The price of the Anova isn’t bad, but I wanted to find a reliable machine for even less, especially given that some folks might be making a foray into vacuum-sealing for the first time.

Useful for both storage/preservation and cooking, a good vacuum sealer can save you hundreds of dollars a year. When not in use, the handle lays flat so the entire machine is more compact.

Vacuum Sealer Ratings A great vacuum sealer keeps food fresher, longer—preserving taste and quality and preventing food waste. For home chefs, vacuum sealers also help perfect a sous vide.

Can you vacuum seal without a machine? You can remove most of the air from a Ziploc bag with a simple technique, which can serve in a pinch. Remember that this method is “nearly air-free,” and ...