A good vacuum sealer for sous vide should remove air, make a dependable seal, and handle the foods you cook most often. A built-in cutter and bag storage can make prep easier, while a wet-food setting or pulse control can help when sealing ingredients with liquid. Below, we compare five options, from compact machines to models with more controls and accessories.
Quick Comparison
| Vacuum sealer | Standout features | Best suited to | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| FoodSaver FM2100 | Built-in roll storage and cutter, dry and moist settings, dual sealing strips | Home cooks who want customizable bag sizes | Countertop space is needed for a roll-storage design |
| Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro | Wet-food mode, pulse controls, bag storage, accessory port | Frequent sous vide cooks who want more control | Offers more features than occasional users may need |
| Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer | Slim design, separate air-pulse and seal functions | Simple sous vide prep in a smaller kitchen | Includes pre-cut bags rather than a bag roll |
| FoodSaver Compact Vacuum Sealer | Vertical storage, dry and moist settings, reduced bag waste | Shoppers looking to save storage space | Its sous vide setup involves a separate handheld sealer |
| Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer | Easy-lock handle, digital timer, cutter, multiple sealing modes | Meal prep and cooks who want several operating modes | Its many controls may be more than a basic setup requires |
Our Picks: Best Vacuum Sealer For Sous Vide reviews
FoodSaver FM2100: A Versatile Roll-Based Sealer
The FoodSaver FM2100 is a countertop vacuum sealer built around roll storage and custom-sized bags. Its built-in cutter lets you make bags to suit the portion you are sealing, rather than relying only on pre-cut sizes. That flexibility can be handy when you switch between individual servings and larger cuts for sous vide.
Dry and moist settings give you a choice based on what is in the bag, and dual heat-sealing strips are designed to help form an airtight seal. The package includes a roll, pre-cut quart- and gallon-size bags, and an accessory hose. FoodSaver also lists compatibility with its handheld sealer and other accessories.
The trade-off is that a roll-based machine needs a place to sit and room to work with the bag material. This is a practical pick if you seal food regularly and value adjustable bag lengths; cooks who want the smallest footprint may prefer the compact FoodSaver or slim Anova.
Pros:
- Built-in roll storage and cutter allow custom bag lengths
- Dry and moist settings support different food types
- Dual sealing strips are designed for an airtight seal
- Includes rolls, pre-cut bags, and an accessory hose
Cons:
- Roll storage takes up countertop space
- May be more machine than occasional users need
Verdict: Choose the FM2100 if you want a flexible roll-based sealer for sous vide and everyday food storage.
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro: More Control for Wet Foods
The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro is a feature-rich option for cooks who seal a mix of dry and juicy ingredients. It has vacuum-and-seal, moist, dry, seal, pulse-vacuum, and external-pulse-vacuum modes. The wet-food mode uses lower-pressure suction and a double seal, giving you more control when liquid near the opening could complicate sealing.
The one-hand design is intended to let you clamp, vacuum, and seal without needing both hands on the machine. A roll and cutter are stored inside, while an accessory port and hose can be used with compatible vacuum-ready containers and other listed accessories. The included roll gives you a starting supply for making custom bag sizes.
This model offers more flexibility than the slim Anova sealer, but its extra modes and accessory port are most useful if you expect to use them. If your main goal is straightforward bag sealing for occasional sous vide meals, the simpler Anova may be a better fit.
Pros:
- Wet and dry modes plus pulse controls
- Built-in bag storage and cutter
- One-hand operation is designed to simplify bag handling
- Accessory port supports compatible external uses
Cons:
- Its range of modes may feel unnecessary for basic sealing
- Requires space for a countertop machine and bag roll
Verdict: Pick the Anova Pro if you want wet-food handling, pulse control, and accessory flexibility in one machine.
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer: A Slim, Straightforward Option
This slim Anova sealer focuses on simple vacuum sealing without the larger Pro model’s list of accessory features. Its compact design can suit a kitchen with limited counter or storage space. The package includes ten pre-cut bags, so you can start sealing without cutting a bag from a roll.
The machine has separate air-pulse and seal functions, which can be useful when you want more control over how much air is removed before closing the bag. Anova describes the sealer as suitable for sous vide and for preparing food ahead of time. Its straightforward operation makes it a natural match for cooks who do not need a built-in roll cutter.
The main limitation is flexibility: the listed package includes pre-cut bags, not a roll and cutter. That is convenient for standard portions, but cooks who regularly seal unusually sized foods may prefer the FM2100, Anova Pro, or Bonsenkitchen model.
Pros:
- Slim, compact design
- Separate air-pulse and seal functions
- Includes ten pre-cut bags to get started
- Designed for sous vide and food storage
Cons:
- Pre-cut bags offer less sizing flexibility than a roll system
- Does not list the Pro model’s accessory port or built-in roll storage
Verdict: Choose the slim Anova if you want a compact, uncomplicated sealer and are comfortable using pre-cut bags.
FoodSaver Compact: A Space-Saving Sealer with a Sous Vide Caveat
FoodSaver’s Compact model is designed to store vertically, which can help when cabinet or counter space is tight. It has dry and moist settings, works with FoodSaver bags, rolls, and accessories, and is described as using less bag material than previous models. The included kit contains a roll, quart-size bags, and gallon-size bags.
There is an important detail for sous vide shoppers: the product information says it connects to a separately sold FoodSaver handheld sealer for sous vide use. Factor in that extra accessory if you want to use this machine for sous vide rather than only for general food storage.
Compared with the FM2100, this model puts more emphasis on compact storage than on the listed dual sealing strips and broader included accessory kit. It may work well if space is your main concern, but check the accessory requirements before choosing it specifically for sous vide.
