Today, we will continue our article series where we analyze and compare vacuum sealers by talking about two models: one of them is from VacMaster and the other is from FoodSaver.
Both companies are known for manufacturing vacuum sealers, bags, rolls, and food accessories.
VacMaster also produces immersion circulators, cutlery, sous vide, and knife accessories, while FoodSaver’s products include hoses, adaptors, jar and bottle sealers.
Now let’s get started with the overview section.
1. VacMaster PRO360
As you can see, VacMaster PRO360 is the first model we will analyze.
This is a silver appliance whose exterior is made out of stainless steel.
Not only this makes it high-quality and durable, but it also leads to a simple cleaning process, making this device easy to keep in good condition.
No matter what the content of the bag is, there’s a high chance you’ll be satisfied with the results, considering the fact that this model is equipped with a built-in fan that keeps it cool and a dual-piston pump.
The seal bar of VacMaster PRO360 measures 16 inches wide!
This feature helps you avoid problems such as inserting a bag that turns out not to fit in the appliance (the maximum bag width that the machine can accept is 15 inches).
One thing you should be aware of is the fact that you won’t be able to seal chamber vacuum pouches, as this appliance works only with vacuum sealer bags and rolls.
In order to prove that VacMaster PRO360 is equipped with almost all the features that a vacuum sealer machine needs, we need to mention that it comes with both a roll storage compartment (that is able to store rolls that measure up to 12 inches x 20 feet) and a cutter (that allows you to create bags of the length you want).
Another detail that we see as worth knowing is the transparent lid that VacMaster PRO360 has.
This eliminates all concerns regarding the placement of the bags. Now you’ll know for sure that the package has been inserted correctly.
In addition to this, we have to talk about the control panel that could not be easier to use.
This fact is due to the vacuum settings that are pre-set.
VacMaster PRO360 comes with a warranty that lasts for one year and an accessory hose.
Further, we are going to discuss the settings you will find on the control panel of the device and their uses.
First of all, there is a Mode feature that prevents your food from crushing, by choosing either the Normal or Gentle mode.
The second function (Food) also comes with two modes: Dry and Moist.
As its name suggests, the latter can be used for moist items.
However, note that if you want to insert bags with liquids, you will need to freeze the food first.
The same thing can be applied when talking about delicate foods.
The manufacturer suggests that in case you want to vacuum pack wet foods, double seal the bag.
On the control panel, there is a Seal and a Vac/Seal button.
Keep in mind that the first one only seals the bag, while the latter vacuums it too.
A Vac/Seal process lasts for 10 – 20 seconds.
If you only want to seal the bag, the time will vary depending on the food mode you choose (it takes 6 seconds for Dry mode and 9 seconds for Moist mode).
Other functions include Canister (select it when you use a canister) and Marinate (as its name states, it can be used for marinating food with the help of the vacuum process).
As we could see before, the manufacturer has implemented several features in order to avoid delicate items from crumbling.
We are glad to let you know that there is another function for their protection: Pulse Vac.
By pressing and holding this button, you will be able to control the vacuum procedure by yourself.
The Stop/Start button turns on the unit.
Pressing it again leads to the completion of the vacuum and seal process.
VacMaster PRO360 is equipped with an accessory hose port that lets you attach external containers or canisters to the unit.
The voltage of this machine is 120 V and its power is rated at 400 Watts.
The dimensions of the unit are the following: 19.25 x 11.5 x 6 inches.
The machine weighs 16 pounds.
Cleaning this device implies wiping it with a damp cloth and using some mild soap.
With this model, you can pack almost anything, including leftovers and fish.
You can also use it when sous vide cooking.
2. FoodSaver FM5860
The second and last model we chose to talk about in this article is FoodSaver FM5860.
It is a silver, UL safety-certified appliance that meets all test standards.
This stands as proof of the manufacturer’s care for their customers.
