Types of Vacuum Sealers

Manual vs. Automatic Vacuum Sealers

When it comes to choosing a vacuum sealer, you'll have to choose between a manual and an automatic unit. Evaluate the foods you'll be sealing, how much you expect to seal, and the available space in your kitchen while deciding which option works best for you. Keep in mind that some models even offer hybrid manual/automatic controls, giving you the flexibility to do both.

• Manual vacuum sealers: These units let you adjust how long the machine pulls air out of the bag by using a timer. This feature is helpful if you will be packaging soft, delicate items. Once you figure out the desired time, set the timer instead of holding down the pulse button every time.
• Automatic vacuum sealers: With these sealers, the vacuum cycle runs until all of the air is pulled from the bag, which is generally faster than setting a timer. If you package more durable items, automatic sealers are more efficient, allowing you to set the machine and let it run without worry.
• Hybrid vacuum sealers: These vacuum sealers give you complete control over the sealing process, allowing you to switch between manual and automatic sealing at the push of a button. They are ideal for kitchens with dynamic vacuum sealing needs, offering versatility that the other options do not.

Vacuum Sealer FAQ

Though using a vacuum sealer might seem simple enough, there are plenty of questions that operators ask themselves. We'll answer the most frequently asked ones to relieve pain points and help you maintain an efficient kitchen.

Can You Reuse Vacuum Seal Bags?

Select vacuum seal bags can be reused, but it depends on which style of bag is used and what food was originally placed in them. Bags with zippers can be reused, as they are designed to open and close. Conversely, bags that utilize a heat seal to lock their contents in cannot be reused, as they are only intended for one-time use and must be cut to open. For food safety purposes, bags used to hold raw meat, poultry, fish, or eggs should not be reused. These bags may present an increased risk of cross-contamination or harbor unsafe bacteria.

Can You Boil Vacuum Seal Bags?

Yes, you can boil certain vacuum seal bags. If you plan to do so, buy boil-safe bags, as not all brands are designed to work in hot water. Placing a bag that isn't meant for boiling into a pot can disrupt the seal and cause the bag's contents to spill out. Boiling vacuum-sealed bags is a common practice when it comes to sous vide cooking.

What Should You Not Vacuum Seal?

While vacuum sealers are versatile, there are still certain foods you shouldn't use them for. Generally speaking, foods that can harbor unsafe levels of bacteria or enzymes that might cause the bag to expand are not safe to vacuum seal. Take precautions to avoid these specific types of foods, and come up with alternate storage solutions for them:

• Products with anaerobic bacteria: Do not vacuum seal mushrooms, garlic, and soft, unpasteurized cheeses like brie and ricotta. These products might contain anaerobic bacteria, which can grow and thrive within the oxygen-free environment inside a vacuum pouch.
• Foods that aren't cooled: Allow foods to cool to at least room temperature before sealing, since higher temperatures are more likely to harbor bacteria. Take precautions and check that foods are cooling safely, keeping them out of the temperature danger zone for as long as possible.
• Select fresh vegetables: Fresh cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and turnips, emit gases in storage, which can cause the airtight bag to expand over time. To prevent this, blanch the vegetables for a set amount of time before vacuum sealing. Blanching halts enzyme production to eliminate the risk of discoloration and unwanted gases.

What Is a Gas Flush Vacuum Sealer?

A gas flush vacuum sealer is engineered to remove air from a bag and replace it with gas before sealing it. Specifically, they use a vacuum pump to pull air out and a gas injection system to replace it. These vacuum sealers provide space for delicate food items that would otherwise be crushed inside the bag during the traditional vacuum sealing process. They are commonly used for snacks like potato chips, as well as baked goods.

Commercial vacuum sealers are an excellent investment for foodservice operators looking to extend product freshness, reduce waste, and improve food storage efficiency. With a variety of chamber and external sealers available, there is a solution designed to meet the needs of virtually any kitchen or foodservice operation. By choosing the right vacuum sealer and accessories, you can streamline food preservation and maintain higher-quality ingredients for longer periods.

Written by Jason Kurtz

Over his 5+ years with WebstaurantStore, Jason has spent countless hours learning, researching, and writing about the foodservice industry. With expertise in technical topics, he takes pride in helping customers and readers understand everything from troubleshooting their equipment to the fundamentals of starting a business.

Learn more about this author and WebstaurantStore's Content Writing Team here!