The Vacuum Sealing Drawer: Quickly and Easily Vacuum-Seal Food – for Cooking or Preservation
Find everything you need to know about vacuum sealing drawers, along with plenty of tips on how to easily vacuum-seal and preserve food, right here in the magazine.
Reading time: approx. 2 minutes
If you want to preserve food or cook using the gentle sous-vide method, you need a vacuum sealer. Our recommendation for modern kitchens is the vacuum sealing drawer. It is built directly into your kitchen and serves as the ideal complement to an oven, steam oven, or combi-steam oven. Read our magazine article to find out what a vacuum sealing drawer can be used for, what to look for when buying one, and which models from our manufacturers might be a great fit for your kitchen.
Is a vacuum sealing drawer right for your kitchen?
We would be happy to advise you personally and work with you to determine whether a vacuum sealing drawer is suitable for your kitchen—or if a different type of vacuum sealer might be a better fit.
What is a vacuum sealing drawer?
A vacuum sealing drawer is a built-in kitchen drawer used to seal special bags or containers airtight. To do this, the bags or containers are placed in the vacuum chamber, where the air is extracted in a controlled manner. Depending on the model and manufacturer, various vacuum levels and sealing settings are available.
✓ No odor
✓ Compact footprint
✓ Longer shelf life
✓ Protection against pests
Why vacuum seal?
Here are some popular ideas for using vacuum sealing.
- Meal Prep: Vacuum sealing allows you to stock up on food while saving space and extending shelf life. Simply cook in advance, freeze in portions, and prepare complete meals for several weeks.
- Sous-Vide: Food is gently cooked at low temperatures under vacuum conditions.
- Marinating: Enhance the flavor—the vacuum allows the marinade to penetrate more effectively by pressing the sauce closer to the food.
- Preservation & Shelf Life: Vacuum sealing protects food from oxygen, inhibiting metabolic and oxidation processes. This significantly extends shelf life—up to 2 years in the freezer (depending on the food).
- Resealing: Previously opened packages can be easily resealed using the sealing function.
- ...
Vacuum Sealing Food
If you want to extend the shelf life of food or organize your fridge to save space, vacuum sealing is the ideal solution. Simply place the prepared food into a suitable vacuum bag or container, put it in the drawer's vacuum chamber, select the desired vacuum level and sealing method, and seal it airtight.
However, not all foods are equally suitable for vacuum sealing. Due to their structure and gas formation, some foods are unsuitable for vacuum sealing or require special care. Here is an overview.
Suitable foods
- Meat: Red meat, poultry, sausages, ...
- Fish & seafood: Fillets, shrimp, shellfish, ...
- Cooked vegetables: Blanched asparagus, carrots, ...
- Peeled fruit: Apples, bananas, ...
- Dried fruit & nuts: Almonds, ...
- Legumes & grains: Rice, beans, lentils, ...
- Spices & herbs: Tea, basil, ...
- Cooled liquids: Soups, sauces, marinades, ...
Unsuitable Foods
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.): Release gases, which can cause the bag to inflate.
- Soft cheese: Flavor and texture may change under vacuum.
- Cakes & fresh pastries: May become soggy.
- Fermented foods: Produce gases and can compromise the vacuum seal.
- Hot foods: Create condensation, which can promote bacterial growth.
Tips for Vacuum Sealing
- Proper portioning: Use appropriate portion sizes for the bags or containers being used. This makes storage and later use easier.
- Good hygiene: Ensure work surfaces and utensils are clean, and use only fresh food.
- Freezing for better texture: Some foods, such as berries, can be flash-frozen beforehand. This helps preserve their texture and prevents them from getting squashed in the bag.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Store vacuum-sealed food in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator or freezer. Labeling items with the type of food, its name, and the date is helpful for keeping track of your supplies.
Vacuum bags or containers?
Achieving good results requires both a reliable vacuum sealer and the right accessories: vacuum bags or containers. Vacuum bags are generally intended for single use, whereas a vacuum container can be used multiple times. However, not every vacuum sealer is compatible with both types of accessories.
Tips for Buying a Vacuum Sealing Drawer
Consider the following buying tips to find the best vacuum sealing drawer for your kitchen.
Vacuum Levels
Different degrees of vacuum are required depending on the food and the intended use. High-quality vacuum sealing drawers therefore feature various vacuum levels to suit a wide range of applications.
Dimensions
Be sure to check the niche dimensions (width, height, and depth) as well as the installation type to ensure the new vacuum sealing drawer fits perfectly into your kitchen. The size of the vacuum chamber should also be taken into account.
Accessories
To offer a range of possibilities, a new vacuum sealing drawer should come with plenty of accessories. Ensure that the vacuum drawer is compatible with vacuum containers and that you use high-quality vacuum bags that are food-safe and durable.
Vacuum Sealers Compared
There are various ways to vacuum seal food, as well as different vacuum sealers and bag sealers that yield similar results. Here, you can quickly compare the different types and find out which vacuum sealer might be right for your kitchen.
Who is a vacuum sealing drawer worth it for?
A vacuum sealing drawer is a worthwhile kitchen appliance if you ...
- ... vacuum-seal regularly
- ... freeze food in portions
- ... store food in a space-saving way
- ... meal prep and cook dishes in advance
- ... cook sous-vide
- ... plan a high-quality fitted kitchen
- ... want to combine as many practical kitchen appliances as possible
For whom is a vacuum sealing drawer not worth it?
If you only vacuum seal occasionally, a smaller vacuum sealer—such as a handheld model—might be the better choice. It is less expensive and can easily be stored in a kitchen drawer.
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