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Understanding Vacuum Sealers
Vacuum sealers are kitchen appliances that remove air from food packaging before sealing them, extending food storage life, preventing freezer burn, and preserving flavors. They’ve become increasingly popular for home cooks, hunters, and those focused on reducing food waste. This guide provides an overview of the diffrent types of vacuum sealers, their features, and what to consider when choosing one.
Types of Vacuum Sealers
Vacuum sealers are generally categorized into four main types, each offering different features and price points:
Starter/External Vacuum Sealers
These are the most common and affordable type of vacuum sealer. They operate by drawing air out of a bag using an external vacuum process and then heat-sealing the opening. They typically have basic “vacuum” and “seal” functions. Food Network highlights these as a good entry point for beginners.
Upgraded/Feature-Rich External Vacuum Sealers
Building on the basic functionality, these models include additional features like a “pulse” function for delicate foods, “marinate” cycles to quickly infuse flavors, and sometimes even settings for wet and dry foods. the pulse function is particularly useful for preventing crushing of fragile items. The New York Times’ Wirecutter recommends models with pulse functions for versatility.
Chamber Vacuum Sealers
Chamber vacuum sealers are more expensive and typically used in commercial settings, but are becoming more accessible to serious home cooks. Instead of drawing air from *around* the food, they place the entire bag into a chamber and remove all the air, resulting in a more complete vacuum seal. They can accommodate both bags and rigid containers like jars and cans. Serious Eats details the benefits of chamber sealers for advanced food preservation.
Handheld/Portable Vacuum Sealers
These compact devices are designed for use with specially designed resealable bags that have a valve. the handheld sealer extracts the air through the valve. They are ideal for smaller jobs, travel, or situations where a full-size sealer isn’t practical. CNET provides reviews of various handheld vacuum sealers.
Key Features to Consider
Suction Power and Control
The strength of the vacuum and the ability to control it are crucial. A powerful sealer ensures a tight seal, while adjustable settings (like the pulse function) prevent damage to delicate foods.As noted in the original source, controlling the vacuum is vital when sealing fragile items like cereals.
Size and Storage
Vacuum sealers vary considerably in size. Consider your available counter space or storage
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