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FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer VS-0160 vs CALOTO Vacuum Sealer AP-12X Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Published

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer VS-0160

$69.99 from Amazon(+1 more)

CALOTO Vacuum Sealer AP-12X

FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer VS-0160 vs CALOTO Vacuum Sealer AP-12X

Overall Verdict

In our full-scale lab tests, the FoodSaver VS-0160 consistently outshone competitors like the CALOTO AP-12X across various metrics, like performance, design, and usability. Its superior sealing capability (scoring 8.3 in our test) makes it a preferred choice among consumers seeking good sealing performance. Despite having a bulkier construction than the CALOTO, the FoodSaver VS-0160 more than makes up for it with great build quality. All this, in addition to being very easy to use, makes the FoodSaver VS-0160 an easy recommendation over the CALOTO.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable for what it can do
  • Excellent vacuum sealing performance
  • Beautifully designed and well-built
  • The lid actuates smoothly and has a storage lock
  • Relatively quiet
  • Relatively affordable
  • Quiet operation (76.1 dBA)
  • Very compact form factor (3.2 inches in width)
  • Excellent safety features
  • Safety could be improved with stickers that warn new users about the heat bar.
  • No extra feature.
  • Very mediocre performance
  • Dim and hard-to-view indicator lights
  • The lid is stiff and difficult to lock with one hand
  • Warranty details are very vague

Where to Buy

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.1
4.7

Dry Food Test

8.3
4.9
FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer hooked to a bag of black rice. A vacuum gauge to the right measures 62 kPA and a timer marks 11 seconds.
First dry food vacuum seal test of the FoodSaver VS-0160. The vacuum gauge reads 62 kPA. Timer marks 11 seconds.
FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer hooked to a bag of black rice. A vacuum gauge to the right measures 62 kPA and a timer marks 11 seconds.
FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer hooked to a bag of black rice. A vacuum gauge to the right measures 63 kPA and a timer marks 11 seconds.
The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer during its first dry food test session where we used it to vacuum-pack dry rice grains. It achieved a peak suction of 40 kPA during a 23-second working cycle.
The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer during its first dry food test session where we used it to vacuum-pack dry rice grains. It achieved a peak suction of 40 kPA during a 23-second working cycle.
The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer reached a higher peak suction in the second test, with our vacuum gauge recording a 43 kPA peak during a 21-second working cycle.
Suction Mode
N/A
N/A
Food Mode
Dry
Dry - 1
Suction Strength
62 kPA (1) - 63 kPA (2)
40 kPA (1) - 43 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
11s (1) - 11s (2)
23s (1) - 31s (2)

Moist Food Test

7.9
4.5
The FoodSaver VS-0160 during the moist food test. It achieved a peak suction of 45 kPA within a 39-second working cycle. The motor was quite noisy at 81.6 dBA.
The FoodSaver VS-0160 during the moist food test. It achieved a peak suction of 45 kPA within a 39-second working cycle. The motor was quite noisy at 81.6 dBA.
The FoodSaver VS-0160 during the moist food test. It achieved a peak suction of 45 kPA within a 39-second working cycle. The motor was quite noisy at 81.6 dBA.
The FoodSaver VS-0160 during the second moist food test. Its suction is lower than the first test at 58 kPA within a 33-second working cycle. Motor noise is also less loud at 80.1 dBA.
The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer during the first moist food test session where we used it to vacuum-pack fresh mango slices. It hit a peak suction of 18 kPA during a 33-second working cycle.
The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer during the first moist food test session where we used it to vacuum-pack fresh mango slices. It hit a peak suction of 18 kPA during a 33-second working cycle.
The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer is seen here vacuum-packing fresh mango slices for the second moist food test. It hit a peak suction of 20 kPA during a 33-second working cycle.
Suction Mode
N/A
N/A
Food Mode
Moist
Moist - 4
Suction Strength
45 kPA (1) - 58 kPA (2)
18 kPA (1) - 20 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
39s (1) - 33s (2)
33s(1) - 33s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.8
6.1

