FoodSaver Food Preservation Systems – A Comparison
Food Preservations Systems have revolutionized our concept of food storage.
Gone are the days when food shopping was conducted keeping in mind an expiry tag of a few days.
Vacuum sealing technology in modern Food Preservation Systems has enabled users to store food for years on end.
Whether you want to prepare food portions in advance for the big family gathering happening next month; or decide to save the premium steak cuts you got from the butcher for this Christmas Eve (or the next Christmas Eve, for that matter) – Food Preservation Systems have got you covered.
FoodSaver is arguably the best in the business when it comes to food preservation.
Advanced features, user-friendliness, and compact design make it one of the most predominant brands in the market today.
In this article, we put under the microscope some popular vacuum sealing options from FoodSaver and compare their performance and features.
1.FoodSaver FM5480 2-in-1 Food Preservation System
FoodSaver FM5480 packs a large number of exciting features in a compact design.
It is a powerful vacuum sealer that can be used to seal custom-sized vacuum bags by its one-touch vacuum and seal bar.
Moreover, the retractable handheld sealer enables a user to connect the machine with external FoodSaver accessories like zipper bags, marinating canisters, mason jars, or wine stoppers to vacuum seal food items that are not suitable to be stored in vacuum bags.
It has an easy-access roll storage chamber to compactly store the vacuum bag roll and to replace in seconds if you have run out of one.
Whenever the user cuts a custom-sized vacuum bag using the built-in cutter, a seal is automatically applied to the bottom of the next-in-line bag, thus significantly reducing the preparation time for the next vacuum bag.
Moreover, the bar used to pre-seal the vacuum bags is separate from the bar used to vacuum seal them, enabling the user to immediately vacuum seal food items after cutting the bag without waiting for the seal bar to cool down.
The lowered position and tilted orientation of the vacuum and seal bar allow the vacuum bags to be supported at the kitchen countertop, thus greatly facilitating the handling of bulky food items.
Furthermore, a transparent view window covering the vacuum and seal bar allows the user to monitor the sealing location of a new bag and hence prevent any unnecessary bag wastage.
FM5480 offers a lot of functional flexibility by virtue of its multiple vacuum sealing modes.
Most notable of these modes is the ‘PulseVac’ mode, that allows user to manually start and stop vacuuming operation by the push of a button.
This feature is especially handy when vacuum sealing delicate food items that, otherwise, can be crushed by higher vacuum pressure.
The ‘Adjustable Food Setting’ mode allows the user to select between ‘dry’ or ‘moist’ options to regulate the timing and pressure of vacuuming operation depending on the moisture content of the food.
However, even if ‘moist’ option is not selected by the user, the Automatic Moisture Detection feature adjusts the machine operation depending on food moisture content.
The machine is equipped with a drip tray that catches overflowing moisture and can be easily removed for cleaning, making it extremely time-efficient and convenient to clean the machine.
The ‘Accessory’ and ‘Marinate’ modes are to be used in conjunction with the retractable handheld sealer to vacuum seal or marinate food items in FoodSaver zipper bags, food canisters, mason jars, or wine bottles.
2.FoodSaver FM5460 2-in-1 Food Preservation System
FoodSaver FM5460 offers similar functionalities and cutting-edge design as FM5480.
It is a compact unit that is equipped with the latest features of Automatic Moisture Detection, removable Overflow Drip Tray, Express Bag Maker, transparent Vacuum View Window, and easy access Open Roll Storage.
It has an upright vacuum sealing system to process vacuum bags and an integrated retractable handheld sealer to connect the machine with external FoodSaver accessory items.
The vacuum sealer offers a multitude of functional modes to select from; including ‘Dry Food Setting’, ‘Wet Food Setting’, ‘PulseVac’, ‘Accessory’, and ‘Marinate’.
The machine is impressively designed and is built to last a long time.
The brushed stainless construction gives the vacuum sealer a sturdy look and adds to the character of one’s kitchen.
A storage compartment is also provided for the power cord to eliminate safety hazards associated with a loose wire.
