A handheld sealer pumps air through a valve; a countertop sealer heat-seals the bag shut. That difference decides what each is good for.
Side by side
| Handheld | Countertop | |
|---|---|---|
| Seal type | Valve on zipper bags or containers | Heat seal on bags and rolls |
| Best for | Leftovers, opened bags, fridge and pantry | Freezing for months, sous vide |
| Bags | Brand-specific zipper bags | Any embossed bags or rolls |
| Price | About $60 to $99 | About $75 to $250 |
For the freezer
Healthy Recipes 101 found the Chef Preserve handheld's freezer seal weaker than countertop machines. For months-long storage, use a heat sealer.
Which to choose
Get a countertop sealer first; add a handheld if you want a quick tool for leftovers. Our picks: Anova Precision Pro and Chef Preserve.
