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Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs Nutrichef Vacuum Sealer PKVS18BK Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Published

Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer

$113.99 from Amazon(+2 more)

Nutrichef Vacuum Sealer PKVS18BK

$75.28 from Amazon
Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs Nutrichef Vacuum Sealer PKVS18BK

Overall Verdict

Our performance tests showed that the Nesco VS-12 sealer is much more capable than the Nutrichef PKVS18BK. The Nesco VS-12 excels in both dry and moist food tests, boasting higher suction strength compared to the Nutriche.

The Nesco VS-12 also leads the scoreboard in terms of design and usability. It has far more premium housing, as well as better ease of use and safety than the Nutrichef PKVS18BK. This isn’t to say that the Nutrichef has bad design or usability, however. For the price, it’s still very good — just not quite as good as the Nesco VS-12!

The Nutrichef model offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features for those looking to save. However, if you seek advanced performance, the Nesco VS-12 emerges as the more capable (albeit pricier) choice.

Ranking by
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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
  • Relatively affordable
  • Visually-appealing design
  • The lid and the attached locking mechanism are well-built
  • Simple and intuitive control panel
  • Bright and comprehensive indicator lights
  • Doesn’t come with a chime
  • The lid requires quite a lot of force to close properly.
  • Motor is loud.
  • Doesn’t come with any extra feature.

Key Specs

Suction strength
78-80 kPA (Dry) / 52-70 kPA (Moist)
33-45 kPA (Dry) / 28-30 kPA (Moist)
Working time
27-29s (Dry)/36-38s (Moist)
17-21s (Dry)/15-28s (Moist)
Dimensions
L 15.8 x W 7.8 x H 4.3 inches
L 14.1 x W 6.0 x H 3.0 inches
Weight
6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
2.94 pounds
Warranty
2 years
1-year

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$116.98
$56.12
$113.99 at AmazonCheck Price on NescoCheck Price on Walmart
$75.28 at Amazon

*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
5.7

Dry Food Test

8.8
4.7
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 Nutrichef PKVS18BK during the first dry food test. The suction flow during the 17-second working cycle was measured at 33 kPA by our vacuum pressure gauge.
The Nutrichef PKVS18BK during the first dry food test. The suction flow during the 17-second working cycle was measured at 33 kPA by our vacuum pressure gauge.
The Nutrichef PKVS18BK during the first dry food test. The suction flow during the 17-second working cycle was measured at 33 kPA by our vacuum pressure gauge.
The Nutrichef PKVS18BK sealer during its second dry test, which reported a suction flow of 45 kPA at the end of a 21-second working cycle.
Suction Mode
Normal
Normal
Food Mode
Dry
Dry
Suction Strength
78 kPA (1) - 80 kPA (2)
33 kPA (1) - 45 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
29s (1) - 27s (2)
17s (1) - 21s (2)

Moist Food Test

8.0
7.1
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 Nutrichef PKVS18BK sealer during the first moist food test, during which it reported a vacuum strength of 30 kPA over a working cycle of 17 seconds.
The Nutrichef PKVS18BK sealer during the first moist food test, during which it reported a vacuum strength of 30 kPA over a working cycle of 17 seconds.
The Nutrichef PKVS18BK sealer during the first moist food test, during which it reported a vacuum strength of 30 kPA over a working cycle of 17 seconds.
The Nutrichef PKVS18BK sealer during the first moist food test, during which it reported a vacuum strength of 28 kPA over a working cycle of 15 seconds.
Suction Mode
Gentle
Gentle
Food Mode
Moist
Moist
Suction Strength
52 kPA (1) - 70 kPA (2)
30 kPA (1) - 28 kPA (2)
Cycle Time
38s (1) - 36s (2)
17s (1) - 15s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.9
7.2

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 Nutrichef PKVS18BK vacuum sealer shipping box, which includes plastic bags, accessories, and documents such as warranty card and user manuals.

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 Nutrichef PKVS18BK. It is of about average size, measuring 14.1 inches in length, 6 inches in width, and is 3 inches tall.
Weight
6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)
2.9 lbs (1.3 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)
3.0" (7.6 cm)

Build Quality

10
8.0
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 side profile of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK vacuum sealer.
The side profile of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK vacuum sealer.
The outer portion of the lid hinges of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK.
The underside of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK, which comes with four white anti-slip feet in four corners of the sealer.

Control Panel

10
8.0
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 Nutrichef PKVS18BK. All of the buttons (five in total) are touch-sensitive. The panel also has four indicator lights, plus a progress bar.
The control panel of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK. All of the buttons (five in total) are touch-sensitive. The panel also has four indicator lights, plus a progress bar.
There's an extra button inside the sealer that you can use if you prefer vacuuming through the air hose and adapter included with the sealer.
Button Type
Physical
Physical
Number of Buttons
6
6
Number of Modes
5
4

Lid

10
8.0
The lid of the Nesco VS-12 can be locked and unlocked by working the handle at the top.
A locking latch on one side of the sealer. You can also see the button that releases the latch to the 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
8.3

Ease of Use

9.5
8.0
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.

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.
There are numerous safety stickers inside of the sealer.
Maximum Noise Level
83.4 dBA
84.5 dBA

Indicator Lights and Chime

9.5
9.0
The small LED screen that indicates the sealer’s progress on the control panel.
Number of Indicators
9
5
Progress Bar
Yes
Yes
Chime
No
No