Vacuum Sealers Explained
Vacuum Sealers remove oxygen from a package prior to sealing the bag. By removing oxygen from the package, vacuum sealing can extend the life of a food package or prevent rust of industrial items. Some vacuum sealers also provide gas purge/gas flush which can flush your pouch with nitrogen to ensure the complete removal of any oxygen in your pouch. Barrier type of bags must be used to ensure a proper vacuum...some sealers such as the external vacuum sealer require special channel or embossed bags in order to vacuum and seal. There are three major categories of vacuum sealers: external vacuum sealer, nozzle vacuum sealer, and the chamber vacuum sealer. We carry vacuum sealers in all three categories. Click here for our vacuum sealer product line.
External Vacuum Sealers
External Vacuum Sealers In an external vacuum sealer, your product remains outside of the vacuum sealer and a vacuum pump extracts air from a small vacuum cavity.
Bag Type: Only embossed/channeled bags can be used
Process: Air is extracted through the ridges on the pouch after the machine’s lid is closed over the bags’ end
Pros
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Embossed pouches more expensive than standard vacuum pouches
- Not practical for higher volume user
- Slower than commercial vacuum sealers
Nozzle Vacuum Sealers
In an external vacuum sealer, your product remains outside of the vacuum sealer; a nozzle draws air out of the bag and retracts so the bag can be sealed.
Bag Type: Standard
Process: Air is extracted by means of a retractable nozzle which is placed in between the vacuum pouch. Bag conforms around product as air is extracted
Pros:
- Fast and light vacuum
- Best for fresh vegetables and other “crushable items”
- Gas flush option allowing perishable items to be sealed
Cons:
- External compressor may be required (our SINBO household vacuum sealer does not require an external compressor)
Chamber Vacuum Sealers
Chamber Vacuum Sealers
In a chamber vacuum sealer, the product is placed completely in a machine before sealing.
Bag Type: Standard
Process: Product is placed in the chamber and the lid is closed. A vacuum pump extracts air from the chamber; when the air has been extracted, the sealer will then seal the bag. Air allowed back into the chamber and the vacuum sealed product can be removed
Pros:
- Highest possible vacuum pressure Identical vacuum extracted each time
- Best for liquids and/or grains Gas flush option allowing perishable items to be sealed
Cons
- Usually larger machine so occupies more space