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For greater than a decade, my cousin and I’ve processed all of our deer. Reasonably than paying upwards of $100 to take it to a butcher to obtain pre-packaged meat with no assure it was from our personal deer, we purchased our personal knife equipment, an inexpensive vacuum sealer which burned out rapidly, and meat grinder and started working.
Three years in the past, we determined to dive into making our personal venison sausages within the type of scorching canines, kielbasa, and Italian sausages all around the course of 1 weekend.
Final yr, we acquired 5 of the best sausage stuffers out there and put them to the check. Frankly, it was our greatest yr but in regard to the standard of our sausages. However, on the finish of the weekend as we packaged up all of our meats, we famous that merely throwing them in Ziploc baggage would in all probability result in freezer burn (we had been appropriate).
This yr we determined to check one of the best vacuum sealers. Listed here are my picks for one of the best vacuum sealers after processing and sealing 172 kilos of meat.
How We Examined the Vacuum Sealers
As we headed into this yr’s annual sausage stuffing celebration, we acquired ten vacuum sealers from prime manufacturers within the meat processing business — six exterior vacuum sealers and 4 chamber vacuum sealers.
The plan was easy, take 114 kilos of venison and 58 kilos of pork fats and produce the next:
- 26 kilos of jalapeño cheddar scorching canines
- 26 kilos of bacon swiss scorching canines
- 33 kilos of ring bologna
- 62 kilos of Italian sausage
- 25 kilos of venison bacon
After measuring the 172 kilos of cubed venison and pork fats, we added it to mixing trays with the respective seasonings. The following morning, we made fast work grinding all 5 trays utilizing a MEAT! .5-horsepower grinder and LEM Big Bite #32 1.5-horsepower grinder. Then, utilizing our favourite sausage stuffer, we began filling casings. After a number of hours of stuffing casings, the sausages had been prepared for the smoker. After reaching the specified inside temperatures, we eliminated the smoked sausages and commenced the actual check.
Learn Subsequent: Best Meat Grinders
As we packaged the sausages in vacuum sealer baggage, we evaluated every vacuum sealer based mostly on noise stage, effectivity, effectiveness, ease of use, and the options it presents. To find out effectivity we timed the preliminary seals and the general vacuum plus seal instances on every vacuum sealer 10 instances. The instances had been then averaged to give you a transparent have a look at the working velocity for every sealer. To find out effectiveness, every bag’s seal was totally examined to make sure there have been no flaws current that would let air in and result in freezer burn. After a full day of testing, listed below are our prime picks for one of the best vacuum sealers.
Professionals
- Quiet
- Straightforward to make use of
- Beeps when ending the preliminary seal
- Lid raises and beeps when finishing closing seal
Cons
- No twine storage
- Lid requires a little bit of downward strain to get the sealing course of began
Key Options
-
Management panel supplies quite a lot of choices, together with a timer that permits you to choose the exact vacuum sealing period based mostly on the kind of meals you’re preserving -
Has a bag holder and bag cutter -
Bag cutter clamps right down to lock in place -
Geared up with an inside cooling fan to forestall overheating throughout prolonged utilization -
16” sealing bar -
Common Preliminary Seal Time:
10.6 seconds -
Common Vacuum Seal Time:
18.7 seconds -
Dimensions:
21.8” L x 14.1” W x 8” H -
Weight:
15.85 kilos -
Value:
$309.99
The MEAT! 16” External Vac Sealer checks virtually each field for what I needed in an exterior vacuum sealer. With the lots of of kilos of meat that I seal yearly, I all the time needed an possibility that allowed me to make use of larger, wider baggage. The 16-inch sealing bar does simply that, and it does it very properly, and really rapidly.
With a mean preliminary bag seal time of 10.6 seconds and a mean general vacuum seal and bag seal time of 18.7 seconds, it’s one of many quickest exterior sealers we examined. After all of the testing was accomplished, we nonetheless needed to vacuum seal 25-pounds of venison bacon later that night, and this was the sealer I reached for to get the job finished rapidly.

