Vacuum Seal Buyer’s Guide: Find the Best Sealer for You

★ Common Types of Vacuum Sealers

★ Other Types of Vacuum Sealer Machines

★ What Is the Difference Between Home-Use and Commercial Vacuum Sealers?

★ Best Commercial Vacuum Sealers

★ Where To Buy a Vacuum Sealer

★ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Vacuum sealers are designed to fulfill a unique packaging purpose – removing air from a barrier bag and providing a vacuum seal to preserve the condition of its contents, making it perfect for safely storing food away from bacteria and other contaminants. The suction can also help save space by reducing the size of some products. Vacuum sealers can also help slow rust on metal items because of the lowered oxygen levels within the bag.

Not all vacuum sealer machines are the same. They vary in size, output, price, and more – so there’s an option to suit every application.

In this guide, our packaging experts look at the different types of vacuum sealers to help you decide which machine suits you.

Common Types of Vacuum Sealers

In this section, we take a look at some of the most popular vacuum sealers and compare their unique benefits and limitations:

Chamber sealer

chamber sealers remove air from the entire chamber. Open ends of the bag are placed on the sealing edges of the sealer. When the vacuum occurs, the air can escape. Once the vacuum is complete, the sealer heats and closes the open end of the bag.

Like any vacuum sealer, chamber sealers have advantages and disadvantages. They work great with certain liquids and products with small particles. They are also capable of excellent oxygen and air removal because of the uniform vacuum throughout the chamber. Some chambers have the option of multiple sealing sides, allowing for vacuuming and sealing more than one bag at a time.

Drawbacks can be the chamber dimensions limiting the size of bags that can be packaged. The height of the chamber can sometimes cause limitations on taller products. Some chambers will also require textured bags because of the edge seal once vacuuming is complete. The textures help allow air to escape during the vacuum. It is essential to pay attention to the size of the vacuum pump in the chamber machine. Internal pumps must be strong enough to pull a vacuum in a commercial setting quickly. For chambers with an external pump, check the air requirements before purchasing.

Nozzle sealer

nozzle sealer machines – also known as snorkel machines – use a thin tube to suck the air out of a bag before sealing. The nozzle is retracted before the seal is made to close the bag. While the oxygen extraction process is quicker than a chamber sealer, the machine requires manual operation and doesn’t remove air with the same accuracy. Nozzle sealers are an excellent option for quickly vacuuming oversized products. An external compressor can enable air removal within seconds. Nozzle sealers with enough vacuum can use smooth bags, which provide more clarity for shelf display.

Drawbacks of nozzle sealers begin with the additional bag length to provide room for the nozzle. Small particles and liquids can be pulled into the nozzle and clog the machine. A filter is essential if vacuum packaging anything that can become lodged into the air tube to prevent sealing.

Edge sealers

Edge sealers are often used in home vacuuming, with a closing lid and juice tray. The open ends of the bag are placed over the edge of the sealing tray. When the vacuum begins, juices or small particles are pulled through the open end and into the juice tray. Once the vacuum is complete, a heat sealing strip is activated, mending the materials together.

Because the lid of an edge sealer closes down on the vacuum bag, textured bags are required for most machines. Textured or channeled vacuum bags allow the air to escape the bag when the lid is closed, and vacuuming is engaged. Many edge sealers have built-in compressors that can slow production when using larger bags. Also, consider the size of the juice tray with the amount of liquids or small particles your products have. The bag will not close correctly if the juice overflows and the sealing area is wet.

Other Types of Vacuum Sealer Machines

Beyond the most popular vacuum sealer models, some machines are designed to fulfill specific packaging requirements.

In this section, we take a look at some of the vacuum sealers commonly used in the medical packaging industry:

What is a validatable sealer?

Validatable sealers – as the name suggests – are designed to make it easier to confirm the quality and specifications of the packaging seal.

They remove air from vacuum bags and seal them like a traditional machine but may contain additional features such as temperature controls, pressure sensors, calibration, or data-logging capabilities. These allow professionals to confirm a valid seal to meet the requirements of unique industries.

For example, seals may meet sterility or durability requirements to guarantee products remain in perfect and hygienic conditions.

A validatable vacuum sealer is most commonly used in medical and military (mil-spec) packaging industries, where stringent standards must be maintained, and individual packages may even be inspected to validate a consistent seal.

What is a clean room-compatible vacuum sealer?

