The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro stands out as one of the best vacuum sealers for home cooks, offering a compact design with a locking handle that saves space. Reviewers praised its double-sealing technology, which ensures strong, durable seals even under high water temperatures. The Pro model includes smart moist and dry mode buttons that automatically adjust suction based on contents, along with a hose port for rigid containers. Serious Eats called it a perfect choice for both occasional and frequent users, while Shouldit noted its powerful performance in dry tests, scoring 8.85/10. It's ideal for sous vide cooking and food storage, though it lacks bag hooks and has dim indicator lights. This sealer fits best for home cooks seeking a reliable, user-friendly appliance.
Full review
Performance and Capabilities
The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro demonstrates robust performance across multiple testing scenarios, with Serious Eats noting it achieved 67 kPA peak suction strength in dry food tests, completing cycles in just 14 seconds. This performance exceeds expectations for a home appliance, particularly when compared to other models like the Nesco VS-12, which the Shouldit review found to be more durable overall. However, the Pro's moist food performance scored only 6.0 out of 10, indicating it struggles with delicate items like mango slices that can break during the vacuum process. The device's smart moisture and dry mode buttons automatically adjust suction levels, which RTINGS found to be gentle enough not to crush delicate foods while still providing strong suction for dry items. The Pro's ability to handle liquids without issue was confirmed by both Serious Eats and Shouldit, with the latter noting it's rated for liquid sealing and can even be used with the included hose accessory for sealing jars and rigid containers.
Build Quality and Design
Anova's Precision Pro features a sleek black plastic design that the Shouldit review rated 9.8/10 for usability and 8.6/10 for overall performance. The unit's build quality is solid, with the company's signature double-sealing technology using two metal bars to create strong, durable seals that withstand high temperatures and long-term storage. The locking handle mechanism allows the unit to fold flat when not in use, saving valuable countertop space, a feature that Serious Eats praised as particularly useful for compact kitchens. The Pro includes a built-in bag storage compartment and cutter, which the Shouldit review noted as a convenient extra. However, the unit's indicator lights were criticized by Shouldit as relatively dim, and the absence of a chime feature was noted as a minor inconvenience. The device weighs 5.0 lbs (2.3 kg) and measures 15.5" x 7.1" x 4.3", making it substantial but not overly bulky compared to other full-size models.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the Anova Pro's compact design and one-handed operation, with Serious Eats highlighting its ability to seal with just one hand, making it ideal for busy kitchens. The Pro's double-sealing technology was universally commended for its reliability, with Serious Eats noting that seals never budged even under high water temperatures during immersion cooking. The smart moisture and dry buttons were particularly appreciated by Shouldit, which found them to eliminate guesswork and provide a more hands-free experience. The included accessory port and hose attachment were also lauded as valuable additions that expand the sealer's functionality beyond standard bags, allowing users to vacuum-seal containers and jars. Additionally, the Pro's ability to handle liquids without issues was noted by both Serious Eats and Shouldit as a significant advantage over many competing models.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Anova Pro has notable shortcomings that reviewers have identified. The Shouldit review criticized the relatively dim indicator lights and lack of a chime feature, which could be problematic for users who rely on visual or auditory cues. Additionally, the Pro's performance with moist foods was rated only 6.0/10, suggesting it may not be ideal for users who frequently vacuum-seal delicate items like fruits or leafy vegetables. The device's price point of $114 (or $155 retail) was considered by some reviewers to be higher than necessary, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives like the Foodsaver FM2900 that was returned by one reviewer after experiencing slow sealing and air pockets. The Pro's inability to handle very large quantities efficiently was also noted, with some users finding it unsuitable for bulk sealing tasks that require continuous operation for extended periods.
Real-World Performance
In real-world testing, the Anova Pro showed its strengths particularly in sous vide applications and long-term food storage. Serious Eats reported that the Pro's double seals remained intact even after prolonged exposure to high temperatures during immersion cooking, with no signs of failure or leakage. The device's ability to handle liquids was confirmed through testing, with both Serious Eats and Shouldit noting that it can seal marinades and other liquid preparations without issues. The Shouldit review demonstrated that the Pro could successfully vacuum-seal a pound of faux ground meat for 15 days in the freezer, with no evidence of freezer burn or bag failure. However, the device's performance with fragile foods was less impressive, with the moist food test showing that delicate items like mango slices could be damaged during the vacuum process, scoring only 6.0/10 in this category.
