The Foodsaver 5860 vs 4880 product comparison features two very good vacuum sealers. But which one is better? Which one should you buy?
I’ve researched these two products top to bottom to help you discover which of these food savers you should spend your hard-earned money on.
FoodSaver 5860 – Click here to see today’s price
FoodSaver 4880 – Click here to see today’s price
Below you will find all of the information that you need to make the best decision.
Other Vacuum Sealer Comparisons:
FoodSaver 5860 vs 4880: Which One Should You Choose?
Automatic Bag Detection & Wet/Dry Detection
Both sealers in the FoodSaver 5860 vs 4880 come with automatic wet/dry detection. This is a very convenient feature that both machines have. There are sensors that determine when there is a bag in place or not. Once the bag is in place the sensors can also determine if the food is wet or dry. This is important because dry food can be crushed if too much air is removed.
Rapid Marinate
Both vacuum sealers come with a rapid marinate function. So you forgot to marinate that chicken breast or maybe you want to marinate a steak before you put in the grill. No problem, the rapid marinate setting can save you hours. Your foods can be marinated in minutes. This setting can give you the freedom to marinate without planning hours in advance. This would work really well for you if you have impromptu barbecues.
Ease of Use
Whether it’s a juicer, food processor or whatever. If something is hard to use, it won’t get used very often. Both vacuum sealers in the Foodsaver 5860 vs 4880 comparison are very easy to use. The features (detailed above) like automatic bag detection make the process simple. Also, cleanup is a breeze with the drip tray drawer and patented drip tray.
Size and Appearance
The dimensions for the Foodsaver 5860 are 8″ H x 6.25″ W x 19″ L and the 4880 measures 22” L x 10.5” W x 9.5” H. Though they aren’t too far apart in size, the newer 5860 will take up slightly less space on your countertop.
I’m a critic of the appearance of vacuum sealers. Sure they are stainless steel, but they are also boxy and kind of stick out like a sore thumb. And apparently I’m not the only one whom views them like this. I’ve come across several customers that had the same gripe. However, the 5860 has gotten some praise for its look and design.
FoodSaver 5860 – Click here to check out customer reviews and ratings
FoodSaver 4880 – Click here to check out customer reviews and ratings
Roll Dispenser
Only one vacuum sealer in the Foodsaver 5860 vs 4880 has the roll dispenser and rewind; the Foodsaver 5860. It seems pretty straight forward. You press a button and the roll dispenses until you reach the desired length. Once that length is reached, you simply release the button. The bag is stored inside the machine and you simply hit a button to start releasing the roll. When the roll is running out, you are alerted with a light. Based on customer feedback, it seems as though this is a highly appreciated feature.
Built-in Handheld Sealer & Accessories
Both vacuum sealers in this comparison come with handheld sealers. This allows you to use the vacuum sealer with all FreshSaver zipper bags and containers as well as FoodSaver canisters and marinators. This attachment is retractable and is easily removed and put back into its holder.
Both come with a variety of different bags and accessories, so it’s hard to say which model has an advantage in this department. It would depend on your personal needs and preferences. For example, the FoodSaver 4880 comes with a wine stopper, while the 5860 comes with a marinating container. You can see a complete list of the bags and accessories by scrolling down to the comparison chart.
Warranty
Both come with a five year limited warranty.
Comparison Chart
 FoodSaver 5860 Vacuum Sealer |  FoodSaver 4880 Vacuum Sealer |
|
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions: | 8" H x 6.25" W x 19" L | 22” L x 10.5” W x 9.5” H |
| Color: | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Accessories: | 1 - 11"x10' Heat- Seal Roll, 1 - 8"x10' Heat-Seal Roll, 3 - Quart-Size Heat-Seal Bags, 2 - Gallon-Size Heat-Seal Bags, 3 - Quart-Size Vacuum Zipper Bags, 2 - Gallon-Size Vacuum Zipper Bags, 1 - 2.25 Wt. Square Marinator | 1 - 11 inch x 10 feet heat seal roll, 5 - quart sized FoodSaver heat seal bags, 5 - quart sized FreshSaver Zipper Bags, 1 - wine stopper, 1 - lunch & leftover container |
| Automatic Wet/Dry Detection: | Yes | Yes |
| Handheld Sealer: | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Roll Dispenser: | Yes | No |
| Built-in Roll Storage: | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty: | 5-years | 5-years |
| Price: | click here to see price | click here to see price |
Customer Reviews…
FoodSaver 5860
The 5860 gets high marks for being quick and easy to us, just what we want in a vacuum sealer. The automatic operation also receives praise as well. The bag roll dispenser is appreciated as well. Some report using it several times a week with no problems at all. Though there are a few reports of the machine not recognizing the bags. Others complain that the bag compartment doesn’t fit the large 50-foot bag rolls.
FoodSaver 4880
The 4880 gets high-marks for its usability. Some have reported that they have already began to realize the food cost savings that vacuum sealers are so highly recommended for.
But it isn’t without flaws, there are some customers that complain about the unit not recognizing the bags. Others complained that the unit wasted too much bag material. Still, many customers are happy with the performance of this machine.
Summary & Recommendation
Both vacuum sealers in the FoodSaver 5860 vs 4880 comparison are great choices. They both have automated convenient features and stainless exterior. But the 5860 with its roll storage, dispensing and rewinding, is the superior choice.
If I were choosing between these two, I’d go with the FoodSaver 5860. I think that the added benefit of the automatic roll dispenser and marinating container make it a better choice.
FoodSaver 5860 – Click here to check price
FoodSaver 4880 – Click here to check price
Leave a Reply