Vacuum Sealing Drawers
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A vacuum sealing drawer is a built-in kitchen appliance that removes air from bags or containers to extend the shelf life of food significantly. At Bing Lee we stock vacuum sealing drawers from premium brands including Fisher & Paykel, Bosch and Smeg. Our FAQs below explain how they work and who they suit best.
FAQs
1. What is a vacuum sealing drawer?
A vacuum sealing drawer is a built-in appliance that extracts air from specially designed vacuum bags or containers, sealing food in an airtight environment. By removing oxygen, the vacuum seal significantly slows the growth of bacteria and mould, which extends the freshness of food well beyond what standard refrigerator storage allows. It is built into kitchen cabinetry in the same way as a warming drawer, typically below a wall oven or in a base cabinet column.
2. What are the benefits of vacuum sealing food?
The main benefit is dramatically extended food freshness. Vacuum-sealed meat, fish, vegetables and cooked meals can last three to five times longer in the fridge or freezer compared to standard storage. This reduces food waste, allows you to buy and prepare food in bulk, and keeps ingredients at peak quality for longer. Vacuum sealing is also the essential first step for sous vide cooking, where food is cooked at a precise low temperature in a water bath inside the sealed bag.
3. How do I choose the best vacuum sealing drawer for my kitchen?
Check the dimensions against your cabinetry - most vacuum sealing drawers are 60cm wide and designed to fit in a standard kitchen column alongside a wall oven. Consider what brands are compatible with your existing kitchen appliances if you want a consistent aesthetic. Think about the bag types and sizes the drawer supports, as some models work with a wider range of vacuum bags than others. Also consider whether you plan to use it for sous vide, as some models include a marinade or gentle marinating function.
4. What types of bags does a vacuum sealing drawer use?
Most vacuum sealing drawers use specially designed vacuum bags that are compatible with the machine's seal mechanism. These bags are typically smooth on one side and textured (or ridged) on the other, with the texture allowing the air to be drawn out evenly. Some models can also seal vacuum containers rather than bags. Always use bags that are rated for the temperature of food you are storing - freezer-safe bags for frozen food, and cooking-safe bags for sous vide use.
5. Is a vacuum sealing drawer difficult to maintain?
Not particularly. The drawer surface can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. The sealing strip (which forms the airtight seal on the bag opening) should be kept clean and free of food residue - a small amount of debris on the seal strip can prevent a proper seal from forming. Some models have a removable, washable seal bar. Periodically check that the seal strip is clean and undamaged.