Chamber Vacuum Sealer Buying Guide for Small Businesses and Hunters
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A chamber vacuum sealer is a bigger purchase than a home sealer, so it pays to match it to your workload. This guide covers when a chamber machine makes sense, what to compare, and what it costs to keep running, using the Vac100 as a worked example.
When a chamber sealer makes sense
A chamber sealer removes the air from the whole chamber around the pouch, so it is built for pouches rather than embossed bags. It suits restaurants, small food businesses, processors, hunters and anglers who process game at home, and serious home users. If you only seal the odd bag of leftovers, a FoodSaver-type sealer may be enough.
What to compare
| Factor | Question to ask |
|---|---|
| Workload | How many pouches per day or week, and how large? |
| Chamber size | Will your largest product fit with room to spare? |
| Seal bar | How long is it, and how wide is the seal wire? |
| Pump | What type and flow rate does it have? |
| Packaging | Which pouch sizes and thickness will you buy? |
| Consumables | What will wire, tape, gaskets, oil and filters cost? |
| Power and space | Does the voltage and footprint suit your site? |
Example: the Vac100
Using the details on the Vac100 product page:
| Specification | Vac100 |
|---|---|
| Machine size (W x D x H) | 16.2 x 19.3 x 8.3 in (lid open height 23 in) |
| Chamber size (W x D x H) | 13.8 x 12 x 4.3 in |
| Seal bar length and wire | 12.3 in, 6mm wide seal wire |
| Maximum pouch size | 12 x 14 in |
| Pump | Oil lubricated rotary vane, 4m3/h flow rate, 0.15 kW |
| Electrical | 110V / 1ph / 60Hz, 5 Amps max |
| Weight | 52 lbs |
| Noise | 65 dB at room temperature |
The product page also lists a stainless steel body, a shatterproof tempered glass lid, tool-less seal bar removal, a skip function for sealing liquids, and accessory and retort capability. It comes with a 1 year warranty, free shipping to 48 states and free support. The page notes that the unit should not be run in temperatures below 40°F. Check the page for current price and availability.
Running costs to plan for
- Pouches: a recurring cost. See our chamber pouches.
- Seal wire and tape: wear items. See seal wire and Teflon tape and gaskets.
- Pump oil and filters: see pump oil and exhaust filters.
Questions to ask before buying
- What is the largest item I need to seal?
- How many pouches a day will I run?
- Do I have the right power supply and space?
- What does my warranty cover, and who supports the machine?
When a chamber sealer may be more than you need
If you seal small amounts of food occasionally and do not need pouches, liquids or heavy daily use, a smaller suction-style sealer may serve you better.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Vac100 right for a restaurant?
It depends on your volume and pouch size. Compare the chamber and seal bar above with your workload, and contact us with questions.
Compare chamber vacuum sealers
See our vacuum machines, or contact us to talk through your needs.