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Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs Mueller Vacuum Sealer MV-1100 Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Published

Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer

$96.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Mueller Vacuum Sealer MV-1100

Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs Mueller Vacuum Sealer MV-1100

Overall Verdict

The Nesco VS-12 clearly outshines the Mueller MV-1100 in nearly every aspect. It has outstanding sealing performance, with impressive suction power and quicker operation in dry and moist food tests. The Nesco VS-12 also boasts a well-built design that justifies its premium price.

Conversely, the Mueller MV-1100, designed for entry-level users, falls short in suction performance and build quality. Our reviewers noted a creaky lid, uneven lid locks, and overtly-sensitive touch buttons on the control panel.

The Mueller MV-1100, due to it being more affordable, may be appealing for those with only basic vacuum-sealing needs. However, for advanced users, it’ll be worth investing a bit more in the Nesco VS-12.

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
  • Passable vacuum-packing performance for the money
  • Decent build quality
  • Good safety features
  • Bright indicator lights
  • Comes with a progress bar for easy tracking
  • Doesn’t come with a chime
  • The lid hinges creak when the lid is lifted or lowered
  • Uneven lid locks
  • Buttons on the control panel are unreliable

Key Specs

Suction strength
78-80 kPA (Dry) / 52-70 kPA (Moist)
46-47 kPA (Dry) / 29-30 kPA (Moist)
Working time
27-29s (Dry)/36-38s (Moist)
18-22s (Dry)/22-25s (Moist)
Dimensions
L 15.8 x W 7.8 x H 4.3 inches
14.1 x 6 x 3.1 inches
Weight
6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)
Warranty
2 years
2 years

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$116.98
$40.09

*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
6.0

Dry Food Test

8.8
5.8
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 Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer demonstrating peak suction of 46 kPA in an 18-second dry food test.
The Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer demonstrating peak suction of 46 kPA in an 18-second dry food test.
The Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer demonstrating peak suction of 46 kPA in an 18-second dry food test.
The Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer during the second dry food test. It achieved a peak suction power of 47 kPA over a 22-second working cycle.
Suction Mode
Normal
Airtight
Food Mode
Dry
Dry
Suction Strength
78 kPA (1) - 80 kPA (2)
46 kPA (1) - 47 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
29s (1) - 27s (2)
18s (1) - 22s (2)

Moist Food Test

8.0
6.5
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 Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer during a moist food test achieves a peak suction of 29 kPA in a 22-second working cycle.
The Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer during a moist food test achieves a peak suction of 29 kPA in a 22-second working cycle.
The Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer during a moist food test achieves a peak suction of 29 kPA in a 22-second working cycle.
The Mueller vacuum sealer during the second moist food test. It achieved a suction peak of 30 kPA over a 25-second working cycle.
Suction Mode
Gentle
Gentle
Food Mode
Moist
Moist
Suction Strength
52 kPA (1) - 70 kPA (2)
29 kPA (1) - 30 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
38s (1) - 36s (2)
22s (1) - 25s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.9
5.5

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 Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer’s shipping box. There’s the sealer itself, sheets and rolls of plastic, air hose and adapter, along with the documentation for the sealer.

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 Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer. The length is 14.1 inches, the width is 6.0 inches, and the height is 3.1 inches.
Weight
6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)
Length
15.8" (40.1 cm)
14.1" (35.8 cm)
Width
7.8" (19.8 cm)
6.0" (15.2 cm)
Height
4.3" (10.9 cm)
3.1" (7.9 cm)

Build Quality

10
6.0
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 Mueller MV-1100 comes with a glossy, metallic top lid, which made it look slightly more premium.
The Mueller MV-1100 comes with a glossy, metallic top lid, which made it look slightly more premium.
The interior of the Mueller MV-1100 is textured.

Control Panel

10
8.5
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 rows of function buttons on the control panel of the Mueller MV-1100 vacuum sealer.
Button Type
Physical
Touch-sensitive
Number of Buttons
6
5
Number of Modes
5
4

Lid

10
4.0
The lid of the Nesco VS-12 can be locked and unlocked by working the handle at the top.
The hinges do a great job at keeping the Mueller MV-1100’s lid aloft, but the locking mechanism is problematic.
The hinges do a great job at keeping the Mueller MV-1100’s lid aloft, but the locking mechanism is problematic.
The hinges on the Mueller are solid, keeping the lid from shifting even when we push it from side to side.
Lid Lock
Handle lock
Latch lock

Extra Features

9.0
0.0
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.
Bag Cutter
Yes
No
Bag Holder
Yes
No
Bag Hooks
Yes
No
Removable Drip Tray
No
No

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.6
6.0

Ease of Use

9.5
5.0
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 requires a lot of downward force to click close, so you almost always have to use both hands to shut the lid.
The lid requires a lot of downward force to click close, so you almost always have to use both hands to shut the lid.
The Mueller’s ease of use could use a lot of improvements, starting with its unreliable lid locks and the overtly-sensitive control panel.

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.
The various safety and instruction stickers that Mueller has included on the inside of the Mueller MV-1100 sealer.
The various safety and instruction stickers that Mueller has included on the inside of the Mueller MV-1100 sealer.
The “Caution: Hot Surface” warning sticker located near the heat bar within the interior of the Mueller MV-1100 sealer.
The sealer can get as loud as 81.2 dBA, like during this dry food test.
Maximum Noise Level
83.4 dBA
81.2 dBA

Indicator Lights and Chime

9.5
9.0
The small LED screen that indicates the sealer’s progress on the control panel.
Besides the four indicator lights that display vacuuming and food modes, there are also two lights beneath the two function buttons (“Seal” and “Vac Seal”) and the progress bar.
Number of Indicators
9
6
Progress Bar
Yes
Yes
Chime
No
No