I Tested the NutriChef Food Vacuum Sealer Machine for 21 Days: Is This Kitchen Gadget Worth the Hype?

FoodSaver FM2000: The Kitchen Companion That Changed My Food Storage Game

I've always struggled with food waste. You know how it goes - buying ingredients with the best intentions, only to find them wilting in the back of the fridge a week later. So when I finally decided to try the FoodSaver FM2000 Vacuum Sealing System, I was hopeful but honestly a bit skeptical. Could this actually help me preserve food longer and save money in the long run? After several months of using it, I think I've found my answer.

Simple Yet Sleek

The FoodSaver FM2000 strikes me as thoughtfully designed - not too bulky but still substantial enough to feel like a proper kitchen appliance. It's got this clean black and silver aesthetic that wouldn't look out of place in most kitchens, though I've tucked mine away in a cabinet since I don't use it daily. What I particularly appreciate is how straightforward the control panel is. Just two buttons - vacuum and seal - make it pretty much impossible to mess up. The unit isn't exactly tiny at about 17.6 inches wide, but it's much more compact than some of the industrial-looking models I considered.

Surprisingly Powerful Performance

For a machine at this price point, the FM2000 performs remarkably well. The vacuum function creates a really tight seal that I've found keeps everything from meats to veggies much fresher than my old zip-top bag method. I recently vacuum sealed some ground beef before freezing, and there was absolutely no freezer burn when I thawed it nearly a month later - that's never happened with my regular storage methods. One thing that took some getting used to was the manual operation. You have to press down on the lid until it clicks, then hit the vacuum button. It feels a bit clunky at first, but I've actually come to prefer this manual approach because it gives me more control over the process. The machine also seems to use less bag material than I expected. There's a feature that reduces waste by about 25% compared to older models, which means the rolls last longer. That said, sometimes I find myself creating bags that are too big just to be safe, so perhaps I'm canceling out some of that efficiency!

What’s Under The Hood

Specification	Details
Dimensions	17.6 x 5.9 x 11.5 inches
Weight	5.3 pounds
Color	Black/Silver
Power	110 Watts
Cord Length	Approximately 24 inches
Warranty	5-year limited
Included	11" x 10' vacuum seal roll, (3) 1-quart pre-cut bags, (2) 1-gallon pre-cut bags, accessory hose
Compatibility	Works with all FoodSaver bags, rolls, containers

The Good and The Not-So-Good

Pros:

• Significantly extends food freshness - I've seen at least 3-5 times longer shelf life
• Easy to operate, even for a first-time vacuum sealer user
• Removable drip tray makes cleaning simple
• Uses less bag material than previous models
• Accessory port allows sealing of containers (sold separately)
• Solid 5-year warranty gives peace of mind
• Reasonably priced entry point for vacuum sealing

Cons:

• Manual operation requires some physical pressure
• Needs cooling time between seals (about 20 seconds)
• Somewhat noisy during operation
• No built-in bag cutter like more expensive models
• Sealing very moist foods can be tricky
• Replacement bags/rolls add to long-term cost

What Other Users Are Saying

After combing through hundreds of Amazon reviews, the overall sentiment seems quite positive, with the FoodSaver FM2000 holding a 4.5-star rating. Many users echo my experience of saving money through reduced food waste. One customer wrote: "This little machine has paid for itself in just two months. We buy meat in bulk when on sale and vacuum seal individual portions. No more freezer burn!" Another reviewer mentioned: "The FM2000 is simple enough for everyday use but does everything I need. My only complaint is you have to wait between seals for it to cool down, which slows me down when I'm processing a lot of food at once." Some negative reviews cite durability concerns after a year or so of heavy use, though these seem to be in the minority.

Who Should Buy This?

For beginners: The FM2000 is practically perfect for newcomers to vacuum sealing. Its straightforward two-button operation and reasonable price point make it an ideal entry-level machine. If you're just testing the waters of food preservation, this is where I'd suggest starting. For intermediate users: If you're already familiar with vacuum sealing and use it regularly but not daily, this machine hits a sweet spot of functionality and value. It handles most household needs effectively, though you might occasionally wish for faster consecutive sealing capabilities. For advanced users: Those who vacuum seal in large volumes or very frequently might find the cooling time between seals frustrating. Commercial food preparers or hunters processing large amounts of meat might want to invest in a higher-end model with continuous sealing capabilities and more automated features.

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Ready to Slash Your Food Waste?

The FoodSaver FM2000 has honestly changed how I shop, cook, and store food - maybe it could do the same for you. At this price point, it's hard to argue with the potential savings from preserved food and reduced waste.

Last update on 2025-06-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API