The retractable hose is handy for sealing accessories such as lunchboxes or canisters. Plus, you get a free bottle stopper to preserve wine and other spirits.
Gets quite hot after prolonged use.
A top of the line model from FoodSaver that automatically detects the food type, can work at one of two speeds, and even marinate your food for later cooking. All modern devices are multifunctional and automatized and this one is no exception, offering quality and reliability with sturdy vacuum sealing. If you're willing to pay a bit more - this is undoubtedly the best choice.
Stationary
Kitchen
Seal Only button, Vacuum and Seal button, Marinate Button, Accessory Button, 2 Speed Settings, 2 Food Type settings, Progress indicators
Compatible with bags and film of any size, canisters, bottles, lunchboxes
3x 0.94 l bags, 2x 3.78 l bags, 1x roll (28cm x 3m), 1x bottle stopper, 1x medium-sized container
2 years
You get 20 bags and 2 film rolls with your purchase, enough for several months of use.
The lid has to be pushed hard to be closed.
A basic yet efficient vacuum sealer that boasts small size and a great bonus package of 20 bags and 2 film rolls, making it pretty much self-sustaining for a month or two. It has all the necessary functions and yet it's already a tier more affordable than the new models. If you like to shop smart, don't miss this bargain.
Stationary
Kitchen
Seal Only button, Vacuum and Seal button, 2 Food Type settings, Progress indicators
Compatible with bags and film of any size, canisters, bottles, lunchboxes
10x 0.94 l bags, 10x 3.78 l bags, 2x roll (28cm x 3m), 1x accessory hose
2 years
The special dividers help keep the roll affixed firmly or the bag placed correctly to prevent air bubbles in the sealed containers.
The liquid tray is not very capacious.
A compact and powerful sealer that can be stored vertically when not in use, this model has several handy functions including the "marinate" option. If you're a lover of good meat, this feature is going to see a lot of use. Anybody who values fresh food will be happy to have this appliance in their kitchen.
Stationary
Kitchen
Seal Only button, Pulse button, Vacuum and Seal button, Accessory Button, 3 speeds, 2 Food Type settings, Progress indicators
Compatible with bags and film of any size, canisters, bottles, lunchboxes
5x 0.94 l bags, 5x 3.78 l bags, 1x roll (28cm x 3m), 1x storage canister, 1x accessory hose
2 years
The machine creates a double-stitch seam during sealing to prevent accidental tearing of the container.
Some users complain about the progress indicators being pointless and non-informative.
A powerful vacuum machine that can seal more than food containers, helping keep documents packaged or clothes safe from damage when you move. Though it has many functions to choose from, it's still easy to operate and quite compact. Great for those who like to keep their devices multi-functional.
Stationary
Kitchen
Seal Only button, Pulse button, Vacuum and Seal button, Accessory Button, 3 speeds, 2 Food Type settings, Progress indicators
Compatible with bags and film of any size, canisters, bottles, lunchboxes
3x 0.94 l bags, 3x 3.78 l bags, 1x roll (28cm x 3m), 1x storage canister, 1x accessory hose
2 years
The device has just one button to work with so it's as easy to control as it gets.
Lacks a "seal only" function.
A budget-friendly model for those who hate the way frozen food loses taste, the FoodSaver FFS001 does the job as well as the high-end counterparts. It may lack some of the more intricate functions but even the basic sealing is good enough to store food for a long time.
Stationary
Kitchen
Vacuum and Seal button, Progress indicators
Compatible with bags and film of any size, canisters, bottles, lunchboxes
5x 0.94 l bags, 5x 3.78 l bags, 1x accessory hose
2 years
Keep Things Fresh
There’s nothing better than food fresh from the oven, steaming, hot, and juicy, basically begging to be eaten. But cooking small pieces for every meal is completely impractical, especially if it’s something as time-consuming as a roast or delicate fish. Instead, consider using the FoodSaver Automated FSFSSL3840-060.
This modest appliance will help you extend the lifespan of any foodstuff you’ve cooked but, more than that, it will also keep the products fresh and looking good. Although the body of the device is littered with buttons, using it will be as easy as enjoying the food you preserve. You simply press a “Seal Only” button to close off a bag or container with freshly made food. Alternatively, if it’s a highly perishable product, go ahead and push the “Vacuum and Seal” button to suck all the air out of the container. This will slow the decaying process and keep foods like meat, fish, and fruit fresh for much longer.
