- Best overall for sous vide: Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro — dry/moist double seal, roll storage, accessory port, 2-year warranty.
- Most control: Nesco VS-12 Deluxe — pulse, Gentle vacuum, double seal on both settings.
- Best for marinades and liquids: Anova Precision Chamber — dry-pump chamber sealer at about 13.6 lb.
- Best budget: Inkbird INK-VS02 — dry, moist, pulse and canister modes.
A bag that leaks or floats ruins a sous vide cook. The best sealers for sous vide produce strong, consistent seals, cope with marinated and moist foods, and make batch prep easy. Our picks are research-based; see how we review. New to sous vide? Start with our beginner’s guide.
What matters for sous vide
- Double seal or adjustable seal time — extra insurance for long cooks.
- Moist mode, Gentle vacuum or pulse — for marinated and delicate foods.
- Bag compatibility — use bags rated for simmering/sous vide temperatures.
- Roll storage and cutter — speeds up batch prep.
- Chamber option — if you seal liquids, marinades or infusions often.
Best overall: Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro
Anova's upgraded external sealer adds bag storage, a sliding cutter and an accessory port, is rated for around 100 back-to-back seals and carries a 2-year warranty.
- Sealer typeExternal
- Vacuum settingsDry / Moist, double seal
- Built-in bag storageYes
- Bag cutterYes
- Accessory portYes
- Warranty2 years
- 2-year warranty
- Built-in bag storage and sliding cutter
- Accessory port and hose included
- Rated for about 100 back-to-back seals (manufacturer)
- 110 W pump — less powerful than heavy-duty models
- Like all suction sealers, liquids need pre-freezing
Affiliate link. Prices and availability change — check Amazon for current details.
Designed alongside Anova’s circulators, the Pro has dry and moist modes with a double seal, a bag compartment and sliding cutter, and an accessory port. Anova rates it for around 100 back-to-back seals — handy for weekly prep. See our Anova review.
Most control: Nesco VS-12 Deluxe
Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer
A 130-watt external sealer with dry and moist settings that both double-seal, pulse control, an accessory port and built-in roll storage with a cutter — a well-rounded choice for weekly sealing.
- Sealer typeExternal
- Vacuum settingsDry / Moist (both double-seal) + Normal / Gentle vacuum
- Pulse controlYes
- Seal barBags up to 11.8 in
- Built-in bag storageYes
- Bag cutterYes
- Accessory portYes
- Warranty1-year limited
- 130 W pump with Normal and Gentle vacuum pressure
- Pulse, canister and marinate functions
- Built-in roll storage and bag cutter
- Dry and moist settings both double-seal
- 1-year limited warranty is shorter than some rivals
- Canister hose and accessories sold separately
Affiliate link. Prices and availability change — check Amazon for current details.
Best for marinades: Anova Precision Chamber
Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer
A compact countertop chamber sealer with a maintenance-free dry pump, an 11.8 in seal bar and preset modes for infusing, compressing and pickling — far lighter than oil-pump machines.
- Sealer typeChamber
- Vacuum settingsInfuse, Compress/Pickle, Dry/Cool, Manual
- Seal bar11.8 in
- Built-in bag storageNo
- Bag cutterNo
- Warranty2 years
- Dry pump — no oil changes
- About 13.6 lb, small enough for a counter
- Preset infuse, compress and dry/cool modes
- Shallow 3 in chamber limits bulky items
- Bags limited to about 11.8 in wide
Affiliate link. Prices and availability change — check Amazon for current details.
A chamber sealer seals marinades, sauces and brines without pre-freezing, and can compress fruit or quick-pickle vegetables. Anova’s model is unusually light for a chamber machine.
Best budget: Inkbird INK-VS02
Inkbird INK-VS02 Vacuum Sealer
A budget-friendly external sealer that still includes dry, moist, pulse and canister modes, a roll compartment and a built-in cutter.
- Sealer typeExternal
- Vacuum settingsDry / Moist / Pulse / Canister
- Pulse controlYes
- Seal bar11.8 in max
- Built-in bag storageYes
- Bag cutterYes
- Accessory portYes
- Warranty1 year
- Dry, Moist, Pulse and Canister modes
- Built-in cutter and roll storage
- 11.8 in maximum seal length
- −85 kPa rated vacuum (manufacturer)
- Manual advises a 15–20 minute cool-down during long sessions
- Some owners report inconsistent seals with certain third-party bags
Affiliate link. Prices and availability change — check Amazon for current details.
Compare sous vide picks
| Product | Sealer type | Vacuum settings | Wet / moist food | Pulse control | Built-in bag storage | Accessory port | Warranty | Price & availability | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro Best for Sous Vide |
External | Dry / Moist, double seal | Low-pressure mode for juicy foods | Not stated | Yes | Yes | 2 years | Check on Amazon | Read guide |
| Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer Best Overall |
External | Dry / Moist (both double-seal) + Normal / Gentle vacuum | Moist mode; pre-freeze liquids | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1-year limited | Check on Amazon | Read guide |
| Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer Compact Chamber Pick |
Chamber | Infuse, Compress/Pickle, Dry/Cool, Manual | Yes — seals liquids | Not stated | No | Not stated | 2 years | Check on Amazon | Read guide |
| Inkbird INK-VS02 Vacuum Sealer Best Budget |
External | Dry / Moist / Pulse / Canister | Moist mode; pre-freeze liquids | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1 year | Check on Amazon | Read guide |
← Swipe the table sideways to see every specification →
Sous vide sealing tips
- Use bags rated for sous vide; double-seal for cooks over a few hours.
- Freeze marinades or sauces in the bag briefly before sealing with an external sealer.
- Lay food flat in a single layer for even cooking.
- If a bag floats, clip it down or add a weight; trapped air means a weak seal — reseal if needed.
- Season and seal in advance, then freeze — you can cook from frozen (add roughly 50% to the time).
Try it with our sous vide recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vacuum sealer for sous vide?
Not strictly — zip-top bags with the water-displacement method work for short cooks. A vacuum sealer gives tighter, more reliable bags, especially for long cooks and freezer prep.
Can vacuum seal bags go in a sous vide water bath?
Yes, if they’re rated for simmering or sous vide temperatures. Check the packaging.
Why do my sous vide bags float?
Air or gas in the bag — from an incomplete vacuum, a weak seal or vegetables releasing gas. Reseal, weigh the bag down, or use a rack.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our editorial opinions or recommendations. Learn more.
