Brine & Bag
FoodSaver FM2100 Vacuum Sealer Machine
FoodSaver · mid-range

FoodSaver FM2100 Vacuum Sealer Machine

81/ 100B+4.5★ (9,181 reviews)

$148.63

The safe default: FoodSaver's automatic bag detection seals reliably run after run, and the huge owner base plus universal bag support make it the one that just works.

Pros

  • Automatic bag detection means one-touch, consistent seals
  • Powerful suction holds a strong, airtight double seal
  • Works with any FoodSaver roll and the jar and canister accessories
  • Ships with a handheld sealer, starter bags and a roll

Cons

  • Costs more than the value machines for similar day-to-day results
  • Needs a short cool-down between back-to-back seals

The exact product

This is the FoodSaver FM2100, an external suction sealer that automatically detects a bag and pulls the air before welding a double seal. It runs dry and moist modes, includes a handheld sealer for zipper bags and canisters, and has an accessory port for FoodSaver jar and canister attachments. It has no built-in cutter, and it works with any FoodSaver embossed roll or bag. It ships with the handheld sealer, starter bags and a roll.

Best for

  • Buyers who want the established brand with the widest accessory and bag ecosystem
  • Freezer bulk sealing where one-touch automatic bag detection saves fumbling
  • Anyone who also wants to seal jars and canisters through the accessory port
  • People who want a handheld sealer for reusable zipper bags included in the box

Not for

  • Sealing liquids directly, which no external suction sealer does well
  • Anyone who wants a built-in cutter and roll storage, which the value machines include
  • Heavy daily or commercial volume, where a chamber sealer lasts longer
  • Shoppers on a tight budget, since a value machine gives similar daily results for less

What we can and can't verify

We separate what the maker claims from what independent sources confirm, what owners report, and where we are drawing an inference. We do not bench-test products.

The manufacturer states

  • Automatic bag detection for one-touch seals
  • Dry and moist modes plus an included handheld sealer
  • Accessory port for jar and canister attachments
  • Ships with a handheld sealer, starter bags and a roll

Independently verifiable

  • It is an external suction sealer, not a chamber sealer
  • It works with any FoodSaver embossed roll and the full FoodSaver accessory range
  • There is no built-in cutter, unlike some cheaper machines

Owners consistently report

  • A very large owner base praises overall quality and consistency across roughly 9,000 aggregated reviews
  • A minority report weaker suction or seal inconsistency over time, and some durability concerns

Our reading of the evidence

  • This is the safe default: the brand, the accessory ecosystem and universal bag support make it the one that just works
  • You pay a brand premium over a value machine such as the Bonsenkitchen for similar day-to-day results

What it costs to own

The machine is a one-time cost; bags are the recurring one. FoodSaver-branded embossed rolls run roughly 15 to 30 cents per foot, but any brand of embossed roll fits, so you can cut running cost by buying generic. The jar sealer and canister accessories are one-time add-ons, and the included handheld works with reusable zipper bags. Beyond emptying the drip tray and keeping the gaskets clean, there is no routine maintenance.

How it fails, and what to watch

  • The foam gaskets compress with heavy use and the vacuum weakens; they are replaceable
  • Liquid or grease drawn to the seal line produces a weak seal, so blot or pre-freeze wet foods
  • Back-to-back seals can overheat the unit; it needs a short cool-down between seals
  • A full or dirty drip tray fouls seals and should be emptied regularly

Limits of this review

We do not bench-test suction or seal longevity. This is a synthesis of the manufacturer's stated specifications and aggregated owner feedback, not a lab result. Included accessories, bag bundles and price change over time, so check the current listing.

Common questions

Do I have to use FoodSaver-brand bags?

No. Any embossed vacuum roll or bag fits; the FoodSaver-branded rolls simply cost more. Embossed (textured) bags are required, not smooth ones.

Can it seal mason jars?

Yes, through the accessory port with a FoodSaver jar-sealer attachment, or with the included handheld and a compatible canister. The jar attachment is sold separately.

FM2100 or a cheaper value machine?

Daily results are similar. The FM2100 buys you the brand, the accessory ecosystem and automatic bag detection. If you want a built-in cutter, roll storage and a lower price, the Bonsenkitchen is the value pick.

Can it handle soup or marinades?

Not directly. Freeze liquids solid first, or use the moist mode with extra headroom, because drawn-up liquid ruins the seal.

Score breakdown

Seal Reliability
92
Ease & Speed
92
Versatility
83
Owner Satisfaction
69
Value
77

What owners say

sentiment 64/100 · 1,638 owner mentions

Buyers praise quality. Mixed feedback on value for money. Some flag sealing performance and durability.

Praised forquality
Mixed onvalue for money
Some flagsealing performancedurabilitysuction

Specifications

ModesDry, moist, plus handheld
Seal TypeAutomatic bag detection
Accessory PortYes (jar and canister)
Bag CompatibilityAll FoodSaver rolls and bags
CutterNo built-in cutter
IncludedHandheld sealer, starter bags, roll

Alternatives

Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer Machine
84/ 100A−$79.99
Bonsenkitchen Vacuum Sealer Machine

The value sweet spot: five modes, a built-in cutter and bag storage at half the price of the name brand, with powerful suction and fast continuous sealing for bulk sessions.

FoodSaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine
83/ 100A−$169.99
FoodSaver V4400 2-in-1 Vacuum Sealer Machine

The premium all-in-one: automatic bag detection, a built-in retractable handheld sealer for zipper bags and canisters, and built-in roll storage with a cutter. The most capable external sealer here, if you will use the extras.

Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer
82/ 100A−$79.00
Chef Preserve Compact Vacuum Sealer

The compact crowd-pleaser: a small, powerful sealer that ships with a handheld attachment and 30 reusable bags, one of the best-reviewed sealers on the market and an easy, low-footprint pick for a home kitchen.

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