A Guide to Different Types of Vacuum Sealer Bags
Vacuum sealing has truly changed how we preserve food. It locks in freshness, nutrients,
and flavour and prevents freezer burn while significantly extending shelf life. However, you can’t reap all those benefits if you aren’t using the right vacuum sealer bags.
Today, we will explore the two primary types of vacuum sealer bags—embossed (or
channeled/patterned) bags for external vacuum sealer machines and smooth bags for
chamber vacuum sealers. We’ll discuss their unique features, compatibility with various
machines, and technical specifications. Along the way, we’ll share practical insights and tips to help you get the most out of your vacuum sealing setup. By the end of this article, you’ll have a deep understanding of how to choose the ideal bag for your vacuum sealing needs.
Vacuum Sealer Bags: A Quick Overview
At their core, vacuum sealer bags are packaging materials specially engineered to remove air from around the food to prevent oxidation, moisture loss, and freezer burn. They can prolong food’s shelf life and are ideal for preserving large quantities of items bought in bulk.
Key features of quality vacuum sealer bags include:
-
BPA-Free and Food Safe: Ensuring no harmful chemicals leach into your food
-
FDA-Approved: Meeting rigorous food safety standards
-
Temperature Resistance: With the ability to withstand temperatures from -20°C to 100°C, the best vacuum sealer bags are suitable for freezing and hot applications.
- Durability: Engineered to resist punctures and tears, even under prolonged use.
Now, let’s move on to talking about the different types of vacuum sealer bags.
Embossed (Channeled/Patterned) Vacuum Sealer Bags
Also known as channeled or patterned bags, embossed vacuum sealer bags have a unique design featuring a patterned (or rough) surface on one side and a smooth surface on the other. The embossed side is specifically engineered to facilitate air escape during sealing. The patterned design creates channels that allow the vacuum sealer to pull out air more efficiently and ensure the food is tightly sealed with minimal residual oxygen.
Types of Patterns
-
One-Direction Channel: This pattern features parallel lines guiding the air to escape predominantly in one direction. It works well for standard sealing tasks where you can completely control bag orientation.
-
Diamond Pattern: This coarse pattern creates a network of intersecting channels.
Although effective in removing air, its rough texture might be less desirable when you need a softer external finish.
- Polka Dot Pattern: Often regarded as the best option, the polka dot pattern provides multiple escape routes for air. Its design is less abrasive on the bag’s surface and offers a uniform look. It’s no wonder it’s so popular among home cooks, chefs and other users seeking an optimal balance between functionality & a sleek appearance.
How They Work in External Vacuum Sealers
Embossed bags are primarily designed for external vacuum sealer machines. In these
machines, the bag is placed on the outside of the sealing chamber, and the machine’s
vacuum mechanism sucks the air out through the embossed channels. The air flows out
from underneath the bag, achieving a tight, consistent seal that preserves the food inside. Because of their design, embossed bags are versatile. They can be used in both external and chamber vacuum sealers, although their patterned surface is specifically tailored for the mechanics of external systems.
Material and Construction
Embossed bags are typically made from robust, food-grade plastic with an average
thickness of about 80 microns on the smooth side. For tougher applications—such as
sealing foods with sharp edges or bone-in meats—bags with a thickness of 100 microns are ideal. This additional thickness provides enhanced durability and resistance to punctures
Benefits of Using Embossed Bags
-
Efficient Air Removal: The embossed pattern channels the air out quickly, reducing
the risk of incomplete seals.
-
Improved Shelf Life: By achieving a more complete seal, these bags help extend
the freshness and quality of your stored food.
-
Versatility: You can use embossed vacuum sealer bags with both external and
chamber vacuum sealers, making them a flexible choice.
-
Enhanced Durability: These embossed bags are usually available in various
thicknesses to suit different storage applications; they won’t break under pressure.
Smooth Vacuum Sealer Bags
As the name implies, smooth vacuum sealer bags have a uniform, smooth surface on both sides. These bags are specifically designed to be used with chamber vacuum sealer
machines. When chamber-sealing, you put the entire bag and its contents inside a sealed
chamber with low ambient pressure. Because the machine removes air from all sides
simultaneously, there’s no need for an embossed or patterned surface to direct airflow.
How Chamber Machines Work
Chamber vacuum sealers operate differently from external machines. They create a
low-pressure environment within a sealed chamber, which causes the air inside the bag to expand and be removed efficiently. Since the pressure reduction occurs uniformly around the bag, smooth bags are perfectly suited to this process.
Note that smooth or chamber vacuum sealer bags are designed exclusively for chamber
machines. Attempting to use them in an external vacuum sealer can lead to suboptimal
performance, as these machines rely on embossed channels for effective air removal.
Advantages of Smooth or Chamber Bags
-
Uniform Seal: The smooth surface offers a consistent sealing area, which can be
critical for particular culinary techniques, such as sous vide cooking.
-
Ideal for Chamber Sealers: Optimised for the pressure-based vacuum process,
smooth vacuum sealer bags ensure efficient air removal and an airtight seal.
-
Clean Aesthetic: The absence of patterns provides a sleek, uniform appearance,
which may be the best option in certain settings.
