Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Vacuum Sealers

Anova Vacuum Sealer vs Nesco VS-12 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 and Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Anova Vacuum Sealer
Ranked #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 Vacuum Sealer
Ranked #3 in Best Vacuum Sealers
Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
4 sourcesall derived$178.97as of Aug 13

The NESCO VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer delivers reliable performance with perfect sealing results in real-world testing, as demonstrated by a reviewer who vacuum-sealed 32 portions of fish, duck, and venison with all packages maintaining tight seals for weeks. Good Housekeeping magazine rated it number one in head-to-head tests against nine other brands. The two-stage pump operates quickly and automatically transitions from vacuum to sealing, while the double seal mode offers extra security for moist items. While most users report excellent results, one freezer failure was noted after several weeks, suggesting potential variability in long-term performance.

Strengths
  • Produces perfect seals every time based on user testing with 32 meal-sized portions
  • Two-stage vacuum pump efficiently removes air in seconds and automatically switches to sealing phase
  • Double seal mode provides enhanced security for moist products like fish and venison
Watch-outs
  • Some users reported one freezer failure after several weeks, though this may be an outlier

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 Vacuum Sealer

The NESCO VS-12 Vacuum Sealer delivers perfect seals with its two-stage pump and automatic switching, but it overheats quickly compared to the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro which handles continuous operation better. Unlike the FoodSaver V4400 2-in-1, it lacks multi-function capabilities but provides more consistent sealing performance.

Specs side-by-side

SpecAnova Vacuum SealerNesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
Power Source120 Volts | 60Hz | 110 Watts130-Watt
Sealing ModeDouble-seal metal barsDouble
FunctionsStorage, preservation, immersion cooking3 Seal settings—Dry, Moist, and Double, variable vacuum pressure
AccessoriesWorks with standard vacuum bags and hose accessoryBuilt-in storage & cutter for bag rolls, two rolls included
Vacuum SettingsDry and MoistTwo-stage
MaterialPlasticSilicone
Dimensions16.73"L x 4.8"W x 3.14"H1.69"L x 1.26"W x 14.25"H
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