Bags and rolls are the ongoing cost of owning a vacuum sealer — and over a few years they can cost more than the machine. The good news is that a few habits make a big difference.

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8 ways to spend less on vacuum sealer bags

  1. Use rolls for custom sizes. Cutting bags to length avoids wasting plastic on small portions. Our bag size calculator tells you exactly how long to cut.
  2. Buy compatible generic bags. Most external sealers seal any embossed bag within their maximum width. Test a small pack before buying in bulk.
  3. Buy in bulk once you’ve found a bag you like — larger rolls and multi-packs usually cost less per foot.
  4. Don’t over-size. About 3 inches of headspace is enough for most items.
  5. Reuse bags that held dry goods, fruit or vegetables. Wash, dry and cut off the old seal. Never reuse bags that held raw meat, fish, eggs or greasy foods.
  6. Use reusable containers and zipper bags for short-term fridge storage and leftovers. See reusable vacuum sealer bags.
  7. If you seal a lot, consider a chamber sealer. Smooth chamber pouches are generally cheaper than embossed bags. Compare in chamber vs external.
  8. Prevent failed seals — they’re wasted bags. Keep the seal area dry and wrinkle-free and read our troubleshooting guide.

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