[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I've been using the Weston Sealer for while now (well since I received it), mostly for portioning out meat for the freezer and saving cheese from its moldy fate. Overall, I'm really happy with it, but it's not without its little quirks.
Let's start with the good stuff. this thing is a champ for small kitchens. It tucks away easily on a shelf without being a total eyesore. Setting it up and using it is genuinely foolproof. You just pop in the bag, press the lid down, and hit the button. It’s satisfying to watch it work. And it absolutely does what it promises: my food stays fresher way longer, and I haven't seen a hint of freezer burn on anything I've sealed.
The included bags are a nice touch to get you started, but fair warning, you'll burn through them quickly. Plan on buying a roll of Weston bags or a compatible brand ASAP, which is an expected extra cost.
Now, for the one thing that keeps this from being a 5-star review: the noise. Now unfortunately this thing is a bit too loud. It's not a deal-breaker, but it’s a jarring, industrial whir that never fails to make my dog leave the room. I just make sure I never run it late at night when others are sleeping.
Bottom Line: If you're looking for an affordable, space-efficient entry into vacuum sealing, this is a great choice. It's reliable and easy. Just be prepared for its noisy 10-second performance and the need to buy more bags. It’s a workhorse, not a luxury appliance, and it does that job very well.