Collection: Vacuum Sealer

What is Vacuum Sealing?

Vacuum sealing is a highly effective method for preserving the freshness and quality of various items, particularly food. This process involves removing air from a container or vacuum sealer bag, creating a vacuum environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould, and yeast.

The vacuum sealing process is facilitated by a vacuum sealer machine, which extracts the air and then seals the container or bag to create an airtight seal, preventing air from re-entering. This technique is widely used to extend the shelf life of vacuum sealed food, prevent spoilage, and maintain the quality of stored items.

Benefits of Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum sealing offers a multitude of benefits that make it an invaluable tool for both commercial and domestic use:

• Extended Shelf Life: By removing air from the container or vacuum sealer bag, vacuum sealing significantly slows down the growth of microorganisms that cause spoilage, thereby extending the shelf life of food and other perishable items.
• Preservation of Flavour and Nutrients: Vacuum sealing helps to lock in the flavor and nutrients of food by preventing oxidation and contamination, ensuring that your food remains fresh and nutritious for longer periods. Vacuum sealing is particularly effective for preserving moist foods, as it prevents moisture loss and keeps the food fresh for longer periods.
• Prevention of Freezer Burn: One of the key advantages of vacuum sealing is its ability to prevent freezer burn. By eliminating air from the container or bag, vacuum sealing prevents the dehydration and damage that can occur during freezing.
• Space-Saving: Vacuum sealing allows for more efficient storage by removing air from the container or bag, making it possible to store more items in a smaller space. This is particularly useful for bulk storage.
• Cost-Effective: Vacuum sealing can help reduce food waste and save money by allowing you to buy in bulk and store food for extended periods without the risk of spoilage.
• Use of Specialised Vacuum Bags: Using specialised vacuum bags designed specifically for vacuum sealing provides a stronger seal and prevents leakage. These bags often feature textured channels that assist in air removal, ensuring an airtight seal and better preservation. Regular plastic bags may ruin the vacuum sealer or fail to provide an airtight seal.

  
  

Types of Vacuum Sealers

There are several types of vacuum sealers available, each designed to meet different needs and applications:

• External Vacuum Sealers: These are the most common type of vacuum sealers, designed to seal bags and containers from the outside. They are ideal for home use and small-scale commercial applications.
• Chamber Vacuum Sealers: These advanced vacuum sealers use a chamber to remove air from the container or bag. They are often used in commercial settings due to their efficiency and ability to handle larger volumes. Chamber vacuum sealers are more expensive but offer superior performance.
• Handheld Vacuum Sealers: These portable vacuum sealers are perfect for sealing small bags and containers. They are commonly used for sous vide cooking and are a more affordable option for home use.
• Automatic Vacuum Sealers: These sophisticated vacuum sealers can automatically detect the type of food being sealed and adjust the sealing process accordingly. They are ideal for commercial settings where efficiency and precision are crucial.

Many vacuum sealers come with additional features such as bag cutters, removable drip trays, and onboard bag storage, which enhance the convenience and efficiency of the sealing process. Most countertop vacuum sealers come with starter bags and features like integrated bag storage and built-in cutters. Whether you need a simple external vacuum sealer or a high-performance chamber vacuum sealer, there is a wide range of options to suit your specific needs.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for a vacuum sealer, there are several key features to consider to ensure you find the right one for your needs. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

• Vacuum Pressure: Adjustable vacuum pressure is crucial for accommodating different types of food. Higher vacuum pressure is ideal for delicate foods, ensuring they are sealed without being crushed, while lower pressure is better suited for bulkier items.
• Sealing Process: A simple and intuitive sealing process can make a significant difference. Some vacuum sealers offer one-touch operation, making the sealing process quick and easy, while others may require more manual effort.
• Bag Cutter: A built-in bag cutter is a convenient feature that allows you to cut the perfect-sized bag for your food, reducing waste and ensuring a secure seal.
• Removable Drip Tray: Cleaning up spills and messes is much easier with a removable drip tray. This feature catches any liquid that may escape during the sealing process, keeping your vacuum sealer clean and hygienic.
• Onboard Bag Storage: Onboard bag storage is a handy feature for keeping extra vacuum sealer bags within easy reach, making the sealing process more efficient.
• External Vacuum Sealer: If you plan to seal large or bulky items, an external vacuum sealer is a great option. These models can accommodate larger bags and are often more powerful than internal vacuum sealers, providing a stronger seal for bigger items.
• Adjustable Sealing Time: This feature allows you to customise the sealing duration based on the type of food, ensuring an optimal seal for both delicate and robust items.

