Updated for 2022
Weston vacuum sealers serve a different market than FoodSaver, but are worth your consideration. While FoodSaver dominates the consumer and economy priced market, Weston is geared toward the more serious user, including several commercial-grade models and a chamber sealer.
In this article, we compare the top Weston vacuum sealers to the top FoodSaver sealers, look at the pros and cons of both brands, and discuss important features (like vacuum strength). By the end, you should understand the differences between the brands and know which one is right for you.
NOTE: Tables may not be visible in mobile view.
At a Glance
Here's a comparison table of the popular Weston vacuum sealer models:
Weston Vacuum Sealer Comparison Table | ||
|---|---|---|
Professional Advantage | Pro-2300 | Pro-1100 |
| 
| 
|
Features | Features | Features |
10x18x6in., 7lbs 11-in. bag width Fan cooled pump 23" Hg vacuum pull 210W motor Auto and manual modes Accessory port/Canister capable Buy if: You want an accessory port and don't want to spend a lot. | 15.3x23.9in., 22lbs 15in. bag width Fan-cooled pump 28" Hg vacuum pull 935W motor Auto and manual modes Buy if: You do bulk freezing and want a heavy duty sealer with an extra long seal bar. | 18.2x15.6x10in., 15lbs 11in. bag width Fan cooled pump 28" Hg vacuum pull 680W motor Auto and manual modes Digital display Accessory port/canister capable Bag storage and roll cutter Buy if: You want a heavy duty sealer with bag storage, cutter, and accessory port. |
Here's a comparison table of popular FoodSaver vacuum sealer models:
FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Comparison Table | ||
|---|---|---|
FoodSaver FM2435 | FoodSaver V4400 | FoodSaver FM5860 |
 |  |  |
Features | Features | Features |
18.4x6.5x11 in., 7 lbs 11 in. bag width Vacuum pull: ~20" Hg* 110W motor Moist food (manual) mode Accessory port Bag storage 5 yr. warranty Buy if: You don't want to spend a lot and want an accessory port and bag storage. | 11 x 20 x 12 in., 10 lbs 11 in. bag width Vacuum pull: ~20" Hg* 127W motor Bag storage/roll cutter Handheld sealer included Accessory port 5 yr. warranty Buy if: You want the automated bagging and the handheld sealer.** | 11.6 x 25.7 x 9.4 in., 15 lbs 11 in. bag width Vacuum pull: ~20" Hg* 127W motor Fully automatic operation, w/sensors Bag storage Handheld sealer included Accessory port 5 yr. warranty Buy if: You want the fully automatic operation. |
* FoodSaver does not provide vacuum pull specifications on their products. We arrived at these numbers through independent testing.
**The handheld sealer is a different system that requires different bags. These bags are reusable and are great for leftovers because they have a zip top seal, but the re-sealable bags are fairly expensive (they can be used up to 8 times, depending on what you use them for).
Weston Vs. FoodSaver: An Overview of the Differences
Weston and FoodSaver both make consumer-grade vacuum sealers, but Weston also makes heavy duty and commercial grade vacuum sealers, while FoodSaver does not. And all Weston vacuum sealers tend to be more durable than FoodSaver sealers.
See our comprehensive Weston vacuum sealer review
FoodSaver: If you want the best price you can find and don't mind a product you might be replacing every few years, FoodSaver is the brand for you. (Hint: If you plan on using your vacuum sealer only occasionally, say, a few times a month, then FoodSaver is a good brand to get. With light use, your FoodSaver sealer could last 10 years or more.)
Weston: If you want a product designed for heavy duty use, is repairable, and will serve you for many years, but will be a higher initial investment, then a Weston vacuum sealer is the better choice, with the exception of the Weston Harvest Guard sealer, which is Weston's direct competitor to FoodSaver sealers, and about the same level of quality.
Here are some of the basic differences between Weston and FoodSaver food vacuum sealers:
- While FoodSaver does not provide vacuum specifications, independent tests (including ours) have shown that a FoodSaver pulls about 20" Hg. This is less than the smallest Weston vacuum sealer. (To understand what that means, see the section Why Is Vacuum Strength Important? below.)
