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Comparison

Avid Armor USV20 vs USV32

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Short answer

Both are Avid Armor chamber sealers with an 11.5 inch seal bar that handle liquids and smooth pouches. The USV20 is the compact, lower priced model with a listed 4 L chamber (12.25 x 8.5 x 3 in) and adjustable vacuum time. The USV32 costs more and adds a stainless steel chamber, tempered glass lid, dual-wire bar, marinate mode and an accessory hose port; its chamber dimensions are not stated in its listing. Buy the USV20 for value and counter space, the USV32 for the extra features.

Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.

Verdict

Buy the Avid Armor USV20 if you want a compact, lower priced chamber sealer with adjustable vacuum time and a listed 3 inch deep chamber. Buy the USV32 if marinate mode, a glass lid and an accessory hose port are worth roughly $210 more; confirm its chamber depth first if you seal thick cuts.

This page is for home cooks, hunters and meal preppers choosing between the two Avid Armor chamber sealers people shortlist most. We compare seal bar length, chamber size and depth, controls, extras and price, using only what each Amazon listing states. Where a listing leaves something out, we say it is not confirmed rather than filling the gap. If you are still deciding whether you need a chamber sealer at all, read chamber vacuum sealer vs regular vacuum sealer first.

Specs side by side

Every figure below comes from the listings. Prices change, so use them as a rough guide to the gap between the two.

  • Seal bar

    USV2011.5 in, user-replaceable

    USV3211.5 in dual-wire

  • Chamber

    USV204 L stainless, 12.25 x 8.5 x 3 in

    USV32Stainless steel; dimensions not stated in the listing

  • Largest pouch named

    USV20Smooth pouches up to 11 x 10 in

    USV32Portions up to 11.5 in wide

  • Vacuum control

    USV20Adjustable vacuum time, 15 to 60 sec, plus seal control

    USV32One-touch automatic cycle

  • Lid

    USV20Not stated in this listing

    USV32Tempered glass

  • Extras

    USV20Not stated in the listing

    USV32Marinate mode, external accessory hose port

  • Body size and weight

    USV2014 x 12 x 8.25 in, 17.55 lb

    USV32Not stated in the listing

  • Maintenance

    USV20User-replaceable seal bar

    USV32Described as maintenance-free

  • Listed price at writing

    USV20$319.00

    USV32$529.00

Avid Armor USV20 vs USV32 listing facts

Seal bar length

Both machines list an 11.5 inch seal bar, so the widest bag you can seal is effectively the same. That rules out bag width as a reason to choose one over the other. The USV32 listing describes its bar as dual-wire and suited to thick pouches; a separate USV20 bundle listing in our data also mentions 2 sealing wires, but the main USV20 listing does not. If double-wire sealing matters to you, confirm it with Avid Armor for the exact USV20 package you buy.

The USV20 listing points out that its seal bar is user-replaceable and inexpensive, which is useful for long term ownership. See chamber vacuum sealer not working for signs a bar or element needs attention.

Chamber size and depth

Chamber depth decides how thick an item you can seal. The USV20 listing gives a 4 L chamber measuring 12.25 x 8.5 x 3 inches. That 3 inch height suits steaks, chops, fish fillets, ground meat, portioned soups and most meal prep packs. Very thick roasts, whole birds and tall jars may not fit.

The USV32 listing does not state chamber dimensions or volume, so its depth is not confirmed here. If you plan to seal thick cuts or use canisters in the chamber, ask Avid Armor for the USV32's interior height before buying rather than assuming it is deeper. The USV32 does list an external accessory hose port, which lets you vacuum compatible canisters and containers outside the chamber, a practical way around chamber height for some uses.

Edge sealer pulling air out of an embossed bag through its open endEdge (external) sealerPumpEmbossed bag, open end in the sealerLiquid can be drawn toward the pumpSeal bar
Chamber sealer with the whole bag inside the lid, equal pressure inside and outChamber sealerChamber lidSealbarPumpSmooth bag insideLiquid stays in the bagSame low pressure inside and outside the bag
An edge sealer pulls air out through the bag's open end, so it needs embossed bags and can draw liquid in. A chamber sealer evacuates the whole chamber, so liquids stay put.

Controls and extras

The USV20 gives you adjustable vacuum time from 15 to 60 seconds and seal controls. That helps with soft foods that crush, and with liquids that need a gentler pull. The USV32 listing describes a one-touch automatic cycle and adds a marinate mode that uses chamber pressure changes to speed up marinating, plus a clear glass lid so you can watch the bag during the cycle.

Both listings describe full-chamber pressure for sealing soups, sauces and marinades without liquid being drawn out. Chill warm liquids before sealing in either machine, because liquid boils at a lower temperature under vacuum. Our how to vacuum seal liquids page explains why.

  • Choose the USV20 if you want fine control over vacuum time.
  • Choose the USV32 if you want marinate mode, a glass lid and an accessory port.

Price and running cost

At the listed prices, the USV32 costs about $210 more than the USV20. Both use smooth chamber pouches, which the USV20 listing notes are an affordable way to cut long term supply costs compared with embossed bags. Running costs are therefore similar; the gap is all in the purchase price and features. A USV20 bundle with 500 pouches is also listed in our data if you want bags included.

For the full field of options at both price points, see the best chamber vacuum sealers. If you seal a lot of soup and stock, also look at the best sealers for liquids.

Note.Vacuum sealing slows quality loss but does not replace refrigeration or freezing. Keep sealed meat, fish and cooked foods cold, per USDA FSIS.

See the best chamber vacuum sealers →

Which one to buy

Comparing at a higher tier? See VacMaster VP215 vs VP230. New to chamber sealers? Read how to use a vacuum sealer and chamber vacuum sealer bags.

  • USV20: best for most home kitchens, tight counters and budgets, and anyone who wants adjustable vacuum time.
  • USV32: best for buyers who marinate often, want to watch the cycle through a glass lid, or need an accessory port for canisters.
  • Either: both seal liquids and use the same 11.5 inch bag width.

Frequently asked questions

Is the USV32 chamber bigger than the USV20? Not confirmed. The USV20 listing gives 12.25 x 8.5 x 3 inches; the USV32 listing does not state its chamber size. Ask Avid Armor before buying for thick items.

Can both seal soup and liquids? Yes. Both listings describe full-chamber pressure for soups, sauces and marinades. Chill liquids first.

Do they need pump oil? The USV32 listing calls it maintenance-free. The USV20 listing does not mention pump oil. See chamber vacuum sealer pump oil for machines that do.

Can they seal mylar bags? Chamber sealers generally handle smooth bags, including mylar that fits the chamber and bar. See how to vacuum seal mylar bags.

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