At a Glance
- The Nesco Deluxe Vacuum Sealer VS-12 tops 2026 rankings for performance and ease of use
- Anova’s basic model is the quickest starter pick, while FoodSaver’s handheld shines for tight budgets
- Chamber units like the Anova Precision Pro cater to serious preservers and small-batch chefs
- Why it matters: Proper sealing can double freezer life and speed week-night prep, saving money and food waste
The 2026 vacuum-sealer market is crowded, but one countertop unit keeps rising above the rest. After side-by-side testing of more than a dozen machines, the Nesco Deluxe VS-12 delivers the strongest, most intuitive seal for everyday cooks, according to a new review by News Of Los Angeles.
How the Test Worked
Amanda S. Bennett, a culinary-school graduate and food writer, assessed every machine on three core tasks:
- Creating an oxygen-free seal on sliced avocado
- Protecting delicate cereal without crushing flakes
- Containing tomato sauce without liquid getting sucked into the motor
Extra credit went to clear displays, low noise, and thoughtful extras such as pulse control or built-in bag cutters.
Best Overall: Nesco Deluxe VS-12
Key numbers: About $120 street price, 15-inch width, push-down lock bar
The VS-12 won on nuance. Its handle locks with one downward press-no sliding or second-guessing. A back-lit screen counts down each vacuum-and-seal stage, ending the mystery of blinking lights found on rivals. A side port plus hose lets users seal canisters for flour or wine. The kit ships with a starter roll and a few precut quart bags, getting most kitchens up and running within minutes.
Trade-off: the boxy plastic shell looks utilitarian next to sleek stainless competitors.
Easiest Starter Pick: Anova Precision Culinary (Basic)
Price: Roughly $80, footprint slightly smaller than Nesco’s
Setup is near-instant: plug in, insert bag edge, press “Vacuum Seal.” The modest price and fool-proof operation make it the go-to for occasional bulk shoppers or sous-vide beginners who don’t need canister ports or pulse buttons.
Upgrade path: the Culinary Pro adds pulse, marinate mode, and a stainless facade for about $60 more.
Best Compact Countertop: InstaSeal Upright
Footprint: 5 by 5 inches of counter, stands 11 inches tall
Bags thread through a top slot; gravity keeps liquids away from heating elements. No pulse setting exists, so crunchy snacks need a careful touch, but the vertical shape tucks beside a toaster and handles soups better than flat beds.
Most Versatile Splurge: Anova Precision Chamber
Cost: Around $350, weight 30 pounds
Instead of suction, a pressure chamber removes air evenly-ideal for jars, pickled veggies, or infused oils. Programs include normal/strong vacuum, compress/pickle, infuse/extract, and dry/cool. A front timer and stainless interior signal prosumer quality. The heft and price limit it to devoted food-preservers or small catering outfits.
Budget Handheld Hero: FoodSaver Cordless
Typical price: $40, recharges via micro-USB
Handheld sealers work with zip bags that carry a circular valve. This FoodSaver unit pulses on demand, protecting herbs or chips, and stores in a drawer next to measuring spoons. One charge lasts roughly 40 quart-size cycles; bags are washable and reusable, cutting plastic use.
Plastic-Free Alternative: AirTender Manual Set
Price: About $70, includes pump plus five universal lids
A small pump pulls air through a rubber valve you punch into existing jar or can lids. Great for half-eaten salsa, wine, or guacamole, but impractical for freezer load-ups. The kit adds a bottle aerator, turning it into a dual-use bar gadget.
What Didn’t Make the Cut
- Anova Culinary Port Handheld – works well, but bulkier shape than FoodSaver’s
- Zwilling Fresh & Save – sleek and glass-focused, yet higher price for mostly containers
- Dash SuperSeal – cute copper look, but magnetic cutter failed during testing
- FoodSaver Elite All-in-One Liquid Plus – upright for jars, yet controls felt over-engineered
Buying Guide: Four Quick Questions
| Question | Pick |
|---|---|
| First sealer, tight budget? | Anova basic or FoodSaver handheld |
| Weekly meal-prep for family? | Nesco VS-12 |
| Small urban kitchen? | InstaSeal upright |
| Jars, pickles, cocktails? | Anova chamber |
Key Takeaways
- Pulse control matters for delicate foods; without it, cereal audibly crumbles under full suction
- Expect countertop models to range $75-$150; chamber units land near $350
- Handheld sealers run $20-$80 and suit light, plastic-saving duty
- Whatever the brand, only use bags engineered for vacuum sealing-standard zip bags leak air and defeat the purpose
Choose the sealer that matches your space, budget, and how often you buy or cook in bulk. The right pick can stretch groceries for months and turn week-night dinners into sealed, marinated, ready-to-cook portions.