Who It's Best For
The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro is best suited for home cooks who value convenience, reliability, and versatility in their kitchen appliances. Serious Eats recommends it for both occasional and frequent users, particularly those interested in sous vide cooking or long-term food storage. The Pro's one-handed operation and smart moisture settings make it ideal for busy households or users who want a hands-free experience. It's also excellent for those who frequently cook with marinades or need to vacuum-seal liquids, as the device handles these tasks without issue. However, it's not recommended for users who require extremely high suction power for bulk sealing or those who frequently vacuum-seal delicate items like fruits or leafy vegetables, where the device's performance scores in the moist food test were notably lower. The Pro's compact design makes it suitable for small kitchens, but its substantial weight and size may be a drawback for users with limited storage space.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to competing vacuum sealers, the Anova Pro sits at the premium end of the market but offers features that justify its price. Serious Eats found it superior to the base Anova model, which lacks the hose port and smart moisture settings, though the base model was still considered a solid performer. Compared to the Nesco VS-12, the Pro offers better performance in the dry test with 67 kPA suction strength versus 50 kPA, but the Nesco was rated higher for durability and long-term performance. The Shouldit review noted that while the Pro performs well, it may not be the absolute best choice in terms of performance and durability when compared to some alternatives. The Foodsaver FM2900, which one reviewer returned after experiencing slow sealing and air pockets, represents a more affordable alternative, though it lacks the Pro's advanced features and smart settings. The Anova Pro's unique selling point lies in its combination of sleek design, smart features, and versatility, making it a strong choice for users who prioritize these aspects over raw performance metrics.
Value at This Price
At $114 (or $155 retail), the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro represents a premium price point that reflects its advanced features and build quality. Serious Eats concluded that the Pro offers 'bang for the buck' with its combination of powerful performance, smart moisture settings, and compact design. The Shouldit review gave it an overall score of 8.9/10, praising its performance, design, and usability, though noting it may not be the absolute best in terms of performance and durability. The Pro's inclusion of a built-in bag storage compartment, cutter, and accessory port adds value that justifies the premium price for many users. However, some reviewers questioned whether the price was justified, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives like the Foodsaver FM2900, which was returned by one reviewer after experiencing slow sealing and air pockets. The Pro's ability to handle liquids and its smart moisture settings provide significant advantages that may make it worth the investment for serious home cooks and sous vide enthusiasts, though casual users might find more economical options sufficient for their needs.
Strengths
- +Sleek and compact design with locking handle that folds flat for storage
- +Double-sealing technology with two metal bars for strong, durable seals
- +Intuitive controls with moist and dry mode buttons for automatic suction adjustment
- +Includes built-in bag compartment and cutter for convenience
Watch-outs
- −Relatively dim indicator lights
- −Does not come with a chime or bag hooks
How it compares
The Anova Vacuum Sealer is more affordable than the Pro model but lacks the hose attachment and advanced features of the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro. It's less versatile than the FoodSaver V4400, which offers a handheld sealer, but it's more compact and easier to use than the VEVOR DZ-260C.
Who this is for
At a glance: budget-conscious home cooks.
Why you’d buy the Anova Vacuum Sealer
- Sleek and compact design with locking handle that folds flat for storage.
- Double-sealing technology with two metal bars for strong, durable seals.
- Intuitive controls with moist and dry mode buttons for automatic suction adjustment.
Why you’d skip it
- Relatively dim indicator lights.
- Does not come with a chime or bag hooks.
Rating sources
“Of the 25 models the Serious Eats team tested, the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro proved to be the best overall, packing plenty of useful functions and features into a slim profile.”
“Consider the Anova Precision™ Vacuum Sealer Pro the more robust, older sibling to our best selling "minimalist" Precision™ Vacuum Sealer.”
“Big mistake. It took forever to seal...or left air pockets. I sent it back and, on my way from returning it, I went to Costco and snagged Foodsaver FM2900 for ~ $50.00.”
Our 4.0 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
