You just got home from work and decided you want to have the steaks that have been in your freezer for the last 2 months.
To your horror, you pull out a freezer-burned lump that no one wants to eat.
There is no way to fix this now, but you can purchase a FoodSaver vacuum sealer to prevent this same problem from occurring again in the future.
A FoodSaver vacuum sealer works by sucking the air out of a plastic bag that makes it almost impossible for bacteria to grow.
The original FoodSaver was the first mass-market vacuum sealer and it was invented in 1987 by Hans Kristen.
It did not gain widespread use until the mid to late 90s when the parent company Tilia launched an infomercial campaign that ensured everyone saw FoodSaver vacuum sealers and what they could do.
FoodSaver vacuum sealers are designed for anyone who buys in bulk, freezes portioned meal preps, or hunts.
A FoodSaver vacuum sealer also will allow home cooks to cook sous vide (soo-veed) just like in many major restaurants, which up until the FoodSaver vacuum sealer was invented had been almost impossible.
They work by sucking the air out of a plastic bag and then heat-sealing the bag closed.
FoodSaver vacuum sealers allow for food to be stored for more than 5 times the average length food can be stored in the freezer.
For some meats, the FoodSaver vacuum sealers can extend the storage time from 6 months to over 3 years, without experiencing any freezer-burn or other kinds of food deterioration.
1. FoodSaver FM2000
1.1 FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealer
The FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealer is an entry vacuum sealer model for FoodSaver and comes with all the basic functions you would expect.
It takes up a moderate amount of counter space measuring 18 x 6 x 10 inches (L*H*W)), but only weighs 5.3 lbs, so it is fairly easy to move in and out of storage.
It comes in only the single color of solid black, which will match almost any kitchen décor.
The model ships with 1 accessory hose which can be used for sealing FoodSaver containers and mason jars.
Also included are 3 1-quart vacuum seal bags, 2 1-gallon vacuum seal bags, and 1 11” x 10’ vacuum seal roll.
This model can use any of the included premade bag sizes as well as rolls that are 11” wide.
It includes an accessory port that works with the included hose and most other FoodSaver accessories.
It has a simple one-touch design to allow for simple vacuuming and sealing.
It also includes a removable drip tray, which is designed to collect any excess liquid and debris, which allows for easy cleaning.
Since this model is designed to save space it does not include roll storage or a cutter for trimming your rolls into proper-sized bags.
The device also does not include a handheld sealer, but one can be purchased as an accessory.
2. FoodSaver V4400
2.1 FoodSaver V4400 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealing System
The FoodSaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealing System is the next model up after FM2000 and is designed to provide a few different accessories and features.
The model is bigger and takes up 20 x 11 x 12 inches (L*W*H). It also weighs 10 lbs, but this is because of the included cutter and roll storage.
The model comes in a sleek modern black and silver color scheme.
The unit is shipped with an 11” x 10’ roll, but it can use 8-inch vacuum seal rolls as well.
It also includes 3 1-quart vacuum seal bags, 2 1-gallon seal bags, 3 1-quart vacuum zipper bags, and 2 1-gallon vacuum zipper bags.
This model also includes a dry/moist setting to allow for a better vacuum setting depending on if you are sealing dry food, like nuts, or wet food, like meat.
It also includes automatic bag detection and sealing so that it is truly a one-touch process.
The model is considered 2-in-1 because it includes a built-in handheld sealer that can be used to seal zipper bags and containers.
The handheld sealer is normally an accessory that needs to be purchased separately.
The handheld sealer also allows for quicker marinating of food when used with one of the included zipper bags that can be sealed in seconds and then unsealed in a matter of moments by unzipping them.
It also includes a dishwasher drip tray that allows for easy cleanup and prevents messes from getting on your countertops.
3. FoodSaver VS0150
3.1 FoodSaver VS0150 Vacuum Sealing Machine
The FoodSaver VS0150 Vacuum Sealing Machine is the most compact vacuum sealer offered by FoodSaver and is designed to be stored vertically.
This is also a brand-new model originally released in the middle of 2020. It is designed to produce 35 percent less bag waste when compared with previous models.
The model is 17 x 5 x 9 inches (L*H*W) in size and is built with flat sides so that it can be stored in a vertical space out of the way.
It also only weighs 6 lbs, which will make it easy to store up high or down low and be completely out of the kitchen space until it is needed.
Since this model is designed to be compact it does not include a cutter or built-in roll storage.
The package is shipped with the base model and no accessories and the following bags and rolls; 1 11” x 8’ roll, 3 quart-sized vacuum seal bags, and 2 gallon-sized vacuum seal bags.
The model is unique from the other FoodSaver models because it is offered in a black and silver or white and silver color scheme.
Just as with all models this one includes an accessory port for any additional accessories you want to purchase for your vacuum sealer.
It includes custom moist and dry settings for anything you want to throw at the machine.
The built-in alignment drip tray helps to ensure you will always get the best vacuum-seal on your bags.