- Weston vacuum sealers are fan-cooled; FoodSavers are not. This means you can use the sealer continuously with fewer cool down periods required. FoodSaver's top end models get around the cooling issue by having two vacuum pumps that take turns sealing so one can cool while the other is in use. Cooling fans are a better system, though, and are usually an indication of a higher quality motor.
- As FoodSaver vacuum sealers go up in price, they have more automated features, but the vacuum pull and wattage (i.e., power) remain about the same. As Weston vacuum sealers go up in price, they get more powerful (stronger vacuum pull-see the tables above to compare vacuum strength).
- Weston offers extra long sealing bars on their commercial grade sealers; all FoodSaver models have an 11 inch sealing bar.
- Weston sealers are not "throw-away" products like so many of today's appliances are, including most FoodSaver vacuum sealers. You can buy replacement parts for Weston sealers and send them away for repairs. FoodSaver doesn't really offer this, except for a few simple parts like gaskets. You may be able to find parts for them made by other companies, but in general, FoodSaver sealers are meant to be used for a few years, then replaced rather than repaired.
- At about $200, FoodSaver vacuum sealers stop competing with Weston because Weston sealers above this price point are in the commercial class: FoodSaver doesn't make any products that can compete with Weston's greater sealing power, higher wattage, and more durable build quality.
- The Weston Harvest Guard (not reviewed here) and Weston Professional Advantage vacuum sealers are the Weston sealers that compete directly with FoodSaver. The Harvest Guard is comparable to any FoodSaver model as far as power and vacuum pulled; it won't have the automated features of higher-priced FoodSaver sealers. The Pro Advantage is a high-end consumer-grade sealer with a more powerful motor, a fan-cooled pump, and a stronger vacuum than you'll find on FoodSaver sealers. A comparably priced FoodSaver vacuum sealer will have automated bagging and some other added features, but not as much vacuum pull, and the motor is not fan cooled.
Weston Vs. FoodSaver: Pros and Cons
FoodSaver | Weston | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
-Low Price -Good warranty -Many levels of automation and price points -Good for light-medium home use. | -Weak vacuum -Pump overheats easily (not fan-cooled) -Vacuum pull not listed (but tests at around 20" Hg). | -Strong vacuum -Fewer cool down periods needed (esp. higher priced models) -Fan-cooled motors -Vacuum specs given -Most "Pro-" models good for heavy home use. | -Higher priced than FoodSaver -Fewer automated features -Fewer extra features. |
About FoodSaver Vacuum Sealers
FoodSaver is owned by Newell Brands, a giant conglomerate that owns several consumer brands including Rubbermaid, Calphalon, Sunbeam, Crockpot, Coleman outdoor products, and dozens more. FoodSaver was originally an Italian company known for product excellence; in fact, if you find an old FoodSaver--made before 1990--you should snap it up. These old products have a reputation for lasting forever.
Today, FoodSaver vacuum sealers are made in China. This is not in itself a bad thing, as most vacuum sealers are now made in China, including Weston sealers and most expensive chamber sealers (VacMaster, PolyScience). But FoodSaver dominates the consumer grade, lower-priced and lower-powered end of the market. They offer a wide array of food vacuum sealers that range from no-frill, manual operation up to full automation, including cutting the bag for you. The amount of power and vacuum strength remains about the same at all FoodSaver price points (as we already mentioned).
FoodSaver considers vacuum pull to be proprietary information, so that's an important of information that we had to test for ourselves. What we do know, from tests we've done and from some Internet research, is that the average vacuum strength of a FoodSaver vacuum sealer is about 20" Hg, as you can see in this short 2-minute video:
If you're not sure what that means and why it's important, we explain below.
About Weston Vacuum Sealers
Weston Products LLC was founded in 1997 and makes several products for home food processing, including meat grinders, pasta makers, juicers, smokers, sausage making supplies, canning supplies, and vacuum sealers. All of their products are geared toward "fueling a movement of hunters, gatherers, and locavores with the enduring, well-built products needed for a self-sustaining approach to food" (from their website). Their headquarters are located in Cleveland, OH. Most of their products are manufactured in China.
Made in China! Does this mean a Weston vacuum sealer is on the same quality level as FoodSaver (that is, average)? More importantly, does it mean you should save your money and buy a FoodSaver product?
