why 2.5?
Amazon's summary calls sealing performance problematic, and Walmart owners report seals failing or needing pre-frozen food. - Suction3.0
Why 3.0?
Suction is a mixed aspect on Amazon (189 mentions); there are no expert measurements. - Ease of use3.0
Why 3.0?
Ease of use and compact size are Amazon positives, but Walmart owners report a lid that won't latch on both sides or needs to be held down hard. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability is flagged on Amazon (units breaking after about three months), and 14% of Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
What experts say
- Food & Wine: Tested, but listed under 'What Didn't Make the List' with no specific reason given.