Buying meat in bulk or meal prepping for a busy week usually ends in one of two ways: a perfectly preserved feast or a frost-covered disaster that tastes like “fridge air.” I’ve spent years trying to avoid the latter, and that journey led me to test two of the most highly-rated mid-range machines on the market: the FoodSaver FM2100 and the Nesco VS-12 Deluxe.
Both claim to be the ultimate kitchen companion, but after running a gauntlet of sealing everything from juicy marinated chicken to delicate raspberries and even dry coffee beans, I discovered that these machines are built for very different types of users. One prioritizes a “set-it-and-forget-it” simplicity, while the other offers a level of control that feels almost professional.
The Key Difference: Power vs. Ecosystem – FoodSaver FM2100 vs. Nesco VS-12
The most significant key difference between the FoodSaver FM2100 and the Nesco VS-12 is the internal pump system and the level of customization. The Nesco VS-12 is powered by a 130-watt double vacuum pump, which provides a significantly stronger suction pressure compared to the single pump in the FoodSaver. It also features a “Pulse” function and “Gentle” pressure settings, giving the user total control over the vacuuming speed.
The FoodSaver FM2100, while having slightly less raw suction power, is built around a superior 5-year limited warranty and an integrated accessory port designed specifically for the FoodSaver ecosystem (canisters, jar sealers, and handheld units). While the Nesco is the “powerhouse” for heavy-duty sealing, the FoodSaver is the more durable, ecosystem-friendly choice for those who value long-term brand support and simplicity.
- Dollar Saver: Preserve food up to 3 years in the freezer, maintaining its freshness and taste
- Bag Optimization: Minimizes bag waste with a built-in roll cutter for custom-sized bags
- OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: 130 watt, 25. 1 InHG double vacuum pump for optimal performance. Ensures maximum air...
- VARIABLE SETTINGS: Includes 3 settings - dry, moist and double. Plus, you can choose between normal vacuum...
Comparison Table: FoodSaver FM2100 vs. Nesco VS-12 Vacuum Sealer
| Feature | FoodSaver FM2100 | Nesco Deluxe VS-12 |
| Pump Type | Single Vacuum Pump | Double Vacuum Pump |
| Suction Power | Standard | High |
| Settings | Vac/Seal, Seal, Accessory | Dry, Moist, Double, Pulse |
| Pressure Modes | Standard | Normal & Gentle |
| Heat Seal | Dual Strips | Optional Double Heat Seal |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited | 1-Year Limited |
| Roll Storage/Cutter | Yes (Internal) | Yes (Internal with Window) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs | 6 lbs |
| Bag Compatibility | FoodSaver Optimized | Universal (Any Brand) |
| BUY NOW | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Comparative Review: My Experience
Specs alone don’t tell the full story with these two machines. The real differences only become obvious once you factor in countertop presence, day-to-day workflow, and how each sealer responds to different food textures and sealing volumes.
Design: Aesthetics Meets Functionality
When I first unboxed these, the Nesco VS-12 immediately caught my eye with its sleek silver finish. It feels a bit more modern and fits perfectly under my low-hanging kitchen cabinets. I particularly loved the clear viewing window on the lid of the Nesco; it allowed me to see exactly where the bag was positioned in the vacuum chamber, which saved me from several “missed seals.”
The FoodSaver FM2100 is a classic black-and-silver unit. It’s slightly heavier and feels a bit more “rugged” in terms of build quality. While it lacks the viewing window, it’s designed with Bag Optimization technology. I noticed that the sealing bar is positioned in a way that allows me to seal closer to the edge, which actually saved me about an inch of plastic per bag compared to my older machines.
- Dollar Saver: Preserve food up to 3 years in the freezer, maintaining its freshness and taste
- Bag Optimization: Minimizes bag waste with a built-in roll cutter for custom-sized bags
- OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: 130 watt, 25. 1 InHG double vacuum pump for optimal performance. Ensures maximum air...
- VARIABLE SETTINGS: Includes 3 settings - dry, moist and double. Plus, you can choose between normal vacuum...
Suction Performance: The Double Pump Advantage
I put both machines through the “Wet Chicken Test.” This is where most sealers fail—the moisture gets sucked into the pump and ruins the seal.
- The Nesco VS-12 Experience: The double pump is no joke. It pulls air out with incredible speed. Using the “Double Heat Seal” setting, I was able to get a rock-solid, airtight bond even when the chicken was dripping with marinade. The “Gentle” mode was a lifesaver for sealing fresh strawberries; it removed the air slowly enough that I could stop it before the berries turned into jam.
- The FoodSaver FM2100 Experience: It was slightly slower than the Nesco, but it felt very consistent. It uses dual heat sealing strips to ensure a thick, reliable bond. While it doesn’t have a specific “Gentle” button, it handled dry goods like rice and beans beautifully. However, with very moist foods, I had to be more careful to ensure the liquid didn’t interfere with the seal.
