After reading dozens of customer reviews and comparing several popular vacuum sealers, we think the Aicok Vacuum Sealer 3-in-1 vacuum sealer is the best one for most homes. It’s affordable, takes little space on your counter and is easy to use.
The Andrew James 5-in-1 Vacuum Sealer is the most versatile option. It can seal in food, marinates, soups in canisters, valuables like jewellery, important papers and even clothes.
The Yocool 4-in-1 is the best compact vacuum sealer. It’s small and lightweight yet impressively efficient and powerful.
Best Vacuum Sealer: Our Top Picks [UK Market]
The Best Vacuum Sealer For Most People
Aicok Vacuum Sealer 3-in-1 Food Sealer
- 3 functions with just one button.
- Multiple modes to fit your needs.
- Includes bag roll.
- Includes cutter for cutting bags to size.
The Most Versatile Vacuum Sealer
Andrew James 5 in 1 Food Vacuum Sealer
- Powerful suction for quick air removal and sealing.
- Can also seal canisters.
- Ideal for safely storing paperwork, jewellery and other valuables.
- Versatile modes and settings.
The Best Compact Vacuum Sealer
Yocool 4-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine
- Compact and lightweight – ideal for travelling.
- Strong suction for fast vacuum sealing.
- Multiple modes and settings.
What is a Vacuum Sealer?
What makes food go bad?
Often, it’s because of microorganisms. If food is kept above a certain temperature for too long, these microorganisms multiply and begin to break down food. Thus the food begins to get stale or rancid.
Most of these microscopic organisms need oxygen to survive and produce. Sometimes oxygen itself can directly cause food to spoil through a process called oxidation.
So if you keep oxygen away from your stored food, it will last much longer than other foods exposed to oxygen. That’s what a vacuum sealer does.
It sucks air, which includes oxygen, out of a food storage bag. The vacuum left behind is devoid of oxygen and is thus unsuitable for the growth of food-spoiling bacteria and other microorganisms. It also prevents oxidation.
But isn’t refrigerating or freezing food good enough?
As I’m sure you already know, refrigerating doesn’t keep food fresh forever. Beyond 3-4 days, your food is headed for the bin. This is because the refrigerator is not cold enough to completely stop bacterial growth.
As for the freezer, it can keep food fresh for months but it comes with several downsides. One of the most common is freezer burn. This happens when moisture escapes from inside your stored food and is replaced by air. Oxidation causes discolouration. The food is still safe to eat but not a pretty sight to the eyes and tastes gross.
Secondly, your fridge freezer also cannot store foods for a really long time. The max for most foods is six months.
If you want to spoil-proof your food, vacuum-sealing is the way to go. Normal frozen meat lasts around 6 months. Vacuum-sealed frozen meat can last years and around 2 weeks when refrigerated. Vacuum-sealed vegetables stay fresh and crispy and dry foods stay dry.
You can vacuum-seal small portions of food in individual bags so that you only cook or thaw what you need. Vacuum sealing is also recommended for some sous vide recipes.
Vacuum sealers have gotten cheaper. You don’t have to buy a pricey commercial-grade one to store your food for long. There are plenty of affordable kitchen-friendly models you can buy.
What to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum Sealer
When it comes to vacuum sealers there are quite a few options on the market. Here is what you should consider.
Type of Vacuum Sealer
There are generally two types of vacuum sealers: internal and external.
Internal or chamber vacuum sealers make use of a chamber to vacuum-seal bags. The whole bag goes inside the chamber. Because they are more powerful and can seal multiple bags at a time, chamber vacuum sealers are more common in restaurants, groceries and other business environments.
External vacuum sealers are the more common types used at home. They are smaller and can only seal one bag at a time. The bag remains outside and only the opening is inserted into the machine.
Unless you store a lot of food (e.g. if you live in a farm), a compact external vacuum sealer is good enough.
Portability
If you are going to be using the vacuum sealer mostly at home, you can buy a larger countertop model. But if you want something you can travel with or use when you go camping or hunting, get a smaller portable model.
Bells and Whistles
Some of the useful extras to look for include special attachments for sealing jars, dishwasher-friendliness, anti-drip tray and dual dry/wet vacuum-sealing, auto/manual modes, canister sealing and integrated bag roll holder and cutter.
Here are my 3 favourite vacuum sealers. They are all easy to use, take up minimal space in your kitchen and come with a few extra functions you are going to love.
The Best Vacuum Sealers: Our 3 Favourites
Here are our 3 favourite mini ovens. They are all easy to use, come with a wide variety of functions and offer versatility despite their compact sizes.
The Best Vacuum Sealer For Most Homes
Aicok Vacuum Sealer 3-in-1 Food Sealer
- 3 functions with just one button.
- Multiple modes to fit your needs.
- Includes bag roll.
- Includes cutter for cutting bags to size.