Pros:
- Stores vertically to save space
- Includes dry and moist settings
- Package includes a roll and pre-cut bags
- Compatible with FoodSaver bags, rolls, and accessories
Cons:
- FoodSaver handheld sealer is sold separately for the listed sous vide use
- Less suited to shoppers seeking a fully equipped roll-based setup out of the box
Verdict: Consider the Compact if storage space is a priority, but confirm the separate handheld sealer requirement fits your sous vide plans.
Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer: A Feature-Heavy Choice for Meal Prep
The Bonsenkitchen sealer combines roll storage and a cutter with a digital countdown display and an easy-lock handle. Its modes include vacuum and seal, pulse vacuum, seal, extended seal, and accessory mode. That range gives you options for different foods and sealing tasks, though it also means there are more controls to learn than on a basic one-button machine.
The product details list four vacuum pumps, a widened heating strip, and a bag clamp intended to help keep the bag opening in place while closing the lid. For juicier ingredients, the instructions recommend pulse vacuum and extended sealing. The package includes a roll, pre-cut bags, and external vacuum accessories.
This is a versatile option for people who batch-prep meals or seal a variety of ingredients. The listed three-year warranty is also worth noting. If you only need a simple sealer for occasional sous vide cooking, the compact Anova may be easier to justify.
Pros:
- Built-in cutter and storage for a bag roll
- Multiple modes, including pulse and extended sealing
- Digital display shows the sealing countdown
- Includes both a roll and pre-cut bags
Cons:
- More settings may take time to learn
- Its feature set may be excessive for occasional use
Verdict: Choose the Bonsenkitchen if you want a roll-based sealer with multiple modes for sous vide and broader meal-prep tasks.
How to Choose a Vacuum Sealer for Sous Vide
Choose a sealing style that matches your cooking habits
A roll-based sealer lets you cut bags to fit different portions and ingredients. This can reduce the need to keep several pre-cut sizes on hand. A machine that comes with pre-cut bags is simpler to start using, but you have less control over bag length. Think about whether you cook single portions, larger cuts, or a mix of both.
Consider how you will handle moist ingredients
Meat, fish, and marinades can put liquid near the open end of a bag. A moist-food mode, pulse control, or a lower-pressure setting can give you more control during sealing. Check the product’s instructions for its recommended approach with juicy foods, and keep the open edge of the bag clean and dry when possible.
Look for a dependable seal, not just strong suction
Removing air is only part of the job; the bag also needs to stay closed during cooking. Features such as dual sealing strips or a double-seal design may be useful, especially if you seal food often. Follow the machine’s guidance on bag placement and sealing, and check that the seam is closed before starting a cook.
Match the machine to your available space
Roll storage and cutters are convenient, but they take up room in or around the sealer. If you have limited storage, a slim design or a machine that stores vertically may be easier to fit into your kitchen. Consider where you will use the sealer, too: you need enough space to position a bag and work with its open end.
Check what comes in the box and what must be purchased separately
Included rolls and bags can help you get started, while an accessory hose or port may support additional uses with compatible items. Read the package details closely if you plan to seal containers or use an accessory for sous vide. The FoodSaver Compact listing, for example, specifies a separately sold handheld sealer for its stated sous vide use.
Think about controls and how often you will use them
Multiple modes can be helpful when you seal dry goods, moist foods, and delicate ingredients. They can also add steps if you only want to seal a bag with one simple control. Frequent meal preppers may value pulse options, a timer display, or custom bag sizes, while occasional cooks may prefer a more straightforward machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a vacuum sealer for sous vide?
No. A vacuum sealer is one way to remove air and close a cooking bag, but the best setup depends on your equipment and cooking method. A sealer can make portioning and preparing bags convenient, especially if you cook sous vide often.
Is a moist-food setting useful for sous vide?
It can be useful when sealing foods that release liquid or are packed with a marinade. A moist setting or pulse control can help you manage the vacuum process. Follow the sealer’s instructions, since modes and recommended techniques differ by model.
Are pre-cut bags or rolls better?
Pre-cut bags are ready to use and can be convenient for standard portions. Rolls let you choose the bag length, which is useful for ingredients with different sizes. The right option depends on whether you value convenience or sizing flexibility more.
Can I use any vacuum bag with these machines?
Check the compatibility guidance for the specific machine before buying bags. The FoodSaver models listed here are described as compatible with FoodSaver bags and rolls. The product details for the Anova and Bonsenkitchen models specify their included bags or rolls, so confirm that replacement supplies suit the sealer you choose.
What is the difference between the Anova sealer and the Anova Pro?
The slim Anova is a compact, simpler model that includes pre-cut bags and separate air-pulse and seal functions. The Pro adds built-in roll storage and a cutter, more modes, and an accessory port. The Pro is the more flexible choice; the slim model is better suited to shoppers who want a basic, space-conscious setup.
Which vacuum sealer is best for a small kitchen?
The slim Anova is designed with a compact profile, while the FoodSaver Compact is described as storing vertically. Compare the space each machine needs when in use as well as how it fits in storage; a compact storage design does not necessarily mean you need no countertop room while sealing.
Final Recommendation
For most sous vide cooks who want flexible bag sizes and a useful set of everyday features, the FoodSaver FM2100 is a well-rounded place to start. Choose the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro if wet-food controls and accessory options matter most, or the slim Anova if you prefer a simpler, compact machine. If space is your top concern, look closely at the FoodSaver Compact’s separate handheld-sealer requirement for sous vide use before deciding.