Listen, if you’re tired of tossing out freezer-burned meat or watching your grocery budget vanish into thin air, it’s time to get yourself a Nesco vacuum sealer. I’m not exaggerating when I say this little machine has been a game-changer for me, and I’m betting it’ll do the same for you.
Whether you’re sealing up bulk buys, prepping meals, or just trying to stretch your food dollar further, the Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer delivers.
Trust me, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it—let’s unpack my journey with it and see why it’s worth your hard-earned cash.
My Experience With The Nesco Vacuum Sealer
I’ll never forget the day my Nesco VS-12 showed up at my doorstep. It was a Saturday afternoon, and I’d just hauled in a massive pork loin from the store—way too much for my family of four to eat in one sitting.
Normally, I’d hack it up, toss it in some flimsy Ziploc bags, and pray it wouldn’t turn into a frostbitten brick in the freezer. But this time? I had a shiny new vacuum sealer to play with, and I couldn’t wait to put it through its paces.
Unboxing it felt like Christmas morning. The sleek silver design screamed “I mean business,” and the two starter rolls of bags (one 8.6” x 9.85’ and one 11.8” x 9.85’) were a nice touch to get me going.
I’ll admit, the instruction manual looked intimidating at first—tiny print and lots of steps—but I skipped it and went straight for a YouTube video.
Five minutes later, I was ready to roll. The setup was a breeze: plug it in, pop the roll into the built-in storage compartment, and slide the bag under the cutter to trim it to size. I sealed one end manually first, stuffed the bag with marinated pork chunks, and positioned it over the vacuum chamber.
Here’s where the magic happened. I locked the lid with that satisfying easy-lock handle, hit the “Vac & Seal” button twice (yeah, twice—it’s a quirk), and watched the countdown start. The pump kicked in with a low hum, sucking the air out like it was on a mission.
I could hear the suction working its charm, and when it went quiet, the heat seal kicked in. A few seconds later, the lid popped open, and there it was: a perfectly sealed bag, tight as a drum, with no air pockets in sight. I held it up, inspecting it like a proud parent—solid, professional, and ready for the freezer.
Over the next few weeks, I went nuts. I sealed everything—chicken breasts, fresh veggies, even a batch of holiday cookies I wanted to stash for later.
The double-seal option became my go-to for anything wet, like marinated meats, because it gave me that extra peace of mind. Sure, I fumbled a bit at first—cut a bag too short once and had to hold it awkwardly while it sealed—but I got the hang of it fast.
Now, it’s my kitchen sidekick, saving me time, money, and a whole lot of food waste. It’s not perfect (we’ll get to that), but it’s damn close.
Pros of The Nesco Vacuum Sealer
- Killer Suction Power
Let me tell you, the 130-watt double vacuum pump on this thing is no joke.
With a max of 25.1 inHg, it pulls air out like a champ.
I’ve sealed everything from dry rice to juicy mango slices, and it doesn’t flinch.
That first pork loin?
Not a hint of air left in the bag. It’s like the Nesco VS-12 is on a personal crusade to banish oxygen from your food, and I’m here for it. You’ll feel the difference when you pull something out of the freezer months later—no freezer burn, just pure freshness.
- Flexible Settings for Every Food
One thing I love is how this sealer adapts to whatever I throw at it. You’ve got three seal settings—Dry, Moist, and Double—plus Normal or Gentle vacuum pressure.
Dry mode’s perfect for stuff like spices or cookies, while Moist handles wet marinades without sucking liquid into the machine (most of the time).
The Gentle setting? A lifesaver for soft stuff like berries—I sealed a batch of raspberries without turning them into mush. It’s like having a custom tailor for your food storage.
- One-Handed Operation
The easy-lock handle is a small detail that makes a big difference. I can lock the lid down with one hand while holding a bag steady with the other—no wrestling required. Compare that to my old FoodSaver, where I had to shove the bag into a tiny slot and pray it triggered the vacuum.
With the Nesco, I just swing the handle down, and it’s go time. It’s so smooth, I almost feel fancy using it.
- Built-In Storage and Cutter
I can’t overstate how handy the roll storage and bag cutter are. The rolls tuck neatly into the back of the machine, and the cutter slides across like butter, giving me clean, custom-sized bags every time.