The Most Versatile Vacuum Sealer
Andrew James 5 in 1 Food Vacuum Sealer
- Powerful suction for quick air removal and sealing.
- Can also seal canisters.
- Ideal for safely storing paperwork, jewellery and other valuables.
- Versatile modes and settings.
The Best Compact Vacuum Sealer
Yocool 4 in 1 Vacuum Sealer Machine
- Compact and lightweight – ideal for travelling.
- Strong suction for fast vacuum sealing.
- Multiple modes and settings.
Aicok Vacuum Sealer, 3 in 1 Review
The Best Vacuum Sealer for Most Homes
Pros:
- 3 functions with just one button.
- Multiple modes to fit your needs.
- Includes bag roll.
- Includes cutter for cutting bags to size.
Cons:
- Takes a bit of time to get used to it.
Overview
There are more powerful and advanced vacuum sealers in the market with more features than this one. But at its low price, the Aicok is a great bargain. It works well and fairly quickly, is easy to use (though it takes some getting used to) and there are several settings to suit different situations.
The machine is compact and lightweight. It measures 37cm across, 16cm wide and 7.8cm high. It weighs 1.6kg. It’s easy to pack in your travel bag when you hit the road for camping, picnics or hunting (needs a power source).
The compact size also means it takes up very little space on your counter. It’s a great addition that will not clutter your kitchen.
The 3-in-1 touch button is really convenient and perfect for when you need to seal food quickly. Just press the button and it empties the air out of the bag and seals it. LED lights show you the sealing progress. You also press the same button if you want to cancel the sealing process halfway.
There are two extra features that make this vacuum sealer even more convenient. The first is the bag roll that comes with it. You don’t have to buy any bags for a while when you buy this vacuum sealer.
The other feature is the cutter. It’s great for cutting the bags into the exact size you want. No need to use scissors.
What it Does Best
The Aicok is quite versatile. It comes with multiple modes and settings for use in different situations.
There is a dry/wet mode which comes in handy when you are sealing in marinated meat or soups. Activating the wet mode ensures the liquids are not suctioned into the machine.
There is also an automatic/manual mode. The automatic mode is activated by the 3-in-1 button that vacuums and seals at a go. To use the manual mode, there is a ‘Pulse Vacuum’ button. It gives you more control over the vacuuming pressure. For delicate foods like fish and some vegetables, you can vacuum for less time to ensure they are not squished.
There is also a ‘Manual Seal’ buttons that is handy when you just want to seal a bag without vacuum-sealing it. It’s also the button you use to seal one end of the bags you cut from the roller.
Flaws But Not Deal Breakers
Several customers say the machine is not very intuitive. It takes some getting used to. But most found it easy to use after just a couple of days. Once you figure out how to cut the bags, insert them into the sealer and work the buttons, you’ll be a pro.
Another minor issue mentioned by customers is that the cutter can be a bit fidgety to use. You can switch to scissors if you don’t like it.
What Other Customers Think
Many customers say that the Aicok is great for its price. They love how easy it is to use and how well it works.
With a positive rating of 88% (4 stars and above), it’s definitely a favourite for many.
Should You Buy it?
Definitely. It’s an amazing vacuum sealer that works better than its size (and price) suggests.
The Best Vacuum Sealer For Most Homes
Aicok Vacuum Sealer 3-in-1 Food Sealer
- 3 functions with just one button.
- Multiple modes to fit your needs.
- Includes bag roll.
- Includes cutter for cutting bags to size.
Andrew James 5 in 1 Food Vacuum Sealer Review
The Most Versatile Vacuum Sealer
Pros:
- Powerful suction for quick air removal and sealing.
- Can also seal canisters.
- Ideal for safely storing paperwork, jewellery and other valuables.
- Versatile modes and settings.
Cons:
- A bit bigger and heavier than most vacuum sealers.
- Pricey compared to other home vacuum sealers.
Overview
If you want to vacuum-seal more stuff beyond food, this is the best option. It’s a bit more expensive but its versatility is incomparable.
It’s fairly bigger and heavier than you standard kitchen vacuum sealer. It is 45.5cm long, 23cm wide and 12cm high. In contrast, the Aicok vacuum sealer above is 37cm by 16cm.
But it’s still small enough to fit on your countertop without taking up much space. At 2.7kg, it’s also heavier than the Aicok but still light enough to travel with.
The Andrew James vacuum sealer is easy to use. Buttons are arranged neatly at the top and there are easy-press lid releases on either end of the machine.
There is a bag roll holder inside and an integrated cutter. The sealer comes with a 6 metre roll of vacuum bags. So you don’t have to buy new bags immediately.
The bags are safe for the microwave, dishwasher, freezer and refrigerator. So you can directly take your vacuum-sealed food from the freezer or refrigerator and pop it into the microwave. When you are done, put it in the dishwasher and reuse it.
