A chamber sealer puts the whole bag in a sealed box, so liquids stay in the bag and smooth pouches cost less per bag. These are the three home chamber sealers we'd buy.
- Best overallAnova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer$374 list
- Best valueAvid Armor USV20$349 list
- Biggest chamberAvid Armor USV32About $529
Side by side
| Model | Price | Type | Seal bar or bags | Liquids | Chamber size | Pump | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer | $374 list | Chamber | 11.8" | Yes | 12 × 8.6 × 3 in | Dry pump, no oil | 2 years |
| Avid Armor USV20 | $349 list | Chamber | 11.5" | Yes | 12.25 × 8.5 × 3 in | Dry pump, no oil | 1 year |
| Avid Armor USV32 | About $529 | Chamber | 11.5" | Yes | 11.5 × 12 × 3.5 in (8 L) | Oil-free pump | 1 year |
Anova Precision Chamber Vacuum Sealer
- Price
- $374 list
- Type
- Chamber
- Seal bar or bags
- 11.8"
- Liquids
- Yes
- Chamber size
- 12 × 8.6 × 3 in
- Pump
- Dry pump, no oil
The Anova is the most compact of the three at about 13.6 × 11.2 × 8.9 in, with a 70 L/min dry pump that needs no maintenance and programs for infusing, quick-pickling and dry foods. It's the only one here with a two-year warranty. It has no accessory port, so it can't vacuum jars or canisters.
What we like
- 2-year warranty
- Compact
- Infuse and pickle programs
What to know
- No jar port
- $374 list
Avid Armor USV20
- Price
- $349 list
- Type
- Chamber
- Seal bar or bags
- 11.5"
- Liquids
- Yes
- Chamber size
- 12.25 × 8.5 × 3 in
- Pump
- Dry pump, no oil
Avid Armor's USV20 is the chamber sealer many home cooks start with: an 11.5 in seal bar, adjustable vacuum (15 to 60 seconds) and seal times, a marinate cycle, and an accessory port and hose for jars and canisters. It weighs 17.55 lb and the lid needs 17 in of clearance to open. List price is $349.
What we like
- Jar and canister port
- Adjustable vacuum and seal
- Dry pump
What to know
- 1-year warranty
- Needs 17 in of lid clearance
Avid Armor USV32
- Price
- About $529
- Type
- Chamber
- Seal bar or bags
- 11.5"
- Liquids
- Yes
- Chamber size
- 11.5 × 12 × 3.5 in (8 L)
- Pump
- Oil-free pump
The USV32 has a deeper 8-liter chamber (11.5 × 12 × 3.5 in) for thick cuts, roasts and big batches, plus a double seal and a removable filler plate. In Taste of Home's test it sealed chicken in 31 seconds and crackers in 15 seconds without cracking, but measured 78 dBA. It weighs 26.4 lb.
What we like
- Deep 8 L chamber
- Double seal
- Gentle on crackers
What to know
- 26.4 lb
- Noisy
- About $529
What it costs to run
Avid Armor sells 250 smooth 8 × 10 in chamber pouches for $28.95, about 12 cents each. Its 8 × 12 in embossed bags for edge sealers are $16.99 for 100, about 17 cents each. Chamber pouches won't work in edge sealers. See chamber bags vs embossed bags.
Questions
Do chamber sealers need oil changes?
All three here use dry or oil-free pumps, so no. Commercial models with rotary oil pumps do.
Can a chamber sealer use regular FoodSaver bags?
Usually, yes, but smooth chamber pouches are cheaper.