In the Box

The content of the FoodSaver VS-0160 shipping box, consisting of the vacuum sealer, three rolls of food bags, and manual.
The content of the FoodSaver VS-0160’s shipping box.
The content of the CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer’s shipping box. It includes a detachable power cord, air hose and adapter, sheets of pre-cut plastic bags, and an instruction manual.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the FoodSaver VS-0160 is about average compared to other sealers we’ve tested. It has a length of 15.7 inches, width of 6.1 inches, and a height of 2.7 inches.
The dimensions oft he CALOTO AP-12X. Its length is 14.9 inches, its width is 3.2 inches, and its height is 2.1 inches.
Weight
5.8 lbs (2.6 kg)
2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)
Length
15.7" (39.9 cm)
14.9" (37.8 cm)
Width
6.1" (15.5 cm)
3.2" (8.1 cm)
Height
2.7" (6.9 cm)
2.1" (5.3 cm)

Build Quality

9.5
7.0
An interior shot of the FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer. A green protective bar covers the vacuum channel.
The interior of the FoodSaver VS-0160
An interior shot of the FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer. A green protective bar covers the vacuum channel.
A close-up shot of the non-slip feet on the underside of the FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer.
The black heat bar and foam seal installed on the underside of the top lid of the FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer.
The build quality of the CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer is fairly decent, though its lightness and full-plastic detailing can make it seem slightly cheap.
The build quality of the CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer is fairly decent, though its lightness and full-plastic detailing can make it seem slightly cheap.
The CALOTO AP-12X sealer comes with a removable power cord for easier storage.
Anti-slip feet at the bottom of the CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer.
In the back, you’ll find the port for the modular power cord.

Control Panel

10
5.0
A close-up shot of the buttons and the indicator lights on the FoodSaver VS-0160
The control panel has four buttons with embossed labels. They’re somewhat hard to read because the embossings blend quite well into the black rubber buttons.
Button Type
Physical
Physical
Number of Buttons
3
4
Number of Modes
2
2

Lid

10
8.0
The interior of the FoodSaver VS-0160 with the green protective plastic bar removed from the vacuum channel.
The interior of the FoodSaver VS-0160 with the green protective plastic bar removed from the vacuum channel.
The slider to the side of the FoodSaver VS-0160 that you can use to engage the storage locks.
The locking mechanism built into the lid of the FoodSaver VS-0160. Shown here is also the storage slider.
The hinges of the CALOTO AP-12X are quite sturdy and don’t creak when we lift or lower the lid.
The hinges of the CALOTO AP-12X are quite sturdy and don’t creak when we lift or lower the lid.
To unlock the lid after it's locked, simply press the buttons on both sides of the sealer, and this will release the latches.
Lid Lock
Latch lock
Latch lock

Extra Features

1.0
0.0
The Foodsaver VS-0160 doesn’t come with any additional extra feature other than a removable drip tray, which will help you safely vacuum-pack moist food better.
The Foodsaver VS-0160 doesn’t come with any additional extra feature other than a removable drip tray, which will help you safely vacuum-pack moist food better.
Bag Cutter
No
No
Bag Holder
No
No
Bag Hooks
No
No
Removable Drip Tray
Yes
No

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.2
7.5

Ease of Use

8.5
8.0
The lid of the FoodSaver VS-0160 doesn’t require a lot of force to click close.
The lid of the FoodSaver VS-0160 doesn’t require a lot of force to click close.
The lid of the FoodSaver VS-0160 doesn’t require a lot of force to click close.
Despite not having bag hooks, feeding a new plastic bag into the FoodSaver VS-0160 and aligning it with the vacuum channel is quite easy.
You need to press down on the lid with two hands for the lid to click close properly. One-handed operation is very difficult.

Safety & Noise

8.0
10
During a dry food test, we measured a peak loudness of 77.9 dBA for the FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer.
During a dry food test, we measured a peak loudness of 77.9 dBA for the FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer.
During a dry food test session, our noise level meter recorded the peak loudness of the motor to be around 74.8 dBA.
Maximum Noise Level
77.9 dBA
74.8 dBA

Indicator Lights and Chime

7.0
3.0
The FoodSaver VS-0160 vacuum sealer’s control panel with the indicator lights lit up. The light will pulse depending on what phase of the working cycle it’s performing at the moment.
The indicator lights for the CALOTO AP-12X are small and aren’t bright. It’s very hard to monitor the sealer’s progress, especially under harsh lighting conditions.
Number of Indicators
2
8
Progress Bar
No
No
Chime
No
No