FoodSaver 4980 vs FM2100 vs FM2106 Comparison Chart

It can be daunting trying to find the right vacuum sealers for your kitchen, whether you’re a small commercial restaurant, or you’re a hunter, farmer, or fisherman that needs to preserve their game and meat.

After all, there are hundreds of vacuum sealers that everyone says is the best, but which review can you trust?

It can be difficult to really trust reviews on the internet because you can find so many great ones for one product, but then there is just that one that casts a shadow of a doubt in your mind, because theirs might come with evidence of a faulty product.

Since FoodSaver is one of the best-known and one of the most reliable brands out there, we’ve decided to compare three of their vacuum sealers for you, so you can get a feel for which one you really want and need.

1. FoodSaver 4980

The 4980 is a 2-in-1 vacuum sealer, that not only vacuum seals your bags, but includes a marinade mode, to help your meats absorb seasoning and sauces.

It also provides an airtight seal to protect your food from freezer burn and preserve them 3x longer than regular plastic packaging.

Not only that, the 4980 can seal even standard zipper bags, and even containers, thanks to the handheld sealer attached to it.

And you don’t even have to worry about watching the process, the 4980 is fully automatic, so you can simply let the machine do its work.

It’ll know when to stop, especially if you’re going to be vacuum sealing delicate foods like bread.

The 4980 also comes with a removable drip tray, so if any liquids do leak during the vacuum sealing process, it won’t contaminate the way the machine works, and you can even wash it with a dishwasher!

You’ll also find that the machine will tell you when the drip tray is full, so no more guessing when you need to take it out and wash it.

If you are thinking about buying the 4980, it comes fully equipped with various heat-seal bag sizes, 1 11”x10’ heat-seal, zipper bags, a Lunch & Leftover container, and one wine stopper, so you can easily seal all your leftovers and even wine bottles!

And don’t worry, the 4980 comes with 5-year limited warranty, so you’re covered if the machine breaks down within 5 years.

FoodSaver’s friendly customer services will help with replacing or repairing your machine if it breaks down.

Just be sure you register the machine to get the full warranty.

2. FoodSaver FM2100

With the FM2100, you can’t really go wrong.

It not only comes with a built-in bag roll storage and cutter, but it also comes with a dual heating strip, to make sure your seals are airtight, no matter what you’re sealing.

By vacuum sealing with the FM2100, your food is guaranteed to last up to 3 years in your freezer, without spoiling and without any freezer burns.

When you use the FM2100, you’ll find that you’ll be saving on bags and plastic packaging, because you’ll be able to create your own custom bag sizes, with the bag roll that comes with the machine.

And you won’t have to pull out your scissors, the in-built cutter can do the work for you, so it’s quick and easy to create those custom bags.

You’ll also find that the FM2100 works with containers and zipper bags too, although you’ll have to buy the handheld sealer separately.

Nevertheless, once you do get your hands on a compatible handheld sealer, you’ll be able to seal all those mason jars, plastic containers and even zipper bags.

The FM2100 also comes with a removable drip tray, which you can use in the dishwasher, so it extends the life of your machine, and keeps it clean.

Not only that, but the FM2100 is also durable and compact as well.

At 17” max, it won’t take up your countertop space.

And weighing only at 6.6lbs, it’ll be easy to move about, so you can clear the space if you need to.

If you are thinking about buying the FM2100, it also comes with both pre-cut bags, and a bag roll, so you have choices and you won’t have to buy extras for a while.

You’ll get an 11”x10’ bag roll, 3 Quart sized and 2 Gallon sized pre-cut bags.

You’ll even get an accessory hose to boot, so once you get that handheld sealer, you’ll be able to vacuum seal those containers.

As with most FoodSaver products, the FM2100 comes with a 5-year limited warranty.

So, if your machine breaks down within those five years, you’ll be able to get it replaced or repaired in no time, just contact their friendly customer services team, and they’ll do all the work for you.

3. FoodSaver FM2106

This sleek manual vacuum sealer is perfect for anyone who doesn’t work in a fast-paced environment.

So, if you’re a hunter, fisherman or farmer, who doesn’t need to serve customers every single second, the FM2106 could be for you.

With a built-in bag roll storage, you’ll be able to create custom bag sizes and save on buying new bags and rolls.

Not to mention, you’ll get to yield more bags than if you were to buy pre-cut bags.

And if you think you’ll need to whip out your scissors to cut your bag rolls, don’t worry, the FM2106 has a built-in cutter too, so you can cut your rolls to the precise measurements you need.

So, no more worrying about those uneven lines.

Not to mention, it the machine is 18” wide, so you can even vacuum seal bags that are 15”!

But don’t worry, the machine itself is compact and light, so it won’t take up too much countertop space, and you’ll be able to move it around easily.

The FM2106 also comes with an accessory hose, so you’ll even be able to seal containers, mason jars and even zipper bags. Of course, you will need to buy the handheld sealer separately before you can use the hose.

