A Kitchen Tool You Didn’t Know You Needed

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure if I needed a vacuum sealer when I first got the Nesco Deluxe Food VS-12. But after a few weeks of using it, I’m not sure how I ever managed without one. This compact machine has become a game-changer for preserving food, saving freezer space, and reducing waste. If you’re like me and often find yourself throwing away leftovers or struggling to keep food fresh for more than a few days, this is a gadget you might want to look into. Let’s dive into why the Nesco VS-12 is worth considering.

Nesco Deluxe Food VS-12 Vacuum Sealer, 130 Watts, Kit Bags & Viewing Lid, Compact, Silver

4.4

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Compact But Powerful

The first thing you’ll notice about the Nesco VS-12 is its compact design. It’s small enough to fit on most kitchen counters without taking up much space, yet powerful enough to get the job done efficiently. The 130-watt motor ensures you get a strong seal every time, and the machine doesn’t overheat, even with continuous use.

I’ve used other vacuum sealers in the past that were bulkier or felt less efficient, but the VS-12 strikes a great balance. It’s not going to be the most powerful vacuum sealer on the market, but for everyday home use, it’s more than adequate. Plus, it doesn’t take up the entire counter like some of the more industrial models.

Easy-to-Use Controls and Viewing Lid

What I really appreciated about this machine is how intuitive it is. If you’ve never used a vacuum sealer before, don’t worry. The controls on the VS-12 are clearly labeled, and there’s nothing overly complicated about it. There are specific settings for dry, moist, and even double seals, which means you can adjust the sealing power depending on what type of food you’re working with. For instance, I used the double seal when I was sealing some juicy steaks for sous vide, and it held up perfectly without any leaks.

One feature that sets the Nesco VS-12 apart is the viewing lid. You can actually see your food being vacuum-sealed, which helps prevent misaligning the bag or having it bunch up. It’s a small detail, but it’s incredibly useful when you’re sealing multiple bags in a row.

Preserving Food Like a Pro

Now, the real reason you’re probably looking at a vacuum sealer is to keep your food fresh longer, and the Nesco VS-12 delivers on that. I sealed everything from meat to vegetables, and even delicate items like berries, and I was impressed by how well the machine performed. The vacuum strength is solid, ensuring that all the air is removed from the bag, which significantly increases the shelf life of your food.

If you do a lot of bulk buying or batch cooking, this can be a real lifesaver. I found that using this vacuum sealer for meat, especially, makes a big difference. Whether it’s chicken breasts, pork chops, or steaks, sealing them up in the freezer using the VS-12 keeps freezer burn at bay and maintains their freshness for months.

Great for Sous Vide Cooking

I’m a big fan of sous vide cooking, and if you’re into that style of preparing meals, the Nesco VS-12 is a great partner. You get a reliable seal that can handle long cooking times in hot water without leaking. I’ve sealed up steaks, chicken, and even veggies, and they all came out perfectly after cooking sous vide. The double-seal option comes in handy here, especially if you’re worried about the bag coming open in the water.

This vacuum sealer is also great for prepping meals in advance. You can marinate your food, seal it up, and then toss it in the sous vide for a perfectly cooked meal later. It’s one of those tools that just makes meal prep easier, especially when you’re dealing with longer cooking times like sous vide requires.

Kit Bags Included for Convenience

Another nice touch with the Nesco VS-12 is that it comes with a starter kit of vacuum seal bags, so you don’t need to go out and buy them separately right away. I found the quality of the included bags to be pretty good—thick enough to handle tougher cuts of meat but flexible enough for softer items like bread or fruit.

You can use any brand of vacuum-seal bags with this machine, but the fact that they give you some to start with is a nice bonus. If you’re new to vacuum sealing, having everything you need right out of the box is a great way to get started without feeling like you need to make another purchase.

Maintenance and Cleaning

One concern I always have with kitchen gadgets is how much of a hassle they’ll be to clean and maintain. The good news is that the Nesco VS-12 is pretty low-maintenance. The machine itself doesn’t require much cleaning, just a quick wipe-down now and then. The drip tray is removable, which makes it easy to clean if you’re sealing moist foods or anything that might leak.

There’s also a built-in bag cutter, which lets you cut your vacuum seal bags to the exact size you need without having to use scissors. This feature not only keeps things neat but also reduces waste by ensuring you don’t end up cutting bags too large for your food.

Speed and Noise Level

Now, let’s talk about the speed of this thing. The Nesco VS-12 seals pretty quickly, but I wouldn’t call it the fastest vacuum sealer out there. It takes a bit of time to create the vacuum and then seal, but nothing too long—certainly faster than using cling film or other methods to preserve food.

As for noise, I’d say it’s on the quieter side compared to other vacuum sealers I’ve tried. It’s not silent by any means, but it’s not annoyingly loud, either. If you’re sealing a bunch of bags in one go, the noise level is bearable, and you can still carry on a conversation in the kitchen without shouting over it.

Pros and Cons of the Nesco VS-12

Pros:

• Compact design: Doesn’t take up much counter space, perfect for small kitchens.
• Easy to use: Clear controls with specific settings for dry, moist, and double sealing.
• Viewing lid: Helps prevent misaligned bags and gives you control over the sealing process.
• Starter kit bags included: Comes with everything you need to get started right away.
• Reliable vacuum strength: Extends food freshness significantly, especially for bulk storage.
• Great for sous vide: The double seal is perfect for long cooking times in hot water.
• Quiet operation: Low noise level compared to similar products.

Cons:

• Not the fastest sealer: It’s quick, but not the speediest model out there.
• Bag storage: There’s no built-in bag storage, so you’ll need to keep them separately.
  

  Nesco Deluxe Food VS-12 Vacuum Sealer, 130 Watts, Kit Bags & Viewing Lid, Compact, Silver

  4.4

  View Price on Amazon

  We may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Final Thoughts

The Nesco Deluxe Food VS-12 Vacuum Sealer is a solid addition to any kitchen. Whether you’re into meal prepping, sous vide cooking, or just want to reduce food waste, it’s a reliable and easy-to-use tool that gets the job done. Its compact size, ease of use, and ability to preserve food for longer make it a great option, especially if you’re looking for something that doesn’t break the bank. Plus, with the starter kit included, you can start vacuum-sealing right away without needing any extra purchases.

Overall, it’s a highly versatile and efficient vacuum sealer, making it an excellent investment for anyone serious about keeping their food fresh and saving space in the fridge and freezer.