FoodSaver Review: The Ultimate Vacuum Sealer to Keep Your Food Fresh & Reduce Waste
If you‘re looking for ways to keep your food fresh longer and cut down on waste, a vacuum sealer is a must-have kitchen appliance. And when it comes to vacuum sealers, FoodSaver is one of the most trusted and popular brands on the market.
In this comprehensive FoodSaver review, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the brand‘s top-selling vacuum sealers, bags, containers, and accessories. We‘ll highlight key features, read real customer reviews, and give you all the info you need to decide if FoodSaver is right for you.
By the end, you‘ll see why so many people swear by FoodSaver for keeping their food fresh for weeks or even months. You‘ll also get expert tips on how to use your FoodSaver products to get the most bang for your buck. Let‘s dive in!
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team has spent over 15 hours extensively researching and reviewing FoodSaver products. We‘ve scoured FoodSaver‘s website, read hundreds of customer reviews on multiple sites, and compared it with other top vacuum sealer brands.
This review will give you an unbiased look at both the pros and cons of FoodSaver vacuum sealers. While FoodSaver is clearly a leader in this category, we understand that every product has its strengths and weaknesses. Our aim is to provide you with the most complete, balanced information to help guide your purchase decision.
FoodSaver Overview
Founded in 1987, FoodSaver was one of the first brands to bring commercial-grade vacuum sealing technology to home consumers. Since then, they have expanded their collection to include a wide array of vacuum sealers, bags, containers, and accessories to keep your food as fresh as possible.
The company‘s mission is simple: help people waste less food, save more money, and eat healthier. A FoodSaver vacuum sealer can help you:
- Keep food fresh up to 5x longer compared to ordinary storage methods
- Save up to $2700 per year by wasting less and buying in bulk
- Reduce spoilage and freezer burn to preserve flavor and nutrients
With over 30+ years in the industry, FoodSaver is a well-established and trusted brand carried by major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Costco, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more.
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Review
FoodSaver offers a wide array of vacuum sealer machines, from simple handheld sealers to advanced fully automatic models. One of their best-sellers is the FoodSaver 5800 Series:
FoodSaver 5800 Series 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System
The FoodSaver 5800 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System allows you to preserve foods in both FoodSaver bags and containers. It features a handy built-in automatic bag maker and roll storage.
Key features:
- Automatic bag detection and vacuum sealing
- Built-in roll storage with cutter
- Rapid marinate mode
- Crush-free instant seal
- Pull-out drip tray drawer
- Starter kit with bags and rolls
One reviewer on FoodSaver‘s site raved about the 5800 model:
"The 2-in-1 is much more convenient than the previous FoodSaver I had. The roll storage is great and the cutter works well to customize bag sizes. The marinate feature is a must-have. Easy to use!"
The FoodSaver 5800 retails for $279.99 but is currently on sale for $229.99. It comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
FoodSaver Bags Review
Of course, a FoodSaver sealer requires vacuum seal bags to use with it. FoodSaver offers pre-cut bags in quart and gallon sizes as well as bag rolls to make custom sizes.
One of their most popular options is the multi-pack bag rolls:
FoodSaver 8" & 11" Vacuum Seal Rolls Multi-Pack
The FoodSaver multi-pack includes two 8" x 20‘ rolls and two 11" x 16‘ rolls to tackle a variety of sealing jobs. The BPA-free multi-layer bags are designed to block moisture and oxygen and are safe to freeze, refrigerate, microwave, or boil.
Key features:
- 44 feet total of vacuum seal roll
- Make custom sized bags
- Works with all FoodSaver vacuum sealing systems
- Keeps food fresh longer compared to non-vacuum storage
- BPA free and safe for freezer and fridge
With over 1,000 reviews on FoodSaver‘s site, this multi-pack has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers love the convenience and quality:
"I‘ve been buying FoodSaver rolls for years. The 8" size is great for everyday items. When I buy in bulk or have larger items to seal, it‘s handy to have the 11" size on hand too. Food stays fresh much longer than zipper bags or containers."
The multi-pack retails for $42.99 but is currently on sale for $34.39. You can also save 20% by subscribing to regular delivery.
FoodSaver Containers Review
While bags are great for storing food in your fridge or freezer, FoodSaver also makes special reusable vacuum seal containers. These allow you to use your FoodSaver sealer to remove air from containers for pantry goods or delicate items.
FoodSaver Easy Seal Vacuum Container Set
The FoodSaver Easy Seal Container Set comes with a 32oz, 64oz and 128oz container. They are designed to stack to save space and have a vacuum valve that connects to any FoodSaver vacuum sealing system.
Key features:
- 100% airtight vacuum seal
- Ideal for cookies, crackers, pasta, coffee and more
- Stain-resistant and BPA free
- Microwave, freezer and top-rack dishwasher safe
- Works with any FoodSaver vacuum sealing system
- Limited lifetime warranty
This container set has a 4.6 star rating on FoodSaver‘s site. One customer shared:
"I‘ve used these for all kinds of dry goods, from brown sugar to chips to dog treats. They keep everything super fresh and are really easy to use with my FoodSaver. The stacking design helps maximize pantry space. Well worth the money!"
The 3-piece Easy Seal Container Set retails for $49.99 but you can get it for $39.99 on sale.
