Frequently found among the equipment in the supermarket fridge display, the vacuum sealing machine is becoming popular among kitchen appliances and is used with a certain frequency.
This is because it is ideal for keeping the organoleptic properties, the scents and aromas of some foods that we will not consume in a short time.
It is an alternative to the more usual systems of food preservation, such as freezing or pasteurization, less risky, and it is easy to realize quickly if the conservation has not been successful, reducing the risk of food poisoning.
We see in this guide which features to pay attention to before choosing the right vacuum sealing machine beyond the simple price comparison.
How to Choose Vacuum Sealer?
A vacuum machine is a high precision instrument that seals every food at best, concentrating purely on the products from which the air contained in most of the packs has been removed.
Thanks to such a system, each food is safe from any harmful and harmful microorganisms, such as mold and bacteria.
In addition to the food sector, such a device can also be very useful in the collector’s sector thanks to the ability to preserve certain objects from unfavorable climatic conditions.
Versatility
The models at the top of the sales rankings and those most appreciated by consumers are particularly versatile ones. Sure, they have a higher market price than the simpler machines, but they are richer in useful functions.
For example, the possibility of adjusting the suction speed according to the specific food to be kept under vacuum could be very useful. Many also appreciate the possibility of sucking the air in pulses, which guarantees greater control during suction.
Others, however, cannot do without a more delicate aspiration, specific for crumbly foods such as biscuits. The presence of tools to remove the air from cans and special containers makes the appliance even more complete and versatile.
Materials and Design
The shell of the vacuum machines can be made of stainless steel or different types of plastics. Of course, if you want an appliance that lasts forever, you may prefer the first option.
If you want to save a little and think of making sporadic use of this appliance, you could easily choose a good product with a plastic shell, the options on the market abound.
Attention also to the design: as can be seen from the review of many users, it is an aspect not to be underestimated from two points of view. First of all, a model that is particularly well-groomed from an aesthetic point of view can be kept in plain view in the kitchen.
Secondly, it is necessary to evaluate the dimensions and the occupied dimensions: a compact and handy model could prove to be the most suitable for those who do not have available space.
The intensity of Intended Use
The best brand will be the one that can offer a robust and solid product at a reasonable price. The best products, however, intended for domestic use, have prices that are around 200 euros, but this figure varies greatly from model to model.
If you intend to spend less, you will need to make an accurate estimate of the occasions when it is possible to use the sealing machine during the year.
The best machines withstand prolonged use even for several hours, and the others instead need frequent breaks to prevent the components from suffering wear and tear when overheated.
How to Use the Vacuum Sealer?
Often, to adequately store food, the refrigerator alone is not enough. In fact, how many times have you ever found cured meats inside? To extend the “average life” of food, a vacuum machine can be used, which allows food to be stored without air inside a sealed bag.
The Vacuum Technique
We want to take a moment longer to explain clearly, what the vacuum technique consists of and why it allows us to extend the state of conservation of food.
We have said how air is eliminated with vacuum: this condition prevents most microorganisms and bacteria from developing. In this way, not only the integrity of the food remains intact but also the flavor and color.
Conservation Times
One of the questions readers are probably asking is how long a vacuum-packed food can last. Well, there is no clear answer in the sense that the duration, the freshness, depends on the food.
Not all of them answer the same way. However, generally speaking, we can say that the good state of conservation can last from one to three weeks.
Not a little if we think that ham should be consumed at most in two days since it was sliced before it loses its characteristics of humidity, softness, flavor, and heat while on the third or fourth day you risk finding mold.
Frozen Foods
But what are the types of foods that can be stored, and in what state? We want to start with frozen food. Some might ask: if I already freeze food to keep it for a long time, why should I put it under vacuum?
We are happy to answer that question. Putting the food in the freezer does not mean that it does not deteriorate due to the so-called cold burn, a consequence of the excessive time spent in the freezer.
If the food, on the other hand, is vacuum-packed before being frozen, it can maintain a good state of conservation even after a year.
Cooked Foods
It is a good habit to store already cooked food under vacuum which without this system could last in the fridge for just a few days.
But if put under vacuum, it will be possible to eat it even after two weeks: the flavor and all the rest will remain intact as if it were freshly cooked food.
The Bags
To store food under vacuum, common but specific bags cannot be used. Usually, when buying a packaging machine, it comes with reusable bags.
Of course, they should be washed thoroughly and used only for vegetables, fruit, and dry food. All other foods, with the bags, used several times, could develop bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does It Work?
What allows an instrument of this kind to create a vacuum is precisely a pump capable of sucking the air inside the bag or container that you are going to insert.
For this reason, it is good to evaluate the suction power of the model to be purchased: it is good to opt for one that is between 500 and 700 bar. In this way, your food will be stored for much longer.
How to Vacuum Pack without A Machine?
Do you want to vacuum-pack your food but you don’t want or can’t buy a special machine? Here are some methods that can be useful, provided of course that you have the appropriate envelopes available.
First, a simple straw will suffice: place it inside the bag, until it reaches the end. Suck the air and then squeeze the straw, so that it cannot fall. Close the bag, and you’re done.
Another useful method is the one that sees the use of a basin: just take a special bag, with a zip for closing. Place the food inside, then put the bag inside a bowl, which you have previously filled with water.
Immerse the bag gradually, while the air comes out and, in the end, seal it by closing the zipper. Finally, if you are used to drinking in plastic bottles, you can use one of these empty.
Cut the upper part that is the one that includes the neck. Always put the food inside a bag, put it in this piece of bottle, vacuum, and then close again with the cap of the same bottle.
Here we had reviewed the best vacuum sealer. These sealers are used for long term food storage and keep them fresh such as the fish.
