How to Use FoodSaver Zipper Bags

On this page (8 sections)

1. How do you use FoodSaver zipper bags with a handheld sealer?
2. How can you tell the zipper is closed correctly?
3. Where should the handheld sealer sit on the valve?
4. How much food should you put in a zipper bag?
5. Can you use ordinary Ziploc bags with a handheld vacuum sealer?
6. Which handheld sealer and bags fit this method?
7. How should you clean and store vacuum zipper bags?
8. What should you remember when using FoodSaver zipper bags?

To use FoodSaver zipper bags, close the zipper completely, keep the valve clear, and center the handheld sealer over the valve. Vacuum according to the sealer instructions, then check that the zipper and valve area remain closed before storing the food.

FoodSaver zipper bags are designed for valve-based handheld vacuuming, which differs from sealing a textured bag with a countertop machine. For ordinary freezer storage, compare freezer bags vs. storage bags.

The exact connection and vacuum steps can vary by bag and sealer model, so follow the instructions that came with yours.

How do you use FoodSaver zipper bags with a handheld sealer?

Close the zipper first, then position the sealer over the valve. A clear valve gives the sealer access to remove air without pulling food or liquid into the connection.

1. Add food, leaving room near the zipper and valve.
2. Press the zipper closed from one end to the other.
3. Check that no food, crumbs, or liquid sits across the zipper or valve.
4. Place the sealer squarely over the valve, as its instructions show.
5. Start vacuuming and stop when the sealer finishes or the bag is firm around the contents.
6. Check the zipper and valve area, then store the bag as appropriate for the food.

Don't pull on the zipper to test the vacuum or press the sealer at an angle. If the bag doesn't draw down, stop and check the closure, valve alignment, and sealer instructions before trying again.

How can you tell the zipper is closed correctly?

The zipper should be joined along its full length, with no visible gaps. Run your fingers along the closure and press any section that still looks open.

Keep the zipper track free of crumbs, grease, and food pieces. Even a small obstruction can leave a path for air.

FoodSaver zipper bags may include a zipper clip to help close the track. Use the clip as directed for your bag, then remove it before vacuuming unless the instructions say otherwise.

Where should the handheld sealer sit on the valve?

Center the sealer over the valve and hold it in the position the instructions show. The valve is the air-removal point, so placing the sealer on the zipper or bag surface won't make the intended connection.

Keep food and liquid away from the valve opening. If the bag contains moist food, arrange it so liquid doesn't pool around the valve during vacuuming.

If the connection slips or air does not draw out, reposition the sealer gently. Don't force the nozzle or keep running the device against a poor seal.

What if the valve won't vacuum?

A valve that won't draw air may be blocked, misaligned, or incompatible with the sealer. Stop, check the valve and nozzle for debris, and confirm that your sealer is intended for that style of bag.

For compatible bag options, compare our guide to best handheld vacuum sealer bags for food. It can help you focus on bags designed to connect to a handheld sealer.

How much food should you put in a zipper bag?

Leave enough open space to close the zipper without food touching the track. A crowded bag can make it harder to close the zipper fully and keep the valve clear.

Divide bulk food into portions before vacuuming. Smaller bags can be easier to store and reopen when you only need part of the food.

For liquids or foods with loose moisture, chill or freeze them first if appropriate for the food and recipe. This helps keep liquid away from the valve while air is being removed.

Can you use ordinary Ziploc bags with a handheld vacuum sealer?

Ordinary zipper bags without a vacuum valve aren't designed for a valve-based handheld sealer. A zipper closure holds the bag shut, but it doesn't provide the connection needed to remove air with that style of device.

Some bags sold for handheld vacuuming have a dedicated valve. Check the bag packaging and sealer instructions rather than assuming all zipper bags work the same way.

If you need standard zipper bags for freezing, see our guide to best Ziploc freezer bags. For reusable vacuum bags, compare best reusable vacuum sealer bags for food.

Which handheld sealer and bags fit this method?

Choose a sealer and bags that are designed to work together. The Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer for Food is a handheld option with reusable bags and a zipper clip included.

Chef Preserve says the device starts with a button and shuts off automatically when vacuuming is done. Confirm that your zipper bags are compatible with the device before use.

FoodSaver Custom Length Vacuum Sealer Bags Multipack is made for FoodSaver vacuum sealing systems and is intended for creating custom-sized bags with heat-seal rolls. It is a different bag format from a zipper bag with a handheld valve.

For reusable bags, the Chef Preserve Reusable Vacuum Sealer Bags come in a pack of 30 large bags and are described as compatible with Chef Preserve vacuum sealers. Check the bag and sealer instructions for the right sealing method.

How should you clean and store vacuum zipper bags?

Follow the bag maker's cleaning instructions, and check the zipper, valve, and seams before each reuse. Clean only bags that are suitable for reuse based on what they held and their condition.

Don't reuse a bag that held raw meat, fish, eggs, or unpasteurized cheese. Discard any bag with a split seam, damaged valve, or zipper that no longer closes fully.

Dry reusable bags completely before putting them away. Store them in a clean, dry place, and keep the valve from being crushed or bent.

What should you remember when using FoodSaver zipper bags?

For FoodSaver zipper bags, a full zipper closure and correctly placed handheld sealer are the key steps. Keep food away from the track and valve, and stop if the bag fails to vacuum rather than forcing the connection.

Use a valve bag with a compatible handheld sealer for this method. If you want to compare other reusable options, start with best reusable vacuum sealer bags for food.

Frequently asked questions

How do you use FoodSaver zipper bags?

Close the zipper fully, leaving the valve unobstructed, then place the handheld sealer over the valve as directed by the bag and sealer instructions. Vacuum until the sealer stops or the bag is firm around the food.

Check the closure and valve before storing the bag.

Do FoodSaver zipper bags need a special sealer?

Use a handheld vacuum sealer designed to work with the valve on your specific zipper bag. A standard edge sealer works differently and may not connect to that valve.

Check the instructions for both the bag and sealer before using another brand or bag type.

Can you reuse FoodSaver zipper bags?

Reuse depends on the bag's condition and what it held. Follow FoodSaver's cleaning and reuse instructions, and discard bags that held raw meat, fish, eggs, or unpasteurized cheese, or have a damaged zipper, valve, or seam.

Our guide explains whether vacuum sealer bags can be reused.

Can you use a handheld vacuum sealer with Ziploc bags?

Only if the bag is made with a compatible vacuum valve and the sealer instructions allow it. Ordinary zipper bags without a valve won't connect to a handheld vacuum sealer.

See our guide to a handheld vacuum sealer for Ziploc bags for the difference.