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Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs Inkbird Vacuum Sealer INK-VS01 Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Published

Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer

$96.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Inkbird Vacuum Sealer INK-VS01

$58.99 from Amazon(+1 more)
Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs Inkbird Vacuum Sealer INK-VS01

Overall Verdict

The most striking difference between the Nesco VS-12 and the Inkbird INK-VS01 is their form factor. If you need a full-size vacuum sealer with an extra compartment inside to also keep your plastic bag roll secure (as well as fancy extra features like an integrated cutter,) the Nesco VS-12 will make for a good purchase. In return, it can take up quite some space on the countertop.

Conversely, the Inkbird INK-VS01 is a compact vacuum sealer, with a width that’s only half of the Nesco VS-12 (3.9 inches versus 7.8 inches.) Its suction performance isn’t bad, as well. While it doesn’t offer suction as strong as the VS-12, the Inkbird INK-VS01 will still be able to handle vacuum-packing most foods, dry and moist alike.

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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
  • Excellent performance for the compact size
  • Small form factor takes up very little space on the countertop
  • Decent build quality throughout
  • Comes with a built-in cutter
  • Doesn’t come with a chime
  • Cheap-looking design

Key Specs

Suction strength
78-80 kPA (Dry) / 52-70 kPA (Moist)
62-63 kPA (Dry)/28 kPA (Moist)
Working time
27-29s (Dry)/36-38s (Moist)
16-17s (Dry)/22-26s (Moist)
Dimensions
L 15.8 x W 7.8 x H 4.3 inches
L 16.9 x W 7.0 x H 4.3 inches
Weight
6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Warranty
2 years
1-year

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$116.98
$56.45
$96.99 at AmazonCheck Price on NescoCheck Price on Walmart
$58.99 at AmazonCheck Price on Inkbird

*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
7.2

Dry Food Test

8.8
8.0
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 Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 vacuum sealer in the first dry food test with black rice grains. Our vacuum gauge recorded a peak suction of 62 kPA within a working cycle of 17 seconds.
The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 vacuum sealer in the first dry food test with black rice grains. Our vacuum gauge recorded a peak suction of 62 kPA within a working cycle of 17 seconds.
The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 vacuum sealer in the first dry food test with black rice grains. Our vacuum gauge recorded a peak suction of 62 kPA within a working cycle of 17 seconds.
The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 in the second dry test. Our vacuum gauge recorded a peak suction of 62 kPA within a 16-second working cycle.
Suction Mode
Normal
 N/A
Food Mode
Dry
Dry
Suction Strength
78 kPA (1) - 80 kPA (2)
63 kPA (1) - 62 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
29s (1) - 27s (2)
17s (1) - 16s (2)

Moist Food Test

8.0
6.0
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 Inkbird INK-VS01 vacuum sealer packing fresh slices of yellow mangoes in the moist food test. Peak suction recorded by our vacuum gauge is 28 kPA in a 26-second working cycle.
The Inkbird INK-VS01 vacuum sealer packing fresh slices of yellow mangoes in the moist food test. Peak suction recorded by our vacuum gauge is 28 kPA in a 26-second working cycle.
The Inkbird INK-VS01 vacuum sealer packing fresh slices of yellow mangoes in the moist food test. Peak suction recorded by our vacuum gauge is 28 kPA in a 26-second working cycle.
The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 in the second moist food test with fresh mango slices. Our vacuum gauge recorded a peak suction of 28 kPA within a working cycle of 22 seconds.
Suction Mode
Gentle
N/A
Food Mode
Moist
Moist
Suction Strength
52 kPA (1) - 70 kPA (2)
28 kPA (1) - 28 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
38s (1) - 36s (2)
26s (1) - 22s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.9
8.6

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 Inkbird Plus INK-VS01’s shipping box.

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 dimensions of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 is noticeably compact width-wise. Its length is 14.17, width clocks in at just 3.9 inches, and height is 1.57 inches.
Weight
6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
2.3 lbs (1.0 kg)
Length
15.8" (40.1 cm)
14.2" (36.0 cm)
Width
7.8" (19.8 cm)
3.9" (9.9 cm)
Height
4.3" (10.9 cm)
1.6" (4.0 cm)

Build Quality

10
9.0
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 silicone plug that covers the port for the detachable power cord at the back of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 sealer.
The silicone plug that covers the port for the detachable power cord at the back of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 sealer.
The underside of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 vacuum sealer. Visible are two anti-slip feet at each corner.

Control Panel

10
9.0
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 control panel of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 has five buttons, including a blue “Stop” button on the far right side to interrupt a working cycle for any reason.
The control panel of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 has five buttons, including a blue “Stop” button on the far right side to interrupt a working cycle for any reason.
The “Vac” button on the interior of the sealer can be used when you have to use the air hose adapter to vacuum-pack bags or boxes.
The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 with the air hose adapter plugged into the vacuum port, to be used in conjunction with the “Vac” button.
Button Type
Physical
Touch-sensitive
Number of Buttons
6
5
Number of Modes
5
2

Lid

10
9.0
The lid of the Nesco VS-12 can be locked and unlocked by working the handle at the top.
Saved for requiring quite a lot of force to click close, the lid of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 is sturdily built.
Saved for requiring quite a lot of force to click close, the lid of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 is sturdily built.
The inner view of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01’s lid hinges. Off to the side, you can see the locking latch for the lid that would click in place when the lid is closed and pressed down.
The outer view of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01’s lid hinges.
Lid Lock
Handle lock
Latch lock

Extra Features

9.0
5.0
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.
The sealer comes with a convenient bag cutter built right into the top of the lid.
The sealer comes with a convenient bag cutter built right into the top of the lid.
There is a pair of bag hooks located within the vacuum channel of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01.
Bag Cutter
Yes
Yes
Bag Holder
Yes
No
Bag Hooks
Yes
Yes
Removable Drip Tray
No
No

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.6
6.6

Ease of Use

9.5
6.0
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 Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 requires quite a lot of force to click close, which can be a problem if you want to use the sealer one-handed.
The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 requires quite a lot of force to click close, which can be a problem if you want to use the sealer one-handed.
There are two bag hooks situated at the top of the vacuum channel that’ll help you guide and align the bag into the proper position for sealing.

Safety & Noise

10
9.0
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.
The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 during a dry food test. Our noise level meter recorded the peak loudness of the motor in this instance, which is 83.2 dBA.
Maximum Noise Level
83.4 dBA
83.2 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 and the progress bar at the top of the control panel are decently bright and visible even under harsh studio lighting.
Number of Indicators
9
4
Progress Bar
Yes
Yes
Chime
No
No