-
Ease of Use: Smooth bags are straightforward to use. You don’t need to worry about
aligning embossed channels correctly.
Thickness and Durability Considerations
The durability of a vacuum sealer bag is largely determined by its thickness. The average
bag for everyday food storage is around 80 microns thick (measured on the smooth side). This thickness is ideal for sealing fruits, vegetables, and most meats. However, if you plan to seal sharp-edged items—such as bone-in cuts of meat or beef jerky—it’s advisable to use heavy-duty vacuum sealer bags, typically around 100 microns.
Why Thickness Matters
-
Puncture Resistance: Thicker bags are less likely to be punctured by sharp edges.
They can help guarantee the seal remains intact even when storing rugged items.
-
Enhanced Durability: Heavier bags provide an extra layer of protection against
accidental tears during storage or transportation.
-
Custom Application: Knowing what you’re storing allows you to select the right
thickness, balancing flexibility for everyday use and robustness for demanding
applications.
Practical Tips When Choosing Vacuum Sealer Bags
-
Assess Your Needs
Consider the types of food you most often store. If your diet includes a lot of marinated or bone-in meats, investing in heavier bags might be more cost-effective in the long run.
-
Experiment with Patterns
Do you have an external sealer? Try different embossed patterns (e.g., polka dot vs. diamond) to see which works best for your specific needs.
-
Check Manufacturer Specifications
Always check your vacuum sealer’s specifications before purchasing bags. Manufacturers often provide recommendations on bag types and thickness.
-
Test Small Batches
If you’re unsure about which thickness is best for your needs, try sealing a small batch of food with different thicknesses to observe which maintains quality over time.
Expert Tips on Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Even the best vacuum sealer bags and machines require proper maintenance to perform at their peak. Here are some expert tips to keep your equipment in top condition:
- After each use, clean the sealing area of your vacuum food sealer machine to
remove any food residue. This prevents the buildup of particles that can interfere with the sealing process.
- Regularly inspect the gaskets on your machine for wear and tear. A worn gasket can compromise the seal and reduce the vacuum sealer’s effectiveness.
- Keep your vacuum sealer bags in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Proper storage helps maintain their integrity until you’re ready to use them.
- Always leave an adequate margin at the top of the bag when sealing. Overfilled bags can result in incomplete seals and increase the risk of leakage.
- Occasionally, do a seal test by checking a sealed bag for any signs of air leakage. If
you notice any issues, it might be time to replace your machine’s parts or adjust your sealing technique.
Future Trends and Innovations in Vacuum Sealer Bags
The field of food preservation is constantly evolving, and vacuum sealer bags are no
exception. Innovations continue to emerge to enhance performance further while addressing environmental concerns. Here are some emerging and future trends you can consider:
Biodegradable and Compostable Options
In response to growing environmental awareness, manufacturers have developed
biodegradable and compostable vacuum sealer bags. These bags offer the same
performance as traditional bags while significantly reducing environmental impact. They are durable, with a secure sealing capability that locks in flavours, nutrients and freshness, flavours. They also come in two primary types of sealer bags: smooth and channelled vacuum sealer bags, giving you options depending on your preferred food saver machine.
Improved Material Technologies
Advances in polymer science may lead to the creation of stronger, more flexible vacuum
sealer bags. Future products may even offer increased durability without adding extra
thickness, optimising performance and cost.
Smart Sealing Technologies
Research is underway to integrate sensors into vacuum sealer bags that can monitor the
seal’s integrity and provide real-time feedback. This could lead to even more reliable food preservation systems for domestic and commercial settings.
Summing It Up
Choosing the right vacuum sealer bag is essential for maximising the benefits of food
preservation. Whether you select embossed (channelled) bags or smooth bags,
understanding the differences, compatibility, and specific use cases will help you achieve
optimal sealing performance. Also, considerations such as bag thickness, safety standards, and maintenance routines can help ensure your food stays fresh, flavorful & safe over time. It’s also good practice to stay informed about the latest innovations and best practices to enhance your overall experience—whether you’re a home cook looking to reduce waste or a professional in a high-volume kitchen. That way, you can embrace all the benefits of effective food preservation and enjoy longer-lasting freshness, improved taste & a healthier kitchen.
Explore Our Collection of Food Vacuum Sealer Bags
At Food Vacuum Sealers Australia, we offer an extensive collection of high-quality vacuum sealer bags designed to meet every need—from embossed (channeled) bags for external vacuum sealers and smooth bags optimised for chamber machines to more specialised options like compostable, salami and black vacuum sealer bags. Our bags are BPA-free, FDA-approved, and rigorously tested to ensure they withstand extreme temperatures, helping to guarantee that your stored food remains fresh, nutritious, and free from spoilage. We also have available food vacuum sealer rolls if you want more flexibility in bag sizes. Whether you’re a home cook, meal prep enthusiast, chef, or deli owner, you can count on our vacuum sealer bags to deliver reliable performance, unmatched durability, and a perfect seal every time. Explore our collection, and elevate your food preservation strategy with the best vacuum sealer bags on the market—because your food deserves nothing but the best.