For convenience, efficiency, and the longest shelf-life possible for foods, a vacuum sealer is indispensable.
And one of the most popular models with online shoppers is the NutriChef PKVS18SL vacuum sealer, a conventional, automatic system that delivers big performance in a compact countertop size.
Ideal for daily use, it extends the shelf life of deli items, dry goods, fresh and frozen foods, and even foods with a high moisture content. It’s perfect for preserving garden harvests, catches of fish and game, bulk and sale items, or freezing large batches of soups and stews.
NutriChef PKVS18SL Compact Vacuum Sealer available on Amazon
Here’s what we’re covering:
Operational Settings
The sleek control section is centrally located on the top panel and features responsive, soft-touch digital buttons. And the corresponding LED indicator lights clearly illuminate which operational mode has been selected.
Highly practical, the NutriChef has two ‘Food’ settings to obtain the best possible closure for long-lasting freshness. The ‘Dry’ setting is used to completely remove oxygen and atmospheric moisture on solid provisions such as dairy, deli items, dry goods, and produce. ‘Moist’ is used on foods with a naturally high water content and those that are moisture rich from added liquids, such as marinades, poached foods, sauces, soups, and stews.
The ‘Mode’ button automatically controls the amount of suction with two settings. ‘Gentle’ is selected to prevent crushing foods of a delicate, crumbly, or sharp nature such as leafy greens, chips, or dry pasta. ‘Normal’ is the default setting and is used for all foods that won’t lose their shape when de-pressurized.
And the suction process can be stopped at any time simply by touching the ‘Stop’ button.
The ‘Vac/Seal’ button is used to automatically vacuum and close bags, while the ‘Seal’ button can be used at any time to close bags that have been partially exhausted, or to lock bags that don’t require any suction.
Now let’s look at the components and what’s included.
Construction and Details
In any operational mode, the bag is first placed along the reliable heat bar and the lid pressed down at both ends until an audible ‘click’ is heard. Make your selection and once the process is finished, the lid is opened by pressing the two release buttons on each side of the heat bar.
For a strong, secure heat-lock, ensure the interior of the bag in the closure area is completely dry, and allow the heat bar to cool for 60 seconds before processing the next bag.
The included air hose can be used to exhaust any canister or jar that has a standard, lid-mounted vacuum port.
The housing unit is constructed of a tough, stain resistant ABS polymer and is available brushed stainless steel or black finish, both of which are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
Included bags are made of food-grade, nylon coated polyethylene that have been FDA tested and approved.
It measures approximately 14 x 6 x 3 inches and weighs just under 4.5 pounds. The NutriChef comes with a 1-year warranty to be free of defects in materials and workmanship.
Favorite Features
- Here’s a few of the items that makes the NutriChef a standout:
- The NutriChef has a powerful suction rate of 12 liters per minute
- Simple and easy one-touch operation consistently produces a strong, secure closure
- Comes with a complete starter kit that includes an air hose for external use, a wine stopper cork, 5 medium bags, and 1 extra-long roll of bags (all bags are reusable)
- The Operation Manual is well-written with clear, concise, and helpful details
- Its compact size stores neatly in a drawer
Foodal’s Rating
Powerful and fast yet lightweight and compact, the NutriChef provides money-saving convenience to preserve the flavor, fragrance, and shelf-life of dried, fresh, and frozen foods. It can also be used for sous-vide cooking and to protect important non-perishable items. And when finished, it stores easily in a small cupboard or drawer.
- Vac Performance
- Ease of Use
- Construction Quality
- Warranty and Support
Summary
A solid little machine for occasional use. The lower rating doesn't mean that this NurtiChef model should be discounted. Like other low-cost options such as the Geryon E5700 and the FoodSaver V2244, it's competing againts much more expensive options such as the Weston Pro-2300 and the Avid Armor A100.
Where to buy? It's available from:
With an affordable price, the NutriChef excels at dependable performance and simple, user-friendly operation. Superb value for daily use.
Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now!
Do you folks have a favorite use for this handy appliance? Let us know in the comments below. And if you like the idea of preserving your own food, be sure to check out our guide to dehydrators – they’re a perfect companion to a vacuum sealer!
About Lorna Kring
Recently retired as a costume specialist in the TV and film industry, Lorna now enjoys blogging on contemporary lifestyle themes. A bit daft about the garden, she’s particularly obsessed with organic tomatoes and herbs, and delights in breaking bread with family and friends.
