Today, many of us are busy and our time and money are precious to us.
When we are busy, we sometimes forget about what food we have on hand.
Food then can spoil and essentially, we are throwing our money away.
This is where a vacuum sealer can help you save money and essentially time.
You can vacuum seal your meats and vegetables with a simple push of a button and keep them fresh for much longer.
The benefits of a vacuum sealer do not end here.
They also can help save time by marinating your food quickly while still making gourmet meals.
With this said, which vacuum sealer is right for you?
This post will discuss the brand FoodSaver.
The three products we will compare are the FM5200, FM5480, and V4440.
1. FoodSaver FM5200
The FoodSaver FM5200 is a silver 126-watt appliance that can help you save money and has some great functions.
It weighs 8.76 pounds and is 7.24″ H x 16.31″ W x 7.64″ D.
It also comes with a handheld sealer that can be manually used for zipper bags and containers.
Sealing containers can help marinate your food promptly.
The retractable handheld vacuum sealer also makes it ideal for sealing cans.
This model also contains an express bag maker.
It will make bags swiftly and will automatically prepare for the next bag.
The FM5200 has automatic moisture detection.
This means if it detects a lot of moisture or juices in your food, it will automatically switch modes to get the correct seal.
With the push of the vacuum and seal bar, the appliance will begin to pull the air out of the food.
After, you can use the control panel to continue getting the perfect vacuum seal.
On the control panel, there are several buttons.
• Seal Button- The seal button does two things.
The first use the button has is it will stop the vacuum process and immediately begin the sealing process.
The second thing it does is create a seal on multilayer bags to make them airtight.
• Adjustable Food Settings Button- Press this for moist or juicy foods.
It will then detect any liquid and begin sealing properly.
Also, you may select the dry food setting and it can detect if moisture becomes present in the dry food.
• Marinate Button- This is used with the retractable handheld sealer.
It will begin a ten-minute sequence of vacuum pulses.
This process will automatically vacuum and release three times.
This allows for optimal food marinating.
• Cancel Button- Stops your current function immediately.
This vacuum sealer is easy to clean.
Just wipe it down and remove the drip tray.
The tray is dishwasher safe.
This model comes with storage for the power cord in the back of the machine.
This has a roll storage compartment and window that allows you to see when you need to replace the roll.
The starter kit comes with 3 1-quart pre-cut bags, 2 1-gallon pre-cut bags, 3 1-quart zipper bags, and 2 1-gallon zipper bags.
It also has a 5-year warranty.
It also comes with an 11” X 10’ vacuum seal roll.
2. FoodSaver FM5480
The FoodSaver FM5480 is a Black and silver 126-watt vacuum sealer.
It also has some great elements.
This weighs 9.93 pounds and shares the same dimensions as the FM5200.
The appliance contains the same button features as the previous model.
It does have two extra features though that may come in handy.
The 2 extra features that it has are:
• PulseVac Button- this feature allows you to manually control the vacuum process.
Just hold the button down and the air will be removed.
Once you release the button the vacuum process will stop.
You may repeatedly push the button to remove the desired amount of air in increments.
Doing so will stop you from crushing delicate food.
• Rapid Marinate Mode- We have all been there.
It is time to start cooking dinner and we realize we forgot to marinate our food.
This feature can be a lifesaver!
It will marinate your food in minutes instead of hours.
Saving you from having a bland meal.
The unit has a retractable power cord and can be stored effortlessly.
The starter kit includes 3-Quart Vacuum Seal Bags, 2-Gallon Vacuum Seal Bags, 3-Quart Vacuum Zipper Bags, 2-Gallon Vacuum Zipper Bags, and 4-Gallon Liquid Block Vacuum Seal Bags.
The roll it contains is an 11” X 10’ vacuum seal roll.
The FoodSaver brand is known for its easy cleanup and this unit is no different.
It too has a dishwasher-safe drip tray you can easily remove and clean.
This likewise contains a handheld vacuum sealer as well as a compartment for the bag roll and a viewing window.
This too has a 5-year warranty.
3. FoodSaver V4440
The FoodSaver V440 is a black and silver 128-watt unit.
This machine contains remarkably similar features as the previous two.
This appliance has a sleeker design to it.
Unlike the first two units, this does not have a Vacuum seal bar.
It weighs 10 pounds and is almost the same size.
It is taller than the other two with dimensions of 7.85″ H x 16.14″ W x 7.09″ D.
This contains all the same features as the first machine as well as automatic detection for moisture or juicy foods.
It has the same buttons which are the Seal Button, Adjustable Food Settings Button, Marinate Button, and Cancel Button.
It too contains a roll storage compartment that allows you to see when you are running low.
The power cord is also located with a storage section on the back of the machine.
With a 5-year warranty and an easy cleaning system, it is a great machine.
This includes 3 – Quart vacuum seal bags, 2 – Gallon vacuum seal bags, 3 – Quart vacuum zipper bags, and 2 – Gallon zipper bags.
The role it includes is a 1-11” X 10’ Vacuum Seal Roll and 1-11” X 8’ Expandable Vacuum Seal Roll.
4. Differences
All these machines are rather similar and have close to the same functions.
When you use any of these appliances for your meats, they can last up to 3 years in the freezer with no freezer burn and still have that fresh delicious taste.
You can also prepare meals and freeze them to have them whenever you need.
The major difference is the FM5480 has a PulseVac feature that allows you to control how much air you are taking out of the food.
