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Vacuum Food Sealers: Ratings of Sources

Total of 15 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. Cook's Illustrated Magazine
Aug. 1, 2009
Vacuum Sealers
by Editors of Cook's Illustrated
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of Cook's Illustrated magazine test eight vacuum sealers -- two handheld models and six freestanding sealers -- by sealing ground coffee, fresh strawberries, raw steak, chicken breasts and a fully cooked Thanksgiving dinner. Each package was then frozen and evaluated after two weeks, one month and two months for signs of failed seals and freezer burn. In addition, editors discuss ease of use and seal quality. One expensive model is highly recommended, but editors recommend two more affordable models as well.
2. Amazon.com
As of Feb. 2011
Vacuum Sealers
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentBecause so many of the professional reviews we found for vacuum sealers are older, user reviews posted to Amazon.com become very important for assessing long-term performance durability. Amazon.com lists quite a few discontinued models, making it time-consuming to weed through reviews. Still, this is the best place to find recent feedback on available vacuum sealers. No food sealers receive excellent average scores, but a few FoodSaver models (some of which are discontinued) receive comparatively higher ratings.
3. ConsumerReports.org
June 2008
Two Products Promise Fresh Food
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors test the Reynolds Handi-Vac Sealer, an inexpensive device that removes air from a zip bag of food destined for the freezer. The manufacturer claims that this battery-operated device "virtually eliminates freezer burn." ConsumerReports.org tests the claim by freezing sealed steaks for a month and finds that the device lives up to the claim. A FoodSaver model is also tested in this free report.
4. Good Housekeeping
Feb. 20, 2010
Vacuum Sealers for Food Storage Tested
by Editors of Good Housekeeping
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentGood Housekeeping tests four vacuum food sealers, including one that is designed specifically for coffee beans and one handheld model. Editors placed moisture-sensitive beads in each bag or canister and waited to see if they would change color. The FoodSaver V2860 Advanced Design aces the test, as does the less expensive Reynolds Handi-Vac. Three of the four tested models in this report have been discontinued. This video is no longer available on the Good Housekeeping website, but it can be viewed at AOL's British site.
5. Fine Cooking
March 12, 2008
Hand-held Vacuum Sealers
by Lisa Waddle
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLisa Waddle tests the Reynolds Handi-Vac and the Vacu-Seal by PackMate, both of which use specially designed bags. These vacuum food sealers remove nearly all the air from the bags. Waddle writes of these sealers, "They work well for long-term storage, but because resealing is unreliable, are less effective for food you use frequently, such as cheese or cereal." Now that the Vacu-Seal has been discontinued, this review is less useful.
6. Cabelas.com
As of Feb. 2011
Vacuum Sealers
by Contributors to Cabelas.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCabela's sells about a dozen vacuum sealers, most of which are designed for professional use or heavy-duty tasks such as packaging game. The $450 Cabela's CG-15 is the highest-rated vacuum sealer on the site, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on nearly 200 owner-written reviews. Reviewers say that this model is expensive, but worth the money for the durability it offers. This site is worth a look if you need a food sealer to process larger amounts of fish and game.
7. All-About-Italian-Food.com
Not Dated
Best Food Vacuum Sealer
by Ana Maria da Costa
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAna Maria da Costa, who runs this enthusiast website dedicated to Italian cooking, recommends four vacuum sealers, providing brief and general descriptions of each recommended model. Picks include two discontinued FoodSaver models, the still-current FoodSaver V2040 Vacuum-Packaging System and the Rival Seal-a-Meal VS107 Vacuum Food Sealer. It's not clear whether the author has used the models listed.
8. About.com
Not Dated
Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealer Ergonomic Product Review
by Chris Adams
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentChris Adams, About.com's guide to ergonomics, tests the Reynolds Handi-Vac. Adams says the Handi-Vac can do 90 percent of what more expensive countertop models can do, and it's inexpensive and compact. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
9. Chowhound.com
July 2009
Any Alternatives to FoodSaver?
by Contributors to Chowhound.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAt Chowhound.com, a forum for food enthusiasts, a user asks for vacuum sealer recommendations. Contributors say Pro and Sinbo both make reliable vacuum sealers.
10. Cooking.com
As of Feb. 2011
Vacuum Sealers
by Contributors to Cooking.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis online cookware store allows customers to post reviews. There are just a few vacuum sealers sold, each with a handful of reviews. The other products included in the search results are bags and related accessories.
11. Viewpoints.com
As of Feb. 2011
Vacuum Sealers
by Contributors to Viewpoints.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAbout half a dozen food savers are reviewed on this consumer review site. The Reynolds Handi-Vac maintains an average rating of 4 stars out of 5, based on more than 50 owner-written reviews. The main complaint is that the batteries don't last very long. The FoodSaver V3840 is also generally favorably reviewed, with about 20 owners contributing to an average rating of 3.95 out of a possible 5. Reviewers like the space-saving design of the V3840 as well as the money they save by using it to extend the life of foods.
12. KitchenContraptions.com
Oct. 17, 2008
Review: FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer -- Automatic Bag Sealing and Marination
by Editors of KitchenContraptions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of this blog regularly review a variety of kitchen products. This review compares the FoodSaver V3840 to traditional zipper freezer bags and also compares the marinating feature to a Vacu Vin marinator. After one month meats packaged with the FoodSaver V3840 were free of freezer burn, but the meats packaged in standard freezer bags did have freezer burn. The editors say their only complaint is that the V3840 is loud during use.
13. Epinions.com
As of Feb. 2011
Vacuum Sealers
by Contributors to Epinions.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEpinions.com has recently changed its format, making it nearly impossible to find customer reviews. Many of the models reviewed are no longer available, and those that are have just a few reviews each.
14. SurvivalSpeak.com
March 9, 2010
Update: Comment Request: What's the Best Vacuum Sealer?
by Editors of SurvivalSpeak.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentSurvivalSpeak.com is a blog dedicated to survival skills in outdoor and emergency situations. While the editors haven't conducted an in-depth, hands-on review, they do offer a brief discussion of the FoodSaver 3825 (sold only at Costco, but identical to model V3840 sold in other stores) based on limited use. Feedback is positive; editors note that the construction of the unit seems sturdy and they expect it to last a number of years. They also note that permanent marker takes well to the bags.
15. DesertDogJournal.com
Aug. 18, 2009
Gear Review: FoodSaver V3840 Vacuum Sealer
by "Desert Dog "
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis individual product review covers the FoodSaver V3840. The author, a hiking enthusiast, uses this model primarily for packaging dry foods for backpacking, but notes that the marinade mode, canister mode and moist food modes are nice benefits for kitchen use. The review is detailed, offering images of both the machine and packaged foods; the author calls the FoodSaver V3840 a "must-have" item.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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