We do wish that the device was a bit more flexible in terms of food type adjustment. As is, it only differentiates between two types: dry and moist. That’s already pretty good but a bit more control would have been a bonus for sure. What we did like was the fact that, even if you accidentally set the food type as dry, the device will switch over to moist if it detects any liquid. That way you’ll never mess up the sealing process.
Retain the Bouquet
Although most people would associate a device like the FoodSaver Automated FSFSSL3840-060 with the process of covering your food in film and sealing it off, this appliance works just as well with any container type. If you want your child’s lunchbox to keep its contents fresh longer, simply use the integrated retractable hose to drain any air out of the container and leave it vacuum sealed. Similarly, if you’re an aficionado of good drinks, you’ll likely appreciate the wine stopper that comes with the purchase. Simply plug it into an opened bottle to preserve the taste and rich bouquet of a good wine.
You might be tempted to use the FoodSaver vacuum machine on all of the food you cook from now on, but we advise exercising caution. If you run the device for too long with no interruptions, it gets quite hot and you could easily burn your fingers if you touch the wrong part. Still, everything’s good in moderation and the rule applies here too.
There’s so much to praise about the FoodSaver Automated FSFSSL3840-060 that we almost forgot to mention that it can also marinate meat, making the cooking process just a bit more easier on you. Couple that with all of the aforementioned advantages and you get a truly excellent kitchen appliance for preserving food.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B007RYOS5K |
Off to a Great Start
If you’ve never used a food-saving machine before but feel ready to give it a go, you should try one that makes the start easy. For example, we’d recommend the FoodSaver FFS013, a model that boasts simple controls and an excellent extras package that sets you off with a head start.
This vacuum machine comes with a slew of accessories, including ten small bags for packaging of individual foodstuffs and ten large ones, for those holiday dinners where you end up with half a chicken left uneaten. You also receive two rolls of film for wrapping any products that might not fit easily into a bag. Plus, there’s the hose that lets you vacuum seal any container, including lunch boxes, canisters, and more. All of that should be more than enough to last you several months of active food preservation.
With that arsenal, you’ll likely be itching to get started on your journey in food preservation. Doing so is easy since the FoodSaver FFS013 is controlled by just a few buttons. First, you choose whether you want to seal the container or create a vacuum and then seal it. The difference can be pretty substantial when it comes to easily perishable products. Also, don’t forget to set the food type: dry or moist. Sadly, this model doesn’t have the advanced technology of the more expensive competitors, which can detect liquid automatically and change the type without any input from you.
Small but Powerful
The FoodSaver FFS013 is also one of the more compact models we’ve seen, oriented horizontally instead of vertically. You can easily slide it into a corner in your kitchen and forget all about it until you need to preserve some food again. However, don’t let the modest size fool you, this vacuum machine is quite powerful and seals off a bag of meat in a matter of minutes. Although you can’t choose the speed level, you can still track the progress via special indicators. That way you can organize your time accordingly while the FoodSaver FFS013 does all the work. However, make sure you’ve closed the lid of the FoodSaver FFS013 properly or those progress indicators won’t fill up at all. It seems like that takes a bit of an effort so don’t hesitate to push it a bit hard. Other than that, though, the design is just fine with no faults that we could spot.
All in all, we have to praise the FoodSaver FFS013 for ease of use, smart design, and quick operation. Although it’s a bit more basic than most of its high-end competitors, it’s no less efficient, offering quality mixed with simplicity.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £62.93 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B0146ROEHC |
Save Your Food, Save Your Money
The Foodsaver FFS005 Vacuum Sealing System will help you keep your food products fresh up to five times longer in comparison to traditional preservation methods. The appliance boasts the power of 140 Watts that provides fast and effective air removal from a bag. Five 0.94-litre and five 3.78-litre bags are included so you can use the sealer as soon as you bring it home. And if you need to preserve large quantities of food in one go, you’ll definitely find the roll included in the box useful. Thanks to a special roll storage space and a cutting facility, sealing big-sized foodstuffs will not be a problem. One more advantage of this model is a retractable hose that gives you a chance to remove air from food containers and bottles – quite a useful function, isn’t it?