If you're buying a consumer grade vacuum sealer, then it doesn't really matter which brand you buy. They're all built about the same and pull less vacuum (the best being about 23-24"Hg). However, if you want a more heavy duty or even commercial grade sealer, Weston vacuum sealers are a good choice.
Why Is Vacuum Strength Important?
The whole principle of vacuum sealing is that, because air carries most of the pathogens that cause food spoilage, the more air you can remove from a bag, the longer the food will be preserved. So a stronger vacuum pull results in fresher food that stays fresh for a longer period.
Vacuum pressure is most commonly measured in inches of mercury (in. Hg or "Hg). Perfect vacuum is considered to be 30" Hg, and is not possible to achieve in earth's atmosphere. The very best chamber vacuum sealers can pull up to 29"Hg, while the best edge sealers can pull about 28" Hg. The best consumer-grade vacuum sealers pull considerably less, from about 20"Hg-24"Hg.
The difference between 20"Hg and 28"Hg may not sound like a lot but is actually quite significant: 28"Hg is almost 30% more air removed from a bag compared to 20"Hg. So while consumer grade vacuum sealers are better than no vacuum sealer at all, commercial grade vacuum sealers pull significantly better vacuum.
This translates to wasting less food.
You don't have to remember the numbers. Just remember that the stronger the vacuum, the longer your food will stay fresh. And since a vacuum sealer can help reduce the amount of wasted food in your household--up to $2700 per year according to the FoodSaver website--even if you spend $1000 on a chamber vacuum, sealer, it will pay for itself in less than a year.
Note: You may also see vacuum strength in KPa (kilopascals), bar, or some other unit of pressure. But it is most often expressed as inches of mercury ("Hg").
The stronger the vacuum, the longer your food will stay fresh. A commercial grade sealer can remove up to 30% more air than a consumer grade sealer can.
Review: FoodSaver FM2435, V4400, and FM5860
See the FoodSaver FM2435 on Amazon (bag storage, accessory port, handheld sealer)
See the FoodSaver V4400 on Amazon (bag storage, accessory port, handheld sealer, automated features)
See the FoodSaver FM5860 on Amazon (bag storage, accessory port, handheld sealer, completely automated operation)
Since all three of these vacuum sealers have similar internal parts, build quality, and pull roughly the same vacuum, we're reviewing them as one product.
Each of these FoodSaver vacuum sealers offer increasing levels of automation: the bigger the model number, the more automated features the vacuum sealer has. You can spend even less on a FoodSaver and have fewer automated features, but these are the three models that correspond most closely to Weston's Harvest Guard and Professional Advantage vacuum sealers.
Features
- Stainless housing
- Removable drip tray
- Dry/Moist, Quick Marinate functions
- Integrated roll storage and bag cutter
- Extra wide sealing strip to ensure a strong seal
- Hose accessory for use with jars, marinade containers, etc.
- Handheld sealer included, for use with these resealable bags
- Automatic bag detection (V4400 and FM5860 only)
- Bag starter kit (contents will vary but can include bags, bag rolls, zipper bags, marinade containers, and more)
- 5 year warranty.
Operation
All three of these FoodSaver vacuum sealers have automatic operation, meaning the sealer does most of the bagging itself. The V4400 and FM5860 also have automatic bag detection, making sealing even easier because all you have to do is insert a bag to begin the sealing process.
FM2435
- Insert a bag into the sealing channel.
- Lock the lid down.
- Press the Vacuum and Seal button.
V4400/FM5860
- Insert bag into the sealing channel--process will begin automatically.
- You can make and cut bags and control the sealing with the push of a button. This short video shows the basic operation of the FM5860 (the V4400 is very similar):
Specifications
FM2435 Vacuum Sealer
Color: Stainless and black
Size: 18.4x6.5x11 in.
Weight: 7.7 lbs
Max Bag Width: 11 in.
Edge Sealing without Vacuum Capability? Yes
Storage space for bags? Yes
Roll cutter? Yes
Warranty: 5 year limited.
V4400 Vacuum Sealer
Color: Black and stainless (V4440); Mostly stainless (V4840)
Size: 11 x 20 x 12 in.
Weight: 10 lbs
Max Bag Width: 11 in.
Edge Sealing without Vacuum Capability? Yes
Storage Space for Bags? Yes
Roll Cutter? Yes
Warranty: 5 year limited.
