TechGearLab named the Nesco Deluxe VS-12 its Best Overall Vacuum Sealer with a score of 81 out of 100. Both labs recorded the strongest suction in their tests, and both praise the one-handed locking handle, built-in roll storage and cutter, and optional double seal. The trade-offs they report are a large footprint, slower cycles, no removable drip tray, and enough suction to crush fragile foods; Shouldit also needed three attempts to pass its sous vide seal test.
Full review
Top suction in two separate labs
TechGearLab reports that the VS-12 outperformed every other model in its in-house suction test, pulling 21.0 inches of mercury. Shouldit measured 80 kPa in a 27-second cycle, which it calls the highest peak suction in its database, ahead of the 68 kPa it recorded for the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro.
For sealing, TechGearLab says the Nesco consistently produced a reliable seal even after more than 20 bags, and that it and the FoodSaver V4400 sealed 30 or more bags in a row without needing to cool off. The option of a single or double 3 millimetre seal placed it second in the outlet's seal-strength ranking.
Where the power works against it
Shouldit's updated testing complicates the picture. In its crunchy food test the VS-12 crushed 29% of the load even in Gentle mode, which the outlet calls the worst result in its review group. It also needed three attempts to produce a seal that held in the sous vide beef test, where most sealers in Shouldit's database pass on the first try.
TechGearLab's delicate-foods score is far kinder at 9.5: it found the dedicated pulse button easy to use and placed the Nesco a close second in that metric. It also notes the machine is slow, averaging 16 seconds per seal, longer than most of the group.
Handle lock, roll storage and bag hooks
Both outlets single out the lever handle. TechGearLab calls the lever-closer system its favourite because it can be closed with one hand and leaves no doubt the bag is engaged. Shouldit rates the VS-12 the most user-friendly sealer it has tested, citing metal plating on the lid and front, an internal roll compartment, a flip-down cutter and two bag hooks that hold the bag in position.
Size, noise and missing tray
Shouldit describes the VS-12 as larger and heavier than every other sealer in its review set at 6.0 pounds and 7.8 inches wide, and expects most owners to leave it out permanently. It measured a maximum of 83.4 dBA and notes there is no audible chime. Both labs list the lack of a removable drip tray as a drawback.
Strengths
- +Strongest suction in both tests: 21.0 inHg at TechGearLab, 80 kPa at Shouldit
- +Lever handle locks the lid with one hand, a favourite feature of TechGearLab's testers
- +Built-in roll storage, bag cutter and bag hooks
Watch-outs
- −Large footprint; Shouldit calls it more of a permanent fixture than a stow-away appliance
- −Shouldit recorded 29% breakage of crunchy food even in Gentle mode
- −Needed three attempts to pass Shouldit's sous vide seal test
- −No removable drip tray
How it compares
TechGearLab scored the Nesco VS-12 at 81 out of 100, ahead of the FoodSaver V4400 at 71 and the base Anova Vacuum Sealer at 45. Shouldit measured stronger suction from it than from the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro (80 kPa to 68 kPa) but a weaker sous vide result: three attempts where the Pro passed on the first. At 6.0 lbs it is lighter than the roughly 10 lb V4400.
Rating sources
Counts as 4.54/5 in our score — this publisher's 138 scores on the site average 3.66, so its scores are adjusted up to compare fairly with other publishers.
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 1 scored review above, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. More about methodology.
