Vacuum packing machines

How to choose a professional vacuum packer?

The right vacuum packer depends on what you pack, in what size pieces and how much per day. These are the main things to look out for:

• Chamber and seal bar size – the length of the seal bar determines how wide a bag can be sealed, and the chamber height determines how tall the products can be. A 250–350 mm bar is enough for smaller portions; for large cuts and GN containers, choose a 450–500 mm bar or a model with two bars.
• Vacuum pump capacity – the pump capacity (m³/h) determines the cycle speed. Tabletop models usually have 8–20 m³/h, floor-standing models 20–100 m³/h and industrial models up to 150 m³/h.
• Liquids and marinades – soups, sauces and marinades can only be vacuum packed with a chamber machine; an inclined plate helps pack liquids safely.
• Programs and controls – models with programmable settings (e.g. Lavezzini Chef Line) give a consistent result every time; stepped vacuum (Step Vac) and gentle air release (Soft Vac) protect delicate products.
• Protective gas – inert gas flushing keeps delicate products such as salads and baked goods from being crushed and extends their shelf life.

Which type of vacuum packer is right for you?

• Chamber vacuum packers – tabletop models for restaurants and chefs; also suitable for liquids and sous-vide cooking.
• Floor-standing vacuum packers – models on castors with a larger chamber for butcheries, shops and production kitchens.
• Industrial vacuum packers – high-capacity machines for continuous operation in the food industry, with several seal bars and pumps of up to 150 m³/h.
• External vacuum sealers – compact and affordable models for packing dry products and smaller quantities in embossed bags.
• Tray sealers – for packing ready meals and salads in film-sealed trays; VG models also with vacuum and protective gas.
• Sous-vide equipment – water baths for cooking vacuum-packed food at a precise temperature of 45–99 °C.
• Bag sealers – fast heat sealing of plastic bags without vacuum.

Benefits of vacuum packing in the kitchen

• longer shelf life in both the refrigerator and the freezer
• less food waste and better cost control
• raw ingredients can be bought in larger quantities and portioned in advance
• flavour, colour and moisture are better preserved, and vacuum marinating is faster
• sous-vide cooking gives consistent, repeatable results
• more hygienic and better labelled storage

Maintenance and warranty

A vacuum packer with an oil pump needs regular pump oil changes and checks of the seal bar and lid gasket. Many Lavezzini models have a pump cleaning cycle (Clean Pump) that removes moisture from the pump. Haktek Seadmed installs and services the equipment we sell, and all vacuum packers come with a 2-year warranty.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a chamber vacuum packer and an external vacuum sealer?

In a chamber machine the whole bag is placed inside the chamber and the air is removed from the entire chamber, so liquids can also be packed and the result is more consistent. An external sealer draws the air out of the bag without a chamber – it is more compact and affordable, but requires embossed (textured) vacuum bags and is not suitable for liquids.

Can a vacuum packer be used to pack liquids?

Yes, with a chamber vacuum packer. Use an inclined plate and chill the liquid before packing, because warm liquid starts to boil at low pressure.

How much longer does food keep?

It depends on the product and the storage temperature, but vacuum-packed food usually keeps several times longer than in ordinary packaging. Vacuum does not replace refrigeration – vacuum-packed food must be kept in a refrigerator or freezer.

What pump capacity should I choose?

An 8–10 m³/h pump suits a smaller restaurant packing up to a few dozen bags a day. If you pack hundreds of packs a day or large cuts, choose a tabletop model with a 16–20 m³/h pump or a floor-standing model with a 60–100 m³/h pump.

Does Haktek Seadmed install and service vacuum packers?

Yes. We help you choose the right model, install the machine and provide maintenance and repairs. All equipment comes with a 2-year warranty.

Ask for a quote – we'll help you choose the right vacuum packer and take care of installation and maintenance.