FM5860 Vacuum Sealer
Color: Stainless and black
Size: 11.6 x 25.7 x 9.4 inches
Weight: 15.1 lbs
Max Bag Width: 11.8 in. (but only fits 11 in. rolls)
Edge Sealing without Vacuum Capability? Yes
Storage space for bags? Yes
Roll cutter? Yes
Warranty: 5 year limited.
Accessories
All three of these models have an accessory port and a handheld sealer included, which means you can use them with all FoodSaver accessories, including:
FoodSaver Fresh Containers (storage containers)
FoodSaver WideMouth Jar Sealer
Note: The FoodSaver accessory hose has a universal port, so you can use non-FoodSaver accessories as well.
V4400 Vs. FM5860: What's the Difference?
The only real difference between these two sealers is that the FM5860 has bag sizing at the push of a button. The FM5860 will release and retract the bag roll automatically (see the video above in the Operations section).
The V4400 will bag automatically, but you have to size the bag yourself.
Recommendation
FoodSaver makes a nice consumer grade sealer with a lot of automation features but not the best vacuum on the market, and the non-fan cooled motor can overheat easily. Therefore, buy a FoodSaver vacuum sealer if you're going to be a light duty home user and won't be doing large bulk sealing projects.
The more you spend, the more automated the features, but you won't get stronger vacuum as the price goes up, so only spend more on a FoodSaver vacuum sealer if you want the convenience of automation.
Buy the FoodSaver FM2435 vacuum sealer on amazon now:
buy the FoodSaver V4400 vacuum sealer on Amazon now:
buy the FoodSaver FM5860 vacuum sealer on Amazon now:
Review: Professional Advantage Weston Vacuum Sealer (65-0501-W)
The Weston Professional Advantage is one if Weston's lowest priced vacuum sealers and one of the most direct competitor with FoodSaver. It is designed for the home user who wants a dependable sealer, but probably won't put it to heavy-duty use (such as a lot of bulk sealing jobs). It has an accessory port for canisters, marinating, and more. (The hose and canister are sold separately, but if you have old FoodSaver accessories, they'll work with it, as it's a universal port.)
The literature for this Weston vacuum sealer says it is a commercial grade sealer, but it's more accurate to say that it's a home sealer with a few features of commercial sealers. At 210W, the motor is too small to be considered commercial. To compare, the other Weston vacuum sealers reviewed here have 600W (the Pro 1100) and 900W (the Pro 2300) motors. (That's more than some chamber sealers.)
Check out the Weston Professional Advantage vacuum sealer reviews on Amazon.
Features
- 210W motor
- Fan-cooled, 23' Hg vacuum pump
- Auto and manual modes
- Hose accessory port (hose and canisters sold separately)
- 11-inch long, 3mm wide seal strip
- Quick marinate function
- Angled vacuum chamber to prevent liquid messes
- Easy-clean vacuum chamber
- Clear lid so you can observe vacuum process
- ETL certified
- 1 year warranty.
Operation
Here's the Weston Pro Advantage vacuum sealer control panel:
Operation is simple. The Pro Advantage has a touchpad so basic that you can use it without reading the manual: Turn it on, insert a bag, and press start. It will seal automatically, or you can press Pulse (to avoid crushing soft foods or drawing moisture up into the unit), then press Seal when ready.
If you want to use the accessory port, you plug in the hose and choose either "Accessory" to vacuum, or "Marinate," which will create the ideal environment for fast marinating (i.e., intermittent vacuum pull).
This sealer also has an angled chamber opening to help prevent liquids from being sucked into the unit during operation.
Specifications
Color: Black and brushed stainless
Size: 10x18x6 inches
Weight: 7.3 lbs.
Motor: 210W (standard US 120V/60Hz outlet)
Vacuum: 23' Hg, fan-cooled
Vacuum Modes: Automatic and manual
Max bag width: 11-in.
Storage space for bags? No
Roll cutter? No
Included
15-1 quart (8" x 12") bags.
Recommendation
The Pro Advantage is not the Weston vacuum sealer we recommend, as the motor is significantly smaller and less powerful than other Weston sealer options. But it's still more powerful and will pull a stronger vacuum than any FoodSaver vacuum sealer. If you're torn between a FoodSaver and the slightly more expensive Pro Advantage, go with the Weston vacuum sealer.
