Avid Armor Chamber Vacuum Sealers USV20 and USV32 Review & Comparison

[@FireWaterCooking]

Hey All! You can Also join my FaceBook Group covering Vacuum Sealers and Food Preservation! = facebook.com/groups/Vacuumsealers

[@JimCantu]

Thank you for the great review! I was torn between these two machines and eventually ended up getting the USV20 mostly because of the more compact size and the ability to use food saver attachments with the USV20. I was worried that the smaller chamber size of the USV20 would be an issue but decided to give it a shot. After using the USV20 this hunting season and processing 6 deer myself, I can tell you the smaller chamber size wasn’t an issue at all for me and I’m keeping the USV20. I bought a bulk purchase of the 11x10 bags and they work perfectly for just about everything.

[@FireWaterCooking]

i am glad you are enjoying the chamber sealer!

[@bluewolf4915]

Thanks for the info. I was wondering if the smaller one would suffice.

[@zacharyswartz8921]

Are you able to fit whole deer roast cuts into this machine? I hunt in Missouri where deer can get to 150-200Lbs so the roasts can be decently big.

[@JimCantu]

@@zacharyswartz8921 I break down all my cuts and have no problems fitting them in the machine or bag. The top sirloin roast (football roast) on a big deer can be a little tight but most everything else fits great. I do break down my back straps into 9 inch cuts but that’s about perfect serving size for 2 servings per bag.

[@JimCantu]

@@zacharyswartz8921 If you can fit it into an 11x10 bag it’ll seal just fine.

[@RemoGaggi]

I ordered the USV20 directly from Avid Armor on a weekend and promptly received it 4 days later. It is super easy to use and works great on liquids and sauces. It's a game changer for me and wish I had gotten this years ago. So much easier to use than my foodsaver external. Thanks again for the review!

[@FireWaterCooking]

Great to hear!

[@coryjamison5929]

Fantastic job! I haven't even heard of this brand until I come across your video, and after a little more digging and a little more research I was completely sold. I've since watched a few of your videos, you do a great job.

[@FireWaterCooking]

thanks for the compliments! These are great machines for the home user for sure..

[@Metal_Vistas]

I wanted to thank you for your helpful reviews. I originally planned to buy a Food Saver, but user reviews seemed to indicate they stopped working well after a while - even the more expensive units. So I began looking at other brands, and I intended to get an Avid Armor A100 until stumbling across your channel, which got me thinking about chamber sealers. But this video helped me the most, and after seeing it I cancelled my order for the USV20 and instead ordered the USV32. It arrived the other day, and after using it for the first time I am VERY happy I made the choice I did! For anyone considering these 2 units, I cannot stress how much of a difference the magnetic metal bar in the USV32 makes. The USV20 does not have this, and that single component makes ALL the difference when trying to get the edges of the bag to lie flat. There is a trade-off in chamber size, and also the USV32 does NOT have an accessory port (bummer) but from my perspective the USV20 will be much more 'fiddly' and awkward to insert the bags properly, particularly when loaded with lumpy, uneven sized foods. I'm glad I paid the extra cost.

[@FireWaterCooking]

glad I could help! that is why I do what i do.. You will enjoy it!

[@JoshuaStJohn-py1ts]

Love this! Cannot wait to get started with my USV32! Thanks Darrin!

[@FireWaterCooking]

Thanks for the comment Joshua St. John! your thoughts are appreciated...

[@skykitchen867]

Another poster on another video mentioned how the USV 20 was similar to the Anova Chamber Sealer with the difference of just the display. The interiors did look identical with the same clip to hold the bag in place. I purchased a JVR Vac 100 instead and like it a lot.