The one large adverse with this vacuum sealer is that the lid requires a little bit of strain to get the sealing began. Caleb Meighen
I’ve solely two quibbles with this sealer. First, it doesn’t have a spot to retailer the ability twine and second the lid requires just a little further encouragement to get the vacuum sealing began. Nonetheless each different function of this vacuum sealer is properly thought out and features splendidly. The bag storage and slicing mechanism is in an important spot to be accessible but out of the best way, and the management panel is intuitive to dive into sealing proper out of the field.
We examined every bag that was sealed for flaws or damaged seals, and never as soon as did we’ve a bag that wanted re-sealed or one which had an excessive amount of air left in it. The MEAT! 16” Exterior Vacuum Sealer was by far and away a standout in our area of exterior sealers. What it lacks in compact storage capabilities, it greater than makes up for with vacuum sealing energy.
Professionals
- Quiet
- Straightforward to make use of
- Compact
Cons
- No twine storage
- Requires further bag area to suit into the sealing portion of the machine
Key Options
-
Management panel supplies simple to make use of choices, together with a dry/moist possibility, a cancel possibility, a seal possibility, and an influence possibility -
Has accent possibility for marinating or utilization with vacuum zipper baggage and containers -
Has a bag holder and bag cutter -
Automated bag detection -
LED indicator lights -
11” sealing bar -
Common Preliminary Seal Time:
14.8 seconds -
Common Vacuum Seal Time:
23.7 seconds -
Dimensions:
11” L x 20” W x 12” H -
Weight:
10 kilos -
Value:
$199.49
Previous to this check, the FoodSaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer was my private favourite vacuum sealer. I bought this mannequin a couple of years in the past and have sealed every part from contemporary caught lake trout and striper, to complete chickens, to each lower of deer meat conceivable. It’s all the time finished an important job whereas being quiet sufficient to run late at evening and never get up the entire home. It’s additionally compact sufficient to slip onto a shelf in my kitchen for straightforward, close-by storage.
With a mean preliminary bag seal time of 14.8 seconds and a mean general vacuum seal and bag seal time of 23.7 seconds, it’s fast sufficient to make use of when the meat begins to stack up. Through the years of utilization, I’ve seen that it does require an honest quantity of additional bag to slip into the sealer, leaving your vac seal baggage with numerous empty area as soon as they’re sealed up.
Whereas that may not sound just like the worst factor on this planet, as an overfiller, there’ve been loads of instances the place I can’t get the V4400 to supply a superb seal and vacuum, inflicting me to cease, reset, and take a look at once more. While you’re sealing lots of of baggage of sausages or different meats, slowing down can actually put on on you mentally.
General, in the event you’re an informal outdoorsman or gardener in search of a strategy to vacuum seal the day’s harvest with out sacrificing a ton of shelf area within the kitchen cupboard, the FoodSaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer could be my advice to you. In case you’re in search of one thing extra heavy obligation that’ll stand up to hours and hours of steady utilization, maybe a bigger exterior vacuum sealer could be a more sensible choice.
Professionals
- Quiet
- Beeps when completed with vacuum sealing
- Easy operation
- Easy lid
- Nice air removing and seal
Cons
- Oil pump design requires correct upkeep over time
Key Options
-
Comes outfitted with an adjustable seal time, adjustable vacuum, strain gauge, and digital time readout. -
Bag holder clamps right down to lock in place -
12” sealing bar -
Adjustable Vacuum Time:
5-90 seconds -
Adjustable Seal Time:
0-6 seconds -
Chamber Dimensions:
13” L x 12.2” W x 3.9” H -
Exterior Dimensions:
21.9” L x 19.4” W x 19” H -
Weight:
63.2 kilos -
Value:
$839.99
The MEAT! Chamber Vacuum Sealer with 12″ Sealing Bar was my first foray into chamber vacuum sealers, and to say it was spectacular could be an understatement. It’s extremely quiet for a way massive it’s, and the vacuum and seal it places on every bag is unmatched.
