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Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Published

Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer

$96.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro

$128.97 from Amazon(+2 more)
Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro

Overall Verdict

Both the Nesco VS-12 and the Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro are featured on our list of the best vacuum sealers in 2023, as such, this is a fairly tough comparison to make.

Still, our data shows that the Nesco VS-12 exhibits stronger vacuum-sealing performance than the Anova. It’s backed by a score of 8.5 in overall performance, slightly edging out the Anova's 7.8​​.

Design-wise, both sealers are nearly equal. They share excellent top marks in build quality, control panel, and lid design​​. However, the Nesco VS-12’s wide array of extra features, like bag hooks and so on gives it a slight advantage over the Anova​​ in this section.

The Nesco slightly outperforms Anova in usability, too, due to having a more comprehensive control panel and a much easier user experience.

Overall, the Nesco VS-12 seems to offer better value for the money in all aspects.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Strong performance in both dry and moist food tests
  • Well-built design
  • Intuitive control panel with an LCD screen for progress tracking
  • Comes with a bag roll compartment and bag cutter
  • Powerful performance in the dry test
  • Suction is strong in the moist test, but gentle enough not to crush the mango slices
  • Rated for liquid
  • Sleek, elegant design
  • Comes with extra features (bag compartment and cutter)
  • Doesn’t come with a chime
  • Relatively dim indicator lights
  • Doesn’t come with a chime
  • Doesn’t have bag hooks

Key Specs

Suction strength
78-80 kPA (Dry) / 52-70 kPA (Moist)
67 kPA (Dry) / 43-45 kPA (Moist)
Working time
27-29s (Dry)/36-38s (Moist)
14 (Dry)/39-41s (Moist)
Dimensions
L 15.8 x W 7.8 x H 4.3 inches
L 15.5 x W 7.1 x H 4.3 inches
Weight
6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
5.0 lbs (2.3 kg)
Warranty
2 years
2 years

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$116.98
$121.30
$96.99 at AmazonCheck Price on NescoCheck Price on Walmart
$128.97 at AmazonCheck Price on AnovaCheck Price on Homedepot

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.5
7.8

Dry Food Test

8.8
8.9
The Nesco VS-12 in the first dry test session, achieving a suction power of 78 kPA according to our vacuum gauge in a work cycle lasting 29 seconds.
The Nesco VS-12 in the first dry test session, achieving a suction power of 78 kPA according to our vacuum gauge in a work cycle lasting 29 seconds.
The Nesco VS-12 in the first dry test session, achieving a suction power of 78 kPA according to our vacuum gauge in a work cycle lasting 29 seconds.
The Nesco VS-12 in the second dry food test. We recorded a peak suction of 80 kPA in 27 seconds.
The Anova Precision Pro performing the first dry test with black rice grains. It achieved a peak suction of 67 kPA in 14 seconds.
The Anova Precision Pro performing the first dry test with black rice grains. It achieved a peak suction of 67 kPA in 14 seconds.
The Anova Precision Pro performing the first dry test with black rice grains. It achieved a peak suction of 67 kPA in 14 seconds.
The Anova Precision Pro performing the second dry test. Peak suction was still at 67 kPA according to our vacuum gauge and the sealer finished its working cycle in precisely 14 seconds like before.
Suction Mode
Normal
N/A
Food Mode
Dry
Dry
Suction Strength
78 kPA (1) - 80 kPA (2)
67 kPA (1) - 67 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
29s (1) - 27s (2)
14s (1) - 14s (2)

Moist Food Test

8.0
6.1
The Nesco VS-12 during the first moist food test, achieving a peak suction power of 52 kPA according to our vacuum gauge in a work cycle of 38 seconds.
The Nesco VS-12 during the first moist food test, achieving a peak suction power of 52 kPA according to our vacuum gauge in a work cycle of 38 seconds.
The Nesco VS-12 during the first moist food test, achieving a peak suction power of 52 kPA according to our vacuum gauge in a work cycle of 38 seconds.
The Nesco VS-12 during a moist food test packaging fresh mango slices. The peak suction strength recorded was 70 kPA in 36 seconds.
The Anova Precision Pro as it’s performing the first moist food test. It achieved a peak suction of 45 kPA in a working cycle lasting 41 seconds.
The Anova Precision Pro as it’s performing the first moist food test. It achieved a peak suction of 45 kPA in a working cycle lasting 41 seconds.
The Anova Precision Pro as it’s performing the first moist food test. It achieved a peak suction of 45 kPA in a working cycle lasting 41 seconds.
The Anova Precision Pro as it is performing the second moist food test. It achieved a peak 43 kPA suction power in a working cycle lasting 39 seconds.
Suction Mode
Gentle
N/A
Food Mode
Moist
Moist
Suction Strength
52 kPA (1) - 70 kPA (2)
45 kPA (1) - 43 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
38s (1) - 36s (2)
41s (1) - 39s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.9
9.8