Although the vacuum sealer operates at slightly high noise levels; however, the impressive vacuum suction power more than compensates for the machine’s loudness.
FM5460 is supplied with a starter kit that consists of nine vacuum seal bags, five zipper bags, two vacuum seal rolls, a wine bottle stopper, and a mason jar sealer lid.
These accessories are extremely useful for someone who wants to experiment with all the available functionalities of the equipment without spending extra money purchasing FoodSaver accessories.
3. FoodSaver FM5380 2-in-1 Food Preservation System
FoodSaver FM5380 is another popular model in the market that has the dual advantages of a fixed vacuum sealing bar and retractable handheld sealer.
This 2-in-1 functionality enables the vacuum sealer to not only vacuum seal fixed size bags and custom sized rolls but also seal external accessories like zipper bags, wine bottles, mason jars, and marinating canisters.
This model is available in two variants: Black Plastic and Brushed Stainless.
Plastic is used in the construction of the former variant, making it significantly light in weight (30% lighter than the Brushed Stainless variant).
The Brushed Stainless variant, on the other hand, is more durable and gives the machine a modernistic look.
The machine comes equipped with the ‘Express Bag Maker’ feature, thereby reducing the time to prepare a new vacuum bag by 50%.
The custom bag preparation process is further facilitated by the built-in bag roll storage compartment and the built-in cutter.
‘Automatic Moisture Detection’ feature ensures that the vacuum suction power is automatically adjusted based on the moisture content of the food, and the removable Overflow Drip Tray makes cleaning of the machine extremely convenient.
The transparent Vacuum View Window empowers the user to make the seal at the right location, resulting in considerable saving of vacuum roll and better quality of the applied seal.
FM5380 offers several different vacuum sealing modes to cater to different kinds of foods and applications.
The ‘Dry’ and ‘Wet’ modes can be selected depending upon the moisture content of the food to be vacuum sealed.
‘Accessory’ mode can be selected when connecting an external accessory with the retractable vacuum sealer to preserve food.
Moreover, the ‘Marinate’ mode is perfect to quickly marinate food in repeated cycles of vacuum ‘hold and release’ bursts by connecting the handheld retractable sealer with a FoodSaver Quick Marinating Canister.
4. Differences
All the above Food Preservation Systems might come across as somewhat similar; however, there are key differences in their design and functionality.
Knowing these differences can greatly help you make the right choice that suits your preferences.
Functionality
The presence of the PulseVac vacuum sealing mode gives FM5480 and FM5460 a clear edge over FM5380 when it comes to functionality.
If you plan on using your vacuum sealing machine to frequently preserve delicate food items like muffins or baked goods, then the absence of the PulseVac feature from FM5380 might prove to be a deal-breaker for you.
Appearance and Ergonomics
The Black Plastic variant of FM5380 is the lightest of them all. Weighing at 7 pounds, it is 30% less heavy than the ~10 pounds weight of FM5480, FM5460, and Brushed Stainless variant of FM5380.
Stainless construction, however, makes the latter three models more durable and gives them a sturdy look.
When it comes to control panel design, silver stainless brushed buttons set on a backdrop of a black panel give FM5480 and FM5460 a more appealing look (in contrast to black buttons on a black panel background in the case of FM5380).
In terms of footprint, all three Food Preservation Systems have similar dimensions and occupy the same area on a kitchen countertop.
If you are in market looking for a lightweight option, then the Black Plastic variant of FM5380 will be the right fit for you.
However, if you are looking for an aesthetically pleasing option, that at the same time is more durable as well, then FM5480 or FM5460 will be the right option for you.
Starter Kits
All three models come with a few samples of vacuum seal and zipper bags.
One 11″ X 10′ vacuum roll is also included with the FM5380. In the case of FM5480, customers are supplied with one 11″x10′ vacuum bag roll, one wine bottle stopper, and one small-sized food container in the starter kit.
FM5460, on the other hand, includes one 11″ X 10′ vacuum bag roll, one 11″ X 8′ expandable vacuum roll, one wine bottle stopper, and one jar sealer.
