Vacuum Bag Buyer's Guide

★ Can you use any vacuum sealer bags?

★ Can vacuum sealer bags be reused?

★ What are vacuum sealer bags made of?

★ Advantages of vacuum sealer bags

★ Benefits of vacuum sealer bags

★ Vacuum sealer vs freezer bags

★ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The best packaging is made bespoke to your products — there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach that looks great, saves money, is functional, and increases shelf life.

If you want to vacuum-seal foods or goods to guarantee their protection and freshness during transit or storage, choose the right size and configuration of vacuum bag for your machine.

In this guide, US Packaging & Wrapping answers everything you need to know about picking the correct type of sealer bags for your products and information on vacuum sealers.

Can you use any vacuum sealer bags?

Vacuum sealer bags can vary and may not be used in any vacuum sealer machine; it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the correct bags to seal. Each vacuum sealer should have a list of compatible bags that work best for that machine. An example would be edge vacuum sealers, the style most used for home applications. Because of the vacuum pump size and the way air is removed from the bag, textures should be on at least one side of the bag. These bumps allow air to escape easily during the vacuum process. The thickness of the bag can also be an essential factor. Some machines do not have the capability of effectively sealing over a specific thickness.

Vacuum sealer bags are available in smooth and embossed. Non-textured bags are ubiquitous in commercial applications with higher-output vacuum sealers. Textured bags are excellent for home use, as are sealers and some chamber sealers. As the edge of the sealer compresses the bag to remove air, textures allow the air to escape when compressed. The textures can also provide additional seal strength with the proper settings. Clear bags, on the other hand, offer more clarity and provide better product visibility for commercial packagers.

Can vacuum sealer bags be reused?

Vacuum bags are seldom reused for consumable commercial use because of the liability and time needed to sterilize the bag properly. We have had commercial businesses cut a bag to open, empty some contents, and vacuum and seal again until the contents are empty.

Some frugal home users always inquire about using bags over and over. This can be done, but there are some important things to remember when reusing them. These include:

Cleanliness — Bags must be thoroughly sanitized before reusing as any residue left in the packaging — especially in food packaging — can cause cross-contamination of goods and pose serious health risks.

Damage — Inspect the bags for wear and tear, rips, or perforations. Vacuum sealer bags with holes can't form a vacuum as air can still permeate the bag, meaning it cannot preserve food as effectively as an undamaged bag.

Storage — Vacuum sealer bags must be stored in a clean and dry environment. This helps prevent moisture buildup and limits bacterial growth that can contaminate the packaging.

Sealing capability — Over time, a bag's ability to hold an airtight seal becomes more difficult as the strength of the polymers begins to weaken and the bags begin to deteriorate.

What are vacuum sealer bags made of?

Vacuum sealer bags are typically multi-layered to guarantee that the contents have oxygen barrier properties. Materials and compositions vary depending on the brand manufacturer or specifications needed for the application. Below are a few essential elements to a co-extruded vacuum bag:

An outer layer of polyethylene to provide the bag's durability and strength and holds the other layers in place.
A barrier layer made from nylon or polyester stops air and moisture from getting to the goods inside the vacuum seal bag.
A textured layer to help the machines remove air more efficiently during sealing.
An inner layer of polyethylene or polypropylene to ensure the bag remains airtight after sealing.

Depending on the materials used and the bag design, this specific order can be altered. An interior foil lining will help to provide a superior oxygen barrier to provide lasting freshness.

Advantages of vacuum sealer bags

Using vacuum sealer bags boasts a range of advantages compared to other storage methods.

Some of the benefits of vacuum sealer bags include:

- Extends product shelf life: Because the oxygen is significantly reduced from the bag, it makes it difficult for bacteria to multiply — helping to keep food and packaged goods fresher for longer.

- Preserves the flavor: Because the moisture and flavor are locked into the packet, none of the taste is lost on opening like it would if frozen, for example. Some cooks prefer to age meat using sealed vacuum bags. The process is known as wet aging.

