Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
- View and Download FoodSaver Freshsaver reference manual online. Handheld Vacuum System. Freshsaver Food Saver pdf manual download.
- Click here to download FoodSaver product instruction manuals. The #1 Vacuum Sealing System! Sign up for our FreshBucks Rewards program to earn points and exclusive offers.
Handheld FoodSaver vacuum sealers can be used with Foodsaver bags, food storage containers, and canisters as part of the brand’s patented Food Preservation System. FoodSaver bags have a vacuum-sealing hole where the handheld sealer attaches, removes air, and seals. FoodSaver containers can hold everything from leftovers to garden vegetables.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: FoodSaver FM5200-000 at Amazon
“Has buttons for wet or dry foods canisters and instant sealing.”
Runner-Up, Best Overall:Crenova VS100 at Amazon
“It works in only a few seconds and is easy (and quiet!) to use.”
Foodsaver Freshsaver Instructions
Best Budget:Nesco VS-02 at Amazon
“This vacuum sealer has many of the features of expensive vacuum sealers.”
Runner-Up, Best Budget:Seal-a-Meal Manual Vacuum Sealer at Amazon
“Boasts a compact design, indicator lights, and a removable drip tray.”
Best Compact:Geryon Compact Automatic Vacuum Sealer at Amazon
“Reviewers love the compact size and lightweight design.”
Best High-End:Weston Commercial Grade Vacuum Sealer at Amazon
“A commercial grade countertop machine with 935-watts of power.”
Best Handheld:FoodSaver FSFRSH0055 at Amazon
“This has a charging stand, so it works cordlessly.”
Best Overall: FoodSaver FM5200-000 Vacuum Sealer Plus Starter Kit
Very GoodOne of the latest FoodSaver models, this one has two different areas for sealing. When you pull out a length of bag material and cut it, you make the first seal on the next bag at the same time. Then, once the bag is filled, you insert the open end of the bag into a slot to vacuum the air out and seal it.
The vacuum sealer machine also has an integrated attachment for vacuum-sealing special canisters, special vacuum zipper bags, or for using the optional accessories that seal wine bottles or canning jars.
This has buttons for wet or dry foods, canisters, quick marinating, accessories, pulsing, and instant sealing, so you’ll always use the right amount of vacuum suction. There is an integrated attachment for using this with canisters and accessories, and a drip tray to catch any moisture that might get sucked out of the bag during vacuuming.
This unit makes its seals closer to the cut edge of the bag material, so there is much less waste compared to previous FoodSaver models. There is a clear window where the bag is inserted for vacuuming, so you can make sure it’s straight and make sure you’re not wasting plastic bag.
This comes with a starter kit that includes one 11-inch by 10-foot roll of bag material, three quart-size bags, two gallon-size bags, three quart-size vacuum zipper bags, and two gallon-size vacuum zipper bags. There are other models sold without the starter kit if you prefer.
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Crenova VS100 Vacuum Sealer Updated Food Saver Machine
While it’s made to keep food like meat, fruits, nuts, and snacks fresh longer, you can also use this vacuum sealing system to keep things like papers and stuffed toys from getting dusty. It works in only a few seconds and is easy (and quiet!) to use. A few of its noteworthy features include a stainless steel case, LED indicator lights, and a flexible manual pulse function. The sealer even comes with 10 bags to get you started.
The majority of customers have been pleased with the overall performance and ease-of-use of this sealer with many saying the pulse button is amazing (it allows you to control the air that is removed, meaning you can prevent it from taking all the juice out of food like steak). Some had issues with parts breaking or the seal not being tight enough, but most people were happy with their product and would recommend it to others.
Best Budget: Nesco VS-02 Food Vacuum Sealing System with Bag Starter Kit
This vacuum sealer has many of the features of more expensive vacuum sealers but at a lower price point. It has integrated storage for rolls of bag material as well as an integrated cutter for making custom-sized bags.
It has one-touch vacuuming with auto shut-off and sealing for standard foods, and a seal-only button so you can stop the process to seal delicate or crushable foods. It also has a feature that will extend the sealing time when you’re sealing potentially wet foods or for tighter sealing.
This comes with two rolls of 8.66- by 9.8-inch bag material, five 8.66- by 11.8-inch bags and five 11.0- by 11.8-inch bags.