Similarly to validatable sealers, clean room-compatible models are designed to meet the specific and high standards required by certain industries. In this case, they must meet the strict sterile and hygiene standards required in clean rooms for industries such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

Clean room-compatible sealers operate like traditional vacuum sealers but contain additional features, such as air filtration to remove particles, sterilization stations, or temperature and air quality control features. The materials for building clean room machines are also necessary; stainless steel is often required for wipe-down and sanitation.

These machines are designed to facilitate the vacuum sealing process without compromising on the requirements of a medical-grade or food hygiene standards clean room.

What Is the Difference Between Home-Use and Commercial Vacuum Sealers?

The difference between home-use and commercial vacuum sealers comes in the types of packaging projects they are used for – and their attributes, performance, and price points reflect these needs.

Home-use vacuum sealers

Home-use vacuum sealers are typically more affordable and are designed to fulfill the needs of low-volume sealing projects, such as preserving meat and other fresh foods to slow spoilage.

These machines typically take longer to perform the vacuuming and sealing processes, and they have a smaller sealing bar and an internal compressor. The internal compressor and sealing element are used the most and will wear over time.

Home-use models typically come with a smaller sealer bar, too, which suits smaller vacuum bags or products that only require a narrow seal. Users of home sealers want to store the machine and use it as needed, while commercial operations have larger stationary sealers in a designated area.

Commercial vacuum sealers

Commercial vacuum sealers are designed to perform quick, high-volume sealing projects. They typically come with a large sealer bar for a thicker, more robust seal – making them suitable for larger vacuum bags and packaging liquids.

They also commonly feature an external compressor that can be replaced or repaired more efficiently to maintain high-volume performance. Commercial vacuum sealers can be manually operated or automatic.

Manual or semi-auto vacuum sealers require the operator to touch the package for sealing. Some have a hands-free option once the bag is in place, but inputting or removing the bag from the sealer is required. One feature is a foot-operated pedal to engage vacuuming and close the sealing arm.

Auto sealers will have a conveyor to transport products through the machine. Nozzle vacuum sealers and auto chamber vacuum sealers are popular auto options. Auto nozzle sealers will have multiple nozzles removing air from the package. Auto chamber sealers will have a conveyor transferring products into the chamber for sealing. Stainless steel construction and wipe-down capabilities are a necessity for packaging consumable products.

What to Look for in a Vacuum Sealer

The vacuum sealer machine you choose will depend on the packaging project and application. The wrapped product's size is always a good starting point in selecting a sealer. The sealing bar must be wider than the largest product for a full enclosure. The amount of usage should also play a factor in choosing a sealer. Most residential vacuum sealers are built with thinner sealing wires and smaller compressors not built for heavy use.

Which size of vacuum sealer do I need?

So, which type of vacuum sealer is right for you? This depends on the type – and volume – of packaging projects you require.

The size of your products will determine the vacuum bag size you use and, in turn, the seal required by the machine. Your machine must be able to handle your largest product – and the relevant vacuum bag used to package this product – so this should be used as a guide as to the minimum size of the machine you require.

Commercial vacuum sealers typically come with larger sealer bars, which provide a strong and sturdy seal on oversized bags, while home-use machines will have smaller sealer bars.

Internal vs External Vacuum Compressors

Compressors play a crucial role in the performance of vacuum sealers – creating the vacuum of air inside the bag that allows it to remain air-tight and preserve its contents.

Most home-use models come with internal compressors which, once broken or worn out, will need to be fixed or replaced for the machine to work.

On the other hand, external compressors found on most commercial vacuum sealers are more accessible to replace if something goes wrong – minimizing downtime. External compressors can also be much larger and more equipped for handling large items or high volumes of vacuum packaging.

What are popular options found on vacuum sealers?

Below are some of the optional features that may be included or added to some machines to fulfill specific packaging needs:

Filter – used to catch small particles or liquids on nozzle sealers to prevent clogging.
Additional nozzles – for some vacuum sealer models, multiple nozzles can increase the number of bags that can be sealed by removing air more quickly.
Digital Seal Settings – Digital seal settings allow for validatable vacuum sealing necessary to meet specifications for medical and cleanroom packaging.
Jar attachments – uniquely designed to support the vacuum packaging of items in a jar.
Gas flush – used to extend the shelf life of foods by injecting a gas mixture – often nitrogen – into the package once the air has been removed.
Vacuum regulator – to regulate and adjust the vacuum level to maintain a consistent PSI

Best Commercial Vacuum Sealers

The best commercial vacuum sealer will depend on your budget and packaging requirements…

Speed

Commercial vacuum sealers are designed to make light work of heavy-duty and high-volume packaging projects – with most models featuring internal compressors and automated vacuuming and sealing processes to save time.

