The VACMASTER VP210 chamber vacuum sealer offers a superior solution for preserving food, significantly extending shelf life and minimizing freezer burn. This comprehensive review delves into the VP210's ease of use, highlighting its automatic features like the power switch, self-sealing mechanism, and automatic lid release, making it efficient even when processing large quantities of food. Unlike external sealers, the chamber vacuum sealing process ensures complete air removal for an airtight seal, crucial for maintaining the quality of various food items.Beyond its impressive sealing capabilities, the VP210 boasts remarkable versatility. While perfectly suited for preserving wild game, its functionality extends to a wide range of applications, from fresh produce and dry goods to even dry canning (with proper safety precautions). This review explores the VP210's strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insight into whether this investment is worthwhile for your specific needs, particularly if you regularly process substantial amounts of food for long-term storage.
Pros And Cons
- Super simple to use
- Automatically powers on and off
- Opens automatically after sealing
- Creates double seals
- Removes air from the pores of the meat
- Fast cycle time (around a minute per bag)
- Removable plates for adjusting height
- Uses inexpensive bags
- May require drying meat before sealing to avoid thermal displacement
- Can create a very strong seal making lids difficult to remove (may require a can opener)
Read more: Out of Air Vacuum Sealer Bags Review: Are Thicker Bags Worth It?
Ease of Use and Operation
The VACMASTER VP210 is surprisingly user-friendly. The power switch is conveniently located, and the unit automatically starts sealing once the lid is closed. It also automatically releases the pressure and opens the lid after the sealing cycle. This hands-free opening saves time and effort, especially when sealing a large quantity of items.
Sealing Performance and Features
This chamber sealer creates a superior seal compared to external vacuum sealers. It removes air from the entire chamber, ensuring complete air removal from the bag and preventing moisture and freezer burn. The unit comes with removable plates that allow you to adjust the height to fit various products. This ensures optimal contact between the food and the sealing bar, leading to a stronger seal.
Applications Beyond Wild Game
While ideal for sealing wild game, the VACMASTER VP210's versatility extends far beyond hunting. It's perfect for preserving various foods, from fresh produce to dry goods. The video demonstrates sealing venison, but the unit could equally well handle jerky, rice, pretzels, or even mason jars for dry canning (research proper methods to ensure food safety).
Conclusion: Is the VACMASTER VP210 Worth It?
The VACMASTER VP210 excels in its ease of use, impressive sealing performance, and versatility. The automatic lid opening, double seals, and efficient air removal are all significant advantages. While the initial cost might be higher than some external sealers, the long-term benefits of preserving food quality and extending shelf life justify the investment for those who process a substantial amount of food. If you regularly hunt or preserve large quantities of food, this chamber vacuum sealer is a worthwhile purchase. The ability to seal dry goods like rice and even dry-can in mason jars adds significant value. Just remember to research dry canning methods thoroughly to ensure food safety.
Important Note: Always follow safe food handling practices and research the proper methods for dry canning before using this machine for that purpose. Never use this sealer with wet items.