No more digging through drawers for scissors or guessing how much bag I need—it’s all right there. I’ve made narrow bags for spices and big ones for whole chickens, and it’s a total time-saver.
- Works with Any Brand of Bags
You’re not stuck buying Nesco-branded bags, which is a huge win for me. I’ve used random rolls from Amazon, and they seal up just fine.
The machine handles bags up to 11.8” wide, so you’ve got plenty of flexibility. It’s like the Nesco’s saying, “Hey, use what you’ve got—I’ll make it work.” That compatibility keeps costs down and options open.
- Longevity Boost for Food
Here’s the real payoff: food lasts forever (well, almost). The Nesco promises to keep stuff fresh up to five times longer, and I believe it.
That pork loin I sealed?
Three months in the freezer, and it tasted like I’d just cooked it. No ice crystals, no weird smells—just pure, delicious meat. It’s a money-saver too—less waste means fewer trips to the store.
Cons of The Nesco Vacuum Sealer
- Non-Removable Drip Tray
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the drip tray. It’s not removable, and that’s a pain. When I sealed some marinated chicken and a little liquid got sucked in, I had to gingerly wipe it out with a damp cloth, praying I didn’t fry the electronics. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s annoying.
I’ve learned to fold the bag’s open end over a few inches to keep it clean, but still—why not make it detachable, Nesco?
- Noise Level Isn’t Whisper-Quiet
This thing hums like a small engine when it’s vacuuming—nothing deafening, but it’s not subtle either. I clocked it at around 75-80 decibels once (yeah, I’m that guy), and it’s louder than my blender on low.
It’s only for a few seconds per seal, so I don’t mind much, but if you’re sensitive to noise, you might notice it.
- Gasket Durability Questions
I’ve heard whispers—and experienced a hiccup myself—about the foam gaskets wearing out over time. After a few months of heavy use, mine started losing some suction, and I had to press harder on the lid to get a tight seal.
Nesco sent me replacements when I called, but it’s something to watch. For a machine this solid, I’d expect the gaskets to hold up longer.
- No Accessory Hose Included
Want to seal canisters or jars?
You’ll need an accessory hose, and it’s not in the box. I was bummed when I realized this—I’d love to vacuum-seal some homemade pickles, but I haven’t shelled out for the extra yet. It’s a minor gripe, but including it would’ve made this a total home run.
- Button Quirkiness
Here’s a weird one: I have to press the “Vac & Seal” button twice to start it. I don’t know if it’s just my unit, but it’s a consistent thing. It’s not hard, just odd—like the machine’s testing my commitment. Once it’s going, though, it’s smooth sailing, so I’ve learned to live with it.
Maintenance Tips For Your Nesco Vacuum Sealer
- Keep the Vacuum Chamber Clean: That non-removable drip tray means you’ve got to be proactive. After every session, I grab a damp cloth and wipe down the vacuum chamber—especially if I’ve sealed something wet. If liquid gets in there, it can gunk up the works or even damage the pump. I’ve also used a Q-tip to get into the crevices. It’s a bit of a hassle, but it keeps the suction strong.
- Check and Replace Gaskets: Those foam gaskets are the unsung heroes of this machine, but they don’t last forever. Every few weeks, I give them a once-over—look for cracks or flattening. If the vacuum starts feeling weak, it’s time for new ones. Nesco’s customer service is solid about sending replacements; just don’t wait until it’s too late. A quick swap, and you’re back in business.
- Let It Cool Between Uses: This isn’t a marathon runner—it needs a breather. After sealing 8-10 bags in a row, I let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The motor gets warm, and overworking it could shorten its life. I use that downtime to prep more bags or sip some coffee. Patience pays off with this one.
- Store It Right: When I’m not using it, I keep the lid unlocked and store it on a shelf. Locking it in storage can compress the gaskets unnecessarily, and I’ve heard that messes with their shape over time. Plus, the compact design fits nicely in my pantry—no countertop clutter here.
- Use the Right Bags: Stick to vacuum-sealer-specific bags—trust me, I tried a knockoff once, and it wouldn’t seal worth a damn. The Nesco’s heat bar needs that textured material to work its magic. I cut them a little longer than I think I need, too—gives me wiggle room to position them properly in the chamber.