BUY the Weston Professional Advantage Vacuum Sealer on amazon:
Review: Weston Pro-2300 Stainless Steel Vacuum Sealer
With a 935W, fan-cooled pump that can pull 28" Hg of vacuum and a 15 inch sealing bar, the Weston Pro-2300 can do some serious vacuum sealing. It is a premium quality sealer, made for home use but heavy duty enough for commercial use. Its powerful motor and vacuum pump make quick work of bulk freezing tasks.
The Pro-2300 is designed primarily for food storage; it does not have an accessory port for marinades or canisters.
The 15 inch sealing bar is rare among sealers. The vast majority of home sealers have 11 inch bars. People who do a lot of bulk sealing are willing to pay the premium price for the option to use extra large bags. And indeed, it's a nice feature to have. Although keep in mind that bigger bags are more expensive, so you may not use them as much as you think you will.
Check out the Weston Pro-2300 vacuum sealer reviews on Amazon.
Features
- 935W motor
- Double piston, 28" Hg vacuum pump
- 15-inch seal bar with 5mm wide seal bar
- Air-cooled vacuum pump
- Auto and manual modes
- Stainless steel housing
- Clear lid so you can align bags and observe vacuum process
- Detachable cord with storage space
- ETL certified
- 2 year manufacturer's warranty.
Operation
Here's the Pro-2300 vacuum sealer control panel:
The Weston Pro-2300 vacuum seaaler is simple to operate. It has 3 buttons: Start, Stop, and Manual. You can seal with one button press, or use the Manual button for soft or moist foods. LED Indicator lights tell you what phase the sealer is in during operation.
Specifications
Color: stainless
Size: 15.3x23.9x9 inches
Weight: 22 lbs
Motor: 935W (standard US 120V/60Hz outlet)
Vacuum: 28' Hg, dual piston, fan-cooled
Vacuum Modes: Automatic and manual
Max bag width: 15-in.
Storage space for bags? No
Roll cutter? No
Recommendation
Buy the Weston Pro-2300 vacuum sealer if you want superior quality, fast sealing, an extra wide 15 inch sealing bar, and are willing to pay the price for a premium product.
Don't buy if you want the accessory hose option.
buy the Weston Pro-2300 Vaccum Sealer on amazon now:
Review: Weston PRO-1100 Stainless Steel Vacuum Sealer (65-0601-W)
The Weston Pro-1100 vacuum sealer has some great features: a powerful air-cooled vacuum pump for big sealing projects, an accessory hose for marinading and use with canisters, and a bag roll holder and cutter, which means you can use rolls of bags with this model--rolls are not only cheaper, they also increase the size bag you can use because you can cut them to any length. With the Pro-1100, you get the best of both worlds: a durable, commercial grade product compact and versatile enough for home use. It's truly brilliant.
Hose and canisters sold separately--click here to see on Amazon. (If you can't find the Weston accessories, no worries: any brand will work, as the hose attachment is universal.)
The Pro-1100 has also a digital display that helps simplify the vacuum process (note that the Pro 2300 and Pro Advantage do not have digital displays).
Check out the Weston Pro-1100 on Amazon now.
Features
- 680W motor
- Double piston, 28' Hg vacuum pump
- 11-inch seal bar with 5mm wide seal bar
- Air-cooled vacuum pump
- Auto and manual modes
- Adjustable sealing time
- Digital display
- Side-mounted hose accessory port
- Rear mounted bag roll and bag cutter
- Detachable cord with storage space
- ETL certified
- 2 year manufacturer's warranty.
Operation
Because the Pro-1100 vacuum sealer has more features than other Weston sealers, the controls are a bit more complicated, as you can see in the diagram:
Press the Start button to seal automatically: that's how easy it is to use.
You can also adjust the seal time if you want to make sure you've got a tight seal--this is handy for sealing bags cut from rolls, which have to be sealed on one end before you fill them.
You can also set for Pulse, Manual Seal, and Accessory.
LED indicator lights guide you through the sealing process.
Specifications
Size: 18.2x15.6x10in.
Weight: 15lbs
Motor: 680W (standard US 120V/60Hz outlet)
Vacuum: 28' Hg, dual piston, fan-cooled
Vacuum Modes: Automatic and manual
Max bag width: 11-in.
