Nesco Deluxe Food VS-12 Vacuum Sealer, 130 Watts, Kit Bags & Viewing Lid, Compact, Silver

This is a top quality sealer that I use for bulk sealing of holiday foods that we cook so we can enjoy them on special occasions throughout the year.It actually is easier to use than the instructions indicate, so you are probably better off watching an online video so you can see what they are talking about, once you see the video then you will be expert.Essentially you will lay the vacuum bag inside the machine so that its opening is simply laying anywhere over the vacuum chamber (the empty well just past the heating element. Lower the lid and swing down the handle to lock it in place and press the Vac&Seal button twice (on mine I press it twice to get it going, I don't know if all models require than).You will see the numerical countdown start (9, 8, 7, 6, etc.) and you will hear the pump vacuum the air out, then it gets quiet as the sealing happens, just leave it alone until you see that it is finished.That is basically all you do. It's easier than it sounds.Tips:The vacuum chamber has two plastic protrusions over it, I suggest that you slip the end of the bag under the protrusions so that you ensure that the vacuum chamber will draw all the air out of the bag.The bag cutter simply cuts bags, if you use rolls then you can place the roll in the empty space inside the back of the device, it is for storage only, lift the cutter bar and slide the bag under it, pull out the amount of bag that you need (more is better) then lower the cutter bar onto the bag and slide the small cutter knob across the bag and it gets cut cleanly. Now you have a bag that needs to be sealed at one end, you will not use the roll anymore, hold the bag so one open end is in the vacuum chamber area below the two plastic protrusions, you will hold the rest of the bag outside the machine, close/lock the lid, then press the manual seal button.Now you have a bag that has one closed end, open the machine remove the bag, fill the bag with food (leave several inches so you can inter the bag into the machine, insert the bag so the opening is in the vacuum chamber area, place the open end below the two plastic protrusions, make sure that it is wrinkle free, close and lock the lid, press the Vac&Seal button twice and you will hear and see it vacuum the air out, wait until the sealing operation is finished then unlock and remove.Look to see that you actually sealed it and you are done.If you cut the bag too short then you might have to hold the food up in the air so the open part of the bag reaches all the way into the vacuum chamber, this is OK, just hold it evenly and keep it steady for the whole operation (this is why we cut the bags a little bit longer than needed.If you are using pre-made bags then obviously you don't cut them, just fill them and place them into the machine for sealing and press the Vac&Seal button.

Love it!! Wish I'd bought one sooner. For longer term storage in a freezer, it has to be vacuum sealed to prevent freezer burn. So easy to use, with clearly marked buttons. A lot quieter than the older FoodSaver I used to have. Bag roll storage with built in cutter is nice. Nice heavy handle and hooks to lock it down. This model was the America's Test Kitchen winner and I can see why! After-market bags work just fine with it, although the longer length rolls will not fit inside. I just keep the cardboard tubes for previous rolls and split the larger rolls to fit.Oh, and it is strong enough to crush a soda can!

Any new product takes time to carefully read the instructions and apply those instructions when trying for the very first time. As far as product longevity, each kitchen machine needs to be operated within the scope of its manufacture.I think this will be a very good addition to my kitchen for several reasons. Food prices are at an all-time high and keeping them fresh in the freezer, bulk spices in the pantry, and even some fresh vegetables in the refrigerator, having a vacuum sealer is huge.My friend who is a chef in his own rite, grows a huge garden every year including spices, and does a lot of canning told me this was essential. I don't know how many times freezer burn as occurred over the years, but zip-lock bags are totally wrong.Secondly, research is always key, not just going to one review source but several. Everyone has their price range, but I try to buy the middle. If it's too expensive, a waste of money; or not enough money, the risk of the appliance failing is that much greater; or not enough features to do a myriad of chores.Finally, I think all vacuum sealers can work, but getting the right one for your kitchen and use, at a price that's affordable to you, and what you're going to use it for, only you can decide. But for a median price and great features, I think this Nesco VS-12 will do just fine.Happy sealing!Review Update, 2/5/2023Now that I've used this Nesco Sealer, I am prepared to render my final review.Absolutely a great vacuum sealer. Packed with all the features an average cook needs to keep food freezer safe and lasting long periods, this one product needs to be in every kitchen, great and small.It's simple economics. Food today is more expensive and, it's becoming scarce, with all the viruses that attack livestock and our food supply; and preserving food that is on sale, this is an essential kitchen tool.For all families, from 1 person to many, maximizing the food budget requires common sense and the right kitchen tool to make that happen every month.As a senior retired person, I cannot afford to waste anything, least of all food. Even young families, middle-aged people, and any person who still works and buys food needs to be thinking about a good vacuum sealer.Unless you are rich and famous who have all your meals prepared and doesn't care, this review is not for you. I'M speaking to those who WORK, or worked for a living and know the value of what they buy.Maybe you have money to burn, I do not, therefore my recommendation is: Nesco is a great vacuum sealer for the price. Do not let this bargain slip by. Trust me, time well spent in the kitchen reaps huge dividends in the grocery budget!And I really mean, Happy Sealing.