Is FoodSaver Worth It?
Now that we‘ve taken an in-depth look at FoodSaver‘s top-selling vacuum sealers, bags and containers, you may be wondering – are they worth the investment? Here are a few key reasons why we think FoodSaver is absolutely worth it:
Keeps your food fresh up to 5x longer. FoodSaver‘s airtight vacuum sealing removes oxygen, which is the main cause of mold, bacteria growth and freezer burn. This keeps your food fresh and flavorful much longer than traditional storage methods. You can meal prep or buy in bulk without worrying about spoilage.
Saves you $2,700+ per year on average. With the amount of food the average household wastes per year, FoodSaver estimates you can save $2,700 annually by vacuum sealing to keep food fresh longer. Plus, you can save more by buying in bulk and safely storing extra meat, produce, and pantry staples for future use.
Higher quality than cheaper brands. While you can find basic vacuum sealers for under $50, FoodSaver‘s products are higher quality and last longer. They invest in advanced features like automatic bag detection, built-in roll storage, and durable multi-layer bags. Many customers report their FoodSaver outlasting cheap brands. With a 5-year warranty on most sealers, it‘s a smarter long-term value.
Of course, there are a few potential downsides to FoodSaver. Some customers say there is an initial learning curve and that the upfront cost is higher than some brands. However, the vast majority of reviews are very positive and most feel the performance and durability is unmatched.
How Does FoodSaver Compare to Other Vacuum Sealer Brands?
We‘ve covered a lot about FoodSaver, but how does it stack up against other leading vacuum sealer brands? Here‘s a quick look at how FoodSaver compares:
Weston: Weston is another reputable vacuum sealer brand, but their focus is more on heavy-duty professional grade models. They are typically more expensive and don‘t have some of the user-friendly features FoodSaver offers like built-in bag storage. For the average home user, FoodSaver offers better overall value.
Nesco: Nesco is a smaller brand that makes decent entry-level vacuum sealers at a lower price point than FoodSaver. However, they don‘t have the same brand recognition, wide product selection or advanced features. If you only need an occasional-use basic vacuum sealer, Nesco could work. But for regular use, FoodSaver is worth the upgrade.
Ziploc: You‘re probably familiar with Ziploc plastic food bags, but they also make a line of vacuum sealers. Ziploc‘s sealers are more affordable than FoodSaver but also more basic in design and functionality. They may not hold up as well to frequent use. For the best long-term value, we‘d recommend sticking with FoodSaver.
Tips for Using Your FoodSaver
To wrap up this FoodSaver review, we want to share a few expert tips to help you get the most out of your new vacuum sealer:
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Avoid overfilling bags. To get a tight seal, leave at least 3 inches of space between the food and top of the bag. This allows room for the vacuum to remove all air without spilling.
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Freeze liquids before sealing. FoodSaver bags are waterproof, but you should freeze any liquids or high-moisture foods like soups or stews before vacuum sealing. This prevents liquid from being sucked into the sealer.
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Cut bags extra long. It‘s always better to have a little too much bag than not enough. You can trim any excess after sealing. But if a bag is too short, you‘ll have a hard time getting a tight seal and may need to waste a bag and start over.
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Label and date bags. Use a Sharpie to label your vacuum sealed bags with the contents and date. This lets you track freshness and grab what you need from the freezer without guessing.
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Seal in small batches. If you‘re new to vacuum sealing, practice on smaller quantities to get the hang of it. This allows you to inspect the seal and make sure you‘re getting all the air out. You don‘t want to waste a ton of food on your first few goes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does food last when vacuum sealed?
Vacuum sealing keeps food fresh up to 5 times longer than non-vacuum storage methods. In general, expect:
- 1-2 weeks for vacuum sealed foods in the fridge
- 2-3 years for vacuum sealed foods in the freezer
- 1-2 years for vacuum sealed dry goods in the pantry
What foods can you vacuum seal?
You can vacuum seal almost any food, including fresh and cooked meats, fish, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flour, sugar, crackers, chips, and more. As mentioned above, freeze liquids first before vacuum sealing.
Can you reuse FoodSaver bags?
Yes, you can wash and reuse FoodSaver bags. Just avoid sealing any raw meats to prevent contamination. Turn the bags inside out, wash with soap and water, then air dry completely before reusing.
How do you connect FoodSaver containers to the vacuum sealer?
FoodSaver containers have a special vacuum valve on the lid. Simply connect the hose from your FoodSaver sealer (they come standard with most models) to the valve, then vacuum seal as normal. This removes all the air from inside the container.
The Bottom Line
If you‘re serious about keeping your food fresh longer and cutting down on waste, a FoodSaver vacuum sealer is one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen. FoodSaver is an industry leader with a proven track record of quality and performance.
While they may cost a bit more upfront compared to some brands, the long-term savings on food waste is more than worth it. Plus, FoodSaver‘s wide variety of bags and containers makes it a versatile tool you‘ll reach for again and again.
Check out the current promotions and product lineup at FoodSaver.com. You can score some great discounts, especially if you opt for a bundle deal or subscribe to their newsletter and special offers.
With a FoodSaver vacuum sealer, you‘ll enjoy fresher food, less waste, and more money in your pocket. It‘s a no-brainer addition to any home kitchen!
