Best Vacuum Sealers for 2026

Type of vacuum machines

Vacuum sealers basically come in four different levels: starter models, whose functions basically include “vacuum” and “sealing”; upgraded models with additional features such as ‘pulse’, ‘marinate’ or ‘infuse’ functions; chamber vacuum machines that can also accommodate cans; and portable models that work with resealable bags that have an available port for sucking air.

Although all of the vacuum machines I tested were capable of performing the vacuum and sealing functions fairly consistently, ease of use and suction power and control tended to be deciding factors. I think models with a “pulse” feature are usually worth the extra coin. Controlling the vacuum is very important when dealing with delicate foods. (There was a noticeable difference when sealing rice cereal, which was audibly crushed by sealers without a pulse option.) If you’re primarily sealing proteins for storage in the freezer, this won’t matter much.

Vacuum machine size

Sous vide machines can be as small as something that fits in a drawer, all the way up to models that will require significant counter or shelf space, which may be a deal breaker for you. Some have a compartment in the structure to hold a roll of bag, while some smaller models do not.

Vacuum bag size

Vacuum machines that come with bag rolls allow you to create custom-sized bags, while some models rely on pre-cut or resealable bags of several different sizes.