We discovered one of the best setting for seal time was 4 seconds and one of the best vacuum time was 35 seconds. This allowed us to maintain sealing baggage rapidly, but in addition gave the chamber vacuum sufficient time to construct strain and actually present a tremendous, hermetic vacuum and seal.
This mannequin, not like different chamber vacuums within the check, does have an oil pump design, which suggests it does require correct upkeep to maintain it working to its full potential. It comes with directions and every part you’ll have to know to carry out the upkeep, and shouldn’t take greater than a minute or two.
What actually set this chamber vacuum sealer aside from the others within the check was how properly it sealed every bag, and the way quietly it did so. The opposite chamber vacuums had been loud, virtually obnoxiously so, however not the MEAT! Chamber Vacuum Sealer. Whereas it has a hefty price ticket, in the event you’re in search of a chamber vacuum sealer for each meats, greens, and liquids like soups, it’s price the additional cash to get the quietest, and greatest performing chamber vacuum we examined.
Professionals
- Quiet
- Straightforward to make use of
- Compact
- Light-weight
- Cordless handheld unit
Cons
- No twine storage
- No bag holder or cutter
- Requires pre-cut baggage
- No indication when sealing is accomplished
Key Options
-
Management panel supplies simple to make use of choices, together with a vac/seal possibility and a seal possibility -
Has handheld accent possibility with rechargeable battery for marinating or utilization with vacuum zipper baggage and containers -
11” sealing bar -
Common Preliminary Seal Time:
16.5 seconds -
Common Vacuum Seal Time:
37.7 seconds -
Dimensions:
6.6” L x 17.8” W x 3.4” H -
Weight:
6.3 kilos -
Value:
$149.99
The FoodSaver Handheld+ 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System is the smallest, lightest, and least expensive vacuum sealer we examined. With that, this unit is mild on options. The dearth of a bag holder or cutter is my largest concern. Whereas manufacturers like FoodSaver and others promote pre-cut baggage, for many of my vacuum sealing, I’m purposefully measuring and slicing a bag that can meet my wants for the given lower of meat.
Except for needing pre-cut baggage, this vacuum sealer carried out admirably properly. With a mean preliminary bag seal time of 16.5 seconds and a mean general vacuum seal and bag seal time of 37.7 seconds, it was on par with a lot of the exterior sealers within the check in regard to hurry.
As for the standard of the seal, we bumped into a couple of baggage that wanted re-sealed all through our testing. Whereas that’s not the worst factor on this planet in the event you catch it, it’s price noting that in the event you select to buy this vacuum sealer, you’ll wish to examine every seal earlier than placing the baggage within the freezer. General, I used to be proud of how properly this vacuum sealer carried out given its value. It’s a viable possibility for these seeking to get into the vacuum sealing sport.
Professionals
- Inner storage for energy twine
- Quickest sealer within the check
- Clicks and lid raises when finishing closing seal
Cons
- No bag holder or cutter
- Requires pre-cut baggage
- Management panel not intuitive, learn homeowners handbook previous to sealing
Key Options
-
Digital management panel supplies quite a lot of choices, together with a timer that permits you to choose the exact bag sealing period and vacuum sealing period based mostly on the kind of meals you’re preserving -
Geared up with an inside cooling fan to forestall overheating throughout prolonged utilization -
15” sealing bar -
Common Preliminary Seal Time:
6.5 seconds -
Common Vacuum Seal Time:
21.4 seconds -
Dimensions:
19.1” L x 12.3” W x 6” H -
Weight:
27 kilos -
Value:
$529.99
The Weston Pro-3000 Vacuum Sealer made a run for one of the best general exterior chamber vacuum sealer all through our testing. It’s by far the quickest sealer within the check, and through our bag checks, it by no means had a seal failure. It boasts a large 15-inch sealing bar and digital management panel that permits you to program the sealer to the precise settings you like.