[@FireWaterCooking]

yes, I actually just got the Anova chamber sealer and will do a head to head comparison of the avid armor USV20

[@skykitchen867]

@@FireWaterCooking It will be great to watch and see what you think. :)

[@politicaltrucker5269]

Very nice video. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the help

[@FireWaterCooking]

Thanks for watching Political Trucker! Make sure you like the video and Subscribe to the channel and hit the "BELL" for notifications! Also check us out on Facebook facebook.com/Fireandwatercooking/ and Check out our Podcast Here - fireandwatercooking.buzzsprout.com/275921

[@MikeMPharmaCyclist]

Looks great, just ordered a USV20 on sale for $367

[@FireWaterCooking]

Cool!

[@XxbreeberryxX]

Is the adapter hose from avid armor or food saver? I'd like to use the food saver containers, but don't know if the avid armor attachment fits on food saver lids. I hope that's not confusing. Thanks in advance!

[@FireWaterCooking]

Both

[@remedychef]

I would be processing 2 small bags at one time since they can both fit on the bar but the USV20 looks like the bag clip can only accommodate 1 bag. Would the USV32 accommodate 2 small bags on the seal bar? Does it only have a single or double clip? Thanks. Good reviews 👍

[@FireWaterCooking]

the usv32 has a long bar that does the same thing and is as long as the seal bar.. so yes you can do 2 small bags

[@RemoGaggi]

Great job and thank you for the review. When sealing cooked food, does it need to be fully cooled off before sealing or can is it ok to seal when it's still warm. Does it matter? Thanks.

[@FireWaterCooking]

yes, I would at least let it get close to room temperature. Chamber sealers lower the atmospheric pressure in the chamber and that causes the liquid in the food to boil at much lower temps, so it can damage the food if put in hot.

[@RemoGaggi]

@@FireWaterCooking Got it. Thanks again!

[@707SonomaComa]

Do you like Avid Armor better than VacMaster chamber vacuum sealers?

[@FireWaterCooking]

the Avid Armor chambers are better than the Vacmaster chambers in the same price range. The Vacmaster commercial units are much better than their lower priced units.

[@robbabcock_]

Good looking machines! I have a VP215 and it weighs around 100 lbs, it would be nice to have something a bit smaller.

[@FireWaterCooking]

I used to have the vp210 so I can relate...

[@robertmaza9679]

Great info on both avid armors, do u know which one can vacuum seal a whole 4-5lb chicken?

[@FireWaterCooking]

the larger one, the usv32.. the usv20 cannot, it is good for like a couple breasts or legs...

[@robertmaza9679]

@@FireWaterCooking I appreciate you for replying, since I don’t have plenty of kitchen counter space. I went ahead and purchased the Avid Armor 12" Vacuum Sealer Model A100. another reason why I purchased the A100 I can use 11" x 16" Gallon Size Pre-Cut Vacuum Sealer Bags👍🏼

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@robertmaza9679 I have that one also and it is a good purchase! i use it for my larger items that dont fit in the chamber sealers. Enjoy!

[@-Cesh-]

I am just curious why one would prefer a chamber sealer vs a standard vacuum sealer? It seems that the volume of food storage is about the same, are there specific benefits or additional purposes that the chamber sealer offer?

[@FireWaterCooking]

yes, the chamber sealers pull a complete vacuum as they remove the air from the chamber, they are easier to use with liquids and wet stuff, they are built better, the bags are cheaper, lots of other reasons...

[@Mike-ks7qd]

Yes the chamber sealer is the way to go. The vacuum sealer will pull any liquid out and ruin the seal whereas the chamber if you wanted to you could vacuum seal a bag of water.

[@mgp-bct7723]

Which one vacuum sealer would you recommend for home 🏠 good quality not expensive and reliable ???

[@FireWaterCooking]

what is your budget? what type are you looking for, a chamber vacuum like these or a suction vacuum?

[@mgp-bct7723]

@@FireWaterCooking From 0.5-1k And Bout each one

[@rahulgw577]

Can I seal my butter chicken using these machines? I want to buy it for my restaurant, a reply would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@FireWaterCooking]

Yes, you would be better off making sure they are really cold 1st and a shorter vacuum time to avoid boil over..

