Vacuum Seal Bags

Commercial Vacuum Sealer Bags: What You Need to Know

Vacuum storage bags for food are designed by manufacturers for use with a corresponding vacuum seal machine. These machines remove air from the bags externally or inside a dedicated chamber, sealing food for storage or cooking. Vacuum sealing food provides a long shelf life for operators looking to hedge against potential shortages or cut down on deliveries. To ensure you always have enough on hand to keep your kitchen running smoothly, you may buy vacuum sealer bags in bulk packs containing 250 to 1,000 bags. If your operation only uses vacuum sealing on occasion, KaTom also offers packs of 25, 50, or 100 bags.

Common Questions About Vacuum Seal Bags

What type of vacuum seal bag do I need?

When purchasing vacuum seal bags, restaurant operators and other culinary professionals should consider the following:

• Purpose: While all commercial vacuum sealer bags can be used to store food, not all are rated for high levels of heat. If you plan to cook your food in-bag, check to see if the product you're buying is compatible with sous vide and look for the maximum temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
• OTR and MVTR: "Oxygen Transfer Rate" and "Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate" measure the rate at which oxygen and moisture escape from a vacuum-sealed bag. A lower OTR and MVTR correspond to a longer shelf life and a higher maximum cooking temperature.
• Bag thickness: Greater bag thickness does not necessarily mean a lower OTR or MVTR, but when comparing bags made of the same material, oxygen and moisture will escape from thicker bags more slowly. When storing product for short periods of times, users may also consider bag thickness solely based on durability.
• Size: Manufacturers provide a variety of bag sizes for use with their units. Users may choose to simultaneously seal individual filets of fish in 4-inch-wide bags or use a 12-inch-wide bag to seal a pork tenderloin or large block of cheese. Bag length also varies from 6 inches to 16 inches or longer. Depending on the machine they are using, operators may also have the option to purchase bags that can be cut to a desired length.

How long does food last in vacuum-sealed bags?

By removing air, vacuum sealing removes one of the variables that causes food to spoil. This process quadruples the shelf or freezer life of most products. Depending on OTR and MVTR, frozen meats can be stored for more than a year, and dry goods can be stored longer. Your local health department may have specific requirements for the long-term storage of food using this method.

What bags are safe for sous vide?

Not all food vacuum bags are rated for high levels of heat. If you plan to cook your food in-bag, check to see if the product you're buying is compatible with sous vide and look for the maximum temperature recommended by the manufacturer. To avoid harmful bacteria, all food prepared and cooked with this method should be stored and held according to health department guidelines.

How do I use these bags for sous vide?

Cold storage of uncooked food means keeping it at a temperature below 40 degrees, while sous vide cooking – which is often done "low and slow" – requires a water bath that's hot enough to ensure the food reaches the recommended internal temperature. Some states, like New York, classify this type of cooking as a method of "Reduced Oxygen Packaging," and the health department may require a waiver or closely documented processes for it to be approved for use in a commercial kitchen.

Can vacuum seal bags be microwaved?

Yes, sous vide bags may also be microwaveable or boilable. Before taking any action, those planning to cook with these methods should check to see what uses the manufacturer recommends.