The included drip tray is removable allowing for easy cleaning of the machine and the drip tray is dishwasher safe.
4. FoodSaver FM2100
4.1 FoodSaver FM2100 Vacuum Sealing Machine
The FoodSaver FM2100 Vacuum Sealing Machine is a slightly older model but is tried and true in providing value to the people who use it.
This model is the direct model up from the original FM2000 and includes a few features and accessories it was not built with.
This model is slightly wider being 13.3 inches wide versus the FM2000 being only 10 inches wide.
The model measures 18 x 6 x 13 inches (L*H*W) and weighs 6.6 lbs.
This added size and weight is to incorporate the built-in roll storage and cutter.
These allow you to keep everything in one place and cut your bags to the exact size needed.
This model is also only available in black to match the FM2000. It has dual heat-sealing strips built in to ensure consistent sealing.
The model ships with 1 11” x 10’ vacuum seal roll, 3 1-quart bags, 2 1-gallon bags, and one accessory hose.
The accessory hose can be used with most of the accessories that FoodSaver sells separately.
Similar to the newer models the FM2100 has both a moist and dry setting to ensure your food is sealed correctly.
With the dual heat-sealing strips, you can waste less bag material by only leaving 2 inches on either side of the bag.
The normal recommendation is to leave 4 inches on either side of your food to get a strong seal.
Finally, the removable drip tray is dishwasher safe and the model as a whole is very simple to clean.
All that is needed is to remove the tray and bag roll and wipe down the whole machine.
5. FoodSaver V4840
5.1 FoodSaver V4840 Vacuum Sealing Machine
The FoodSaver V4840 Vacuum Sealing Machine is a 2-in-1 machine like the V4400.
It is slightly smaller being 19 x 9.5 x 10 inches (L*H*W) and weighing 10 lbs.
The model is only available in the silver and black style and does take up a significant amount of counter space.
It includes an 11” x 10’ vacuum seal roll, 3 1-quart vacuum seal bags, 2 1-gallon vacuum seal bags, 3 1quart vacuum zipper bags, and 2 1-gallon vacuum zipper bags.
All of these varieties can be used with the machine as shipped and do not require any added accessories.
It also includes the retractable handheld sealer and can be used with the included vacuum zipper bags and many of the accessories sold by FoodSaver.
One of the accessories that can be purchased is the mason jar lid, which allows you to seal your mason jars for food storage.
This model also includes the dry or moist setting to allow for a better vacuum setting depending on if you are sealing dry food or wet food.
It is slightly messy to clean up after using the moist setting because the liquid tends to spill out on the machine.
It also includes automatic bag detection and sealing so which makes it a one-touch process.
The handheld sealer also allows for quicker marinating of food when used with one of the included zipper bags that can be sealed in seconds and then unsealed in a matter of moments by unzipping them.
It also includes a dishwasher drip tray that allows for the whole machine to be wiped down while it is in the dishwasher.
6. FoodSaver FM24356.1 FoodSaver FM2435 Vacuum Sealing Machine
The FoodSaver FM2435 Vacuum Sealing Machine was originally released in 2016 and has been updated to include a bonus handheld sealer.
The model is available in the normal silver and black color scheme but is also partially made out of stainless steel.
The model is 17 x 4 x 9 inches (L*H*W) and weighs 7.4 lbs.
It is sold as a starter set and includes 1 11” x 10’ vacuum seal roll, 3 1-quart pre-cut vacuum seal bags, 2 1-gallon pre-cut vacuum seal bags, 3 1-quart vacuum zipper bags, 2 1-gallon vacuum zipper bags, and 1 handheld sealer and holder clip.
All of these included items mean that anyone who purchases it will be well on their journey of vacuum sealing their food.
The model also includes a built-in roll cutter and roll storage for added convenience.
The model includes both the wet and dry modes for optimal vacuuming and sealing.
The device is built with extra-wide heat-sealing strips to ensure a more consistent and stronger seal of your bags.
It comes with a built-in easy lock and latch system that allows for one-handed operation.
This means that once your food and bag are inserted in between the sealing strips all it takes is a slight push and twist to lock the mechanism versus forcibly pushing down with both hands to engage the locking mechanism.
It is designed with a large removable drip tray that will catch any liquid overflow.
7. FoodSaver FM5860
7.1 FoodSaver FM5860 Vacuum Sealing Machine
The FoodSaver FM5860 Vacuum Sealing Machine is one of FoodSaver’s premium models and includes a lot of added accessories.
It is built differently from the standard machines by sitting more upright instead of laying down completely flat.
The model is 19 x 6.25 x 8 inches (L*W*H) and weighs almost 15 lbs.
It weighs more than double some of the more basic models.
This model is delivered with; 1 11” x 10’ heat-seal roll, 1 8” x 10’ heat-seal roll, 3 1-quart heat-seal bags, 2 1-gallon heat-seal bags, 3 1-quart vacuum zipper bags, and 2 1-gallon vacuum zipper bags.
This model also has an easy-to-use upright control panel that allows for all of the added features to be controlled.