The unit’s measurements are 19 x 6.25 x 8 inches and its weight is 14.92 pounds.
FoodSaver is a brand known for managing to satisfy its customers from all aspects.
For instance, not only is this model durable, but it also comes with a warranty that covers the product for five years.
Moreover, this brand has a special system that maximizes the lifetime and taste of the food for up to three years.
One of the top features of FoodSaver FM5860 is the retractable handheld sealer that allows you to use the unit with all types of accessories from this brand.
You will easily understand how the control panel works, as its design makes it simple to use, despite being equipped with a wide variety of functions (whose meaning will be explained a little bit later).
If you analyze the back of the machine, you will notice that there is a space designed for the storage of the power cord.
This makes the model even easier to manage.
Making bags of custom sizes cannot be any easier, as FoodSaver FM5860 has an automatic roll cutter.
Now let’s move our attention towards some of the functions of this unit.
The Dispense setting (a button few vacuum sealer machines are equipped with) makes it possible to dispense the amount of bag material you want.
Another special setting is the Rewind function.
You can use it whenever you struggle with a surplus of bag material.
The Seal and Cut button facilitates the sealing process, considering that it starts automatically.
In addition to that, as you can see from the name of the function, at the end of the procedure, the bag will be cut.
Another setting that is related to the sealing procedure is Seal Now.
This button lets you stop the unit from vacuum sealing.
After that, it seals the package.
If you are excited to find out when the end of the vacuum sealing process is going to come, the vacuum progress display will let you know that.
A similar button to Seal Now is Cancel.
However, when you push it, it will only stop the vacuum sealing process without sealing the bag.
Other buttons located on the control panel are Marinate and Vacuum.
Note that there is a Quick Marinate Cycle that takes about 10 minutes.
FoodSaver FM5860 comes with a built-in roll holder and some indicator lights that draw your attention whenever an error occurs or when you have to do certain actions, such as emptying the drip tray.
If we brought up the drip tray in the discussion, we thought we should let you know that it is removable and has some sensors that detect liquids.
The vacuum channel of this unit is equipped with a special sensor that offers this machine the ability to automatically sense when a bag is being inserted.
It also makes the unit capable of vacuuming, sealing, and turning itself automatically.
As stated in other articles, in case you want to insert multiple bags, it is always recommended to wait at least 20 seconds for the unit to cool down prior to sealing a new one.
The appliance has the ability to seal from 6 to 8 bags consecutively before a cool-down period is necessary.
FoodSaver FM5860 needs to be plugged into a 120-Volt power outlet.
Its wattage is rated at 128 Watts.
The accessories it comes with are the following: an 11” x 10’ seal roll, an 8” x 10’ seal roll, 5 pre-cut bags of two sizes (3 of them are quart-size and 2 of them are gallon-size).
Moreover, if you buy this model, you will also get 5 zipper bags of the same sizes we mentioned before and a 1 – 2.25 Qt. square marinator.
Pre-freezing will be an important step if you want to seal bags with wet items, considering that this ensures great sealing results.
3. Differences
Our articles would be far from complete if there wasn’t a section that focuses on the contrast of the models we analyze.
First of all, despite the fact that the size of the two vacuum sealer machines is pretty similar, the VacMaster product measures 19.25 x 11.5 x 6 inches, while the model from FoodSaver has the following dimensions: 19 x 6.25 x 8 inches.
While the first one weighs 16 pounds, the second appliance is slightly lighter (14.92 pounds).
VacMaster PRO360 features a Pulse function, which is a function FoodSaver FM5860 doesn’t have.
The first unit has a Normal and Gentle mode, while the latter includes a Seal and Cut button.
A relatively important detail you should keep in mind is that although both models come with a cutter, the one of the FoodSaver machine is automatic.
Moreover, the unit has automatic bag detection.
When it comes to the accessories the two products come with, FoodSaver FM5860 is accompanied by 10 bags and two rolls, while VacMaster PRO360 doesn’t come with any of these two types of items.
