Whether you’re looking for something to keep your belongings safe from the elements and unwanted pests while they’re in storage, or if you’re simply looking for a way to save money by not throwing away as much food, a bag sealer is certainly high on your buy list. However, even with a simple search online you will quickly find that these devices are overly plentiful and from various manufacturers. Finding the right one means taking a look at what you’re going to be using it for.

Some of the best bag sealers on the market today are those that use both a vacuum and a heating element to seal out air. These work so well because they not only remove the air but then permanently (until you decide to reopen them) seal the package which eliminates the possibility of airborne contaminants getting in. This has many useful applications from packing and shipping, to storage and, of course, it’s especially useful in keeping food fresher longer.

In general, the bagging that is included with a heat sealer will also help prevent leaks from deterioration (moving the bags and creasing them). However, it does not completely eliminate this issue so it is important to remember to be careful with sealed items so that you don’t have to repeat the process because of a mistake.

One of the largest benefits of these devices is, by far, the ability to keep food longer. Even if you only invest in a simple and cheap vacuum sealer, if you use it to buy in bulk and keep the food longer, you will be saving hundreds of dollars a year. The second most valuable benefit is the ability to keep your dry cleaning and wardrobe replacement costs down because they won’t be damaged by dust and moths any longer.