This appliance also has a retractable power cord unlike the FM5200 and the V4440.
The V4440 has more watts than the other 2.
Other than those mentioned above all the machines work in similar ways and can make bags, marinate and vacuum seal your food.
The appliances all contain a 5-year warranty and are all ETL or UL certified.
FoodSaver does a great job at making sure their machines are up to safety standards and are tested in proper environments.
All the units come with a handheld vacuum sealer, which is an awesome feature.
This is going to give you the versatility you need in all your vacuum sealing demands.
5. Summary
We have been able to share the features of these machines.
This article has also shown that there are not that many differences in these units.
So, now the question is which machine is right for you?
In this final summary, we will wrap up by highlighting that the need for a vacuum sealer is vital if you want to continue to save time and money.
These are all automatic vacuum sealer systems, and they will help keep your food fresh 5 times longer.
These versions help save roll waste by 30% and make it convenient to make bags and seal your food.
All the appliances are a 2 in 1 vacuum sealer, that can make food ready to store in the freezer, fridge or pantry.
If you are looking for a machine to save you time and money with your food, this will be a great buy!
Honestly, you cannot go wrong with any of these 3 appliances.
If you are looking for a basic vacuum seal appliance, then get the FoodSaver FM5200.
The FoodSaver FM5480 is probably the best option out of all of them.
The reason is that it has 2 extra features.
You may remember that the first feature is the PulseVac feature.
This allows you to be able to control the vacuum process, making it ideal for all types of foods.
You can use it for bread, vegetables and meats without crushing any of them.
The second feature is the rapid marinate mode button.
This helps deliver perfect marinated food.
This will be a huge time saver!
The FoodSaver is a great brand. One great aspect of the FoodSaver brand is that they make sure that all their appliances are ETL certified.
Now, that you are equipped with the knowledge you need to purchase a vacuum seal unit, do not hesitate!
Go and get one of the FoodSaver vacuum seal appliances, today!
6. Comparison Table
FoodSaver FM5200 |
FoodSaver FM5480 |
FoodSaver V4440 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Brand |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
FoodSaver |
Model |
FM5200015 |
FM5460DTC |
FSFSSL4440000 |
Color |
Silver |
Black/Silver |
Black/Silver |
Dimensions |
7.24” H x 16.31” W x 7.64” D |
7.24” H x 16.31” W x 7.64” D |
7.85” H x 16.14” W x 7.09” D |
rWeight |
8.76 pounds |
9.93 pounds |
10 pounds |
Time to Vacuum Seal |
Not mentioned |
Not mentioned |
Not mentioned |
Pulse Feature |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Sealing Modes |
1-make a bag from a roll 2-vacuum and seal a bag 3- moisture detection mode |
1-make a bag from a roll 2-vacuum and seal a bag 3-use PulseVac control feature 4-rapid marinate mode |
1-make a bag from a roll 2-vacuum and seal a bag 3-quick marinate mode |
Built in Cutter |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Automatic Bag Detection |
Yes, it will automatically prepare the next bag |
Yes, it will automatically prepare the next bag |
Yes, it will automatically prepare the next bag |
Automatic Moisture Detection |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Compatibility Bags |
Works with any bag up to 11” as long as they are designed for heat sealing |
Works with any bag up to 11” as long as they are designed for heat sealing |
Works with any bag up to 11” as long as they are designed for heat sealing |
Bag Size |
It comes with 3 1-quart precut bags 2 1-gallon precut bags 3 1-quart zipper bags 2 1-gallon zipper bags |
It comes with 3-Quart Vacuum Seal Bags2-Gallon Vacuum Seal Bags3-Quart Vacuum Zipper Bags2-Gallon Vacuum Zipper Bags4-Gallon Liquid Block Vacuum Seal Bags |
It comes with 3 – Quart vacuum seal bags2 – Gallon vacuum seal bags3 – Quart vacuum zipper bags2 – Gallon zipper bags |
Roll Size |
11” X 10’ vacuum seal roll |
1-11” X 10’ Vacuum Seal Roll1-11” X 8’ Expandable Vacuum Seal Roll |
1 – 11”x10’ vacuum seal roll |
Work with Wet or Juicy Food |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Roll Storage Compartment |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Number of Bags you can Continuously Seal |
Not mentioned |
Not mentioned |
Not mentioned |
Cycle Time between Seals |
20 seconds |
20 seconds |
20 seconds |
Marinating Container |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Negative Pressure Maximum |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Mason Jars Seal |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Retractable Power Cord/Power Cord Storage |
Power cord storage located on the back of the unit |
Retractable power cord |
Power cord storage located on the back of the unit |
Vacuum Hose |
Yes, it comes with accessories to seal jars and zipper bags |
Yes, it comes with accessories to seal jars and zipper bags |
Yes, it comes with accessories to seal jars and zipper bags |
Loud |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Cleaning |
Easy to clean, just wipe down with a damp cloth and remove drip tray (drip tray is dishwasher safe |
Easy to clean, just wipe down with a damp cloth and remove drip tray (drip tray is dishwasher safe |
Easy to clean, just wipe down with a damp cloth and remove drip tray (drip tray is dishwasher safe |
Voltage |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Power |
Corded Electric 126w |
Corded Electric 126w |
Corded Electric 128w |
ETL Certification |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Warranty |
5-year warranty |
5-year warranty |
5-year warranty |
Made in |
China |
China |
China |
