Chamber vs External Vacuum Sealers: A Guide
Vacuum sealers preserve food freshness and extend shelf life, but chamber and external models work quite differently and suit different kitchen needs. Understanding the tradeoffs helps match the right sealer type to your volume and the kinds of foods you’re sealing.
How Chamber Sealers Work
Chamber vacuum sealers place the entire bag inside a sealed chamber and remove air from the whole environment, allowing them to seal liquids and wet items without spillage issues.
How External Sealers Work
External vacuum sealers draw air out through the open end of the bag while the rest stays outside the machine, making them simpler and often more affordable but less effective with liquids.
Handling Liquids and Marinades
Chamber sealers handle liquids, marinades, and soups far more reliably than external sealers, which can struggle or fail entirely with wet contents.
- Chamber sealers handle liquids and marinades reliably
- External sealers work well for dry or solid foods
- Consider bag cost differences between the two types
Bag Cost Differences
Chamber sealers can use less expensive, non-embossed bags since the vacuum happens in a sealed chamber, while external sealers require special channeled bags, which cost more over time.
Volume and Speed Considerations
Chamber sealers generally handle higher volume more efficiently once loaded, while external sealers work fine for lower-volume, item-by-item sealing needs.
Chamber vs External Vacuum Sealers
| Factor | Chamber | External |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Handling | Excellent | Poor to fair |
| Bag Cost | Lower per bag | Higher, special bags required |
| Upfront Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best For | High-volume, wet products | Lower-volume, dry products |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type is better for sous vide prep?
Chamber sealers are generally preferred for sous vide since they reliably handle marinated or liquid-containing items.
Are external vacuum sealers cheaper to buy?
Yes, external sealers typically have a lower upfront cost, though ongoing bag costs can offset some of that savings over time.
Can a chamber sealer use standard vacuum bags?
Chamber sealers can generally use less expensive, non-channeled bags, unlike external sealers which require special embossed bags.
How much maintenance do vacuum sealers require?
Both types benefit from regular cleaning, particularly chamber sealers where the oil pump (on oil-based models) needs periodic servicing.