However, I used to be fairly dissatisfied to search out that the Professional-3000 didn’t have a bag holder or cutter, and the management panel wasn’t very intuitive proper out of the field. It was the one sealer within the check that required a fast overview of the handbook previous to correct utilization.
As for velocity, with a mean preliminary bag seal time of 6.5 seconds and a mean general vacuum seal and bag seal time of 21.4 seconds, we had been blown away by how rapidly the Professional-3000 was in a position to create a high quality vacuum and seal. If not for the missing extra options, this vacuum sealer would have been a no brainer for greatest general. However nonetheless, it’s an important purchase for individuals who are positive with pre-cut baggage.
Professionals
- Clicks when vacuum sealing begins
- Easy operation
- Easy lid
- Nice air removing and seal
- Light-weight compared
- Oil-less pump
Cons
- No noise when sealing is completed
- Loud
Key Options
-
Comes outfitted with an adjustable seal time, adjustable vacuum, a upkeep free oil-less pump, and digital strain gauge -
Auto-mode for vacuum and seal -
Lock bar to carry bag in place -
11.42″ seal bar makes twin 2.5mm seals -
Adjustable Vacuum Time:
15-60 seconds -
Adjustable Seal Time:
3-9 seconds -
Chamber Dimensions:
11.24″ L x 11.81″ W x 3.93″ H -
Exterior Dimensions:
13.9″ L x 14.29″ W x 8.58″ H -
Weight:
22.5 kilos -
Value:
$499.99
The LEM MaxVac Pro Chamber Sealer was one other standout within the area of chamber vacuums we examined. It was simple to function, supplied a high quality vacuum and seal, and was light-weight in comparison with a number of the different chamber vacs.
Nonetheless, it was fairly loud. We famous that all the oil-less fashions within the check had been noisy, and the MaxVac Professional adopted that pattern. Except for the noise it made whereas in operation, one factor we seen was that it didn’t tell us when it had accomplished sealing a bag. Whereas many different fashions beeped or clicked, the MaxVac Professional simply went quiet.
Except for these small complaints, the MaxVac Professional was a breeze to make use of. The bag holder labored nice to maintain the bag from sliding down into the chamber, and the adjustable instances had been fairly intuitive. In our put up vacuum and sealing checks, we by no means had a seal failure and every bag was air tight. I used to be very excited by how the LEM MaxVac Professional Chamber Sealer carried out and imagine it’s an important purchase for these in search of an oil-less chamber vacuum.
Professionals
- Quiet
- Straightforward to make use of
- Beeps when ending the preliminary seal
- Lets you understand when the lid is closed
- LCDs mean you can monitor vacuum sealing progress
Cons
- Exterior twine storage
- Lock-down deal with was finicky at instances
Key Options
-
Massive digital LCD data heart with easy-touch control-panel buttons -
Has a bag holder and bag cutter -
Lock-down deal with -
Geared up with an inside cooling fan to forestall overheating throughout prolonged utilization -
15” sealing bar -
Common Preliminary Seal Time:
19.8 seconds -
Common Vacuum Seal Time:
32.5 seconds -
Dimensions:
14.75” L x 19.75” W x 5.44” H -
Weight:
14.75 kilos -
Value:
$399.99
The Cabela’s 15” Commercial-Grade Vacuum Sealer was one other spectacular addition to our check. Staying in step with providing the capabilities for bigger baggage for use, this Cabela’s sealer supplies a high quality vacuum and seal on every bag. The management panel has rather a lot happening, however continues to be pretty intuitive proper out of the field, permitting us to simply set and management the vacuum sealer.
With a mean preliminary bag seal time of 19.8 seconds and a mean general vacuum seal and bag seal time of 32.5 seconds, it wasn’t the speediest vacuum sealer we examined, but it surely did a pleasant job. One factor I actually favored in regards to the Cabela’s 15” Industrial-Grade Vacuum Sealer was the flexibility to trace the progress of the vacuum and seal by means of the LCDs on the management panel. It additionally audibly beeps when every vacuum and seal is completed so that you don’t attempt to take away the bag too early.
