Buying guides
Buying guides, one kind of machine at a time
Each guide covers a single kind of machine or supply and compares a handful of options by what their Amazon listings state.
Vacuum sealers
- Best vacuum sealers for serious home useHeavy duty edge vacuum sealers from LEM and Weston plus one chamber pick, compared by bag width, vacuum, seal bar and stated continuous use.
- Best vacuum sealers for meat and wild gameVacuum sealers for meat and wild game compared by seal bar width, motor and pump, stated continuous-use rating and warranty, from listing facts.
- Best VacMaster chamber vacuum sealers: VP95 to VP320Six VacMaster chamber sealers compared by chamber size, seal bar, oil or dry pump, and weight, using the specs each Amazon listing gives.
- Best FoodSaver vacuum sealers comparedSix FoodSaver vacuum sealers compared by automatic bag handling, handheld sealer, wet food features and the warranty each listing states.
- Best commercial chamber vacuum sealers for all-day sealingCommercial chamber vacuum sealers compared by seal bar length, oil or dry pump, chamber size and footprint, using only what each listing states.
- Best chamber vacuum sealers for home kitchensEight countertop chamber vacuum sealers from about $300 compared by chamber size, seal bar length, pump details and footprint as each listing states them.
- Best chamber vacuum sealers for mylar bagsChamber vacuum sealers for mylar and foil bags compared by seal bar, pump, stated mylar or foil support and machine size, from each listing.
- Best vacuum sealers for liquids, soups and marinadesSeven sealers for soups, stocks and marinades compared by chamber depth, seal bar, pump and the liquid features each Amazon listing states.
Pressure canning
- Best pressure canners for home canningPressure canners compared by pot size, quart and pint jar capacity, gauge or regulator type and stove fit, using only what each listing states.
- Best pressure canners for glass top and induction stovesSeven pressure canners for smooth-top, induction or no stove at all, compared by capacity, jar counts, stated heat source and pressure control.
- Best large pressure canners for quart jarsLarge pressure canners compared by pot size, quart and pint jar capacity, pressure control and stove fit, using only facts stated in each listing.
- Best electric pressure canners comparedElectric pressure canners from Presto and Carey compared by pot size, stated jar capacity, canning modes and controls, with the NCHFP position noted.
Food dehydrators
- Best stainless steel dehydrators with metal traysStainless steel food dehydrators compared by tray material and count, housing material, maximum temperature and wattage, from the listings.
- Best food dehydrators from $150 upSeven premium food dehydrators compared by drying area, tray count and material, temperature range, timer and power as each listing states them.
- Best Excalibur dehydrators: 5 to 10 trays comparedSeven Excalibur dehydrators from 5 to 10 trays compared by drying area, tray material, temperature range, timer length and door style.
- Best dehydrators for jerky that reach 160 F and upJerky dehydrators compared by tray count, maximum temperature, drying space and wattage, using only what each Amazon listing states.
- Best commercial dehydrators for big batchesSeven 10 to 24 tray commercial dehydrators compared by square feet of drying space, tray count, temperature range, timer and wattage.