Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Vacuum Sealers

Anova Vacuum Sealer vs Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Anova Vacuum Sealer comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about video-first hybrid creators — read the strengths below before deciding.

Anova Vacuum Sealer
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Vacuum Sealers
Anova Vacuum Sealer
4 sourcesall derived$79.99as of Aug 13

The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro stands out as the best overall vacuum sealer tested by Serious Eats, offering a compact design with locking handles that save space when not in use. Its double-sealing technology ensures strong, durable seals even under high-temperature conditions, making it ideal for immersion cooking. The inclusion of a port for hose accessories allows sealing of rigid containers like Mason jars, expanding its utility. While more expensive than basic models, it delivers professional-grade performance in a home-friendly package. Those seeking a versatile, reliable vacuum sealer for both storage and cooking will find this model particularly well-suited.

Strengths
  • Sleek, compact design with locking handles that fold flat for storage
  • Double-sealing technology with metal bars for strong, reliable seals
  • Works well under high water temperatures and during immersion cooking
Watch-outs
  • More expensive than basic vacuum sealer models
  • Not suitable for very large food items due to chamber size limitations
Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer
Ranked #6 in Best Vacuum Sealers
Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer
4 sourcesall derived$148.98as of Aug 13

The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer delivers reliable performance with its two-stage pump and automatic sealing process. Fishingtoys reviewer Capt. Mike Schoonfeld praised its consistent perfect seals on 32 meal-sized portions of fish, venison, and duck, noting all remained tightly sealed after several weeks in the freezer. Good Housekeeping magazine rated it number one in tests against nine competitors. However, YouTube reviewer noted the machine overheats quickly during high-volume use due to its enclosed design, and recommends specific NESCO bags for best results. This sealer suits serious home users who want dependable sealing performance over convenience features.

Strengths
  • Two-stage vacuum pump that efficiently removes air in seconds and automatically switches to sealing phase
  • Produces perfect seals every time with double seal mode for moist products
  • Durable construction with low and normal vacuum settings for different food types
Watch-outs
  • Machine overheats quickly with high-volume use due to enclosed design
  • Requires specific NESCO packaging material for optimal performance

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Anova Vacuum Sealer

The Anova Vacuum Sealer excels with its sleek, compact design and double-sealing technology, but it's more expensive than the FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine which offers more included accessories. Unlike the Nesco VS-12 Deluxe, it features a port for hose accessories to seal rigid containers like Mason jars, making it more versatile for various kitchen tasks.

Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer

The Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer provides perfect seals with its two-stage pump and automatic sealing process, but it overheats quickly under high-volume use compared to the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro which handles continuous operation better. It lacks the double-sealing technology and hose accessory for sealing jars that the Anova model offers.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAnova Vacuum SealerNesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer
Power Source120 Volts | 60Hz | 110 WattsAC adapter
Sealing ModeDouble-seal metal barsDouble seal for moist products
FunctionsStorage, preservation, immersion cookingChamber Vacuum Sealing
AccessoriesWorks with standard vacuum bags and hose accessoryWorks with standard vacuum bags and hose accessory
Vacuum SettingsDry and MoistTwo-stage
MaterialPlasticPlastic
Dimensions16.73"L x 4.8"W x 3.14"H
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