Vacuum sealers have become indispensable tools for home cooks, hunters, gardeners, and commercial kitchens alike. By removing air and sealing food in airtight packaging, they dramatically extend shelf life and prevent waste. However, like many kitchen appliances, most vacuum sealers on the market are made overseas, predominantly in China. For those who prefer to buy American-made products that support domestic jobs and quality manufacturing, the options are limited but meaningful. In this article, we spotlight two companies that still manufacture vacuum sealers in the USA and provide guidance on how to verify actual American-made status.
Complete List of Vacuum Sealer Brands Made in the USA
Based in San Diego, California, AmeriVacs specializes in industrial-grade vacuum sealers designed for commercial and laboratory use. Their AVN series vacuum sealers are manufactured in the USA and used in food packaging, electronics, medical device handling, and aerospace applications. AmeriVacs machines are bench-top sealers that rely on compressed air and high-precision heat sealing, with options for vacuum and gas purge cycles. These units are built for reliability and durability under rigorous use. While some components, such as electronics, may be sourced globally, AmeriVacs assembles and tests each machine in California, ensuring strict quality control and U.S.-based engineering.
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, UltraSource manufactures a range of food processing equipment, including its UltraVac line of vacuum chamber sealers. These machines are widely used in butcher shops, meat processing plants, and commercial kitchens. The UltraVac series is built in the USA and known for its heavy-duty stainless steel construction, programmable controls, and consistent sealing power. UltraSource handles both design and manufacturing domestically, although, like most electronic appliances, some internal parts may be imported. Their commitment to American production and service has made them a trusted supplier in the meat processing industry.
How to Find Vacuum Sealers Made in the USA
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a product marketed as “Made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. That means all significant components, manufacturing, and assembly must occur domestically. If a product is only assembled in the U.S. using imported parts, or if key materials are sourced overseas, it does not meet the full FTC definition.
Unfortunately, enforcement is limited, and many products feature misleading claims like “Assembled in the USA” or “Made in the USA with Imported Materials.” These labels often disguise the extent of offshore production. For a deeper understanding of what these claims really mean, check out our guide on spotting made in the USA goods.
Materials
Vacuum sealers rely on a variety of materials for structural integrity, functionality, and durability. Knowing where these materials come from can help you assess how “American-made” a product really is.
Stainless Steel
Many commercial vacuum sealers feature stainless steel housings for strength and hygiene. The U.S. has a strong domestic stainless steel industry, with major production centers in states like Indiana and Ohio. U.S.-sourced steel is generally more tightly regulated than imported varieties, especially from China or India. Brands like UltraSource prioritize domestic manufacturing and often source stainless steel from U.S. mills, though verification is always recommended.
Electronics and Circuit Boards
Nearly all vacuum sealers require internal circuitry for controlling vacuum pressure, timing, and heat sealing. These electronic components (circuit boards, sensors, wiring, etc.) are difficult to source entirely from U.S. suppliers. A significant portion of the global supply of semiconductors and control boards originates from China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Germany. While companies like AmeriVacs and UltraSource handle assembly and quality control in the U.S., they may rely on imported electronics out of necessity.
Pneumatic and Mechanical Components
Industrial-grade sealers, such as those from AmeriVacs, utilize pneumatic cylinders, valves, and air systems to achieve strong, uniform seals. These components can be sourced domestically or internationally. U.S. manufacturers, such as Parker Hannifin and SMC USA, produce many pneumatic parts domestically; however, they may also incorporate imported components to meet cost and availability demands.
Labeling
Under U.S. law (Title 19, Chapter 4, Section 1304), imported products must be clearly marked with their country of origin. However, this regulation does not apply to U.S.-made products unless they are making an origin claim. The FTC regulates such claims and requires that “Made in the USA” statements be truthful and substantiated.
Beware of vague or misleading phrases such as:
- “Assembled in the USA”
- “Made in the USA with Global Components”
- “Engineered in the USA”
These statements typically mean that a significant portion of the manufacturing takes place overseas. For more reliable information, look for detailed disclosures on the company’s website or contact the manufacturer directly. Companies that are transparent about their sourcing and production are often proud to provide specifics.
Final Tips
If you’re shopping for a vacuum sealer and want to support American manufacturing, be prepared to look beyond big-box consumer brands. Most home-use vacuum sealers are imported, but high-quality commercial units from AmeriVacs and UltraSource offer true Made in USA construction and long-term reliability. Though they come at a higher price point, these machines are built to last and backed by domestic customer service and parts support.
Always research each brand’s manufacturing claims, read the fine print, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the company for clarification.
Vacuum Sealers Not Made in the USA
Below are a few companies we discovered in our research that aren’t made in the USA.
- FoodSaver: Manufactures its vacuum sealers in China.
- Nesco: Produces vacuum sealers in China.
- Anova Culinary: Also manufactures vacuum sealers in China.
- MEAT!: Its vacuum sealers are made in China.
- Avid Armor: Manufactures vacuum sealers in China.
- Weston: Produces vacuum sealers in China.
- Mueller Austria: Made in China.
- VacMaster: Also made in China.
- Ambiano (ALDI brand): Produced in China.
- Zwilling: Produces vacuum sealers in China.
