Vacuum sealers like these, FoodSaver v3880 vs. 4880, are handy kitchen appliances. Perhaps, they are the most useful kitchen appliances that you can ever buy. Seriously, you’d be hard-pressed to find a small kitchen appliance with as much usefulness as a vacuum sealer.
Sometimes companies go overboard in their claims about their products, but as it relates to vacuum sealers, particularly the FoodSaver brand, they are realistic. You can save money by using a FoodSaver and thus avoiding food spoilage.
But which one of these vacuum sealers is right for you? Which model has the most valuable features that are worthwhile?
Below you will find all of the answers that you’re looking for.
Click here to see the price for FoodSaver v3880
Click here to see the price for FoodSaver 4880
Table of Contents
FOODSAVER V3880 VS 4880: WHICH VACUUM SEALER IS BEST FOR YOU?
Other Vacuum Sealers to Consider:
Appearance and Size
You might notice that the orientation of these machines is a little different from the ones you’re used to seeing. These models are a bit bulkier and taller in than other models. And there’s a good reason for that – these models have built-in bag storage and a cutter. Those handy features require additional space.
The 4880, however, is even bulkier than the 3880 – you can take a look at the pictures to see that the additional depth of the 4880.
These machines share the same stainless steel exterior that adds a classy touch, making these machines much more durable than if they were made out of plastic parts. Both look good, but they are designed very differently. The 3880 is taller and has a design that tapers from a boxy base to a kind of half-moon at the top.
The 4480 is not as tall, but it is much boxier in shape. This unit will take up a nice footprint on your countertop, so be sure to account for this when deciding. We have a unit similar to the 4880, and our kitchen is pretty small, but we make space for it because it is essential.
Performance
Both the 3880 and the 4880 have what is referred to as a hands-free operation. This means that all you have to do is prepare a bag, and insert the open end into the machine. The vacuum sealer will automatically start the vacuum sealing process.
You won’t have to worry about clamping the bag into place as you would with older models (some users complained about this on older models). But there are manual controls for you to customize the process as you desire completely. For example, you can press the seal button on either of these machines to stop the vacuum process and seal your food.
You will enjoy all of the same benefits that come with vacuum sealers, regardless of which model you choose. In addition, you will be able to use either one to marinate in “minutes instead of hours.”
I believe that these machines will perform well, but there are some things that you should be aware of.
FoodSaver V3880 – Get more details
FoodSaver V4880 – Get more details
Consecutive Sealing
For one, this will only apply to you if you need to vacuum seal a ton of food in one batch. If you buy a lot of foods in bulk, and I do mean a lot. Then you might run into the issue of the machine overheating and needing to cool off – usually, the machine only needs a 5-minute break.
If this is the case, you might want to go with a model like the GameSaver, which can do up to 80 consecutive seals before needing a break. Although most don’t seem to have this issue as often, the breaks in between sealing are sufficient to allow for a proper cool down.
Wet Foods
Both of these machines have a setting to choose wet or dry food – they also automatically detect wet or dry foods. But there is an issue that some have run into – sealing wet foods. Now I’m not talking about fresh meats, fish, and poultry. I’m talking about really wet foods, like soups, stews, and foods with a lot of sauce.
If the dish that you attempt to vacuum seal has lots of liquids, you will most like not to seal it correctly – the excess moisture will interfere with the seal. But there is a way around this. You will need to freeze the food first, then vacuum seal. I know that this may sound like a lot of extra work, but it is worth it, and it’s not that big of a deal once you get used to doing it.
Accessories
These units come with their share of accessories and bags to get you started (both models have an attached accessory hose that automatically retracts).
With the 3880, you get the following:
1 – 11″ x 18′ FoodSaver Roll
12 – Quart Size FoodSaver Bag
With the 4880, you get much more:
1 – 11 inch x 10 feet heat seal roll
5 – quart-sized FoodSaver heat seal bags
5 – quart-sized FreshSaver Zipper Bags
Wine stopper
Lunch & leftover container
FoodSaver V3880 vs 4880 Summary
Both of the models in this comparison, FoodSaver v3880 vs. 4880, are excellent choices. But one reigns supreme, and that, my friend, is the 4880.
After doing the research, I think that it is more durable. And as it is the newer model of the two, I believe that it will probably perform better (companies usually improve the design with newer models even if they don’t always advertise the changes), if only slightly. With the 4880, you also get a complete starter kit that even includes a wine stopper.
FoodSaver V3880 – Click here to see the price
FoodSaver V4880 – Click here to see the price
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