Everyone wants to improve the quality and shelf life of their products, and a vacuum packaging machine is an indispensable tool for doing so. If you’re in the restaurant industry, it keeps your produce fresh for three to five times longer than traditional storage methods, prevents freezer burn and makes sous vide cooking easy. In industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and cosmetics, it’s a safer form of storage that inhibits bacterial growth and prevents contamination of your goods.
Vacuum packaging machines are a common sight in supermarkets, cafes and delis, food processing plants, manufacturing businesses and numerous other outlets and environments. If you’re running a new or growing business, particularly in the food sector, you may have realised the time has come to invest in your first vacuum packaging machine. However, it’s essential to select a machine that suits your specific needs. The success of your business depends on it. An inferior or poorly suited machine causes more problems than it solves, preventing you from reaching your full potential.
Here’s the VACPAC guide to navigating the world of vacuum packaging machines.
Choosing the Right Machine for Your Needs
Every business has different requirements, so it should come as no surprise that shopping for vacuum packaging machines isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Some important considerations that can differ from industry to industry include:
Packaging material type
It’s not just the machine you use that’s important. The material you put your products in matters for the results you get. Vacuum bags are easy to freeze, store and ship and work for most products, including food, medications and electronics. Trays are a more presentable option and perfect if you need to display your food in a retail setting. Foil bags are a high-barrier option perfect for materials that are sensitive to air and light, while fillable containers seal liquids and sauces without leakage.
Some machines are incompatible with certain packing materials. So, in your journey to finding the ideal machine, considering this is a step you don’t want to skip.
Performance
Reliability is a more effective factor than speed. If you’re working with small items, a vacuum setting that’s too high can be destructive towards them, while one that’s too low doesn’t adequately protect them either. Versatility can be crucial. If your business produces products of various sizes and materials, a machine that can accommodate them all saves you a lot of time and effort.
Practical factors
Your machine needs to be not only the right price for your budget, but the right size for your workplace. Consider its durability, its cost to run and maintain, and the other day-to-day practical considerations involved in its operation.
Additional features
Sometimes you need more than just a simple vacuum seal, especially as your business grows. You may need to consider additional features like gas flushing, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) or liquid control.
Types of Vacuum Packaging Machines Explained
Vacuum packaging machines come in various makes and models, each with its own unique features and benefits. But in simple terms, there are three main types on the market that you’ll choose from:
Chamber vacuum machines
Chamber vacuum packaging machines are the preferred choice in commercial kitchens and other busy, fast-paced environments. These units are large, fast and designed to pack multiple bags of products at once. They consist of chambers that you place the product in inside its packaging. The machines seal products quickly by removing air both from the bag and the product around it.
External sealing/non-chamber vacuum machines
External vacuum machines are more exposed and remove air from the bag alone. Yet they have several advantages over chamber machines. They’re more affordable, fit more easily into tight spaces and are a cost-effective solution for small businesses, although they’re generally unsuitable for liquids.
Handheld vacuum machines
The smallest of the vacuum packing machine types, handheld machines are cordless, rechargeable and highly portable. While these compact machines are frequently used while travelling and on camping trips, they usually aren’t suited to commercial or manufacturing use.
Key Features to Look For In Your First Vacuum Sealing Machine
While choosing the right vacuum packaging machine depends heavily on your own needs and preferences, some key features remain universally important across makes and models:
Easy to operate
Machines that are easy to use save time. The ideal vacuum packaging machine should be simple for your staff to operate without assistance.
Cost-effective
Vacuum sealers have associated expenses beyond just the retail price. There’s the cost of maintenance, parts, repairs and power. Buying a cheaper machine can seem like a budget-friendly strategy until you find yourself paying extra for electricity and repairs. Investing in a premium model upfront can reduce the toll of further expenses down the line.
Warranty and after-sales support
A reputable packing machine supplier will not only provide a warranty with your purchase but also offer reliable customer support in case you encounter any technical issues.
Importance of Staff Training and Regular Maintenance
Both adequate staff training and regular machine maintenance are essential for the success of your business. These crucial considerations keep your machine running smoothly, prolong its lifespan and reduce the risk of unplanned downtime that causes spoiled food, financial losses and damage to your reputation.
The better your staff are trained, the lower the risk of operational errors that cause this unplanned downtime. Making sure employees have proper safety protocols to follow makes for a more efficient working environment and reduces the risk of accidents.
Investing in regular maintenance helps to prevent breakdowns and unplanned outages that can prove more expensive over time. It enhances the efficiency of your machine, extends its lifespan and helps ensure your products maintain a consistent level of quality. The outcome is a safer environment for you and your staff and a higher quality of product to grow your business with.
Choose VACPAC for Your Vacuum Sealing Machine Needs
Whether you’re buying your first-ever vacuum packaging machine or you’ve purchased vacuum sealing equipment before, VACPAC can meet all your needs. A company with more than 20 years of experience in the field, VACPAC uses, recommends and sells top-quality European-made brands including Busch, Henkelman, VC999 and SCANDAVIC. If you’re a new business with a limited budget, VACPAC has a range of used vacuum packaging machines and equipment. This equipment allows you to keep costs down without sacrificing quality, and is perfect if you have budgetary or time constraints.
All of our used vacuum packaging equipment comes with genuine parts and a warranty to ensure you still receive the same quality and level of service you’d expect when buying these leading brands new. Buying a pre-owned machine from VACPAC gives you the same high levels of customer service and support you’d get from buying new, including servicing, installation and integration. As leading specialists in our field, VACPAC is dedicated to continuous improvement and embracing new technologies. To find out more, contact the VACPAC team online.