You’ll also find it easy to use the FM2106, because it comes with a lock switch handle.

So, no more pressing down on the upper lid, and making dents on its surface.

All you have to do, is place your bag into the machine, push down the upper lid gently, and use the lock switch to lock it into place.

Make sure that the lock is turned to the “operate” setting otherwise it won’t start, and you’ll be left with a bag locked into your machine.

If you are looking to buy the FM2106, you’ll find that it will come with various pre-cut bags of different sizes.

You’ll get 6 quart sized and 4 gallon sized heat-seal bags, and one 11”x10’ bag roll, along with the accessory hose, so you can’t go wrong.

As with all FoodSaver products, the FM2106 is also covered by a 5-year limited warranty, but you need to remember to register your machine, to reap the full benefits.

And should your machine break down within those 5 years, all you need to do is call FoodSaver’s friendly customer services team and they’ll replace or repair your machine for you.

4. Differences

Whether you’re a restaurant chef, a hunter, fisherman, farmer, or even a café owner, it’s tough deciding what type of vacuum sealer you want.

Even just reading these descriptions, it might be difficult to still make a choice.

So, here are some of the differences that might help your decision swing in the direction you need.

First off, out of the three models, the only fully automatic machine is the 4980, with a bag sensor, so you don’t have to lock any lids, since the machine will grab the bag for you.

The 4980 is perfect for any fast-paced environment like restaurants, cafes, and independent eateries, because all you need to do is press the settings you need, and then press start.

The machine will do the rest, while you focus on the cooking you’re already doing, or serving customers.

Also, unlike the FM2100 and the FM2106 models, the 4980 won’t take up as much space on your kitchen countertop, since its depth is much smaller than that of the others.

With only 9.45”, it won’t stick out as much as the FM2100 or the FM2106.

So, you’ll have space to use the same countertop as the one your 4980 is sitting on, to do whatever cooking you need to.

Another difference to remember is that the 4980 comes with the handheld sealer, and accessory hose built into the machine.

So, you don’t have to buy the sealer separately, unlike with the FM2100 and the FM2106.

You’ll be able to seal all your containers as soon as your machine arrives on your doorstep.

Of course, you’ll still need to purchase the compatible container lids because those are sold separately.

However, if you’re not too worried about timing, and you don’t work in a fast-paced environment, then your best bet is looking at the FM2100 or the FM2106.

Both are manual, so you will need to keep an eye on them.

But, if you’re vacuum-sealing meat that’s a little too big for the standard 12” bags, then your best bet is the FM2106.

It’s wider than the FM2100, which stands at 17.8”.

With an 18.3” width, the FM2106 can easily accommodate 15” bags and custom rolls that you make.

So, you don’t have to worry about not having room for your bigger cuts of meat or fish.

In terms of weight, the FM2100 is much lighter than the FM2106.

So, it’ll be easier to move the FM2100 than the FM2106 and even the 4980.

The FM2100 has a weight of 6.6lbs, while the FM2106 has 7.18lbs, and the 4980 stands at the heaviest with 10.8lbs.

So, if you’re not using your vacuum sealer often, then the best to go for would be the FM2100, since you’ll be able to move it away, and take it out, with relative ease.

While you might think that the FM2100 and the FM2106 are the same machine, but with different model numbers, you’d be wrong.

The FM2100 gives a tighter seal than the FM2106, because it has a dual heating strip, unlike the FM2106, which only has one.

So, if you’re worried about leaking or pinching, you don’t have to worry about that with the FM2100, with its double seal, your food can stay fresh for much longer, because there is no chance of any spillage or leakage.

Even the 4980 only has a single extra wide seal.

Finally, if you’re looking for a vacuum sealer that will allow you to take control over the vacuum process, then your best bet is the 4980.

The reason why is because the 4980 has a pulse feature, which allows you to control the vacuum pumps, so you can get a tighter, or a looser seal than the default automatic seals.

So, if you’re sealing delicate foods like bread, it won’t crush them.

5. Summary

So, if you’re looking for an all-round, automatic, and fully operable vacuum sealer, your best bet is the 4980.

Not only is it great for commercial businesses like restaurants and cafes, but it has enough options for you to make sure the food you seal is as perfect as it can be, for when you need it.

It’s not only compact, fully automated, and compatible with containers, mason jars, and zipper bags, the 4980 will also help you to marinate your foods, for when you’re cooking sous vide meals.

Thanks to the marinate option that comes with the built-in handheld sealer, it’ll create a cycle of vacuum pulses and holds, to ensure your meals are fully marinated.

The process usually takes about 10 – 15 minutes, but once you let it sit for at least half an hour, your meals will be ready to cook, and you won’t have to worry about the marinade not being soaked through evenly.

With the vacuum process, from the 4980, you’re guaranteed an even marinate.

6. Comparison Table