Handheld sealers are small cordless pumps for zipper bags and containers. They're great for leftovers and opened bags of chips, but not for long-term freezer storage.
- Best handheldChef Preserve Compact Vacuum SealerAbout $99
- Best small countertop alternativeAnova Precision Vacuum Sealer$89 list
Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer
- Price
- About $99
- Type
- Handheld
- Seal bar or bags
- None (reusable bags)
- Liquids
- No
- Pump
- Cordless, rechargeable
- Warranty
- See Chef Preserve
Seals its reusable bags in about five seconds and runs about three hours per charge, per Healthy Recipes 101, which measured about 36 kPa of suction. You're tied to Chef Preserve's own bags.
What we like
- Fast
- Long battery
What to know
- Proprietary bags
- Weaker freezer seal
Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer
- Price
- $89 list
- Type
- Countertop (edge)
- Seal bar or bags
- Up to 11.8 in
- Liquids
- No
- Pump
- -0.5 bar (maker figure)
- Warranty
- 2 years
If you want something nearly as compact that also heat-seals ordinary bags for the freezer, Anova's slim sealer weighs 2.3 lb and stores in a drawer. It costs about the same as a handheld and has a two-year warranty.
What we like
- Heat-seals any embossed bag
- Fits in a drawer
What to know
- Needs an outlet
- No liquid mode
Why we only recommend one handheld
We looked at other cordless handhelds, including FoodSaver's, but didn't find one we'd recommend alongside Chef Preserve. Most work only with their maker's own valve bags, and their seals aren't meant for months in the freezer.
Handheld or countertop?
For anything going in the freezer for months, a countertop heat sealer is the better tool. See handheld vs countertop.
