Vacmaster vp215 vs Polyscience 300

I've been researching these two chamber vacuum sealers, and I feel I've got a fairly good handle on the pros/cons.

VP215 has a rotary oil pump that will last longer, but requires maintenance, and it weighs 40 pounds more.

Polyscience 300 has a dry piston pump that won't seal quite as well, and won't stand up to the same amount of use as the rotary oil pump, but it weighs 40 pounds less and has an accessory port. It can also seal a 12'' bag as opposed to a 10'' bag. Also more versatile controls.

My question, if someone is farther down this rabbit hole than I am, is mostly if the polyscience will stand up to the use of a 4 person household for just about ever. I'm not sure if the benefits of the rotary oil pump will factor in for using it 3-4x a week for a family of four. I like to buy things that I can reasonably expect to last a very long time, and I want to make sure I do that with this purchase. Aside from the pump difference, I like everything about the Polyscience better, and am leaning toward that unit. Thoughts?

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Comments

tshewman

I have the VP112 and a couple of things I like about it that is relevant. The wider/larger capacity and the accessory port. The accessory port is something I've only used 15-20 times, but do like it. The wider capacity on the other hand is something that I think is a deal breaker for me. The 215 has fantastic reviews and is exceptional. But I do like my wider capacity. And I use the crap out of it (5 years or so now and will likely need to to get another later this year.

fisher23

I have a VP 215 and love it. I use it everyday for something, leftovers to sealing silverware so it won't tarnish. The VP 215 supposedly has a slightly greater vacuum, but the tradeoff is you have to change the oil (It's easy and only takes a few minutes). I would say between the two you mentioned it would come down to cost for me. The VP 112 or even the VP 120 is worth a good look as it does have a wider capability, although I haven't had an issue with that, "YET"! Last year the manufacturer Ary had a great sale (30% OFF) in late spring www.vacmasterfresh.com but normally http://www.webstaurantstore.com/ has the best prices, both have free shipping. I haven't used the PolySci so I really don't have an opinion one way or the other.

Jack_Mayer_85396

I'll echo @John_Fischer_216229's comments. I have the VP 215 as well and it is HEAVY. But it has performed flawlessly for me for several years. As John said, the width as not been as issue for me yet.

Tim_Sutherland_52834

Put your vacuum sealer on a cart like this (my rack was about half this price) and weight doesn't matter. You store all the bags and other stuff underneath.

Go for the bigger seal bar. 12" is the smallest I would go. 12"x18" bags are good for small roasts, three flattened chicken legs etc. You can also seal two 6"x8" bags at once.

pd3ski_278514

Tim... how come you're using a sheet pan under? Is it to slide it off the cart easily?

Tim_Sutherland_52834

It helps to move it around, and when I change the oil I use the pan to catch any drips.

pd3ski_278514

Gotcha .. thanx for reply!

Chris_Kolbu_16712

I have the VP215 and love it. Just changed the oil on it and it pulls a very hard vacuum in less than 30 seconds. It's a bit heavy but subjectively not impossible to handle. It's a very solid piece of kit.

Mason_72237

I ended up ordering a VP215. I wish it had a 12'' bar, but at the end of the day I decided that the durability and capacity of the oil pump was more of a priority than the benefits of a larger bag size and an accessory port. Here's hoping I chose well.