To keep sealed food with the maximum convenience, we recommend you to consider one of the side-by-side refrigerators reviewed on our site.
Marinate in Minutes
Although the Foodsaver FFS005 Vacuum Sealing System has a lot of buttons on the control panel, we want to reassure you that handling the device is as easy as it can be. Control buttons are marked with signs, not words, that’s why it’ll take you some time to learn what each button is used for. But as soon as you remember their functions, using the appliance will become a fast and simple process. Moreover, light indicators located near every button inform you which function is currently being performed. As for the sealing process itself, it is carried out with only one button. However, you can adjust sealing parameters by changing operation speed and choosing dry/ moist mode. Pulse button will come in handy to vacuum seal fragile food products (cookies, snacks, crisps, etc.) because this very option gives you full control over the sealing process. One more advantage you’ll like about the Foodsaver vacuum sealer is its vertical design. By this we mean it can be stored in a vertical position when not in use, thus clearing space for other kitchen appliances.
In addition to all common functions a vacuum sealer usually possesses, the Foodsaver FFS005 boasts a marinate mode that may become helpful in situations when you need to quickly organise a BBQ party. To marinate fish or meat in the twinkling of an eye, you’ll need to buy a special container from the Foodsaver company, put ingredients inside, season them, close the lid, and connect a built-in hose. As soon as you do it, choose marinate (with all other models) mode on the container and push an accessory button on the sealer. The appliance will remove the air from the container in several seconds and you’ll be able to cook freshly marinated fish/meat in 10 minutes.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £153.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01HRSEUWQ |
Not Just for Food
This might sound crazy for a bit but just hear us out. What if you could use your vacuum-sealing machine for more than just food and, thus, really get your money’s worth? That’s absolutely possible if you take advantage of the powerful FoodSaver V2860-IUK.
At first glance, it looks the same as any other product in the FoodSaver lineup with a modestly-sized body and just a few buttons on top. But this model is specifically created to be more powerful than most others, dealing with harder tasks and sealing larger containers. This means that if you’re looking to protect a fur coat while you move houses or store it for winter, you can seal its packaging with this machine.
We do have to say that power usually comes at a cost so the FoodSaver V2860-IUK is a bit louder than some other models we’ve seen. However, it’s not that significant of an issue and the device works pretty fast so it shouldn’t bother you that much.
But let’s not dwell on the power only as the device has plenty else to offer. For example, we have to commend it for making a double-stitch every time it seals a container, thus preventing it from being torn open by accident. And if you’re really worried about air leaks, you can use the “Seal only” button to do another pass at the container and seal it even tighter.
Freedom of Control
We’ve mentioned that the FoodSaver V2860-IUK has several buttons and what that means for you is that you have more freedom of control. For example, you can choose one of 3 sealing speeds or pick the food type being sealed (dry or moist). Also, there’s a choice between sealing the container or creating a vacuum and then sealing it, which is vital for some of the foods that perish faster. You can also supposedly track the sealing progress via the indicators but we found them to be less than informative as they don’t really show you how much time is left, so you can only estimate it.
When you buy the FoodSaver V2860-IUK, you get several handy accessories such as 6 bags for food, a roll of packing film for softer products (fruit, meat etc), and a storage canister that can be used to preserve any object you need to. Although we’ve seen bigger bonus packages, this is still a nice bonus to an already great product.
So if you want true power from your food preserver, the FoodSaver V2860-IUK is a device you cannot miss. It’s multi-functional, efficient, and overall one of the more advanced in the FoodSaver lineup. Though it’s not the cheapest, the quality is absolutely worth it.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B002C7E1RC |
A Tight Seal on Your Budget
Although many people seem to consider food-sealing vacuum machines to be an accessory only for the well-off, that’s not entirely true. Preserving your food is a sure sign of a thrifty person and you don’t necessarily have to buy the most expensive model. For example, the FoodSaver FFS001 is a perfectly serviceable budget-friendly vacuum machine.