This machine includes an automatic bag maker and sealer that allows for the rolls to be dispensed and rerolled as needed to be the perfect size for your food.
It has an added “seal & cut” button that will automatically do everything for you once you have positioned the bag and food.
It also has a built-in marinate setting that allows you to marinate any food you want in one of the included vacuum zipper bags.
8. FoodSaver GM710
8.1 FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer GM710
The FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer GM710-000 is designed as a big game vacuum sealing system and marketed towards hunters and outdoorsmen.
Since this product is expected to be used outside more than inside it has some added design elements to assist with this.
It has heavy-duty construction and a high-performance function that will allow for 80 consecutive seals that are up to 240 lbs.
With this in mind, the machine is 24 x 5 x 10 inches (L*H*W) and weighs only 8 lbs.
It has a rugged design with large rubber buttons and a hard outer shell.
It includes a rugged carry handle that makes it easy to move around in a truck, RV, on a boat, or at an outdoor table.
The machine also includes a built-in 12-volt DC adaptor to ensure you can use it at any of these locations with ease and can quickly package all of your meat.
It includes all of the features that the previous models include and comes with a lot of the same bags and rolls from the get-go.
It is shipped with an 11” x 10’ roll, an 8” by 10’ roll, 5 1-quart pre-cut vacuum seal bags, 5 1-gallon pre-cut vacuum seal bags, and one accessory hose.
The hose can be used with FoodSaver zipper bags.
9. Comparison Table
FM2000 |
V4400 |
VS0150 |
FM2100 |
V4840 |
FM2435 |
FM5860 |
GM710 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brand |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
Model |
FM2000-FFP |
V4400 |
VS0150 |
FM2100-000 |
V4840 2-in-1 |
FM2435 |
FM5860 |
GM710-000 |
Color |
Black |
Silver/Black |
Black or White |
Black |
Silver |
Silver |
Silver |
Black |
Dimensions |
17.6 x 5.9 x 10.6 inches (L*W*H) |
11 x 20 x 12 inches (L*W*H) |
17.3 x 5 x 9 inches (L*W*H) |
17.8 x 5.9 x 13.3 inches (L*W*H) |
18.8 x 9.5 x 10.6 inches (L*W*H) |
17 x 4 x 9.2 inches (L*W*H) |
19 x 6.25 x 8 inches (L*W*H) |
23.7 x 5.2 x 10.2 (L*W*H) |
Weight |
5.3 lbs |
10 lbs |
6.12 lbs |
6.6 lbs |
10 lbs |
7.39 lbs |
14.92 lbs |
7.9 lbs |
Time to Vacuum Seal |
10 Sec |
10 Sec |
10 Sec |
10 Sec |
10 Sec |
10 Sec |
10 Sec |
10 Sec |
Pulse feature |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Built in cutter |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Automatic Bag Detection |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Automatic moisture detection |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Compatible Bags |
Not listed |
8″ and 11″ rolls and premade bags |
11″ Roll, Premade Bags |
11″ Roll, Premade Bags |
8″ and 11″, Premade Bags |
11″ Roll, Premade Bags |
8″ and 11″ Rolls, Premade bags |
8″ and 11″ Rolls, Premade bags |
Bag Size |
11″ wide, Quart, Gallon |
All Premade Sizes |
All Premade Sizes |
All Premade Bags |
All Premade Bags |
All Premade Bags |
All Premade Bags |
All Premade Bags |
Roll Size |
11″ by 10′ |
8″ and 11″ |
11″ x 8′ |
11″ x 10′ |
11″ x 10′ |
11″ x 10′ |
11″ x 10′ Roll |
8″ x 10′ and 11″ x 10′ Rolls |
Work with wet or juice food |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Roll Storage Compartment |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Number of bags you can seal continuously |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Automatic Maker and Sealer |
80 consecutive seals |
Cycle time between seals |
20 Sec |
20 Sec |
20 Sec |
20 Sec |
20 Sec |
20 Sec |
20 Sec |
20 Sec |
Marinating Container |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
Handheld Sealer |
Not Included |
Negative Pressure Maximal |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Mason jars seal |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Retractable Handheld Sealer |
No |
Retractable power cord/Power cord storage |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Vacuum hose |
Handheld Sealer |
Handheld sealer |
No |
Accessory Hose |
Not included |
Not included |
Yes |
Not included |
Loud |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Cleaning |
Fast and Easy |
Wipe down |
Easy Cleanup |
Easy Cleanup |
Easy Cleanup |
Removable drip tray |
Easy |
Removable drip tray |
Voltage |
110-120 V |
110V |
110V |
110V |
110V |
110V |
120V |
120V |
Power |
120 Watts |
127 Watts |
150W |
120W |
130W |
120W |
130W |
240W |
Warranty |
5-year limited |
5-year limited |
5-year limited |
5-year limited |
5-year limited |
5-year limited |
5-year limited |
5-year limited |
Made in |
China |
China |
China |
China |
China |
China |
China |
China |
