Compact Chamber Vacuum Sealer Comparison Vacmaster VP200 vs Avid Armor Ultra

In this video I compare the newest player in the compact chamber vacuum sealer market with one that has been out for a little while. Both of these units are aimed at the home user and work well for food prep and sous vide cooking. Both have a smaller overall footprint then their larger more commercial big brothers, but there is some give and take on both. These units are in the same price range, weight, and overall size, but they do have some differences that need to be pointed out. Check out the links below to find more information and purchase options:
Vacmaster VP200 - amzn.to/2FrNcRj
Avid Armor Ultra - amzn.to/3h7NP0k
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#sousvideque #fireandwatercooking #sousvidebarbecue

[@theodoreboosalis]

Just bought an Avid Armor off Amazon based on your review. Subscribed. Great channel. I like the no-nonsense approach.

[@FireWaterCooking]

Thank you! I try not to blow smoke and tell you honestly what I like and do not like. The Avid Armor is a great product and the owners of the company are great down to earth people.

[@theodoreboosalis]

@@FireWaterCooking That's exactly what I want.

[@mekb55]

I was SO happy to come across this video!!!!! I had already purchased the Avid Armor and although I haven't a chance to give it a really good 'work out' I was very happy with the few things I had vac'd and sealed but I kept seeing the VacMaster all over the place and started to wonder if I might have made a mistake. Now I feel confident I did my homework and definitely made the right choice!!!!!! *HUGE GRIN* I also enjoyed your video so much I subscribed. You were direct, answered any questions I would've wanted answered by someone like you prior to making my final decision (well, okay, except for the weight thing but not a biggie.....lol!!!!!), you didn't hem and haw or drag things out like I've seen on so many other KZbin videos!!!! I actually had gone on here trying to find out if I could use a chamber vacuum sealer to seal powdered substances and how.....like FLOUR, etc......NO illegal activities taking place here y'all!!!!!!!! I'm also planning on checking out your Podcast as I would really like to get into smoking meats also. I have some other questions I'd LOVE to ask you but I don't want to go off the topic of the video. OH!!!! I also wanted to add that Avid Armor now sends a 'thing' (sorry, don't know what to call it or what it's made of) that you can set inside the chamber to take up room when you're vacusealing smaller items/amounts.......in case you want to update your info, THANKS!!!! Everyone PLEASE stay safe & healthy!!!!!!!!!!

[@FireWaterCooking]

Thanks for the comment mekb55! your thoughts are appreciated...

[@everlastingarms2885]

Your straightforward and practical review was so helpful!! I ended up getting the Avid Armor USV20 (and some extra bags) from their website. Works flawlessly, and doesn't take up a ton of space on the counter. It makes it so much easier to prep meals in advance! Thanks so much for your video!!

[@FireWaterCooking]

You are so welcome!

[@rochellehouser4893]

Thank you so much for doing these reviews. I have watched several of your videos, and settled on the Avid Armor Chamber vac sealer featured in this video. I ordered it today. Can't wait to get it! My husband has been sucking the air out of our freezer Ziploc bags with a straw, and wants to upgrade!

[@FireWaterCooking]

You guys will love it!

[@jstjohn83]

Thanks Darrin! Before watching I was leaning towards the vacmaster mainly because I’ve heard of them. But now I’m definitely getting the avidarmor. Unfortunately it’s out of stock right now but not for long.

[@FireWaterCooking]

Thanks for watching jstjohn83! 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

[@jstjohn83]

Fire & Water Cooking definitely already do. Watching the podcast with John setzler now. Went to avid armor Instagram and they say they have a newer model coming out also

[@jdp2380]

@@jstjohn83 what podcast is this?

[@jstjohn83]

@@jdp2380 it’s called “fire and water cooking - the fusion of sous vide and barbecue” check it out. Subscribe to the KZbin the podcast there’s also a Facebook page and group. Darrin has lots of info

[@carlylebrown3018]

Which would be better for commercial use

[@FireWaterCooking]

Neither

[@dashmo37]

I love my avid armor chamber sealer. I also own the smaller aa sealer for smaller jobs. Great company to work with. Thank you for sharing your review.