Vacuum Sealer – perfect for simultaneously packaging multiple bags and sealing vacuum bags full of liquids. The chamber vacuum sealer creates a wrinkle-free seal before the vacuum bag is distorted.

Vacuum Sealer with Gas Purge – the AVN series vacuum sealer with gas purge enables users to provide modified atmosphere packaging to consumable products to increase shelf life.

Cost

Most commercial vacuum sealers have an external compressor to meet high-volume packaging demands. However, some commercial models are available that come with an internal compressor – commonly found in home-use machines – that prove more cost-effective.

Cabela’s Commercial- Grade Vacuum Sealer – high-performance, high-capacity vacuum sealer designed to facilitate continuous sealing with a compact 12-inch dual heat-strip seal.

Space-Saving

Self-contained vacuum sealers save on space where production facilities are at a premium without drastically compromising on sealing output.

Self-Contained Vacuum Sealer – a perfect fit for facilities with constrained production space. The self-contained vacuum sealers are ready out of the box for high-output packaging, sealing up to 260 packages per hour.

Where To Buy a Vacuum Sealer

Commercial vacuum sealers – such as chamber sealers – are available through packaging supply companies and niche stores, which will also be able to help you find the perfect machine for your packaging projects.

Buying a vacuum sealer machine through a specialized supplier also means you can confidently purchase compatible vacuum bags and accessories.

Smaller home-use sealer machines are available widely online and in retail stores. There are excellent options available at lower prices for home-use vacuum sealing. Popular brands include Nesco, Food Saver, and Nutrichef. Each brand has different models with valuable features depending on the type of packaging you need. Most home sealers require rolls or bags of textured material for proper sealing.

US Packaging & Wrapping stocks a range of vacuum sealers and vacuum bags for all your packaging projects.

View our range today or chat with our packaging experts for help finding the perfect product.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How Do I Choose a Vacuum Sealer Bag?

A: The right vacuum bag will depend on your products and machine – as these will determine which size, thickness, and material product you need.

Firstly, the bag must be appropriately sized for your products, allowing ample room with extra material to facilitate the seal. Next, make sure they are compatible with your machine. Then, consider the material and function, using high-quality, textured bags.

For example, foods may require bags with multiple layers, while delicate items or liquids may require specialized bags.

Additionally, consult the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific machine.

Q: Do You Need Special Bags for Chamber Vacuum Sealers?

A: Chamber vacuum sealers are compatible for use with standard vacuum bags. Unlike some vacuum sealers, chamber sealers do not require special linings or features to achieve an air-tight seal so that any standard vacuum bags can be used with the machine.

Q: What Mil Specs Are Related to Vacuum Packaging?

A: Mil-specs refer to the government standards for the packaging of military equipment. They are designed to ensure equipment is adequately protected for storage and transport. Below are some of the key mil-specs for vacuum sealing:

MIL-STD-2073-1E – the basic standard for military packaging, which states that the bag and seal must be chosen appropriately for the product being packaged.
MIL-PRF-131K – refers to heat seals and, therefore, typically includes multi-layered vacuum bags made from durable materials like polyester or polyethylene.
MIL-PRF-81705E – also refers to heat seals, with a focus on avoiding electrostatic discharge. Vacuum bag materials include metalized polyester.
MIL-PRF-22019E – refers to heat-sealing methods used specifically for ammunition packaging. Vacuum bags must provide electrostatic and moisture protection, for example, metalized films.
MIL-PRF-131J – refers to heat sealing methods focusing on extended temperature resistance. Vacuum bags must provide an enhanced barrier to protect against extreme temperatures.

Q: Where Do You Buy Gas for Gas Flush Sealers?

A: The gas used for flush sealers is often a mixture of nitrogen and other gases and can be bought from industrial gas suppliers or specialized packaging suppliers. Consult with a packaging expert to ensure the gas cylinder is compatible with your machine. If packaging edible food or liquids, you must ensure the gas is food-grade and properly stored to maintain quality and safety. Consult your machine's user manual for gas requirements.