This vacuum sealer packs a powerful punch. Using a 110 Watt Motor, it can suction up to 9litres of air per minute. This speeds up vacuum sealing and allows you to seal larger bags that would take forever with other vacuum sealers.
What it Does Best
You are going to love the versatility of this vacuum sealer. When it comes to sealing food, there are several settings and modes available.
There is of course the usual 1-touch that vacuums and seals at a go. If you just want to seal the bag without vacuuming, there is a ‘Seal only’ button.
There is also a ‘Seal time’ button that lets you choose how long the machine runs. For ordinary sealing of small and mid-size bags, the normal option is ideal. For larger bags, the extended option keeps the sealer going for longer to ensure all the air is sucked out.
You can also seal canisters full of soup, stews or sauces. There is a ‘Canister Only’ button for that but you’ll need compatible canisters. You can buy them from the same company that sells this vacuum sealer.
Apart from bags and canisters, you can also seal in your important valuables such as jewellery and papers. This protects them from moisture damage and oxidation.
When travelling, you can also vacuum-seal your clothes. They will take up less space and keeps them from smelling mouldy.
Flaws But Not Deal Breakers
You’ll have to spend more on the Andrew James vacuum sealer but I think it’s worth it. It’s powerful, easy to use and conveniently versatile.
I’ve seen some complaints that the lid requires a lot of force to close properly. But this is not an issue if you only use the sealer a couple or so times a day.
There was also an issue with an older model where you had to hold up the lid when preparing your bag. In the updated model, the lid stays up on its own.
What Other Customers Think
This vacuum sealer has a 4.7/5 rating from almost 300 customer reviews. Despite the relatively high price tag, customers love it. For many it’s one kitchen tool they can’t do without.
Should You Buy it?
If you are on a budget and need a large mini oven for your family, I highly recommend this one. It’s a great all-round oven that’s easy to use.
The Most Versatile Vacuum Sealer
Andrew James 5 in 1 Food Vacuum Sealer
- Powerful suction for quick air removal and sealing.
- Can also seal canisters.
- Ideal for safely storing paperwork, jewellery and other valuables.
- Versatile modes and settings.
Yocool 4 in 1 Vacuum Sealer Machine Review
The Best Compact Vacuum Sealer
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight – ideal for travelling.
- Strong suction for fast vacuum sealing.
- Multiple modes and settings.
Cons:
- No integrated bag roll holder.
Overview
If you need a small but powerful vacuum sealer, get this Yocool 4-in-1 vacuum sealer machine. It uses dual motors to vacuum-seal bags really quickly. It can vacuum and seal an average sized bag in 10-20 seconds.
It measures 40cm long, 20cm wide and only 8cm high. Weighing just 1.8kg, you can easily take it with you on the road.
There is a bag roll and cutter included but no integrated roll holder.
What it Does Best
There are multiple modes and settings you can use depending on your needs.
There is the standard 1-touch button that does both vacuuming and sealing and another for manual sealing (handy for sealing bags at one end before placing food inside).
A pressure button allows you to reduce vacuum pressure when you are sealing in delicate foods like berries or fish. There is also a button for dry and wet mode. There are dedicated buttons for marinates and canisters.
Flaws But Not Deal Breakers
A built-in roll holder would have made it easier to unroll and cut bags. But you can just as easily unroll manually and use the integrated cutter to cut the bag.
What Other Customers Think
While not as popular as other vacuum sealers, the Yocool vacuum sealer has an almost perfect rating (4.9/5) from a couple dozen reviews.
Customers love how easy it is to use and all the functions and features it comes with.
Should You Buy it?
If you need an affordable vacuum sealer that’s more powerful and has more features than the Aicok Vacuum Sealer, this is a good buy. Just note that it costs more, though not as expensive as the Andrew James sealer.
The Best Compact Vacuum Sealer
Yocool 4 in 1 Vacuum Sealer Machine
- Compact and lightweight – ideal for travelling.
- Strong suction for fast vacuum sealing.
- Multiple modes and settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does vacuum sealed food last?
In a freezer, vacuum sealed food can last 2-3 years while remaining fresh compared to about 6 months for food that’s not vacuum sealed. In a refrigerator, vacuum sealed food stays fresh for 1-2 weeks compared to about 1-3 days when you store food in a non-vacuum container or bag.
2. Which foods should you not vacuum seal?
You can vacuum seal just about any food except raw garlic, onions, mushrooms and soft cheeses. Vacuum sealing these foods encourages the growth of anaerobic bacteria that are harmful to your health, even potentially lethal.
3. Is a vacuum sealer worth it?
A vacuum sealer is definitely worth it. By keeping food fresh for much longer, it reduces food waste and saves you money.
One trick is to get discounted groceries that are close to their sell-by date and vacuum seal them. You get to save on groceries while ensuring everything stays fresh.
