FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer Box review

Whether you want your fresh cuts of meat or vegetables to stay fresh for longer or simply want to save on fridge space, the best vacuum sealers are an essential gadget.

If you’re fed up with your foods going bad quickly, food vacuum sealing is the perfect way to preserve fresh foods without spoiling (supermarket style). And much like vacuum sealing clothes bags, food sealers quickly suck out air from the bag creating an airtight seal to prevent moisture, freezer burn and bacteria.

FoodSaver is a well-known brand for vacuum sealer systems, and this is their first, handheld model to make life easier.  The FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer is designed to be compact and user-friendly,  which is handy if you lack space for a conventional-sized machine.  Not only is it cordless and convenient, but it also comes with all the practical bits that you need like 10 zipper bags and a food container for large items.

Due to its pocket size, it’s also the cheapest vacuum sealer in the FoodSaver range, so ideal if you’re on a budget.  But can this mini, FoodSaver Handheld Vacuum Sealer pack in a powerful punch compared to its larger counterparts? Let’s take a closer look.

FOODSAVER HANDHELD VACUUM SEALER: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The FoodSaver is priced at an affordable £54.99 on the FoodSaver official site and Lakeland, but you can also get it for £38.42 on Amazon UK. In the US, you can find it on the official FoodSaver site for $31.49, while the Aussie market has it available for $65 on Appliances Online.

FOODSAVER HANDHELD VACUUM SEALER: DESIGN & FEATURES

As far as compact vacuum sealers go, this FoodSaver handheld vacuum fits the bill. With a diameter of just 6cm x 12cm, it literally fits in the palm of your hand, and unassuming. In fact, from the outset, you wouldn’t be able to tell exactly what it is.  

Weighing in at just 1lb, it’s lightweight and certainly won’t take up any space in the cupboard or countertop. This is often the case with the standard, vacuum sealers.

It comes with a battery charger, 10 zipper bags and a handy 1.2L food container. Unlike other vacuum sealers, there are no cords to fiddle about with, making it portable and easier to carry. In addition, the sealer comes with a removable reservoir at the bottom that collects any droplets of moisture drawn out of the bag or food container.

Although the zipper bags are supposed to be reusable, there is one minor flaw. They can’t be used in the freezer, which somewhat defeats the purpose if you want to marinate meats or batch-cook. However, the food containers are suitable for the freezer should you feel the need to freeze your weekly meals.

FOODSAVER HANDHELD VACUUM SEALER: PERFORMANCE

The FoodSaver is incredibly simple to use without fuss. Once you’ve put your food into the zipper bag, ensure the bag is completely flat before sealing at the top. Then, place the vacuum sealer over the circle on the bag and pressing the top suction button. The air is compressed within seconds, and you can stop the suction at any time. Simple! Once the bag is flat to your preference, it’s good to go in the fridge.

I was able to perfectly seal fresh foods ranging from cut meats to fruit for around a week, without the signs of decay that you would usually find after time. I found the best results when the bag wasn’t overpacked, and only filled about halfway. This allowed extra room to seal easily and make airtight. Similarly, the food container lid can be a little tricky to close properly. You’d need to align carefully on top of the box before firmly pushing down hard. In any case, the container is very useful for larger quantities, or fresh foods that won’t do well squashed in a bag.

Another handy feature is the long-lasting, battery charge that promises 100 seals per charge. While I didn’t have 100 items to seal to prove this (yet!), a single charge did last for about a week without fading. Bear in mind, you would need to fully charge for 24 hours before use to get the most out of it.

For such a small tool, the FoodSaver Handheld holds impressive power that can quickly vacuum seal at touch of a button.

FOODSAVER HANDHELD VACUUM SEALER: VERDICT

If you’re after a simple vacuum sealer, but lack the space (or grand budget), the FoodSaver Handheld is a great option. It’s convenient, easy to use, and small enough to fit anywhere - even in your pocket. But don’t be fooled by its humble size, its mighty power will make zipper bags and food containers airtight in no time. If you’re after something more versatile or with advanced features, this may not be for you. However, if you just need something to quickly seal your fresh foods and go, this is a good purchase.