VacMaster VP215 vs VP230: which chamber fits your bags

What is confirmed for each model

VP230, from its listing: overall dimensions 15.5 x 19 x 15.75 inches, chamber 12.5 x 15 x 5 inches, 12.25 inch seal bar, maximum bag size 12 x 15 inches, heavy duty 1/2 HP oil pump, 89 pounds, double seal, and support for 3 to 7 mil mylar bags. The listing also describes one touch controls and a pressure indicator.

VP215: there is no listing for it in our product data, so its seal bar length, chamber dimensions, pump rating, weight and price are not confirmed here. Check VacMaster's current spec sheet or the retailer's listing before you buy, and compare it line by line with the VP230 figures above.

Note.Model numbers can be reused or revised. Confirm the exact spec sheet for the unit you are buying.

VacMaster chamber sizes from the listings

These are the VacMaster models with listings in our data. They show how the seal bar and maximum bag size step up together, which is the main thing to match to your bags.

Seal bar and bag size decide most purchases

A chamber sealer can only seal a bag that lies flat across the seal bar with the food fully inside the chamber. If your standard bag is 10 x 13 inches or smaller, a 10 inch class machine handles it. If you seal 11 or 12 inch wide pouches, whole briskets, pork shoulders or quart mylar bags laid flat, the 12.25 inch bar and 12 x 15 inch maximum bag on the VP230 give you room.

Chamber height matters too. The VP230 chamber is 5 inches tall, which limits how thick a package can be. Measure your bulkiest item. For bag thickness and sizing, see chamber vacuum sealer bags.

1. 1

   Measure the width of the bags you use most and the widest one you ever need.

2. 2

   Measure the tallest food package you plan to seal.

3. 3

   Compare both numbers with the seal bar, maximum bag size and chamber height on the spec sheet.

4. 4

   Leave at least an inch of margin so the bag lies flat across the bar without wrinkles.

Oil pump vs air pump

The VP230 listing specifies a 1/2 HP oil pump. Oil rotary pumps are generally chosen for strong, consistent vacuum and long duty cycles, which suits butchers, hunters and big batch cooks. They also need upkeep: check the oil level, run the oil conditioning cycle if the machine has one, and change the oil on the maker's schedule. Our chamber vacuum sealer pump oil page covers the routine.

If you want the VP230 chamber size without oil changes, the VP220 listing shows the same 12.25 inch seal bar and 12.5 x 15 x 5 inch chamber with a maintenance free air pump at 82 pounds. Note also that every one of these VacMaster units is heavy, so plan a permanent spot on a sturdy counter.

See the best VacMaster chamber sealers →

Mylar, liquids and food safety

The VP230 listing states it double seals 3 to 7 mil mylar bags and handles soups, sauces and marinades. That makes it a common pick for people who freeze dry or package dry goods in mylar, as well as for sous vide prep. See how to vacuum seal mylar bags and the best sealers for mylar bags.

Vacuum packaging does not make perishable food shelf stable. Keep sealed raw meat, fish, cooked foods and soups refrigerated at 40 F or below or frozen at 0 F, as USDA FSIS advises.

Frequently asked questions

Is the VP230 bigger than the VP215? We can confirm the VP230's 12.25 inch seal bar and 12 x 15 inch maximum bag from its listing, but we have no listing for the VP215, so we cannot confirm its size here. Check the current VacMaster spec sheet.

Do both use oil pumps? The VP230 listing confirms a 1/2 HP oil pump. The VP215 pump is not confirmed in our data.

What if I do not want oil changes? The VP220 listing shows the same chamber and seal bar as the VP230 with a maintenance free air pump.

Can the VP230 seal mylar? Yes, its listing states it double seals 3 to 7 mil mylar bags.