Which solution is right for you?

Households that freeze lots of portions

If you prepare portions in different sizes, bags cut from a roll can make them easier to store flat. Check the maximum bag width the machine accepts, and allow time to cut and seal each bag.

Households that prepare moist or delicate dishes

For food that releases liquid or could be squashed, compare the settings on the specific model and check which containers it works with. For example, FoodSaver lists manual vacuum sealing for the FFS005X and a liquid mode for the VS5910X; these features aren’t available across its entire range.

Households interested in reusable containers

Containers and valve bags can be suitable for portions you want to label and reuse according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that they’re compatible with the pump, how to clean them and any restrictions on raw food.

What should you look for?

Sealer for bags and rolls

Worth considering: if you often prepare portions in different sizes and want to store them flat in the freezer.

Bear in mind: each bag cut from a roll needs to be sealed, and you’ll need to replace bags or rolls.

Compatible vacuum containers

Worth considering: for ready-made or delicate dishes you don’t want to squash in a bag.

Bear in mind: containers take up more room than flat bags, and the pump and containers need to be compatible.

Criteria What to check Who it matters to
Moist or delicate food Moist or liquid settings, adjustable suction and the instructions for sealing very liquid foods. If my portions release liquid or squash easily, I want to be able to adjust how they’re packaged. Around 31% of consumers would make this a priority.
Freezer space Roll width or bag size, whether you can label them and how much room containers take up. When I prepare several portions in different sizes, I want to label and store them without cluttering up the freezer. This would be a priority for around 31% of consumers.
Choice of containers Whether the pump or machine works with the bags, containers and jars you have in mind, and which accessories are included. If I want to switch between ready-made dishes and portions in bags, I want to choose a container to suit the food. Around 23% of consumers would value this flexibility.
Consumables Compatible sizes, availability of bags and rolls, and washing and reuse instructions. If I package meals regularly, I want to be able to find suitable accessories and know when to replace them. For around 15% of consumers, this would be the top criterion.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming one automatic cycle works for every type of food

    Moist food can interfere with sealing, while suction that can’t be adjusted may squash delicate ingredients. The right features vary from model to model.

    For the foods you want to seal, check the instructions for moist or liquid settings, manual suction and compatible containers.

  • Confusing vacuum sealing with keeping food cold

    Vacuum sealing doesn’t remove the need to keep food at the right temperature. Anses recommends a temperature of 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge, while the Ministry of Agriculture distinguishes between a freezer that can freeze food and a simple ice box.

    Use a suitable freezer set to −18 °C, as recommended by the Ministry, and don’t refreeze portions once they’ve been defrosted.

  • Choosing a machine without checking its consumables

    Bags or rolls that are the wrong width won’t meet your portioning needs, and replacing them is part of using the machine regularly.

    Before choosing, compare the sizes it accepts, the reuse instructions and how easy it is to find compatible accessories.

  • Reusing a valve bag without checking any restrictions

    Le Parfait says not to reuse the valve bags in the range mentioned after they’ve come into contact with raw meat or fish. So, even if a bag is labelled ‘reusable’, you should still check the instructions for that specific bag.

    Only use these bags for permitted purposes and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

    A bag that can no longer be reused for this purpose will need to be replaced.

Brands to know for these uses

FoodSaver

The range includes external vacuum sealers and accessories for bags, rolls and compatible containers.

  • According to FoodSaver, the FFS005X offers manual vacuum sealing, two sealing levels for dry or moist food and a drip tray. The VS5910X also features moist, liquid and Pulse modes.
  • These settings are specific to the models mentioned. Check the instructions and accessories for the model you’re considering, especially for very liquid foods.

ZWILLING Fresh & Save

This system combines a pump with containers and valve bags for storing portions in compatible packaging.

  • ZWILLING says its Fresh & Save L glass container is suitable for the freezer, microwave and dishwasher. The S bags mentioned have a liquid-blocking filter.
  • Check the usage limits for the specific container. Containers also take up more space than bags stored flat.

Le Parfait

The range mentioned includes a compact vacuum sealer and accessories for several food-storage formats.

  • Le Parfait says its 130 W compact vacuum sealer works with bags, rolls up to 30 cm wide and jars connected via a hose.
  • The brand says not to reuse the zip-lock valve bags mentioned after they’ve come into contact with raw meat or fish.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does vacuum sealing replace keeping food cold?

No. Vacuum sealing is a way of packaging food, not a substitute for keeping it at the right temperature. Anses recommends keeping the coldest part of the fridge at 4 °C and following good food hygiene practices.

Is an ice box enough to freeze prepared portions?

No. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, an ice box can’t freeze food in the same way as a suitable freezer. For freezing portions at home, the Ministry recommends a 4-star freezer set to −18 °C.

Can you refreeze a portion once it’s been defrosted?

No. The Ministry of Agriculture recommends not refreezing defrosted food; vacuum sealing doesn’t change this advice.

What should you choose for a sauce or a very moist dish?

Choose a compatible container or check that the machine you’re considering explicitly allows you to seal that type of food. FoodSaver lists manual vacuum sealing and a drip tray for the FFS005X, as well as a liquid mode for the VS5910X. Check the instructions for the specific model rather than assuming these features are available on every machine.

Can all valve bags be reused for raw portions?

No. Restrictions depend on the bag. Le Parfait says not to reuse the zip-lock valve bags mentioned after they’ve come into contact with raw meat or fish. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before each reuse.