Storage space for bags? Yes
Roll cutter? Yes.
Included
Maintenance kit.
Recommendation
Buy the Weston Pro-1100 vacuum sealer if you want power, durability, and bag roll storage built into the sealer.
Don't buy if you want to seal extra large bags, as the sealing bar is a standard 11 inches. It is also not as powerful as the Pro 2300, but at 680W, it's still more powerful than most edge or chamber sealers.
buy the Pro-1100 WESTON Vacuum Sealer on amazon now:
Bags and Accessories
Don't forget bags:
Roll: 2 11in x 50 ft (Pro-1100 only)
Note: You do not need to use Weston vacuum sealer bags. Any bag designed for edge vacuum sealers will work.
For more information, see our article The Best Food Vacuum Sealer Bags For the Best Prices.
Final Thoughts on FoodSaver Vs. Weston Vacuum Sealers
In the FoodSaver vs. Weston vacuum sealer battle, FoodSaver wins on price and in some cases extra features, but if you want a vacuum sealer that's durable and powerful, Weston is a better choice. They offer many options, including accessory ports, bag storage, digital display, extra long sealing bars, and different vacuum pump strength--and all Westons pull stronger vacuum than FoodSaver, which means longer food preservation. You'll pay more up front, but a Weston vacuum sealer is going to last for many, many years.
The Weston Pro 2300 is one of Weston's best selling models if you want a commercial grade sealer with an extra long sealing bar.
Thanks for reading!
If you found this article helpful, please share:
let me known the price of vacuum sealer
the weston pro 2300 is not under 200 its double that 399 on amazon so you need to change that
Thanks for the heads up, but that price isn’t given anywhere in the article.
Hello, I have a Pro 2300 Weston sealer. How can I use it to seal mason jar? Is there an attachment I can add, even if it is through another brand?
Hi Cam, The Pro 2300 does NOT have an accessory hose port. You are instead paying for the super powerful vacuum, heavy-duty build quality, and 15″ sealing bar. (Well worth it, IMO.) I think if you try to use it with an accessory hose, it may void your warranty. Having said that, I think I have read about people doing it. If there’s a small, round opening on the machine, you can probably try to put a hose in there and see if it works. I think you’re correct that any brand of hose will work IF there is such an opening. I am not recommending that you do that, but if you give it a try, good luck to you. Also, maybe check out YouTube to see if anyone has done it.
Another option is to buy a cheap handheld or FoodSaver sealer (under $50) for use with an accessory port. We just published a new article about all the FoodSavers on Amazon–every model we reviewed has an accessory port. Alternatively, if your Pro 2300 is still under warranty, you may want to return it and buy a Weston model that does have the accessory port. I can’t remember which ones do but I’m sure this article has that information.
Thanks for your question.
My Nesco sealer has been serving me well, and its vacuum strength is superior to FoodSaver. But I've been looking for a more pro-grade sealer that didn't involve the expense of a chamber unit, so this review of the Pro-1100 caught my eye. But when I checked the price on Amazon it wasn't the price that surprised me. It was the 25% of reviews from verified buyers that only rated it 1-2 stars. Now, I don't make decisions solely based on Amazon reviews, but when a quarter of reviews for a high-end, significantly more expensive product are 1-2 stars, that's a flashing red light for me. Despite what plainly appears to be superior build quality vs FoodSaver or my Nesco, there seems to be some serious reliability, quality control and early failure issues with the Pro-1100. Even worse, Weston customer service sounds awful for those who encounter problems.
Hi Charles, thanks for the comment. Yes, the Weston brand seems to have gone downhill in recent years. This review needs an entire overhaul. We’ve e-mailed Weston a few times with questions and have not received any replies from them (further proof of their terrible customer service). The Weston Pro 2300 is probably their best selling and highest rated sealer, but even this one we need to take another look at.
There are other options on the market now to get excited about. You may want to take a look at Avid Armor or Magic Vac. These are both excellent brands, and we now recommend Avid Armor for our favorite commercial grade edge sealer. You can get an edge sealer now that weighs less than 30 pounds, so that’s another option. We love the VacMaster VP200.
In any case, I apologize if this review led you down the wrong path. We are going to update it soon, or maybe just take it down altogether.
Great article!
Thanks!