Vacuum Sealer Vs Ziploc Bags: Which Is Best And Why?

on June 16, 2023

The argument between vacuum sealers and Ziploc bags has been raging in the world of food storage for years. Both options have advantages in terms of ease and preservation, but which is really the best? We will examine the nuances of vacuum sealers and Ziploc bags in this blog post, contrasting their qualities, benefits, and shortcomings.

Vacuum sealers and Ziploc bags differ significantly in terms of practicality and efficiency when it comes to storing food. The main variations between the two are as follows:

Removal of Air: Vacuum sealers are excellent at eliminating air from storage bags to produce an airtight closure. They remove air using a vacuum pump, preventing oxygen from getting to the food and drastically lowering the danger of food spoiling. However, while they do offer a closure, Ziploc bags do not completely expel air. By forcing out as much air as they can before sealing, they rely on manual air extraction.

Extended Shelf Life: Compared to Ziploc bags, vacuum sealers offer longer shelf lives for stored food because of their greater air removal capabilities. Food that has been vacuum-sealed retains its flavour, texture, and nutritional content for a longer amount of time due to the absence of air, which lowers the danger of freezer burn.
Versatility: When it comes to sealing a variety of foods, vacuum sealers are more adaptable than Ziploc bags. They are capable of handling both solid and liquid substances, making it possible to store soups, sauces, marinated meats, and delicate fruits and vegetables well. Despite being suitable for many foods, Ziploc bags could not offer the same level of ease and safety for liquids or objects with sharp edges.
Cost: Because vacuum sealers are mechanical equipment, they normally demand an initial investment. However, they frequently include reusable rolls and bags, which lowers the overall cost of buying disposable storage solutions. Contrarily, Ziploc bags can be purchased repeatedly but are easily accessible and reasonably priced for immediate usage.

Vacuum sealers are excellent for bulk storage since they let you package and store bigger amounts of food. They also make it possible to control portion size by easily splitting meals into discrete servings. Ziploc bags may not offer the same level of organisation for bulk storage and are better suited for smaller quantities.
Food Protection: Vacuum sealers provide the best defence against odours, moisture, and freezer burn, protecting the nutritional value of the stored food. Basic protection is offered by Ziploc bags, however over time they could become increasingly vulnerable to these elements.

You can choose the approach that best meets your unique needs and preferences for food storage by being aware of these essential distinctions between vacuum sealers and Ziploc bags.

Are different types of vacuum sealers?

There are numerous varieties of vacuum sealers on the market. Here are a few typical examples:

Handheld vacuum sealers: These small, mobile devices may be used anywhere and don’t need a countertop to function. They function with reusable zip-top bags or canisters that have a specific design. Portable vacuum sealers are useful for rapid sealing jobs and are frequently used for small-scale storage or travel.
Vacuum sealers with an external vacuuming system: These vacuum sealers feature an external vacuuming system. They frequently have a strip for sealing and a different connection for taking air out of the bag. Specifically created textured or embossed vacuum bags are used with external vacuum sealers. They come in a variety of sizes and functions, making them perfect for use at home.

Chamber vacuum sealers are high-quality devices that are frequently utilised in commercial or high-volume settings. The entire bag is placed in the chamber for sealing. These sealers provide more thorough vacuum sealing by removing air from both the bag and the chamber. Chamber vacuum sealers are perfect for industrial kitchens, restaurants, and serious home users since they can handle big volumes of food.
Automatic vacuum sealers: With their one-touch operation, automatic vacuum sealers are convenient. They begin the vacuuming and sealing procedure after automatically detecting the bag. These sealers frequently include extra functions including marinating abilities, changeable sealing options, and built-in roll storage.
Vacuum sealers that do other tasks, such as serving as bottle stoppers, canister attachments, or food-preservation containers, are known as hybrid vacuum sealers. These adaptable devices offer a variety of storage possibilities and are appropriate for vacuum sealing setups that require flexibility.

How much do vacuum sealers normally cost?

Vacuum sealers can range in price according to their type, brand, features, and general build quality. To give you an idea of the price range, here it is:

Handheld vacuum sealers: These are often the least expensive choice, with prices ranging from $20 to $80.
External Vacuum Sealers: The price of an external vacuum sealer for household use can range from $50 to $300. Features including sealing width, power, sealing modes, and other functionality all affect price.

Chamber Vacuum Sealers: Due to their professional-grade capabilities, chamber vacuum sealers are more expensive. Prices can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, depending on the machine’s size, features, and general level of quality.
Automatic Vacuum Sealers: Costing between $100 and $400, automatic vacuum sealers are convenient and come with extra functionality.

It’s crucial to remember that buying vacuum sealer rolls or bags adds to your recurring expenses. Although some models come with reusable bags, it will still be necessary to sometimes refill bags or buy fresh rolls for ongoing use.

Are vacuum sealers or Ziploc bags more environmentally friendly?

When contrasting vacuum sealers and Ziploc bags with regard to the environmental impact, there are a few things to consider:

Waste Production: Compared to disposable Ziploc bags, vacuum sealers often employ reusable bags or rolls, which helps reduce waste production. You can reuse the bags with a vacuum sealer several times before having to replace them. Ziploc bags, on the other hand, frequently need to be replaced because they are typically single-use.
Consumption of plastic: Vacuum sealers frequently employ special plastic bags or rolls that are made for vacuum sealing. Even though these bags are not always biodegradable, the fact that they can be reused instead of using disposable Ziploc bags for every storage situation lowers the overall use of plastic.

Energy Consumption: The vacuum pump in vacuum sealers, in particular, needs electricity to run. While this does add to energy use, the effect can change based on the model and usage patterns. Ziploc bags, on the other hand, don’t need electricity, therefore less energy is used throughout the storing process.
Vacuum sealer bags and Ziploc bags can both be recycled, but the accessibility and simplicity of recycling may differ depending on where you live. To ensure proper disposal, it is crucial to check your local recycling regulations and facilities.

Due to their reusable nature and the decreased amount of plastic waste they produce, vacuum sealers have the potential to be more environmentally beneficial when these aspects are taken into account. Ziploc bags and vacuum sealer bags both need to be disposed of and recycled properly in order to have as little of an impact on the environment as possible.