- Reduced Food Waste: Because vacuum sealing lets you portion and store food for more extended periods of time, it's more likely people will get around to using it rather than throwing it away.

- Space Efficiency: Whether it's food or other products — like clothes, home accessories, and other fabric goods – vacuum sealing turns any product into a tightly-packed parcel designed to save space.

- Protects against freezer burn: Vacuum-sealed packaging helps to shield food and products from lost moisture caused by freezer burn — helping to keep products fresh and tasty for longer.

- Convenience: Vacuum sealing can help slash food preparation times. Pre-cut and pre-measured ingredients can be sealed and stored, making meal preparation more efficient.

- Has non-food-related benefits: Vacuum seal bags can be used to store many things — not just food. Clothes, home accessories like pillows, or even plush toys can be vacuum sealed and shrunken in to make them easier to transport long distances. This is a crucial benefit for many only retailers shipping products that can be reduced in size.

Vacuum sealer vs freezer bags

When it comes to storing food, both freezer bags and vacuum sealer bags have different purposes.

Vacuum sealer bags are designed for long-term food preservation, locking in moisture to prevent freezer burn, restricting bacterial growth by removing air, and extending a product's shelf life up to 3-5 times longer than conventional storage methods.

Freezer bags are designed for short-term storage. They're cheap and versatile for protecting food from freezer burn, but they do not help extend the shelf life of products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you microwave vacuum-sealed bags?

Some vacuum-sealed bags are microwavable. However, it's important to check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure the bag is safe to be microwaved.

It's also essential to puncture the bag beforehand to allow any steam to escape, and make sure you're not heating anything with high-fat content, as this can damage or melt the bag and potentially ruin the food.

Can you use any brand of vacuum sealer bags?

Typically, vacuum sealer bags are made for use in a range of sealing machines, but it's always important to consult the manufacturer's recommendations to make sure there aren't any complications during the sealing process.

When using another brand, make sure you consider the bag type, thickness, and width. Different machines and configurations are made for specific types of bags, thicknesses, and sizes of bags, so make sure the bags are compatible with the machines before making a purchase.

Can you use gallon bags for vacuum sealer?

Gallon reclosable bags will not maintain a vacuum the same as a vacuum bag. There are gallon vacuum bag sizes which allow for sealing and storing a gallon of product. They can come in a variety of widths and lengths. Visit our vacuum bag sizing page for more information.

Can you use textured bags in a chamber vacuum sealer?

Textured bags can be used in a chamber vacuum sealer. The textured surface helps with the air removal. Be sure the bag you are using will fit within the recommended maximum thickness for the sealer used.

How long do vacuum seal bags last?

Vacuum sealer bags can last for months and even years if stored in ambient temperatures away from light and moisture.

Once a seal is made, the bag can last for months in freezer or shelf storage. External elements such as sun and outdoor weather can degrade the bags and lower shelf life.

Can you use any size bag on a vacuum sealer?

Vacuum sealer machines cannot seal bags wider than the sealer. The bags must be fully sealed for effective vacuuming. In addition to the correct width and length, gussets can also play a factor.

Home-use vacuum sealers do not perform the best with elongated bags. The vacuum pump and design are not built for use with oversized bags. In addition, bags with gussets may pose a problem with some sealers. Introducing a side gusset for thicker products will reduce the overall seal thickness. This will require a heavier-duty sealing element to accommodate the bag.

Conclusion

Not all vacuum bags you see online are the same. Know what your vacuum sealer is capable of and purchase a bag that will work appropriately with the sealer. Vacuum bag sizing can be tricky and will also be determined based on the type of sealer used. Nozzle sealers will need excess length to allow room for the nozzle at the top of the bag. You will also need to allow for bag width to fit the product. This can become more challenging if the product is thicker, possibly requiring gussets. Check out this vacuum bag sizing article to help show some standard sizes used. If you need further assistance finding the correct stock or custom vacuum bags, call 1-800-441-5090 .