[@gravball]

Thanks for the video. I've never had a vacuum sealer or chamber before but have gotten into Sous Vide. I am very interested in the USV20, but am wondering what the expected life of the machine is as well as what maintenance is required? Have you needed to replace anything at this point and if so, what and how much did it cost? I don't like that they only offer a 1 year warranty and on Amazon there isn't free returns. Do you still like both of your Avid Armor machines? Thanks again!

[@FireWaterCooking]

Yes I still like both Avid Armor machines. for the price and what they can do they cannot be beat. They have an oil-less pump so there is very little maintenance. about the only things they may eventually be changed is the tape on the seal bar and the gasket but they should last for a long time. I would say the life span on these for the average user would be 10-15 years at least.. Where do you see no free returns on Amazon? in the USA there is...

[@gravball]

​@@FireWaterCooking This will be my third time replying... I think the other two might have been deleted as I put a link to the product page I was using... Anyways, here it goes again: I'm glad to hear 10-15 years as that would definitely make the machine worth it. I got worried when you mentioned an oil pump version would last much longer in another reply. For the no free returns on Amazon, I'm browsing the product here: (Removed link but it is the same as the one in your video comments) Normally I see 'Free Returns' right after the price, either with a Prime symbol or 'Free Shipping'. On this particular product page, I only see 'Free Shipping' and no where do I find it say 'Free Returns'. Wondering if maybe in the US the overall Amazon policy is you can return for free if broken/doesn't work? Also, how long have you had each of your Avid Armor chambers as well as the sealer now? Thanks again!

[@RandallLind]

I just got the Avid Armor USV20 I love it. I vacuum seal some corn and sausages which lost the vacuum inside the bag after a couple days or a week. They were nice and tight and the seal looks good at the time I did them. I opened my freezer and my meat ground beef, chicken, and pork streaks all look good. I am new and just wanted to know if this is a common issue or am I doing something wrong? Is this something I need to worry about is the main reason I am asking. My bags were made by Avid Armor since I am new I have yet to buy any other bags.

[@FireWaterCooking]

Corn and other veggies do put off gas when vacuum sealed. Also sometimes the bags can get micro holes in them from moving them around. Nothing to worry about.

[@judithsears6032]

why the inside difference of plastic versus stainless steel???

[@FireWaterCooking]

cost savings.... The price of stainless has shot up the last couple years

[@melntb]

Could you fit a whole chicken in a bag for the 32 model?

[@FireWaterCooking]

it all depends on the size of the chicken

[@pingchen6298]

Thanks for the vid! Do you have any experience or have heard anything about the Vesta chamber vacs? The fact that it can stand upright would save a bit of counter space

[@FireWaterCooking]

i really have not heard much about them and have not been able to get them to send me a unit to review but I am working on it. but personally they do not save much room and they do require special bags with the holes on the side to hold them up.

[@pingchen6298]

@@FireWaterCooking yeah looking at dimensions it's a few inches. They are having a 25% sale which makes it quite a bit cheaper. As for bags, I hear any hole puncher would work

[@bigeclipse718]

If you could only have one would you go with usv20 or do you feel like you would miss the larger capacity of the larger one?

[@FireWaterCooking]

larger as I do a lot of bulk storage

[@bigeclipse718]

Thanks. By bulk storage....can you give me an example? I'm a hunter and we typically vacuum in meal sizes for 3 people. So for example we will cut a tenderloin large enough for 3 people and vacuum that.

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@bigeclipse718 the smaller one will only handle 1 or 2 NY strips, the larger one will handle 4..

[@bigdog4520]

Thank you for your review. One thing I would like to ask you is will they seal mylar bags?

[@FireWaterCooking]

the manufacturer says they do if you use the higher seal time

[@kathiecrane588]

I do bulk processing . I do not need comercial but dont want faults to wait either. So….usv32 or spend a couple hundred extra for Vac100?

[@FireWaterCooking]

Get the vac100:… you will be better off for bulk processing

[@wandakeeter7381]

can mason jars be used n the usv32?