How to Use a Vacuum Sealer

Using a vacuum sealer is a straightforward process, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you get the best results:

• Prepare Your Food: Before sealing, make sure your food is clean and dry. Remove any excess moisture to prevent spoilage and ensure a strong seal.
• Cut the Bag: Cut a section of vacuum sealing bag slightly larger than the item you want to seal. Leave enough space at the top for sealing to ensure a secure closure.
• Seal the Bag: Place one end of the bag into the vacuum sealer’s sealing chamber, close the lid, and follow the machine’s instructions to create an airtight seal. Fill the bag with food items, leaving space between the food and the sealed end to allow for proper vacuum sealing.
• Store or Freeze: Once sealed, store the vacuum sealed bag in the refrigerator or freezer according to the specific requirements of the food items. Vacuum sealing helps to extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of your food.

Vacuum Sealing FAQs

Q: What is vacuum sealing, and how does it work?

A: Vacuum sealing is a process that removes air from a container or bag, creating a vacuum environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. This helps to preserve food by preventing spoilage and freezer burn. The vacuum sealing process involves using a vacuum sealer machine to extract air and then seal the container or bag, ensuring that air does not re-enter.

Q: What are the benefits of vacuum sealing?

A: Vacuum sealing offers numerous benefits, including preserving food by preventing spoilage and freezer burn, keeping food fresh for longer periods, and inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Additionally, vacuum sealing can help save space in your refrigerator or freezer and reduce food waste by allowing you to store bulk items more efficiently.

Q: Can I use regular zip-top bags with a vacuum sealer?

A: No, it’s not recommended to use regular zip-top bags with a vacuum sealer. Vacuum sealer bags are specifically designed to withstand the vacuum process and are made of a thicker material that can handle the pressure. Using regular plastic bags may result in an inadequate seal and could potentially damage the vacuum sealer machine.

Q: How do I clean and maintain my vacuum sealer?

A: Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your vacuum sealer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Typically, you should wipe down the sealing area after each use to prevent food residue from building up. For models with a removable drip tray, ensure it is cleaned regularly to avoid any liquid buildup that could affect the sealing process.

Q: Can I vacuum seal liquids?

A: Some vacuum sealers are designed to handle liquids, but it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to vacuum seal liquids. A common method is to freeze the liquid first before vacuum sealing, which prevents the liquid from being sucked into the vacuum pump and ensures a clean, effective seal.

Choosing the Right Vacuum Sealer

When choosing a vacuum sealer, consider the following factors to ensure you select the best machine for your needs:

• Type of Vacuum Sealer:
  • External Vacuum Sealers: Ideal for home use and small-scale commercial applications. They seal bags and containers from the outside.
  • Chamber Vacuum Sealers: Suitable for commercial settings due to their efficiency and ability to handle larger volumes. They use a chamber to remove air from the container or bag.
  • Handheld Vacuum Sealers: Portable and perfect for sealing small bags and containers, often used for sous vide cooking.
• Size and Capacity: Consider the size of the vacuum sealer and the capacity of the bags it can handle. Ensure it fits your storage space and meets your sealing needs.
• Features:Look for features such as adjustable sealing time, multi-package sealing, and onboard bag storage. These features enhance the convenience and efficiency of the sealing process.
• Ease of Use: Choose a vacuum sealer that is user-friendly and easy to clean. Models with one-touch operation and removable drip trays are particularly convenient.

By considering these factors and exploring the top picks and budget options, you can find the perfect vacuum sealer to meet your needs and enjoy the numerous benefits of vacuum sealing.

Valdamark Clean Room Vacuum Sealers

Valdamark Direct is the leading provider of vacuum sealers, including clean room vacuum sealers and vacuum sealing accessories for domestic, commercial and medical clients across the UK, Europe and further afield.

We focus on delivering the “best in class” HV impulse vacuum sealer platforms, which are designed to meet the most demanding of sealing projects, in addition to reaching all relevant Clean Room standards.

Common Vacuum Sealing Machine Questions

Vacuum Sealing Beyond Food

While vacuum sealing is most commonly associated with food, it can also be used for other purposes. Here are a few examples:

• Preserving Important Documents: Vacuum sealing can be used to preserve important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and wills. This method protects them from moisture, dust, and other environmental factors by creating an airtight seal.
• Storing Medications: Vacuum sealing can be used to store medications, such as pills or capsules, keeping them fresh and protected from moisture. This is particularly useful for long-term storage.
• Protecting Delicate Items: Vacuum sealing can be used to protect delicate items, such as jewelry or electronics, from dust and moisture. This ensures that these items remain in pristine condition.
• Sealing Fragile Foods: Vacuum sealing is also effective for sealing fragile foods, such as crackers or cookies, to keep them fresh and protected from breakage. This method helps to maintain the quality and texture of these delicate items.

By considering these key features and using your vacuum sealer for a variety of purposes, you can get the most out of your machine and enjoy the numerous benefits of vacuum sealing.