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Save now or save later when saving food

Save now or save later when saving food

What's more important to you, saving your hard-earned money or saving your hard-won wild game meat? In this article, we will go over the cost and quality differences between using a chambered vacuum sealer and a chamberless vacuum sealer. Let us help you make the best decision so you can be happy with your purchase from waltons.com

 

 

What's more important to you, saving your hard-earned money or saving your hard-won wild game meat? In this article, we will go over the cost and quality differences between using a chambered vacuum sealer and a chamberless vacuum sealer. Let us help you make the best decision so you can be happy with your purchase from waltons.com

How does each style of vacuum sealer work?

Chamberless Sealer

With chamberless machines there is a mini chamber under the lid of the unit that you place the opening of the bag into.  The mini chamber then pumps the air out of the chamber and pulls the air out of the bag as well. This is why the chamberless style bags need to have a texture, without a texture the bag would pull so tight within the first few inches that no air trapped behind that section of bag could be removed.  Since it is pulling all the air up through the bag any liquid will eventually be pulled into the mini chamber, and as we all know, water and electronics do not mix!

 

Chambered Sealer

In this style the entire bag goes into the chamber of the sealer where all air is pumped out, the bag is then sealed by the seal bar and the air is pumped back into the chamber.  This is why the bag expands during the process, then collapses.  Because of this functionality you can even vacuum pack a bag of water!

Black vacuum sealer with control buttons and power cord.

Advantages of each style of Vacuum Sealer

  • Advantages of Chambered Machine
    • Cost per bag
    • Can do liquids better
    • Gets a higher % of air out of the bag (generally)
  • Advantages of the Chamberless Machine
    • Lower initial investment
    • Quicker process (because it don’t have to pump all air out)
    • Portability/Lighter
  • Disadvantages of Chambered Machine
    • Initial investment
    • Very heavy/hard to move
  • Disadvantages of the Chamberless Machine
    • Cost of bags
    • Moisture in bag
    • Lifetime of machine

 

Cost difference - Chambered and Chamberless Vacuum Machines

Chamberless

Walton's also sells 3 chamberless vacuum machines that are designed for the retail market: the Fresh Seal ($100), the 12 in Pro ($400) and the 15 inch Vac Sealer with Roll Cutter Storage ($350) which means our average price is $283. 

 

 

Chambered

Walton's sell 3 chambered vacuum machines that we consider appropriate for the retail market: the Compact Sealer ($399), the Walton's Chamber Sealer ($649), and the Walton's 2200 Chamber Vac Sealer ($1,099).  That averages out to $716 for the cost of the Vacuum Machine. 

 

So, the difference in the cost of the machines is $433.

Vacuum sealer machine with control buttons and stainless steel design.

Cost per bag, how many seals until it's cheaper?

Waltons offers 3 sizes of chambered textured bags; 6X10(Pint), 8X12(Quart), or 11x16(Gallon), all have 100 bags per package and the average price is .30¢ per bag.  We offer many sizes of chambered bags and because they do not require a texture, they are far less expensive to produce, the similar sizes of chamber bags average out to .09¢ per bag. 

 

That means you will spend 3 X more on bags for the lifetime of the machine.  So, depending on how often you vacuum seal you can make up the price difference between your increased initial investment of a chambered sealer fairly quickly.

 

Final Thoughts

When it comes down to choosing between a Chambered Vacuum Sealer and a Chamberless Vacuum Sealer, the right option depends on your priorities. If you value long-term savings on bags, versatility with liquids, and professional-grade sealing, a chambered unit is a smart investment even though it costs more upfront and takes up more space. On the other hand, if you want something lightweight, portable, and budget-friendly for occasional use, a chamberless sealer will get the job done.

 

No matter which direction you go, both options will help you protect your hard-earned wild game meat and ensure it lasts longer in the freezer. At the end of the day, the best sealer is the one that fits your budget, processing volume, and lifestyle needs, and with Walton’s wide selection, you’ll be able to find the machine that’s right for you.

 

19th Sep 2025

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