[@FireWaterCooking]

Thanks for the comment Donna Hinds! your thoughts are appreciated...

[@davidmatke248]

I bought the Avid Armor shortly before I heard the VP200 was being released. I initially regretted my decision as I thought the Vacmaster brand would be better, but it seems like the Avid Armor is actually better. I have had some issues getting a good seal sometimes with the Avid Armor. It seems like it's related to when the bag sort of "jumps" when the sealer bar is pushed up. That's caused a bit of a crease that crosses both of the seal strips. I've also had some sealed bags of beef jerky leak air. In that case, the double seal appeared to be perfectly intact so I wonder if I either got a bad batch of Vacmaster chamber bags and/or if I created some microfissures in the bag by folding over the top to fill the bag.

[@FireWaterCooking]

make sure you have the bag set right in the chamber.. the top of the bag needs to be on top of the plastic tab in the middle, and the bottom of the bag needs to sit on top of the tabs on the sides.. that keeps the bag open a little so the air is fully evacuated.

[@FireWaterCooking]

also you can increase the vacuum time to make sure you are getting a complete vacuum in the chamber..

[@davidmatke248]

Thanks! I just retesting sealing a bottle of vitamins using the method you suggested and the seal does seem better. Before I was putting the top of the bag over the tabs on the side (that in and of itself seemed a little tedious so maybe that should have been a clue for me). Seems like this might have been a case of operator error. I've been using 3mil bags and been doing a 50 second vacuum time with 3 second seal time. There really haven't been any issues pulling a full vacuum. The only exception to that is one time I deliberately just laid the bag across the seal bar and it didn't pull all of the air out of the bag.

[@donb3st]

is an oil-less pump inferior to the oil-sealed pumps found in the larger, more expensive sealers?

[@FireWaterCooking]

Yes, with oil based pumps they are stronger and you can change the oil and remove any moisture that has gotten into the pump, making the pump last much longer. Dry pumps do not have that option

[@KINGDOMANIMATION4D]

I've never seen these types of sealers. I would use these for those larger jobs more compact machines couldn't handle.

[@FireWaterCooking]

chamber sealers are totally different than foodsaver type channel sealers. they make a complete vacuum instead of just removing air..

[@TomCreasy]

The Avid Armor website says that it has an 11 inch seal bar, but you said it has a 12 inch seal bar, and have used 12" by 15" bags with the Avid Armor, that's really the deciding factor for me between the two, can you clarify on that? Capacity (bag length/width specifically) is one of the top priorities for me. Thanks for the info and detailed review!

[@FireWaterCooking]

the actual measurement of the seal bar is 11 3/4" and it seals the 12" bags because the 12" bags are really only 11 3/4" wide due to the side seams 😃 I have had both sizes of the Avid Armor and both seal 12" bags no problem

[@TomCreasy]

@@FireWaterCooking wow you just earned a subscription 👏 I've never had someone reply both so quickly and with such a helpful answer to my questions. I'm ordering the Avid Armor right now, for my mastiff's daily 4 lb. raw meals 👌🏼 seems like it'll be a great investment and pay for itself in comparison to the food saver I was using, prior to this video, that gave me blood/liquid messes, crappy sealing performance due to sucking the liquid into the seal area, and pricey proprietary bag requirements. What are the largest bags you would recommend with this sealer? 12x15?

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@TomCreasy I think 13" is the max they recommend but 15" would fit. I think.. if you order through my Amazon link it is the same price and I get a little commission plus you have 30 days to return it if you have any issues amzn.to/3kVEhGM

[@TomCreasy]

@@FireWaterCooking sounds good to me man thanks!!