Though it may be more affordable than its newer counterparts, this model doesn’t lag behind in terms of convenience. The body of the appliance has just one button, which obviously makes control really easy. You just press it and the device vacuum seals any container you put in. Although we wouldn’t have minded a button that just seals, as it’s a good way to keep the container reinforced against tearing.
While the device works pretty fast, you might still want to check the progress indicators while it’s on to make sure that things are going smoothly. Speaking of smooth, we really liked the compact and slick design of the FoodSaver FFS001. Finding space for this device will be easy even if you have a pretty small kitchen. Even the hose aperture is placed right on top of the machine for more ergonomic use.
Extend the Lifespan
You might think that a cheaper model like the FoodSaver FFS001 only has the bare necessities but you’d be wrong. The product comes with several handy accessories such as two sets of five bags. One set has the smaller packaging while the other is intended for big dishes as the bags there have a nearly 4 l capacity. Plus, you, of course, get a hose for vacuum sealing containers that don’t fit into the machine’s standard slot. The bags are especially important for those working on a budget as they should last a long time before you have to buy new ones, meaning you save even more money than you’d expect.
And if you’re wondering how effective a simple vacuum machine like that could be, just consider the fact that it helps keep fish fresh for several years and cheeses, which usually spoil in a week, can be preserved for up to 8 months. It’s especially handy in the summer, when you want vitamins from fresh fruit but, alas, it spoils in a day or two. The FoodSaver FFS001 will extend its lifespan to two weeks, which may not seem like much but is literally a 14x improvement.
Even though this model might not offer cutting-edge technology like some of its competitors, it’s still boasting high quality, fast operation, and results that are no worse than what you get from a more expensive model. It’s a perfect choice if you have limited funds or simply don’t want to splurge on an appliance that simple.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B00ORTVT2S |
What Is a Food Saver?
We need our meals to be cooked from fresh ingredients to keep healthy and we want them to be delicious to enjoy eating. Any kind of food requires proper storage conditions so it doesn't go bad. So far, the best way to prevent food surface from drying out and to stop bacteria from spreading is to vacuum seal meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and cooked meals before you refrigerate them. Removing the air surrounding foods will help significantly prolong their shelf life in the fridge, preserve taste and texture, and avoid freezer burn during long storage. You can also seal the foods you keep in the pantry; in any case, you will be impressed by the results. Buying in bulk and using a FoodSaver machine for vacuum sealing foods will help you save up to $2,700 per year, not to mention the time and effort you'll save. With all the ingredients in stock, cooking is so much simpler; you can refrigerate or freeze pre-cooked dinners and leftovers; you can use foods sealed in FoodSaver bags for sous vide cooking. We have made a selection of the best food saver machines for you to choose the one that suits you best.
If you are going to freeze ground meat, we recommend buying a powerful meat grinder. To quickly chop veggies before you put them in the freezer, get a quality food processor.
What Features to Compare
So, you've made up your mind to buy a FoodSaver system. Here are some tips to keep in mind to choose the appliance that suits your needs.
Operation Type
This is the first thing to consider while selecting a FoodSaver sealer. The manufacturer offers both automatically and manually operated models. Automatic vacuum sealers are more convenient in use. They are equipped with a handy roll saver and a built-in bag cutter for making customised bags for various foods. A unique bag detection feature makes the process even easier - the sealing will start automatically when you place a bag's open end into the appliance. Such an appliance is a great choice if you buy in bulk and want to process more food in less time.
Manual FoodSaver machines have no roll saver or bag cutter. An easy lock latch closure is used to secure the bag during the sealing process. However, they are more cost-effective and do their job just as well, although a little slower.
Design and Application Area
There are three main types of FoodSaver machines:
- Counter-top vacuum sealers. As the name suggests, they are designed to be used on your countertop. Most of these functional devices have special vacuum and speed settings for processing almost any kind of foods including juicy and delicate ones. They work with rolls and heat-seal bags and have an accessory port and (optionally) a handheld sealer attachment for sealing zipper bags, canisters, and containers. If your FoodSaver system is not equipped with the attachment, you can buy it additionally.
- Handheld vacuum sealers will come in handy for vacuum sealing containers and zipper bags. The good thing is that they are portable and require less space for storage. The downside is that you can't use them with rolls or heat-seal bags.
