The VacMaster VP215 is not a typical home vacuum sealer. Weighing roughly 84 lbs and costing well over $900, it’s designed for serious home cooks, hunters, sous-vide enthusiasts, and small food businesses that need commercial-grade reliability.
What truly separates the VP215 from cheaper chamber sealers—and from all external suction sealers—is its rotary oil-cooled vacuum pump. This review explains exactly why that matters, how it affects noise, longevity, maintenance, and why many buyers consider the VP215 a long-term investment rather than a kitchen gadget.
Quick Navigation
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- Why Chamber Vacuum Technology Wins
- The Rotary Oil Pump Advantage
- Why It’s Perfect for Liquids & Sous-Vide
- Maintenance & Longevity
- VP215 vs External Vacuum Sealers
- Final Verdict
- Easy To Use Control Panel and Pressure Indicator - Perfect vacuum and seal with minimal...
- Quality At Home and Reliable for Your Business - With the compact design this vacuum...
- Leak-Proof - VacMaster VP215 provides a double seal for an extra layer of protection to...
- Improved Flavors by Marinating Foods & Infusing Cocktails - VP215 can vacuum package a...
- VacMaster VP215 Specifications - Overall Dimensions (WxDxH): 14” x 20” x 15” |...
Why You Can Trust This Review
This review is based on manufacturer documentation, professional kitchen usage patterns, and real-world owner feedback. Special focus is given to pump design, sealing mechanics, long-term operating costs, and maintenance—key factors buyers consider at this price point.
Why Chamber Vacuum Technology Wins
Unlike suction sealers that pull air out of the bag, chamber vacuum sealers remove air from the entire chamber. Because pressure inside and outside the bag drops evenly, liquids stay in place instead of being sucked out.
This makes the VP215 ideal for sealing soups, marinades, stews, sauces, and wet foods—tasks that are frustrating or impossible with external vacuum sealers.
The Rotary Oil Pump Advantage (Main Difference)
The VacMaster VP215 uses a rotary oil-cooled vacuum pump, which is the primary reason professionals choose it over cheaper models like the VP210.
Oil-cooled pumps run cooler, quieter, and are designed for continuous operation. Unlike dry piston pumps, they can operate for extended sessions without overheating, making the VP215 suitable for batch sealing, hunting season prep, or commercial workloads.
An added benefit is noise reduction—the VP215 is noticeably quieter than dry-pump chamber sealers, a detail often overlooked but appreciated in home kitchens.
- Easy To Use Control Panel and Pressure Indicator - Perfect vacuum and seal with minimal...
- Quality At Home and Reliable for Your Business - With the compact design this vacuum...
- Leak-Proof - VacMaster VP215 provides a double seal for an extra layer of protection to...
- Improved Flavors by Marinating Foods & Infusing Cocktails - VP215 can vacuum package a...
- VacMaster VP215 Specifications - Overall Dimensions (WxDxH): 14” x 20” x 15” |...
Why It’s Perfect for Sous-Vide & Liquids
Because chamber sealers equalize pressure, liquid does not get pulled out of the bag during sealing. This allows you to vacuum seal soups, curries, braises, and marinades cleanly.
For sous-vide cooking, this ensures maximum contact between food and water, improving heat transfer and cooking precision.
Specifications Overview
| Specification | VacMaster VP215 |
|---|---|
| Pump Type | Rotary Oil-Cooled Pump |
| Seal Bar Length | 10 inches |
| Chamber Size | Fits up to 10 × 13 inch pouches |
| Weight | Approx. 84 lbs |
| Bag Type | Smooth chamber vacuum pouches |
- Easy To Use Control Panel and Pressure Indicator - Perfect vacuum and seal with minimal...
- Quality At Home and Reliable for Your Business - With the compact design this vacuum...
- Leak-Proof - VacMaster VP215 provides a double seal for an extra layer of protection to...
- Improved Flavors by Marinating Foods & Infusing Cocktails - VP215 can vacuum package a...
- VacMaster VP215 Specifications - Overall Dimensions (WxDxH): 14” x 20” x 15” |...
Maintenance & Longevity
Because the VP215 uses an oil pump, routine maintenance is required—but it’s straightforward. The machine ships with vacuum oil and a funnel.
VacMaster recommends changing the oil every few months or approximately every 500 sealing cycles, depending on usage. This simple maintenance step dramatically extends pump life, often allowing the machine to run reliably for many years or even decades.
For many owners, this maintenance is a worthwhile trade-off for quieter operation, better vacuum strength, and long-term durability.
VP215 vs External Vacuum Sealers
While the VP215 has a high upfront cost, it saves money over time by using chamber vacuum pouches.
Smooth chamber bags typically cost around $0.05 per bag, compared to $0.40–$0.60 per textured bag used by FoodSaver-style machines. Heavy users often recoup the price difference within a few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I seal Mason jars in the VP215?
Yes. Place the jar inside the chamber with the lid resting on top. The vacuum removes air, and when pressure returns, the lid seals tightly.
Does it require special bags?
It uses high-barrier nylon/poly chamber pouches, which are significantly cheaper than textured suction-sealer bags.
Is the VP215 too heavy for a home kitchen?
At roughly 84 lbs, it is very heavy. Most home users dedicate a permanent counter spot or use a heavy-duty rolling cart.
Final Verdict
The VacMaster VP215 is not for casual users—but for serious cooks, hunters, and small food businesses, it is one of the best long-term vacuum sealing investments available.
Its rotary oil pump, quiet operation, liquid-friendly chamber design, and low bag costs justify the high upfront price. If you want commercial reliability and flawless sealing performance, the VP215 delivers exactly what its reputation promises.
- Easy To Use Control Panel and Pressure Indicator - Perfect vacuum and seal with minimal...
- Quality At Home and Reliable for Your Business - With the compact design this vacuum...
- Leak-Proof - VacMaster VP215 provides a double seal for an extra layer of protection to...
- Improved Flavors by Marinating Foods & Infusing Cocktails - VP215 can vacuum package a...
- VacMaster VP215 Specifications - Overall Dimensions (WxDxH): 14” x 20” x 15” |...