[@FireWaterCooking]

yes.. as long as they fit in the chamber.. i think 4" is the max height

[@frangourdet]

@@FireWaterCooking Do you know if you can use the hose to seal jars with the food saver jar attachment or is it just for containers? I would go for the usv32 but I like the idea of being able to vacuum seal jars if that's possible. I'm thinking quarter jars. I'm guessing the internal height of the usv20 is less than 4".

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@frangourdet you can seal the smaller mason jars in the chamber in the usv32.. as long as they are the 8oz ones that are not taller than 3.5"

[@JimCantu]

@@frangourdetYou can use the all the food saver attachments. I just sealed up a dozen jars of salsa using the food saver mason jar attachment. It works great and was one of the reason I chose the USV20 over the USV32 .

[@ruffu3]

How many ears of corn, shucked , would each machine do?. How bout one after another? Thanks. Enjoy your review. Hope for a answer

[@FireWaterCooking]

probably 4 in the 32 and 3 in the 20... but that is just a guess...

[@ruffu3]

@@FireWaterCooking thanks. How about sealing a bunch of bags. One after another. Gardening season can be busy

[@lindseygaan5415]

Edit: avid armor team has been so easy to work with and have been awesome finding a solution!! Wish I would have just splurged for the usv32. Definitely great for sealing individual meals or small things, but repacking a case of meat has been a challenge-so many little bags. And trying to fit the 8x10 bag in while trying to fumble with the clip is infuriating. Can’t get through more than 5 bags without getting frustrated and giving up. Not to mention mine has started to have a popping sound. Would feel better if whatever was popping was not popping straight onto a plastic part. Hopefully they will help sort out the popping issue...

[@FireWaterCooking]

yes, if using for bulk meat storage regularly I would definitely spring for the usv32.

[@lindseygaan5415]

Fire & Water Cooking now I just have to work extra hard bc I was too cheap 😂 do you find yourself using one more than the other now that you have both?

[@FireWaterCooking]

Lindsey G I actually use a larger unit called the vac100 from JVR industries most times. I have that and the usv20. The 20 gets used on smaller items only

[@joe13176]

Fire & Water Cooking do you like the JVR over VacMaster? Or I’ll just ask, what’s your favorite chamber vacuum sealer?

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@joe13176 the Vac100 is my top choice because it is the best of both worlds of size and commercial quality. they are out of stock until later this month, but you can pre-order By Phone and if you use the code "Fireandwater" they will giver you $100 off the price and a $50 credit for bags. jvrinc.com/shop-all-products/packaging-equipment/vac100-vacuum-sealer

[@zacharyswartz8921]

Would the USV20 be able to seal a 3-4 Lbs deer roast? Maybe even 5 Lbs?

[@FireWaterCooking]

no...

[@shellic5166]

How do you know how much time to use? You had 40secs for a potato....but how would I know how much time to say freeze dried ice cream? It would get crush with too much pressure, yet I want to make sure all the air is out. I am a little confused on that. Thanks!

[@FireWaterCooking]

that is part of the learning curve. you need to use enough time to vacuum as much air as possible, but not too much to cause damage on fragile things like that. most things people vacuum seal do not need to worry about that, but on fragile stuff you need to experiment. start at a shorter time like 10-15 seconds and work your way up in small increments

[@shellic5166]

@Fire & Water Cooking thank you for replying. So do you mean, if I start low like 10 seconds for freeze dried items....then if it doesn't take out all the air I have to cut it open and try again? That would be a lot of trial and error and wasted bags depending how many times I had to do it and how much of the bag was left. Or does it take out most of the air, so it is likely, that even if I didn't take out all the air, it should be fine? Sorry, it just seems so hit or miss. I need it for freeze dried items so I would like to know what I am doing.

[@patdud1979]

It would be nice to know how much bar of pressures they can pull vs one an other. Great video hope to se more on these machines 👍

[@FireWaterCooking]

yeah, it would... but most people would have no idea what it even means, so...