- Dollar Saver: Preserve food up to 3 years in the freezer, maintaining its freshness and taste
- Bag Optimization: Minimizes bag waste with a built-in roll cutter for custom-sized bags
Ease of Use: Handle vs. Latch
The ergonomics of these two machines are quite different. The Nesco VS-12 uses an easy-lock handle. I could literally lock the machine down with one hand, which is vital when you’re holding a bag of liquid with the other.
The FoodSaver FM2100 uses a side-mounted latch. It requires a bit more force to click into place, and I usually had to use two hands to ensure the lid was perfectly level. Once locked, however, the “Vac/Seal” button is responsive and the LED lights clearly guide you through the process. For someone with arthritis or limited hand strength, the Nesco handle is the clear winner.
The Ecosystem: Accessory Ports and Bags
This is where the FoodSaver FM2100 shines. FoodSaver has spent decades building out an ecosystem. I used the included accessory hose to seal a wide-mouth Mason jar of dried herbs in seconds. Everything is “plug and play.”
The Nesco is also accessory-friendly and has a canister mode, but it feels more like a standalone powerhouse. The Nesco is explicitly marketed as being compatible with any brand of bags, which is great for those of us who like to buy the cheapest bulk rolls on Amazon. While FoodSaver can use other bags, it definitely performs best with its own textured rolls.
FoodSaver FM2100 Vacuum Sealer Machine
- Dollar Saver: Preserve food up to 3 years in the freezer, maintaining its freshness and taste
- Bag Optimization: Minimizes bag waste with a built-in roll cutter for custom-sized bags
Pros:
- Industry-Leading Warranty: The 5-year protection is significantly better than Nesco’s 1-year.
- Bag Optimization: Uses less material per seal, saving money on rolls over time.
- Dual Heat Strips: Creates a wider, more secure seal for long-term (3+ years) freezing.
- Ecosystem: Seamlessly works with a huge variety of FoodSaver-branded canisters and jars.
Cons:
- Lower Suction: Not quite as powerful as a double-pump system.
- Limited Settings: No “Pulse” or “Gentle” mode for delicate foods.
Nesco Deluxe VS-12 Vacuum Sealer Machine
- OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: 130 watt, 25. 1 InHG double vacuum pump for optimal performance. Ensures maximum air...
- VARIABLE SETTINGS: Includes 3 settings - dry, moist and double. Plus, you can choose between normal vacuum...
Pros:
- Double Pump Power: Faster air extraction and higher vacuum pressure.
- Total Control: The “Pulse” and “Gentle” modes are essential for delicate items like breads or soft fruits.
- Double Seal Mode: Adds extra security for wet/moist foods.
- Ease of Use: One-handed locking handle and viewing window make operation a breeze.
Cons:
- Warranty: Only a 1-year limited warranty.
- Footprint: The lid is quite wide, requiring more clearance when open.
The Final Recommendation: Which One Is Best for You?
I recommend the Nesco VS-12 Deluxe if you are a “power user” who seals a wide variety of foods. If you do a lot of sous vide cooking, seal delicate baked goods, or frequently process moist meats, the double pump and the Pulse/Gentle settings make it the most versatile tool in this price range. It offers professional-level control that the FoodSaver simply can’t match.
I recommend the FoodSaver FM2100 if you want a “buy it once” machine that you can rely on for years. The 5-year warranty is a massive safety net. If you primarily seal standard meats, vegetables, and dry goods, and you want a machine that is simple, durable, and part of a larger ecosystem of canisters and jars, the FM2100 is the reliable choice.
In my kitchen, the Nesco VS-12 takes the top spot. The ability to “Pulse” the vacuum when sealing my homemade sourdough or soft garden berries is a feature I simply can’t live without once I’ve tried it.
- Dollar Saver: Preserve food up to 3 years in the freezer, maintaining its freshness and taste
- Bag Optimization: Minimizes bag waste with a built-in roll cutter for custom-sized bags
- OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE: 130 watt, 25. 1 InHG double vacuum pump for optimal performance. Ensures maximum air...
- VARIABLE SETTINGS: Includes 3 settings - dry, moist and double. Plus, you can choose between normal vacuum...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use FoodSaver bags in the Nesco machine?
A: Absolutely. The Nesco VS-12 is compatible with almost all brands of textured vacuum sealer bags, including FoodSaver, NutriChef, and generic rolls.
Q: How do I seal moist foods without the liquid getting into the machine?
A: On the Nesco, use the “Moist” and “Double Seal” settings. On the FoodSaver, I recommend pre-freezing meat for about 20 minutes before sealing to “set” the juices so they don’t get sucked toward the sealing bar.
Q: Does the Nesco VS-12 come with an accessory hose?
A: While it has a port for one, the starter kit primarily focuses on bag rolls. The FoodSaver FM2100 usually includes the hose in the box, which is a nice touch for those wanting to use canisters immediately.
Q: How do I clean the drip tray?
A: Both machines have removable drip trays. After sealing meat, I always pop the tray out and wash it with warm, soapy water to prevent bacteria growth. The FoodSaver tray is particularly easy to “wipe and go.”