Runner Up, Best Budget: Seal-a-Meal Manual Vacuum Sealer
This budget vacuum sealer boasts a compact designed, indicator lights that show the sealing progress, and a removable drip tray for easy cleaning. This sealer can accommodate the standard-sized bags made by FoodSave and other companies, including 8-inch rolls, 11-inch rolls, and gallon-sized pre-made bags.
An Open/Cancel button stops the process if you need to stop or adjust something and opens the lid when the process is done. This offers hands-free operation so you can walk away while it works – just press down on the lid until the hands-free indicator lights up and you’re done.
This doesn’t have all the bells and whistles or special settings available on higher end models, but it’s easy to operate and works well for users who have basic needs. It includes four quart-size bags.
Best Compact: Geryon Compact Automatic Vacuum Sealer
This compact vacuum sealer doesn’t include some of the bells and whistles that the big boys do, but it does the one thing you buy it for – it vacuums and seals bags for freezing, food storage, and sous vide cooking.
This can use any brand of vacuum-sealer bag rolls up to 12 inches wide, or with pre-made quart or gallon-sized bags. To seal bags, you place the end into the machine and press down to lock it in place, then press the vacuum button. A sealing indicator shows the progress, or you can stop the vacuuming at any point to seal the bag before it is fully vacuumed, which is great for delicate foods. You can also operate the sealing function without vacuuming first, which is great for making bags.
To get you started, this includes five 7.8 x 11.8 inch bags and one 7.8 x 78 inch roll of bag material. This does not have a bag cutter or integrated bag storage.
Best High-End: Weston Pro-2300 Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Vacuum Sealer
If your vacuum-sealing needs exceed normal household use, or if you love having restaurant-quality equipment at home, you should consider this option. It’s great for hunters and fishers, or those who tend to buy meat in bulk at the grocery store. It’s also perfect for people who want a quick way to marinate their meat.
This commercial grade countertop machine has a double piston vacuum-pump with 935-watts of power to seal your food in a matter of minutes. The extra wide 5mm seal bar ensures a consistent and tight seal with no leaks. You can seal a variety of different sized bags, and the manual seal mode gives you complete control over the amount of pressure so you can expertly seal delicate foods without crushing them.
You can also use this machine with coins and other valuables to keep them safe from air and moisture.
Best Handheld: FoodSaver FSFRSH0055 FreshSaver Handheld Vacuum-Sealing System
If you need quick, short-term vacuum sealing, this cordless unit works with FoodSaver vacuum zipper bags and deli containers. It operates with one simple button, and the dishwasher-safe nozzle catches any liquids that are removed during the vacuuming process.
This has a charging stand, so it works cordlessly, so you can take it where you need it. Two vacuum zipper bags are included.
This can be used for short-term freezing, just as you might use standard zipper bags for freezing, but for long-term freezing, the heat-sealed bags are a better option.
Qvc
Products Tested byThe Spruce
How We Tested
Our reviewers spent four hours testing one of our readers' favorite vacuum sealers. To get the most comprehensive results, they set it up at home and experimented with sealing meats, vegetables, and more (including a smartphone). We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using this vacuum sealer, from its footprint to its extra features (like buttons for sealing wet foods). We've outlined the key points here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Vacuum Sealer
Special features Higher-end machines tend to have special buttons (for things like pulsing or sealing wet foods), and some might also have the ability to seal more than bags (like containers for marinating foods). More basic models come at a lower price point with fewer features, but they tend to take up less space and work well if you don’t need the extra amenities.
Bag storage Do you want a vacuum sealer that stores bag rolls? The rolls will always be on hand and the machine will cut the bags to length. On the other hand, if the rolls don’t store inside the unit, you’ll have two separate things to keep track of, but the units themselves tend to be more compact.
Included extras There’s no doubt that you’ll eventually need to buy extra sealing bags and rolls, but some machines include a variety of both so you can decide which you prefer before you purchase more.
Test Results: FoodSaver FM5200-000 Vacuum Sealer Plus Starter Kit (Best Overall)
Foodsaver Manuals Online
What We Don't Like
Learning curve
To put this vacuum sealer to the test, one reviewer sealed pizza, sandwiches, and even a smartphone (to protect it during a trip to the beach). The verdict? “It seals, no question about it,” he said before raving about the “ease of putting the rolls into the machine.” One tester also loved the size of this vacuum sealer: “It’s absolutely something that can sit on a counter and not take up working space.” However, our reviewers agreed that the machine did have a little bit of a learning curve at first: “You have to be willing to give up some of the bags for testing,” one person cautioned.