[@weaverdennisl]

@@FireWaterCooking Well thanks, I am so ignorant, not as smart as you apparently. To bad we don't have things like an internet to look things up. I think patdud1979, was asking if you could tell the difference in vacuum abilities of both machines, based on your reviewing both machines. But hey, guess it's not important to anyone because we are stupid, according to you.

[@mib20000]

do they ever go on sale ... like now black friday

[@FireWaterCooking]

sorry, they sell these like hot cakes and have a hard time keeping them in stock.. I doubt they will do any discounts..

[@mib20000]

ok I ordered the USV20 today it did come with a FREE 250 pack of 8x10 chamber bags .. only 18 buck saving but better than nothing

[@carlap.7342]

Does the bigger machine allow for canning?

[@FireWaterCooking]

as long as the jars are shorter than 5"

[@carltonwright3599]

Will the usv32 seal retort bags for canning ?

[@FireWaterCooking]

that is a question for Avid Armor..

[@didierleplae5170]

I am looking for a vacuum sealer that can do 50 to 100 small packages in a sitting and wondering if the USV20 would be up for the task. Another review I saw mentioned that you had to wait between packages to let the sealing bar cool. Have you found this to be the case? Also, if sealing packages that are only a few inches wide, do you think it would be possible to seal more than one at a time?

[@FireWaterCooking]

you should be good.. just give it. couple minutes between jobs..

[@activitiesarchive3793]

So, you mean a couple minutes after every package? That adds up to a lot of waiting, doesn’t it?

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@activitiesarchive3793 you want something that is made for more commercial use. this one has up to 9 pre-sets that you can adjust the cool down time on. use the code "fireandwater" for $100 off the price - jvrinc.com/shop-all-products/packaging-equipment/vac100/vac100-vacuum-sealer/ref/2/

[@davidmatke248]

The compact size and affordable price of the USV20 is a real game changer!

[@FireWaterCooking]

I agree, it is also very well made.. but the USV32 is actually great for those who need more space in the chamber.. 2 really great machines here!

[@jamesleeyoung9336]

If you had to choose only one of these two for home use which would it be? I'm not a fan of the new look of the USVX.

[@FireWaterCooking]

the usv 32

[@jamesleeyoung9336]

@@FireWaterCooking Thanks 👍

[@joe13176]

Would love to see an USV20 vs VP200 video

[@FireWaterCooking]

not needed as I did a usv32 vs the vp200 and the usv20 is pretty much just a smaller version of the 32..

[@FireWaterCooking]

I actually had to send the vp200 back as it had issues..

[@JT-on1gs]

Great video, appreciate it

[@FireWaterCooking]

Glad you liked it!

[@tomevans5458]

To you think the a tri tip is too big for the USV20? That's what I plan on doing the most.

[@FireWaterCooking]

it depends on the size.. tri ip can run from 2-5 pounds, so a smaller one will fit just fine...

[@tomevans5458]

@@FireWaterCooking Thanks! New subscriber. Looking forward to watching your videos

[@ginaophardt4510]

Could you do a review on chamber vacuum sealers after you've used them for several months? I am in the market for one and it is a lot of money to put out I love your reviews and your unboxings but I would love to see you do a review 6 months or a year after you've used some of the chamber vacuum sealers and hear what you have to say. I'm torn between the avid armor USV 32 and the vacmaster VP210 at the moment. Which one do you like better and why?

[@FireWaterCooking]

The Avid Armor USV32 I had for almost a year and had no issues what so ever with it. I have also had the JVR Vac100 for over 5 months with no problems. Check out my review of that one. The Vac100 is more of a commercial type unit where the Avid Armor is made for home use.

[@ginaophardt4510]

@@FireWaterCooking do you have any thoughts on the vacmaster VP 210? I'm really wanting one that does not take oil for the motor.