One of many solely hiccups was the lock-down deal with gave us matches a couple of instances. There was numerous play within the deal with, making it robust to know whether or not or not it was absolutely closed at instances. Though, with just a little further push, it appeared to perform correctly.
As with most of Cabela’s choices within the meat processing area, their vacuum sealer was prime quality, and carried out properly. We solely had one seal failure throughout our testing, and we imagine that will have been attributable to an abundance of moisture within the bag.
Professionals
- Straightforward to make use of
- Beeps thrice when ending the seal
- Gentle up buttons
- Light-weight
Cons
- Loud
- No twine storage
- Skilled some issue closing lid and fascinating sealing perform on the similar time
Key Options
-
Management panel options adjustable seal time, adjustable vacuum, strain gauge, and digital time show -
Has a bag holder and bag cutter -
Detachable drip tray -
Geared up with an inside cooling fan to forestall overheating throughout prolonged utilization -
14” sealing bar -
Common Preliminary Seal Time:
15.6 seconds -
Common Vacuum Seal Time:
27.8 seconds -
Dimensions:
17.8” L x 9.5” W x 4.8” H -
Weight:
6.4 kilos -
Value:
$199.99
The MEAT! Pro External Sealer didn’t blow us away the best way that different exterior vacuum sealers did. It was pretty loud when vacuuming and sealing, and we bumped into some points with closing the lid and fascinating the vac/seal perform on the similar time.
On the upside, the management panel was extremely intuitive and straightforward to make use of proper out of the field, it has a built-in bag holder and slicing mechanism which is an enormous plus in my e-book, and it audibly beeps thrice when ending the seal. With a mean preliminary bag seal time of 15.6 seconds and a mean general vacuum seal and bag seal time of 27.8 seconds, it was center of the pack in regard to hurry, however in our bag checks, we by no means got here throughout a failed seal.
It’s additionally one of many extra light-weight choices in addition to one of many best to retailer. For the worth level and options included, the MEAT! Professional Exterior sealer is a superb worth purchase for somebody in search of a function wealthy and efficient vacuum sealer.
Professionals
- Easy operation
- Easy lid
- Nice air removing and seal
- Oil-less pump
Cons
- Bowl-like chamber is barely smaller than another chamber vac sealers
- Loud
Key Options
-
Contains vacuum bag sampler pack -
12-inch sealing bar -
Digital vacuum and seal time show -
Auto bag measurement choose function -
Adjustable Vacuum Time:
5-80 seconds -
Adjustable Seal Time:
0-9 seconds -
Chamber Dimensions:
13” L x 12.2” W x 3.5” H -
Exterior Dimensions:
17.5” L x 14” W x 10.25” H -
Weight:
29 kilos -
Value:
$709.99
The MEAT! Chamber Vacuum Sealer with Oil-less Pump was by far and away the loudest chamber vacuum sealer we examined. With that mentioned, it was additionally some of the efficient. It’s extremely intuitive and straightforward to make use of management panels led to an important vacuum and seal on the baggage, and I used to be very impressed with the auto bag measurement selector. It made it simple to only drop the bag in and let the chamber vacuum do its factor.
In handbook mode, we needed to mess around with the seal time to make sure a superb seal. We discovered that 7 seconds was the candy spot. Whereas the chamber doesn’t have a lock bar to maintain the bag in place, we by no means had a difficulty with the bag sliding down in the course of the vacuum sealing course of.
General, apart from how loud this oil-less chamber vacuum sealer was, I used to be very happy with how properly it carried out. As soon as we dialed within the timing in handbook mode, our seals had been robust and the baggage had been hermetic. Coming in at a cheaper price level from the opposite MEAT! chamber vacuum within the check, the MEAT! Chamber Vacuum Sealer with Oil-less Pump is a superb purchase for somebody in search of a high quality chamber vac at a extra inexpensive worth level.
