Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro vs CALOTO Vacuum Sealer AP-12X

Overall Verdict

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The Anova Precision Vacuum Sealer Pro, with its premium positioning, shines as a top-of-the-line option. In our tests, it displayed exceptional performance and shot to the top of our best-to-buy list. Against this backdrop, the CALOTO AP-12X, while affordable and decently competent at the job, delivers a performance that is only considered as mediocre when directly compared to the high standards set by the Anova Pro.

Pros & Cons

Powerful performance in the dry test
Suction is strong in the moist test, but gentle enough not to crush the mango slices
Rated for liquid
Sleek, elegant design
Comes with extra features (bag compartment and cutter)

Relatively affordable
Quiet operation (76.1 dBA)
Very compact form factor (3.2 inches in width)
Excellent safety features

Relatively dim indicator lights
Doesn’t come with a chime
Doesn’t have bag hooks

Very mediocre performance
Dim and hard-to-view indicator lights
The lid is stiff and difficult to lock with one hand
Warranty details are very vague

Where to Buy

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring

7.8

4.7

Dry Food Test

8.9

4.9

The Anova Precision Pro performing the first dry test with black rice grains. It achieved a peak suction of 67 kPA in 14 seconds.

The Anova Precision Pro performing the second dry test. Peak suction was still at 67 kPA according to our vacuum gauge and the sealer finished its working cycle in precisely 14 seconds like before.

The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer during its first dry food test session where we used it to vacuum-pack dry rice grains. It achieved a peak suction of 40 kPA during a 23-second working cycle.

The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer reached a higher peak suction in the second test, with our vacuum gauge recording a 43 kPA peak during a 21-second working cycle.

Suction Mode

N/A

Food Mode

Dry

Dry - 1

Suction Strength

67 kPA (1) - 67 kPA (2)

40 kPA (1) - 43 kPA (2)

Cycle Time

14s (1) - 14s (2)

23s (1) - 31s (2)

Moist Food Test

6.1

4.5

The Anova Precision Pro as it’s performing the first moist food test. It achieved a peak suction of 45 kPA in a working cycle lasting 41 seconds.

The Anova Precision Pro as it is performing the second moist food test. It achieved a peak 43 kPA suction power in a working cycle lasting 39 seconds.

The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer during the first moist food test session where we used it to vacuum-pack fresh mango slices. It hit a peak suction of 18 kPA during a 33-second working cycle.

The CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer is seen here vacuum-packing fresh mango slices for the second moist food test. It hit a peak suction of 20 kPA during a 33-second working cycle.

Suction Mode

N/A

Food Mode

Moist

Moist - 4

Suction Strength

45 kPA (1) - 43 kPA (2)

18 kPA (1) - 20 kPA (2)

Cycle Time

41s (1) - 39s (2)

33s(1) - 33s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring

9.8

6.1

In the Box

The content of the Anova Precision Pro’s shipping box, which includes a roll of plastic bag, an accessory air hose, and a simple user manual.

The content of the CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer’s shipping box. It includes a detachable power cord, air hose and adapter, sheets of pre-cut plastic bags, and an instruction manual.

Dimensions

The Anova Precision Pro, being a full-size vacuum sealer, may take up quite a lot of countertop space with a length of 15.5 inches, a width of 7.1 inches, and a height of 4.3 inches.

Weight

5.0 lbs (2.3 kg)

2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)

Length

15.5" (39.4 cm)

14.9" (37.8 cm)

Width

7.1" (18.0 cm)

3.2" (8.1 cm)

Height

4.3" (10.9 cm)

2.1" (5.3 cm)

Build Quality

7.0

The interior of the Anova Precision Pro is all-black, except for the high-vis orange sticker that marks where the heating bar is.

All of the components in the interior of the sealer are very well-built.

The underside of the Anova Precision Pro. It has non-slip feet in all four corners, as well as a small compartment near the back to tuck the power cord inside for easier storage.

The build quality of the CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer is fairly decent, though its lightness and full-plastic detailing can make it seem slightly cheap.

The CALOTO AP-12X sealer comes with a removable power cord for easier storage.

Anti-slip feet at the bottom of the CALOTO AP-12X vacuum sealer.

In the back, you’ll find the port for the modular power cord.

Control Panel

5.0

The indicator lights of the Anova Precision Pro can be a little bit dim if you place the sealer under harsh light sources or direct sunlight through a window.

The control panel of the Anova Precision Pro, with function buttons arranged neatly in a row in three distinct groupings.

The control panel has four buttons with embossed labels. They’re somewhat hard to read because the embossings blend quite well into the black rubber buttons.

Button Type

Physical

Number of Buttons

Number of Modes

Lid

8.0

The handle lock of the Anova Precision Pro in the “Open” position. When raised, you can open and close the lid as normal.

The handle lock of the Anova Precision Pro in the “Locked” position. The lid is solidly anchored to the housing and can no longer be opened.

The locks on either side of the Anova Precision Pro’s lid. These can be operated by lifting or pressing down on the handle above.

The hinges of the CALOTO AP-12X are quite sturdy and don’t creak when we lift or lower the lid.

To unlock the lid after it's locked, simply press the buttons on both sides of the sealer, and this will release the latches.

Lid Lock

Handle lock

Latch lock

Extra Features

8.0

0.0

Inside the Anova Precision Pro is a large compartment that you can use to store a roll of plastic bag. There is a flip-down cutter for you to cut out any length of bag that you want.

Bag Cutter

Yes

Bag Holder

Yes

Bag Hooks

Removable Drip Tray

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring

8.6

7.5

Ease of Use

9.0

8.0

The lid and the handle lock are easy to operate with just one hand.

The Anova Precision Pro has a handle lock, which greatly simplifies the operation of the sealer and enables one-handed lid locking and release.

You need to press down on the lid with two hands for the lid to click close properly. One-handed operation is very difficult.

Safety & Noise

8.0

Anova has thoughtfully included a bright, high-vis orange sticker across the heating bar as a safety precaution.

During a dry food test session, our noise level meter recorded the peak loudness of the motor to be around 74.8 dBA.

Maximum Noise Level

83 dBA

74.8 dBA

Indicator Lights and Chime

7.0

3.0

The indicator lights are built into the individual button. The Dry vacuuming mode is on at the moment.

The indicator lights for the CALOTO AP-12X are small and aren’t bright. It’s very hard to monitor the sealer’s progress, especially under harsh lighting conditions.

Number of Indicators

Progress Bar

Yes

Chime

Behind the Comparison

Matthew LeeReviewer

Matthew Lee is a writer and editor for HealthyKitchen101. With over 8 years working for various outlets and agencies, specializing in tech review and other subjects of note, such as current affairs.

Lap VoTest Lead

Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.

Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.