In the Box

Besides the Nesco VS-12 itself, the shipping box also comes with rolls of plastic bags, instruction manual and warranty card.
The content of the Anova Precision Pro’s shipping box, which includes a roll of plastic bag, an accessory air hose, and a simple user manual.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the Nesco VS-12 sealer. Its length is 15.8 inches, width is 7.8 inches, and the height is 4.3 inches.
The Anova Precision Pro, being a full-size vacuum sealer, may take up quite a lot of countertop space with a length of 15.5 inches, a width of 7.1 inches, and a height of 4.3 inches.
Weight
6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
5.0 lbs (2.3 kg)
Length
15.8" (40.1 cm)
15.5" (39.4 cm)
Width
7.8" (19.8 cm)
7.1" (18.0 cm)
Height
4.3" (10.9 cm)
4.3" (10.9 cm)

Build Quality

10
10
The housing of the Nesco VS-12 is on full display. Note the parts that are plated in metal to protect the sealer from damage.
The housing of the Nesco VS-12 is on full display. Note the parts that are plated in metal to protect the sealer from damage.
Inside the Nesco VS-12. You can see the vacuum channel and the vacuum bag roll holder. Towards the front is the heating bar with a high-vis orange strip.
The interior of the Anova Precision Pro is all-black, except for the high-vis orange sticker that marks where the heating bar is.
The interior of the Anova Precision Pro is all-black, except for the high-vis orange sticker that marks where the heating bar is.
All of the components in the interior of the sealer are very well-built.
The underside of the Anova Precision Pro. It has non-slip feet in all four corners, as well as a small compartment near the back to tuck the power cord inside for easier storage.

Control Panel

10
10
The control panel at the top of the Nesco VS-12
The control panel at the top of the Nesco VS-12
Compared to single sealing, which is suitable for dry food, double sealing gives the bag a stronger seam to prevent leakage.
The indicator lights of the Anova Precision Pro can be a little bit dim if you place the sealer under harsh light sources or direct sunlight through a window.
The indicator lights of the Anova Precision Pro can be a little bit dim if you place the sealer under harsh light sources or direct sunlight through a window.
The control panel of the Anova Precision Pro, with function buttons arranged neatly in a row in three distinct groupings.
Button Type
Physical
Physical
Number of Buttons
6
7
Number of Modes
5
2

Lid

10
10
The lid of the Nesco VS-12 can be locked and unlocked by working the handle at the top.
The handle lock of the Anova Precision Pro in the “Open” position. When raised, you can open and close the lid as normal.
The handle lock of the Anova Precision Pro in the “Open” position. When raised, you can open and close the lid as normal.
The handle lock of the Anova Precision Pro in the “Locked” position. The lid is solidly anchored to the housing and can no longer be opened.
The locks on either side of the Anova Precision Pro’s lid. These can be operated by lifting or pressing down on the handle above.
Lid Lock
Handle lock
Handle lock

Extra Features

9.0
8.0
The Nesco VS-12 comes with a roomy compartment inside where you can store a single roll of plastic bag. A flip-down cutter is built-in for you to cut out the correct bag length.
The Nesco VS-12 comes with a roomy compartment inside where you can store a single roll of plastic bag. A flip-down cutter is built-in for you to cut out the correct bag length.
The vacuum channel's two bag hooks simplify the process of correctly aligning the plastic bag's lip, making it easier for you to use.
Inside the Anova Precision Pro is a large compartment that you can use to store a roll of plastic bag. There is a flip-down cutter for you to cut out any length of bag that you want.
Inside the Anova Precision Pro is a large compartment that you can use to store a roll of plastic bag. There is a flip-down cutter for you to cut out any length of bag that you want.
Bag Cutter
Yes
Yes
Bag Holder
Yes
Yes
Bag Hooks
Yes
No
Removable Drip Tray
No
No

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.6
8.6

Ease of Use

9.5
9.0
The grommet at the back of the Nesco VS-12 allows you to wrap and manage the power cord better when you have to store the sealer.
The lid and the handle lock are easy to operate with just one hand.
The lid and the handle lock are easy to operate with just one hand.
The Anova Precision Pro has a handle lock, which greatly simplifies the operation of the sealer and enables one-handed lid locking and release.

Safety & Noise

10
8.0
The Nesco VS-12 is on the louder side. According to our noise level meter, the suction motor could get as loud as 83.4 dBA, like during this dry food test.
The Nesco VS-12 is on the louder side. According to our noise level meter, the suction motor could get as loud as 83.4 dBA, like during this dry food test.
Anova has thoughtfully included a bright, high-vis orange sticker across the heating bar as a safety precaution.
Anova has thoughtfully included a bright, high-vis orange sticker across the heating bar as a safety precaution.
Maximum Noise Level
83.4 dBA
83 dBA

Indicator Lights and Chime

9.5
7.0
The small LED screen that indicates the sealer’s progress on the control panel.
The indicator lights are built into the individual button. The Dry vacuuming mode is on at the moment.
Number of Indicators
9
9
Progress Bar
Yes
Yes
Chime
No
No