Comparison of Nesco Vacuum Sealer With Other Brands
Let’s stack the Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer up against some contenders—Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer, Weston Vacuum Sealer, and Electric Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer—in a head-to-head showdown.
I’ve used or tinkered with enough sealers to know what matters, so here’s how they measure up, piece by piece. Picture this as a friendly kitchen brawl where only one comes out on top for my daily needs.
- Nesco VS-12 Vs. Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer
First up, the Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer—it’s the scrappy underdog at around $70.
I borrowed one from a neighbor, and it’s cute, lightweight, and fits anywhere.
It’s got decent suction (about 20 inHg) and a simple one-button setup, which I liked for quick jobs like sealing snacks.
But here’s where Nesco flexes: its 25.1 inHg double pump blows Chef Preserve out of the water for heavy-duty stuff like marinated meats. The Nesco’s Dry, Moist, and Double settings also give me way more control than Chef Preserve’s basic on/off approach.
Plus, Nesco’s built-in cutter and roll storage? Chef Preserve doesn’t even try to compete there—it’s a separate scissors job. For casual use, Chef Preserve is fine, but I’d pick Nesco’s versatility every time.
- Nesco VS-12 Vs. Weston Vacuum Sealer
Next, the Weston Vacuum Sealer—I’m talking the Pro 2300 model here, a beast my hunter buddy swears by.
At $400, it’s in a different league, built for bulk sealing with a 15” seal bar and industrial-grade suction (think 28 inHg).
I tried it once during a venison haul, and it’s a powerhouse—sealed 20 bags without breaking a sweat.
Nesco’s 11.8” width and 25.1 inHg can’t match that raw capacity, and Weston’s cooling fan means no downtime, unlike my Nesco’s 5-minute breather after 10 bags.
But here’s the rub: Weston’s massive, heavy, and overkill for my kitchen. Nesco’s compact design, easy-lock handle, and bag cutter make it more practical for everyday use. Unless you’re processing game regularly, Nesco’s the smarter buy.
- Nesco VS-12 Vs. Electric Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer
Finally, the Electric Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer—a niche player I tested at a friend’s canning party.
It’s a $40-$50 gadget designed for jars, not bags, with a hose that sucks air out of Mason lids.
I sealed some pickles with it, and it’s brilliant for that—compact, quiet, and no bags needed.
Nesco can do jars too, but you’ll need an extra hose (not included), and it’s overkill for small batches. The flip side?
The Mason sealer’s useless for freezer bags or bulk meat, where Nesco shines with its 130-watt pump and custom bag sizes. I love the Mason sealer’s simplicity for pantry stuff, but Nesco’s all-in-one flexibility wins for my broader needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You bet it is. I’ve been using the VS-12 for months, and it’s a rockstar at keeping food fresh. The double pump and flexible settings handle everything I throw at it—dry, wet, soft, you name it. It’s not flawless (that drip tray!), but for the price and performance, it’s tough to beat.
Yep, that’s one of its best perks. It’s not picky—any brand of vacuum-sealer bags works as long as they’re textured and fit the 11.8” width limit. I’ve mixed and matched with no issues, which keeps things flexible and budget-friendly.
The VS-12 comes with a one-year limited warranty. I called Nesco once about a gasket, and they were quick to help—no hassle. It’s not the longest warranty out there, but it’s solid for a machine in this price range.
Nope, not with the Nesco—or any standard vacuum sealer, really. Ziploc bags aren’t textured, so the heat bar can’t seal them properly, and they won’t hold a vacuum. I tried it once in a pinch, and it was a total flop. Stick to proper vacuum bags.
Conclusion: Seal The Deal With Nesco
Look, if you’re on the fence about the Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer, let me push you over: buy it. It’s saved me a small fortune in food waste, made meal prep a breeze, and turned my freezer into a treasure trove of fresh eats.
Sure, it’s got quirks—like that pesky drip tray—but the pros outweigh them by a mile. You deserve a kitchen tool that works as hard as you do, and this one delivers. Grab it, and thank me later when you’re eating perfectly preserved pork in July.