At the time in which this review is being written, the FoodSaver V4840 Vaccuum Sealer is one of FoodSaver’s newer vacuum sealers. It’s equipped with some pretty nice upgrades and features a new 2-in-1 style. Although bigger in size, the design is appealing enough so that one would not be terribly bothered by it sitting on the counter-top. However, if you have limited space, taking a look at the dimensions would be a good idea.
This FoodSaver vacuum sealer is not as compact as some of the previous models. Depending on the size of your kitchen and/or available space, size may be a determining factor when considering whether are not this unit is right for you.
When choosing a vacuum sealer or any other appliance, expecting the item being considered to at minimum be able to carry out its purpose is not unrealistic. For example, when we purchase a microwave, we expect for it to heat food. When we buy a coffee maker we expect for it to make coffee. So, when we purchase a vacuum sealer, we expect it will be able to vacuum and seal foods. Any extra features are just there for added convenience and for a more user- friendly experience. So now that I’ve made my point, I’ll go into a more in dept review of the V4840 vacuum sealer.
Many owners of the V4840 were satisfied with its performance, but an equal amount of owners were not satisfied. With regards to the design, the units bulkiness was of some concern. Many of the popular functions and features from older models are included, but there is one particular feature which makes the FoodSaver V4840 stand out when compared to other models.
More on The FoodSaver V4840 Vacuum Sealer
The FoodSaver V4840 is equipped with the basics plus a few extras, but the built-in, handheld sealer, is the one feature that stands out. Another noticeable difference is the fully automatic operations which many users had mixed feelings about. Advances in technology is not something that everyone look forward to. The learning curve involved can be tedious and time consuming. I noticed that more previous owners of older FoodSaver vacuum sealers were less in favor of the new technology. On the flip side, improvements made were appreciated more so by new users of FoodSaver vacuum sealers.
Here’s a look at some of the key features.
Highlighted Features
2 in 1 Sealing System
- Built in retractable handheld sealer. This is great for use with FoodSaver accessories and can really simplify the vacuum sealing process
Fully Automatic Operation
- Built-in sensor for bag detection. Insert Bag and the unit will start the sealing process
Marinade Mode Option
- Marinate foods quickly. No more waiting for hours for the extra flavor or tenderizing to set in when preparing meals
Other Features
Extra Wide Sealing Strip: Creates wider, more secure, air-tight seals
Built in Roll Storage and Bag Cutter: Use the integrated bag cutter to create perfect sized bags. The storage compartment is where FoodSaver rolls are housed.
Seal Only Option: Use this feature to prevent smashing or crushing of delicate food items.
Automatic Moist and Dry Food Settings: Unit automatically detects the food setting and seal accordingly
Indicator Lights: Keeps the user informed of vacuum and sealing process. Let’s user know when the drip tray is full
Removable Drip Tray: Catches liquid spills. Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
FoodSaver V4840 Vacuum Sealer Video Review
Vacuum Sealer Pros and Cons
The FoodSaver V4840 Vacuum Sealer is built with much consideration being given to today’s busy lifestyles. The integrated features, such as the built-in bag storage and bag cutter, and the handheld vacuum sealer, are great features and when used correctly, can be very convenient. Listed below are the features consumers appreciates most:
- Fast sealing process
- Easy to vacuum seal canisters, containers and jars with the attached handheld sealer
- Easy to marinade foods
- Versatility in use. It can be used for sealing non food items such as silverware, documents, jewelry, etc
- Easy to use when operated as indicated. Insert the bag slowly to get a good feel of how the sensor works. With the seal only feature, sealing delicate items such as salads, cakes etc., can be accomplished without damaging form or shape.
Unfortunately for some individuals, the 2-in-1 system was not the easiest unit to use. Many consumers were not happy with the manufacturer’s improvements and felt as if they were not necessarily needed. For those user’s, getting acquainted with the changes and adjustments were a bit frustrating and taking away the manual control option meant minimizing user control. The chief complaint was that the bag being sealed was not always sensed by the sensor, even after several attempts.
Summary
Out of 34 reviews (at the time in which this review is being written), about 1/3 of the users gave the FoodSaver V4840 5 star rating. About equal that number of users awarded this unit with a 3 star rating or less.
A vacuum sealer should be a time and money saving tool. It should be capable of handling at least the basic food sealing jobs without multiple attempts being needed in order to accomplish the task. Unfortunately, with the FoodSaver V4840, on many occasions for some users, even the simplest of sealing jobs became much harder then what was expected. This wasn’t the ruling of the majority, but there was enough users in agreement to not ignore their concerns.
Consumer Ratings
3.7 out of 5 Stars (at the time this article is being written)
Included Accessories
FoodSaver 11×10-ft bag roll, 3 quart size bags, 2 gallon size bags, 3 quart zipper bags, 2 gallon size zipper bags, user manual, recipe book
Dimensions
Approximately 10 lbs; 11X20X12
