The best vacuum bags for freezing, storing and sous vide
If you’re someone who throws out too much expired food from the fridge or doesn’t have enough space to store your sweaters, vacuum seal bags might be the solution. Vacuum seal bags are popular due to their ability to store items compactly and keep food fresh for an extended time. Here are a few of the best vacuum seal bags on the market and how to make sure you’re buying the right ones for your needs.
What to know before you buy a vacuum seal bag
Types of vacuum seal bags
There are several types of vacuum seal bags, which are primarily categorized by their purpose and sealing methods. Here are a few of the most common types:
- Embossed bags feature an embossed texture that allows for air to be removed more easily. These are used most often with external suction sealers and are usually heat-resistant for use with sous vide machines.
- Food storage vacuum bags are designed to be used with chamber vacuum sealer machines. These are usually meant for cold storage in freezers and refrigerators.
- Boilable pouches can also be used with chamber vacuum sealers, but they’re specifically designed to withstand high temperatures, such as with sous vide cooking.
- Zipper vacuum storage bags are meant to be resealed. You might use these for things you reach for regularly, such as cheese or bacon bits. They can also be used for storing clothing so they take up less space. These are often sealed with a pump or a regular vacuum hose attached to the bag.
Quantity
Vacuum seal bags are often sold in rolls that allow you to cut or tear off the bags. The number of rolls included and the number of feet in a roll are listed in the product description. Bags not available for purchase in a roll are individually cut.
Size
The bigger the bag, the more you can store. The best vacuum seal bags come in different sizes or let you choose the length of the bag. If you plan to store smaller food items versus clothing or heavy items, pick small bags.
Pump
Bags that come with their own pump prevent trial and error with random pumps, so they’re easier to use. If the bag that you purchased does not include a pump, you can use your own vacuum or vacuum sealer.
What to look for in a quality vacuum seal bag
Secure seal
The essence of a vacuum seal bag is to securely seal. Bags that provide a secure seal are more compact and better at keeping their contents fresh or free of dust, moisture and bacteria.
Embossed edges
Embossed edges help keep the contents of the bag securely sealed, preventing air and moisture from getting trapped inside.
Thick plastic
Bags made with thick plastic tend to be more durable than those that are cut from thinner material and will keep your food items fresh for a longer time.
Versatile
The best vacuum seal bags aren’t limited to one kind of item, but can store a multitude of products. With varying sizes, vacuum bags can store clothing and food to help keep your food fresh longer and prevent damage to clothing.
How much you can expect to spend on vacuum seal bags
The best vacuum seal bags will cost anywhere from $15-$25 per package, depending on quantity, size and durability.
Vacuum seal bags FAQ
What happens if an item that contains food does not seal properly?
A. The food will not stay fresh as long and the bag will not do as well in preventing moisture, mold and bacteria from entering. Bags that do not secure properly will not be able to store food for an extended time.
Are vacuum seal bags reusable?
A. They can be resealed but should not be reused until washed or at all if they contained raw foods.
How long will nonrefrigerated items stay fresh in a vacuum seal bag?
A. Foods that are stored on shelves in your pantry can stay fresh for 1-2 years longer. These items include sugar, bread and soups. Food items that could go either way, like cookies, can be preserved for up to six weeks longer than if they were placed in a regular zip lock bag.
How might vacuum-sealing clothing negatively affect your garments?
A. Though vacuum sealing your clothes saves storage space and makes them easier to transport, they can cause your clothes to wrinkle when compressed. Clothes removed from these bags are almost always wrinkled.
How long can I keep refrigerated vegetables stored in a vacuum seal bag?
A. Vegetables can be stored for up to two weeks, depending on the vegetable. Lettuce, for example, is one of the many vegetables that will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Tips
- Make sure your bag can lay flat and stack for compact storage. If it is not able to lay almost entirely flat, it may contain too much oxygen.
- Label and date your bags so that when you go back to check their contents after an extended time, you will remember when it was placed in the bag.
- Regular bags with the air pressed out are not the same as vacuum bags. These bags are specific and will need to be purchased separately.
- If you are compressing your pillows in a vacuum bag, make sure it is not made with memory foam as these are more difficult to vacuum seal.
What’s the best vacuum seal bag to buy?
Top vacuum seal bag
What you need to know: These heavy-duty bags have secure seals and are free of the potentially harmful chemical bisphenol A.
What you’ll love: They store food up to six times longer than average, prevent freezer burn and work with various vacuum sealers. Embossed outer edges aid in maximum suction. They’re approved as food safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
What you should consider: Some users say the bags crack and get holes after being defrosted. They do not come with their own pump.
Top vacuum seal bag for the money
Amazon Basics Vacuum Storage Bags
What you need to know: These bags are easy to use and reduce the contents’ size by up to 80%.
What you’ll love: They’re made with a zipper that seals them and a secure valve. They come with a pump but are compatible with any style of vacuum.
What you should consider: If the bag is overfilled, the cap will not screw on correctly, allowing air to enter.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: These thick bags are food safe and are not made with BPA.
What you’ll love: They are embossed for durability and putting them in the freezer or refrigerator will not damage them. They work to prevent bacteria and are specifically meant for food. You can cut them up to any size and length, and they resist tearing.
What you should consider: They may not seal securely if the product is larger, and they don’t come with their own pump.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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