Like a lot of home cooks who love saving money, I’m big on bulk-buying proteins when they’re on sale and preserving garden herbs and veggies to last me through the winter. So, it should come as no surprise that I deem my vacuum sealer one of my most prized kitchen possessions. Groceries are expensive, okay?
When I was asked to test the Anova Precision™ Vacuum Sealer Pro, I already had a trusty FoodSaver model I regularly use. Still, I wanted to give it a fair shake (seal?) mostly because it advertised some differentiating features I felt strongly about, and it was more affordable.
I gave the Anova a real challenge: sealing 15 pounds of chicken pieces and 8 pounds of fish using the included roll. I tested it using about $200 worth of expensive protein.
Spoiler alert: It held up pretty well — with two exceptions.
Anova PrecisionTM Vacuum Sealer Pro
In My Expert Opinion
The Anova PrecisionTM Vacuum Sealer Pro was easy to use and produced similar results — perfectly-sealed chicken, salmon, and cod — compared to my Food Saver model. A significant advantage was the ability to control the level of seal for each item, offering more precision for delicate foods. Use your own bags, though. A few of the Anova-provided bags didn’t seal properly, and I had to redo them using my preferred bags.
Specifications
- Extraction rate: 12L/min.
- Dimensions: 14.75in x 7in x 4.3 in.
- Power: 120 Volts; 60Hz ; 110 Watts.
- Warranty: 2 years.
- Additional features: Includes one sealer bag roll.
- Pro model upgrades: Self-storing roll, cut bags to custom sizing, manual and automatic controls; greater extraction rate.
Pros
- Powerful 12L/min vacuum motor.
- Double seals for extra protection.
- Built-in bag cutter and roll storage.
- Moist/Dry/Pulse modes for different food types.
- Accessory port with built-in hose storage.
Cons
- Drip tray is not removable.
- Included bags are weak and may leak.
- Shorter 2-year warranty (vs. 5 years on some).
- Slightly bulkier than its base model.
Key Features That Put Anova Above the Rest
The Anova Pro functions a lot like any other vacuum sealer on the market, with a few thoughtful upgrades that make it especially appealing to bulk preppers and food storage fans.
Double Seals
Most importantly, the Anova Pro creates a double seal on every bag in about 10 seconds. If you’ve ever discovered freezer burn on expensive meat or fish or discovered meat juices in your freezer shelf because of a failed seal, you’ll appreciate this feature as much as I do.
The copper strip creates a double-lined seal on both the top and bottom of each bag. (The Anova-provided bag roll comes with sealed sides about a half-inch wide. More on these bags later.)
Built-in Bag Cutter
The Precision Pro has integrated bag storage and a cutter that’s incredibly convenient for sizing the bag according to your food product with minimal waste. Obviously, I can do the same thing with scissors — and I do use scissors with my other model — but that gets a little messy when I’m also handling food. And this cutter eliminates a step in the process.
Moist, Dry and Pulse Vacuum Modes
These modes let you customize the sealing process depending on what you’re packaging. The “moist” setting is great for meats and produce, while “dry” works well for grains, coffee, or pantry items.
Instead of the moist function, I opted for the pulse function for all my items. I love this feature, which is not available on my other model, because it gives me manual control over suction, making it perfect for delicate foods like berries, pastries, or soft leftovers. You tap and release as needed, stopping it when you want to avoid crushing contents.
A Heavy-Duty Machine
With a 12L/min extraction rate, this unit moves air quickly and keeps up under pressure. I ran the motor continuously to seal nearly 40 bags in a row. There was no overheating and no delay. Compared to the 4L/min on the base Anova model, this upgrade is absolutely worth it if you regularly seal in bulk.
Accessory Port and Bottom Cord Storage
A small but thoughtful detail is the built-in storage. The power cord, vacuum hose and port are stored underneath the machine. This is something our current model doesn’t have. (it’s also probably why we’ve since lost that port in our kitchen drawer of accessories.)
The provided accessory port and included vacuum hose are handy for those who prefer to preserve without plastic. I’ve not tried the port feature yet, but I can see this being useful for sealing canning jar lids, especially as my garden starts producing lots of herbs I can dry out for spices.
As I’m writing this, I’m thinking I might also use this to store and seal my fresh wheat berries. *makes mental note.*
Downsides to Consider
While I wouldn’t call them deal-breakers, there were a few issues with this product worth mentioning.
The Drip Tray Is Not Removable
One of my biggest annoyances is that the drip tray doesn’t detach. On my current sealer, I can remove and wash the tray after handling meats. But with the Anova, I had to tilt the whole unit over the sink or use a rag to clean out any juices.
For folks who do a lot of sealing with wet or saucy contents, this could be a real drawback. I personally prefer to freeze soups and stews in containers or pressure can them, so it’s not a deal-breaker for me — but it’s worth knowing.
Some Included Bags Didn’t Hold
The included Anova bag roll was okay — but I won’t be using it again. A few of Anova’s bags leaked at the side seals, which were pre-sealed from the factory, not by me. Luckily, I was able to resolve this by swapping in my own bags from Wevac. The Anova sealed them just fine. You can find more affordable sealer bags on the market anyway.
Anova PrecisionTM Vacuum Sealer Pro
Wevac Vacuum Sealer Bags Variety Pack
What Can You Seal With It?
While I mostly used the Anova Pro for proteins and herbs, vacuum sealers are incredibly versatile. Here’s what you can use it for:
- Meat and poultry.
- Fish (salmon, cod, tilapia, etc.).
- Cheeses.
- Fresh herbs and spices (use the accessory port if you want to store dried in canning jars).
- Grains and beans.
- Coffee.
- Produce (fresh or dehydrated).
- Soft pastries (using pulse mode).
- Marinated foods.
- Leftovers.
- Sous vide meal prep.
Warranty
The Anova Precision™ Vacuum Sealer Pro comes with a 2-year warranty. This is a decent warranty, though it’s worth noting that some competitors, like Food Saver, offer a longer 5-year warranty on their products.
Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance. Also, purchasing Anova products from an unauthorized reseller will nullify the warranty.
Final Verdict: Will I Keep It?
Yes, absolutely. I think I can get over the immovable tray thing — especially knowing I can use my preferred bags and cut each bag within the machine. If you buy in bulk, maintain a garden, or just want to stretch your grocery bill further by stocking the freezer, this is a great, powerful vacuum sealer to add to your kitchen tool set. Its robust motor and convenient features make it a strong contender for anyone serious about food preservation.