[@FireWaterCooking]

As far as which one I like better, The Usv32 or the Vac100 are great units.. The Vac100 is more comparable to the VP210, but it is a much better machine IMHO and I have had both. it is programable with 10 spots for different vacuum and sealing times, it is a strong oil pump that will last a long time, and it big enough for most everything i need it for but small enough to fit comfortably on the counter. The Vac100 is on backorder but will be in stock by the end of this month, you can pre-order it now by Phone and if you use the code "fireandwater" you will get $100 off the price, free shipping, and another $50 credit for bags. I truly love this unit - jvrinc.com/shop-all-products/packaging-equipment/vac100-vacuum-sealer

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@ginaophardt4510 oil pumps are much better for the life of the unit and they are quieter and stronger. Personally, the only benefit of the VP210 is the lid is taller and can fit larger mason jars if you use it for sealing those. for home use the Avid Armor is a better and less expensive choice between the 2 if you are not wanting an oil pump.. the oil pumps are not hard to maintain at all.

[@ginaophardt4510]

@@FireWaterCooking thank you for that input and the discount code. My husband has a KZbin cooking channel it is grilling with grumpy and although he hasn't done many videos this year he's planning to get back into it. He needs something that is big enough to seal big pieces of meat and I'm looking for something to seal my everyday cooking to put up in the freezer. I was leery of the oil pump machines because I am notorious for forgetting things and I was afraid I would forget to put the oil in. Does this have a reminder? thank you so much for answering me and for your input because I've watched so many videos I'm confused now lol

[@tiendaforense]

Great video? Do they use oil?

[@FireWaterCooking]

no. these are both oil-less pumps.

[@jeycee]

So you're the reason I see one of these on my counter, huh? You're actually effecting my pockets!!! 😆

[@FireWaterCooking]

i'm sorry.. LOL!

[@jeycee]

@@FireWaterCooking You say it & the wife ORDERS it! 💸💸

[@PCHERE]

need a little help for a friend.... "As for the BAGS, I'm trying to distinguish which ones can be used for what? I want to use it for a variety of uses, dry storage, foods that I would water bath, and foods I would pressure can." trying to get some answers for her...

[@FireWaterCooking]

chamber sealer bags come in many shapes and sizes. they also come in different thickness, 3 mil, 4 mil, 5 mil, etc.. you dont want to use regular foodsaver type bags because they are much more expensive. was she interested in the usv20 or the usv32?

[@PCHERE]

@@FireWaterCooking She already bought the machine... her question is more along the lines of Can she use these bags and her machine to meet her needs for the variety of uses... can she water bath... can she dry store.... can she pressure can... the variety of uses for these bags.... TY so much for the reply...

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@PCHERE the answer is yes to all of those questions...

[@PCHERE]

@@FireWaterCooking thanks 😎

[@basilrene7688]

Great review. I bought one of each and love them. However, my USV/20 did not come with a vacuum hose. You said yours is from a food saver. My food saver hose does not fit. Just wondering....

[@FireWaterCooking]

this is one that will work www.vacmasterfresh.com/accessory-vacuum-hose/

[@lindseygaan5415]

Curious why you bought both...no judgement, more jealousy of your kitchen gadgets 😂

[@basilrene7688]

Fire & Water Cooking Thanks!!

[@basilrene7688]

Lindsey G No prob. The bigger one for work and the smaller one for home 😉

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@lindseygaan5415 because it is what I do...

[@Varee.]

can I use this for retort bags

[@FireWaterCooking]

no...

[@bobw8489]

@@FireWaterCooking I'm surprised... the Avid Armor questions section for the USV20 states "Yes, the USV20 does have an adjustable seal time setting to seal thicker bags so it can seal most mylar and retort bags, but we always advise to test bags to ensure they work with your process." I was curious if you've tried sealing the retort bags? I'd like to purchase the USV20 or Vac100 and would prefer it due to the weight, but not if I'd still need another to seal retort bags. Thanks for your review (and that of the Vac100). I've learned a lot.

[@steelgy]

Made in China 🇨🇳

[@FireWaterCooking]

as are 99.9% of vacuum sealers