Although pre-freeze is suggested when sealing wet foods in both cases, you might want to remember that the VacMaster device has a Dry and a Moist setting.
It is also the product with the highest wattage (400 Watts). In comparison, FoodSaver FM5860 has a 128-Watt power.
The two models have a silver outer surface, a Marinate mode, and a 120-V voltage.
FoodSaver FM5860 comes with a power cord storage – a feature VacMaster PRO360 doesn’t own.
Lastly, a major thing we need to remind you is that while VacMaster PRO360 is backed up by a one-year warranty, the one of FoodSaver FM5860 lasts five times longer.
4. Summary
According to the specifications of these two products and the differences between them, we consider that both models are great options for people who have already owned a vacuum sealer machine before and are searching for a unit that has a wider range of functions.
Still, if you’re a newbie, this variety shouldn’t stop you from buying them.
As we have mentioned before, both models are user-friendly and it won’t take you too much time to figure out how to use them.
However, if you want to make things as easy as possible, we think that FoodSaver FM5860 will be a better purchase, as it features some automatic settings.
5. Comparison table
VacMaster PRO360 |
FoodSaver FM5860 |
|
|---|---|---|
Brand |
VacMaster |
FoodSaver |
Model |
VacMaster PRO360 |
FoodSaver FM5860 |
Color |
Silver |
Silver |
Dimensions |
19.25 x 11.5 x 6 inches |
19 x 6.25 x 8 inches |
Weight |
16 pounds |
14.92 pounds |
Time to Vacuum Seal |
10 – 20 seconds |
Not specified |
Pulse feature |
Yes |
No |
Sealing Modes |
Normal and Gentle, Seal and Vac/Seal, Dry and Moist |
Seal and Cut, Seal Now |
Built-in cutter |
Yes |
Yes (automatic roll cutter) |
Automatic Bag Detection |
Not specified |
Yes |
Automatic moisture detection |
Not specified |
Not specified |
Compatibility Bags |
Maximum bag width: 15 inches. The unit works with vacuum sealer bags or rolls. |
The model works with FoodSaver 8″ and 11″ vacuum seal rolls, all types of pre-made bag sizes, and FreshSaver zipper bags. |
Bag Size |
The model doesn’t come with any bags. |
Quart-size and gallon-size |
Roll Size |
The model doesn’t come with any rolls. |
an 11” x 10’ seal roll, an 8” x 10′ seal roll |
Works with wet or juice food |
Although there is a Moist and Dry setting, it is recommended to freeze the food before vacuuming liquids. Also, the manufacturer suggests that in case you want to vacuum package wet foods, double seal the bag. |
When vacuum sealing wet or juicy foods, pre-freezing them is an important step that ensures good sealing results. |
Roll Storage Compartment |
Yes |
Yes |
Number of bags you can seal continuously |
Not specified |
6 – 8 bags |
Cycle time between seals |
Not specified |
20 seconds |
Marinating Container |
There is a Marinate mode |
There is a Marinate button |
Negative Pressure Maximal |
Up to -0.85 Bar |
Not specified |
Mason jars seal |
Not specified |
Yes (there is a handheld sealer) |
Retractable power cord/Power cord storage |
Not included |
There is a power cord storage compartment on the back of the machine. |
Vacuum hose |
Yes |
Yes (there is also a handheld sealer) |
Loud |
Not specified |
A bit loud |
Cleaning |
Easy (stainless steel exterior; wipe it using a damp cloth and some mild soap) |
Easy (removable drip tray that can be either hand washed or put in the dishwasher) |
Voltage |
120 Volts |
120 Volts |
Power |
400 Watts |
128 Watts |
ETL Certification |
Not specified |
Although FoodSaver FM5860 isn’t ETL certified, it is UL certified. |
Warranty |
One year |
Five years |
Made in |
Not specified |
China |
