Vacuum sealers, Chamber vs. External.

WeekendWarrior

New member
I've been wanting to get a vacuum sealer for a while now, and have narrowed it down to 2.
A Vacmaster 350 pro for about $250.00 or a Vacmaster VP215 at $819.00.  I am pretty much 50/50 between the two.  I wish I knew how much I would use it as the chamber sealer may very well be cheaper in the long run if used enough.  I would think I would like to seal jars of spices/rubs and using the canister attachment, but I guess I could just seal them in small bags.  I've seen a few posts by people who own both, and they say they rarely use the external machines.

External Sealer Pros.
Can use larger bags, since you can cut your own.
Can seal larger jars and canisters.
More portable, 19 lbs. vs. 83 lbs. though it still uses quite a bit of counter space.
Marinating capability using a vacuum canister.
External Sealer Con's.
Bags are more expensive. 17 to 21+ cents per bag.
More waste due to failed seals.
High liquid foods are tricker to handle.

Chamber sealer pro's
Bags are much cheaper, around 3 to 6 cents per bag.
Handles liquids much better than external type.
Easier to use?
Less failed seals.

Chamber sealer cons.
Initial Cost, wife may shoot me if she sees how much I paid for it.
Limited size of items to seal, can't seal anything that won't fit in the chamber.
Size takes up quite a bit of room.
Heavy, not very portable, would probably need to set up dedicated area in the basement as a sealing station.
No accessory port for sealing jars/marinating, though I think you can seal smaller jars if they can fit in the chamber.  Anyone know what size jars fit?
 
If i were to get a chamber sealer the Weston hands down is the best one in my opinion

http://www.westonsupply.com/Weston-Vacuum-Sealer-PRO-2300-Stainless-Steel-p/65-0201.htm

 
After trying a few I ended up getting the Vacmaster pro 140. You can pick them up for around $100.00.

http://www.amazon.com/VacMaster-Pro-Vacuum-Packaging-Machine/dp/B00MIIG6FK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1434289115&sr=8-2&keywords=vacmaster+pro+140

Greg

 
The Weston 2300 made my short list as well, it and the Vacmaster 380 are pretty similar.  I believe the 2300 has a 15 inch seal bar vs a 16 on the 380.  I think the 350 is pretty similar to the 380 except it has a 12 inch seal bar.

Anyone use both a chamber sealer and an external sealer?
 
Here is a link to a site carrying a variety of vacuum sealers, with free shipping:

http://www.homesteadharvest.com/vacuumsealers.html

I am still plugging along with my old Food Saver pro.
 
Yes my mistake on the chamber. But my friends have it and they love it.

DivotMaker said:
aspenextreme03 said:
If i were to get a chamber sealer the Weston hands down is the best one in my opinion

http://www.westonsupply.com/Weston-Vacuum-Sealer-PRO-2300-Stainless-Steel-p/65-0201.htm

From their website:  "Please note: All Weston Vacuum Sealers are “out of chamber” sealers."  This is not a chamber sealer, but looks like a very well-made out of chamber sealer.
 
The 2300 is a very good sealer. I have owned one for about a year. Very pleased. However,a chamber sealer would be very nice.
 
Personally, I would go with the chamber if you have the funds.  The one annoyance I have with my foodsaver is that I can't add juice to brisket/pulled pork unless I freeze before sealing.  The few that I did get to work that way (not sure what the magical angle was that I held my mouth at for that) were better when reheated.  I've just learned to use a small amount of broth or au jus from a fresh cook when I reheat.
 
aspenextreme03 said:
Yes my mistake on the chamber. But my friends have it and they love it.

No problem, Eric!  I believe it's a very good sealer - just didn't want folks thinking it was a very inexpensive chamber sealer. 
 
mizzoufan said:
Personally, I would go with the chamber if you have the funds.  The one annoyance I have with my foodsaver is that I can't add juice to brisket/pulled pork unless I freeze before sealing.  The few that I did get to work that way (not sure what the magical angle was that I held my mouth at for that) were better when reheated.  I've just learned to use a small amount of broth or au jus from a fresh cook when I reheat.

This is on my ultimate accessory wish list!  I want a chamber sealer for the same reasons!
 
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