Simpler Living Blog

FOOD PRESERVATION, INTENTIONAL LIVING, PREPAREDNESS

Beginner’s Guide to Vacuum Sealing: Save More, Waste Less

Lehman's
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Let’s face it—no one likes wasting food. Even with the best intentions—buying in bulk, planning meals, saving leftovers—sometimes food still spoils in the back of the fridge. That’s where vacuum sealing becomes a game-changer. It’s one of those quiet tools that makes a big difference in the kitchen, whether on a busy homestead or in a modern household. And by wasting less food, you'll be saving money, too!

What Can Be Vacuum Sealed?

Almost anything:

Meats and cheese
Leftovers and cut vegetables
Dry goods like flour, rice, and beans
Even delicate items like lettuce (wrapped in paper towels first) can stay fresh longer

Vacuum sealing isn’t just about saving space—it’s about extending freshness and avoiding waste. (Helpful Hint: Remember, perishable food still needs to be refrigerated or frozen.)

Tools That Make It Easy

At Lehman’s, we offer two vacuum sealing options—both tested and trusted by our staff:

Cordless Mason Jar Vacuum Sealer Quiet, compact, and perfect for pantry staples. It’s ideal for dry goods like flour, grains, and snacks. You can use it for other foods too, like freezer jams and leftovers, but make sure you store anything perishable in the refrigerator or freezer after sealing. Lightweight and easy to store—many of us keep it right on the kitchen counter.
Electric Vacuum Sealer For bigger jobs—like butchering or prepping meals in bulk—this model gets the job done quickly. It creates a tight seal, time after time. (Again, make sure you store perishable items in the refrigerator or freezer!)

Not sure which one to choose? Think about your routine. Small batches of pantry items? Go cordless. Sealing meats or bulk meals? The electric sealer might be a better fit. Many households find use for both.

Helpful Tips for Getting Started

A few lessons learned from experience:

Freeze juicy items before sealing to prevent a big mess.
Always label sealed bags—mystery meals are no fun. (Adding the date helps, too!)
Double-seal anything meant for long-term storage (when using vacuum seal bags).
If you're vacuum sealing jars, make sure jars are completely dry before sealing to avoid mold.

Simple, Practical, Effective

Vacuum sealing is one of those practical tools that fits perfectly into a lifestyle centered on preparedness and simplicity. Whether you’re preserving garden harvests, planning ahead for busy weeks, or just trying to waste less, vacuum sealing helps keep food fresher, longer. Ready to give it a try? Our vacuum sealers are built to last—and built to work. And if you’re already a vacuum sealing pro, we’d love to hear your best tips in the comments!

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