[@tomscott4438]

Just like your comparison with the Anova, you have a VERY clear bias towards the Avid. Is it possible that a fan making a bit of noise is a fan that is probably doing a good job of cooling the motor? The Start/Stop button on the VacMaster (like the Anova) DOES actually cancel anything in progress. Makes me question how relevant your comparison of something you are not familiar with actually is. It's clear you own, like, and use the Avid. Good. But your "review" seems like nothing more than confirmation bias seeking to prove you made the right purchase. (BTW, the link your provided for the VacMaster is a dead link)

[@FireWaterCooking]

since VacMaster actually had hundreds of complaints and discontinued this model (that is why it is a dead link) I would say my review was spot on.. And I dont care if you question any of my reviews...

[@FireWaterCooking]

and by the way, you seem like someone who bought the Anova sealer and are trying to defend your purchase... maybe you should buy both units like I did and compare them yourself..

[@pablo12250]

I thought the same thing, Doesn't at all seem like an unbiased review, right from the start. And he keeps talking about how thin the seal looks on the Vacmaster. But from other reviews I have seen on reddit, they pretty much never leak. I was surprised by this review since other sites, like reddit, which I find to be generally unbiased, because they are not making money on sales and referrals, say the Vacmaster is a better machine.

[@gray8046]

Where is the accessory port located on it?

[@FireWaterCooking]

on the front of the unit to the left of the "VAC" button...

[@egomaniac8510]

Stupid question. I am interested in the avid armor to accompany a freeze dryer. Does using a vacuum chamber omit the need for oxygen absorbers? Common sense says there is no need. But maybe someone has an argument for using them as well.

[@FireWaterCooking]

it depends on what it is.. I use them for things that may produce gasses.. they cant hurt

[@carloscarlosugly0]

just started using my new machine and not even 6 months and it has stopped sealing , i replaced all rubber and heating element and still wont seal. so i purchased the oil and can not find one video on how to change it , i unscrewed the whole machine and still cannot find how to do this please help me with this or else i just waisted a whole lot of money thank you so much

[@FireWaterCooking]

neither of these machines are oil based pumps.

[@taz7173]

Which sealer did you get?

[@DKWalser]

The VP200 is now on sale for less than $360 (via Vacmaster's 4th of July sale). Avid Armor USV32 sells for $599. Given the price difference, which one would your recommend?

[@FireWaterCooking]

I had to send my vp200 back so

[@brianj6516]

So, you can't soft seal something like a loaf of bread with the VP200?

[@FireWaterCooking]

there is no reason to soft seal a loaf of bread...

[@randythompson1547]

Will the Avid Armor seal mylar bags?

[@FireWaterCooking]

yes, but you need to set it at the longest sealing time

[@BBBYpsi]

Never mentioned the weight of both.

[@FireWaterCooking]

both are 25ish pounds..

[@BBBYpsi]

@@FireWaterCooking Thanks for the fast reply. I am now stuck between the avid armor SUV32 & the SUV20

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@BBBYpsi personally, unless you only use it for smaller things, the 32 is the way to go. the bags for the 20 will fit like 2 decent sized NY strips is it.. the 32 can fit 4-5

[@BBBYpsi]

@@FireWaterCooking That is what I was thinking. Been using the Food shield vacuum sealer which can do liquids & uses vacuum chamber bags for a couple years now. Has done the job but not always a tight seal. Paid less then $100 for it small & light. These avid armor ones before you do soups they have to be cooled down right?

[@FireWaterCooking]

@@BBBYpsi you want to cool any food down you vacuum seal, especially in a chamber sealer. in a chamber sealer the liquid will start to boil as the pressure drops..

[@ChuckRiley]

Both are out of stock - oh well.

[@FireWaterCooking]

they will be back soon...

[@FireWaterCooking]

the Avid Armor is back in stock for a limited time - amzn.to/3hwkmxj

[@johngies4024]

Just ordered my Avid on Thursday. Itt was in stock. Suppose to arrive today

[@FireWaterCooking]

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