FoodSaver V4440 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealing System
OVERALL RATING
- FOOD FRESHNES 95%
- EASE OF USE 90%
- APPEARANCE 100%
PROS
– 2 in-1 device
– Quality parts
– Compact
– Roll dispenser
– Retractable seal
CONS
– Longer cool-down
– Work only with FoodSaver bags
Everybody knows that eating fresh and healthy food is essential for maintaining good health. Fresh food contains all of the vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients that get destroyed by cooking and through age. While some people are lucky enough to have access to fresh fruit, veggies, and meat regularly, most of us only have time for large grocery shops where we buy enough food for several days or even weeks. So what happens if you buy all this food and can’t eat it in time? Freezing is certainly an option but can lead to unwanted consequences like freezer burns and changes in texture, particularly in delicate foods like fish.
If you’re having problems with spoiled meat and food preservation in general, you might need a vacuum sealer. This kitchen appliance stores your food in a sealed bag and removes all the air from around it. Many bacteria and fungi are unable to grow without air, which helps extend the shelf life of meat, veggies , and other moist food without affecting their texture or nutritional content.
Vacuum sealers are also becoming more popular in cooking circles as a useful tool for sous vide cooking. This method of cooking relies on gentle heat over a long time to produce delicate, tender meat that is cooked to perfection. Vacuum-sealed meat is placed in a water bath at a very low temperature and cooked for several hours until it reaches the perfect internal temperature. To produce perfectly cooked meat that isn’t soggy, you need to have a reliable food sealer with adjustable bag sizes and a strong vacuum action.
Vacuum sealers are an appliance that you may not have considered before, but they can be valuable in almost any kitchen. If you want a gentle and effective way to prolong your food’s shelf life, check out our review of one of the best vacuum sealers on the market. It will change the way you shop and store your food.
The Specifications
- DIMENSIONS: 11 x 20 x 12 inches
- WEIGHT: 10 pounds
Take this into consideration before your purchase
It’s always a good idea to check out the dimensions of a product before buying one. Many people have small kitchens with tiny amounts of counter space, and even a vacuum sealer as compact and light as this one may be too big. Make sure you have the countertop space to work with before you jump into this novel method of food storage. Remember to also account for space you’ll use while vacuuming your food. It’s no use if you can fit the appliance in your kitchen, but don’t have the space to use it. There are also several portable vacuum sealers on the market that you can use without having to sacrifice valuable countertop space, or you can rely on the FoodSaver’s dual functionality as a countertop or portable vacuum sealer.
Another important consideration is the weight of the machine. While most people will use the device as a standard vacuum sealer, it also has handheld vacuum functionality. If you want to use it as a handheld device due to a lack of kitchen space, but have joint problems, arthritis, or some other condition, you should keep the 10 lb weight in mind. While 10 lb might seem light for some, it can be a nightmare for others.
Be sure to do your research before buying your foodsaver appliance. There are many different brands and types of vacuum sealers, and it can be difficult to know which one you need. Read up on customer reviews on Amazon to identify products that are reliable and work correctly. If you don’t need a particular feature, such as space for additional attachments or the ability to vacuum zipper bags, don’t spend the money on it. Rather find a product that works for your particular needs.
The final thing you should consider before opting for any vacuum sealers is your budget. Check the price before even planning to buy this unit to avoid unpleasant surprises. Once you’ve decided what your budget is, do your best to stick to it. Don’t go overboard and buy the cheapest appliance, either. Try to find a sealer that is at the top end of your budget, but still within it. Work out how complex you want your vacuum sealer to be. Some offer tons of features that you may not need and will be priced accordingly. The Foodsaver is at the top end of the price range in its particular class, but it also comes with several high-end features that other vacuum sealers don’t. It’s up to you to decide whether these features are worth the price.
The Features
This product has many great features to offer; that’s why it’s considered one of the best on the market at the moment. It offers several standard features, but also has several other features that set it apart from the competition. It’s a great model for beginners who don’t yet have a handle on vacuum sealing but is also versatile enough to use in a professional setting.
Sleek black finish. Nobody wants an appliance that clashes with the rest of their kitchen. The Foodsaver has an appealing black and stainless steel finish that will look right at home in a modern, stylish kitchen. Despite its good looks, the Foodsaver vacuum sealer is still robust enough to handle daily kitchen use. The kitchen is usually one of the harshest environments for appliances, due to the constant heat, moisture, and traffic, so knowing that your sealer will survive to see another day can be a huge relief.
The convenient retractable handheld sealer is incredibly useful for sealing zipper bags, canisters, and most other types of food bags. The retractable sealer allows you to suck out the air from the food bags without needing an accessory hose, saving space and time. It’s convenient to use and is a great addition if you keep forgetting where you put your sealing hose. This convenient handheld retractable sealer is particularly useful as a jar sealer or to vacuum air out of a fixed container or canister.
It has an automatic bag detection feature. This unit has a group of sensors that automatically detects the bag and starts the process of sealing. It also stops immediately after detecting a particular level of saturation. Having an automated device is a major benefit, especially for beginners and inexperienced users. Instead of having to hassle with a manual sealer, just put the bag in the automatic one and it will do the rest. You also don’t have to worry about how to heat-seal the bag and the automatic bag cutter will ensure you always get the perfect size vacuum bag you need. The machine even has handy indicator lights that tell you when the process is complete.
Marinate mode allows you to quickly marinate your meat without having to put it to rest overnight. This sealer helps by fusing the marinade with the meat in an airless environment, thus improving the overall uptake of delicious flavors. Instead of waiting the whole night to marinate your meat, you can do it within an hour.
Easy to operate. The overall quality and design are also one of the virtues of this unit. It has a modern and simple design, without any redundant parts, buttons, and menus. It’s very simple to use and doesn’t come with a 100-page manual you need to study beforehand.
Wet and dry modes. The type of vacuum you need will depend on the type of food you’re trying to seal. Wet foods require a strong vacuum, while dry, delicate foods need a lighter touch. The Foodsaver food vacuum sealer has both a wet and dry mode so that you get perfect results every time. If you’ve got wet foods like meat, fish or something you want to marinate, the wet mode is excellent. The removable drip tray prevents any juice or marinade from spilling out during the sealing process. The dry mode is mainly for delicate items, such as loose vegetables or fruit pieces.
Resizable bags. Unlike other vacuum sealer systems that come with pre-determined starter bag sizes, the Foodsaver v4400 allows you to create your personalized vacuum sealer bags of whatever size you want. Being able to change the size of your bags is vital for cooking the ideal piece of sous vide meat where you want as little space between the meat and the water, and also helps reduce plastic waste when storing food.
The Pros And Cons
No product is perfect, though the Foodsaver comes pretty close. It has several high-end features, allowing you to vacuum seal almost any type of container you can imagine.
PROS
– 2-in-1 device (vacuum and seal)
– High-quality parts and design
– Compact enough to fit in almost in any kitchen
– Built-in vacuum seal roll storage, dispenser, and cutter (for custom-sized bags)
– Automatic operation
CONS
– While it can work on generic vacuum bags, it works best on FoodSaver bags
– Some people don’t like the retractable hose and feel like the attaching ones work better
– May require longer cool-down periods after a certain amount of sealer bags
The Conclusion
The FoodSaver V4440 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealing System is an excellent introduction into the world of vacuum sealing. Whether you want to keep food fresh for longer or are looking to dip your toe into the latest cooking trends, this is a great place to start. It has several high-end features, such as automatic operation, which makes it convenient and versatile to use. While you may have to buy specialist vacuum seal bags, it’s a minor inconvenience when compared to the power and usefulness of the Foodsaver 4400.