One of the most effective tools for long-term food storage is the vacuum sealer, when complemented by additional accessories such as jar attachments, bottle stoppers, and canisters transform into a versatile food preservation system. This handy device extends food longevity by removing air prior to sealing, reducing oxidation and spoilage, and preventing freezer burn. However, a vacuum sealer alone is not a magical all-in-one device. Its functionality and effectiveness can be significantly increased by a range of accessories and add-ons. Let’s learn about these game-changing extras to get the most out of your vacuum sealer machine.
Consumables
These are not accessories but let’s start with them since they are the cornerstone of any vacuum sealing operation.
Vacuum Sealer Bags and Rolls
Vacuum sealer bags and rolls are specially designed plastic containers compatible with your vacuum sealer. They come in various sizes for your convenience, allowing you to customize your storage.
Pre-cut bags are ready-to-use, standard-sized bags, convenient for quick sealing. Rolls provide flexibility, enabling you to cut the bag to the perfect length for the food you want to vacuum seal, which can also reduce costs.
There are primarily two types of vacuum sealer bags. Smooth vacuum sealer bags, which are typically used with chamber vacuum sealers, and textured vacuum sealer bags, made specifically for external or suction-type vacuum sealers. The textured ones that are used by external vacuum sealers like FoodSaver or Potane are often more expensive than smooth bags.
Reusable Vacuum Zipper Bags
For foods that you’ll consume in portions, like cheese or deli meats, there are reusable vacuum zipper bags that can be used with your vacuum sealer machine. These bags have a special zipper seal that can be opened and resealed multiple times. Many FoodSaver models like 5200 or 5860 come with a retractable handheld sealer for this purpose.
Attachments and Accessories
Here are the most useful vacuum sealer attachments and accessories.
Jar Sealers
For people who like making sauces or pickles, or those who like to buy dried goods in bulk, jar sealers are a godsend. These attachments allow you to create an airtight vacuum seal on mason jars, keeping contents fresher for longer periods. They are used with vacuum sealers that are equipped with an external port.
Vacuum-Seal Canisters
Canisters are excellent companions for items that don’t fit well into bags or things you’ll frequently use, like coffee or flour. They connect to your vacuum sealer’s external port and can be vacuum sealed to maintain freshness, just like bags and jars.
Marinators
Are you a fan of flavorful foods? Marinators might be the perfect addition to your vacuum sealer and kitchen. These containers speed up the marination process by creating a vacuum that opens up the food’s pores, allowing for faster marination. Some models also have a marinate function for adjusting the optimum vacuum level.
Bottle Stoppers
Bottle stoppers are useful for extending the shelf life of opened wine or oil bottles. By vacuum-sealing the bottle, you can prevent the quality degradation that typically occurs upon exposure to air.
Attachment Hoses
An attachment hose is the connecting piece for removing air from canisters, jars, or other accessories. When buying a vacuum sealer, check if the model comes with an attachment hose included. If not, you can buy a compatible one; they are very cheap items.
Bag Cutters and Roll Holders
Bag cutters and roll holders offer convenience and precision during the vacuum-sealing process. Built-in bag cutters allow you to easily customize bag size from rolls, while roll holders are great for keeping the roll clean and keeping it readily accessible.
As with any device, before buying any add-on for your vacuum sealer confirm that these accessories are compatible with your specific model. You can also check if any of these accessories are included in the package when choosing a vacuum sealer. These small add-ons can help keep your meals as fresh and tasty as possible.