FM5480 and FM5460 have more to offer when it comes to the starter kits that are included with the equipment purchase.
Little container included in FM5380 is more convenient for someone planning to use the vacuum sealer for food marination; jar sealer included with FM5460, contrarily, is ideal for someone looking to use the equipment in conjunction with mason jars.
Value for Money
FM5460 is the clear winner when it comes to value for money.
At just a fraction of cost, it includes the same features as FM5480 and is also equally durable and aesthetically pleasing.
FM5460 is even lower in price than the Black Plastic variant of FM5380 and includes more accessory items in its starter pack.
Although, the food container – which can come in handy for people planning to marinate food – is not included in the FM5460 starter pack; however, it can be easily bought separately from FoodSaver at a nominal cost.
5. Summary
FM5480, FM5460, and FM5380 are all very efficient vacuum sealers, and you cannot go wrong purchasing any one of them.
All these models are equipped with the latest vacuum sealing features, are compact in design, and are extremely easy to use.
If you are looking for a lightweight option, then the Black Plastic variant of FM5380 will be suitable for you.
However, if you are on a budget and want to get the most out of the Food Preservation System with minimal cost, then FM5460 is just the right option for you.
Its lean price tag, sturdy construction, appealing design, and ‘PulseVac’ feature make it stand out in the crowd.
6. Comparison Table
Brand |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
Model |
FM5480 |
FM5460 |
FM5380 |
Color |
Black and Silver |
Black and Silver |
Black and Silver/Brushed Stainless |
Dimensions |
7.4″ x 16.25″ x 8″ |
7.24″ x 16.31″ x 7.64″ |
7.24″ x 16.25″ x 7.5″ |
Weight |
9.93 lbs. |
9.93 lbs. |
7 lbs. / 10.75 lbs. |
Time to Vacuum Seal |
Maximum 120 seconds |
Maximum 120 seconds |
Maximum 120 seconds |
Pulse Feature |
Present |
Present |
Not Present |
Sealing Modes |
PulseVac/Adjustable Food Setting/Accessory/Marinate |
PulseVac/Adjustable Food Setting/Accessory/Marinate |
PulseVac/Adjustable Food Setting/Accessory/Marinate |
Built-in Cutter |
Present |
Present |
Present |
Automatic Bag Detection |
Feature not available |
Feature not available |
Feature not available |
Automatic Moisture Detection |
Present |
Present |
Present |
Compatibility Bags |
FoodServe Vacuum Seal Bags |
FoodServe Vacuum Seal Bags |
FoodServe Vacuum Seal Bags |
Bag Size |
Maximum width 11″ |
Maximum width 11″ |
Maximum width 11″ |
Roll Size |
11″ X 10′ / 11″ X 8′ |
11″ X 10′ / 11″ X 8′ |
11″ X 10′ / 11″ X 8′ |
Work with Wet/Juicy Food |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Roll Storage Compartment |
Present |
Present |
Present |
Number of Bags you can Seal Continuously |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Cycle Time Between Seals |
20 seconds |
20 seconds |
20 seconds |
Marinating Container |
Included |
Sold separately |
Sold Separately |
Negative Pressure Maximal |
Information not available |
Information not available |
Information not available |
Mason Jars Seal |
Seal using mason jar lids (sold separately) |
Seal using mason jar lids (included) |
Seal using mason jar lids (sold separately) |
Retractable Power Cord/Power Cord Storage |
Power Cord Storge Compartment Available |
Power Cord Storge Compartment Available |
Power Cord Storge Compartment Available |
Vacuum Hose |
Present |
Present |
Present |
Loud |
Relatively Loud |
Relatively Loud |
Relatively Loud |
Cleaning |
Empty drip tray after each use |
Empty drip tray after each use |
Empty drip tray after each use |
Voltage |
110V |
110V |
110V |
Power |
Information not available |
126w |
Information not available |
Safety Certification |
Certified |
Certified |
Certified |
Warranty |
5-Year Limited Warranty |
5-Year Limited Warranty |
5-Year Limited Warranty |
Made in |
China |
China |
China |