Professionals
- Easy operation
- Easy lid
- Audible strain launch when completed vacuum sealing
- Magnetic lock bar to safe baggage in chamber
- Oil-less pump
- Constructed-in energy twine wrap
Key Options
-
1-touch auto vac and seal perform -
Strain gauge -
12-inch sealing bar -
Adjustable Vacuum Time:
20-99 seconds -
Adjustable Seal Time:
3-9 seconds -
Chamber Dimensions:
12” L x 11.5” W x 3.5” H -
Exterior Dimensions:
16.5” L x 14.5” W x 9.5” H -
Weight:
30 kilos -
Value:
$599.99
The Cabela’s Commercial-Grade Chamber Vacuum Sealer rounds out our chamber vacuum sealers within the check, and actually, it was proper up with the others in regard to efficiency. I actually loved the magnetic lock bar that secures the baggage within the chamber, and the strain gauge was a pleasant addition to watch the vacuum ranges because the machine was working.
Much like the opposite oil-less pumps within the check, it was fairly loud to run indoors. Except for being loud, it nonetheless carried out splendidly. It was very simple to function proper out of the field and the double-sealing bar is a superb function.
I used to be impressed with the one-touch auto vac and seal perform as properly, though we did have a difficulty with one of many baggage not correctly sealing, regardless of the double seal. We’re not sure why, as each different bag was sealed to perfection. General, the Cabela’s Industrial-Grade Chamber Vacuum Sealer carried out as anticipated and supplied an hermetic seal on 99% of the baggage we put into it. It’s an important possibility and a fair higher pricepoint for these chamber vacuums.
Select the Finest Vacuum Sealer

Chamber vs. Exterior Vacuum Sealer
An exterior vacuum sealer, just like the FoodSaver choices on this overview, sucks air out of the entrance of the bag after which seals it. A chamber sealer equalizes the strain contained in the bag and within the chamber. That key distinction is why chamber sealers are higher choices for sealing liquids like soups and marinades. The liquid doesn’t get sucked out of the bag and intrude with the seal. Chamber sealers will also be used for vacuuming canning jars. One other main distinction is that chamber sealers can use cheaper baggage than exterior vacuum sealers.
How You’ll Use Your Vacuum Sealer
Each outdoorsman wants a high quality vacuum sealer, however not everybody goes to have the identical calls for. In case you want a mannequin that you would be able to take to your fishing camp, then a transportable, minimalist mannequin is right. In case you’re preserving numerous meals, together with liquids, then a chamber sealer is a worthwhile funding.
Vacuum Sealing Ideas
- Double seal your baggage
- Be light with vacuum-sealed meals, so that you don’t break the seal
- Don’t neglect to label your baggage
FAQs
Vacuum sealers are one of many handiest kitchen instruments as a result of they cut back meals waste and velocity up marinating instances.
Exterior and chamber vacuum sealers are the 2 principal varieties. Exterior vacuum sealers are perfect for most use instances, however chamber sealers are glorious for high-volume use and liquids.
FoodSaver, Uline, OutOfAir, Kirkland, and Cabela’s all make nice vacuum baggage. The secret is shopping for in bulk to save cash and to be sure you purchase the precise sort in your sealer.
Remaining Ideas on the Finest Vacuum Sealers
We examined numerous vacuum sealers throughout our ‘Sausage Get together’ and got here out of testing with some favorites, and I used to be totally impressed with the sphere generally. I can genuinely say that I’d be blissful to run any of those vacuum sealers as my “day by day driver,” which I used to be not anticipating to be the case.
Ultimately, the extra options are good, however the high quality of the seal is the important thing to preserving your hard-earned sport, catch, or harvest. Each sealer on this story supplies an important seal that can mean you can hold your meals frozen safely for years to come back. In case you haven’t began vacuum sealing your meals but, stop ready round and coping with freezer burn, save money and time with one of the best vacuum sealers.
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