- Wild game vacuum sealers were created for avid fishermen and hunters. These portable appliances feature heavy-duty performance and are perfect for processing fish and game right at a campsite. Thoughtfully designed, they will help you vacuum seal foods as quickly as possible.
Convenience and Extras
The last things to consider are conveniences and extras. 2 vacuum speeds will help you easily process even delicate foods; moist and dry food settings will help you create perfect storage conditions for any kind of food. An Instant Seal technology enables you to stop vacuuming and start the sealing process whenever you need, to prevent crushing delicate items. Marinate mode allows you to marinate meat and fish in a matter of minutes. A removable dishwasher-safe drip tray makes cleaning as easy as possible. User-friendly indicator lights can help you monitor the process in its progress while an auto shut-off feature will turn the unit off when sealing is complete.
As for the extras, most FoodSaver machines come with a starter kit that usually includes a FoodSaver roll for making customised bags and several quart-sized and gallon-sized heat-seal bags. Sometimes, zipper bags are also included.
You are welcome to choose the best of the best food savers on the market!
Did you know?
Nowadays, since we have refrigerators, freezers, and vacuum sealing machines, keeping foods fresh has become an easy task. But it wasn't always like that. From the beginning of human history, preserving foods had been as crucial as growing and harvesting them. To survive a harsh winter, people had to have a good stock of food. So, let's look at the ways humanity has invented, discovered, and improved to store foods and keep them nutritious as long as possible.
- One of the earliest methods known for at least 14,000 years is dehydrating foods. In addition to the sun and wind, a fire was used for creating the heat for drying, curing, and smoking. Dehydrated foods retain their mineral, and protein content pretty well. For better preservation and taste, salt was often added when processing meat and fish. Actually, this method is good (and was used) for the vast majority of food products. Today, you can significantly prolong dried fruit and vegetables storage time if you vacuum seal them. For even longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze them.
- In regions with freezing temperatures in winter, a simple and natural way to keep foods fresh was to freeze them.
- Both in summer and in winter, naturally cool places, such as caves, cold streams, and cellars were used for keeping food at low temperature and thus preventing their spoilage ages before the refrigerator was invented. Root cellars are still used nowadays, providing the dark and cool environment and enough space for storing vegetables, fruit, fermented and pickled foods. Actually, they can be used for storing almost any kind of food (as they actually were), including perishables such as meat and dairy products.
- Discovering fermentation not only helped ancient people to preserve edibles. Turning starch-derived sugars into alcohol, microorganisms can change both flavour and properties of food. They can even produce vitamins, allowing to create nutritious and tasty foods and drinks, such as sauerkraut, wine, and beer. No wonder the method is still widely used all over the world.
- Pickling is not only a great way to preserve foods. With herbs and spices added, pickled vegetables and delectable sauces give more flavour and taste to your meals. This wonderful feature was and is especially appreciated during a cold winter season when there is a lack of fresh delicious vegetables and greens.
- Canning is so widely used nowadays that is hard to believe it was only invented a couple of hundreds of years ago. In addition to destroying germs in the processed foods, it helps to create a vacuum seal protecting the can contents from recontamination. As you can see, this way is somewhat similar to vacuum sealing that keeps the air out.
- Jamming and jellying fruit and some vegetables is an effective and delicious way to enjoy their taste during a winter season. All through the ages, fruits were kept in honey, a unique natural preservative. Later, people learned that heating fruit with sugar is a great alternative to drying them, especially in northern climates.
Sources:
1. Storing food safely, nidirect.
2. Vacuum packing, Wikipedia. January 17, 2018.
3. Are You Storing Food Safely? FDA. April 9, 2014.
4. Food storage, Wikipedia. February 7, 2018.
5. How to store food and leftovers, NHS Choices. June 27, 2016.
6. Sarah Humphreys How to Store Food in the Refrigerator, RealSimple.com.
7. Leftovers and Food Safety, FSIS.
8. Refrigerator Thermometers: Cold Facts about Food Safety, FDA. November 15, 2017.
9. Caroline Hire Top tips on freezing food, BBC Good Food.
10. Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D., L.R.D. Food Freezing Guide, NDSU. April 25, 2017.