Inkbird Vacuum Sealer INK-VS01 vs CALOTO Vacuum Sealer AP-12X

Overall Verdict

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The Inkbird Vacuum Sealer INK-VS01 stands out for its excellent performance despite its compact size, making it a perfect fit for small kitchens. Its build quality, integrated cutter, affordability, and quiet operation further enhance its appeal.

On the other hand, the CALOTO Vacuum Sealer AP-12X is noted for its ultra-compact design and superior safety features, though its aesthetics and functionality fall short due to a cheap appearance, mediocre performance, dim indicator lights, and a stiff, challenging lid. The vague warranty details for the CALOTO also merit consideration for potential buyers, highlighting the importance of clarity in post-purchase support.

Pros & Cons

Excellent performance for the compact size
Small form factor takes up very little space on the countertop
Decent build quality throughout
Comes with a built-in cutter

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

Cheap-looking design

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

7.2

4.7

Dry Food Test

8.0

4.9

The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 vacuum sealer in the first dry food test with black rice grains. Our vacuum gauge recorded a peak suction of 62 kPA within a working cycle of 17 seconds.

The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 in the second dry test. Our vacuum gauge recorded a peak suction of 62 kPA within a 16-second working cycle.

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

63 kPA (1) - 62 kPA (2)

40 kPA (1) - 43 kPA (2)

Cycle Time

17s (1) - 16s (2)

23s (1) - 31s (2)

Moist Food Test

6.0

4.5

The Inkbird INK-VS01 vacuum sealer packing fresh slices of yellow mangoes in the moist food test. Peak suction recorded by our vacuum gauge is 28 kPA in a 26-second working cycle.

The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 in the second moist food test with fresh mango slices. Our vacuum gauge recorded a peak suction of 28 kPA within a working cycle of 22 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

28 kPA (1) - 28 kPA (2)

18 kPA (1) - 20 kPA (2)

Cycle Time

26s (1) - 22s (2)

33s(1) - 33s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring

8.6

6.1

In the Box

The content of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01’s shipping box.

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

Weight

2.3 lbs (1.0 kg)

2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)

Length

14.2" (36.0 cm)

14.9" (37.8 cm)

Width

3.9" (9.9 cm)

3.2" (8.1 cm)

Height

1.6" (4.0 cm)

2.1" (5.3 cm)

Build Quality

9.0

7.0

The silicone plug that covers the port for the detachable power cord at the back of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 sealer.

The underside of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 vacuum sealer. Visible are two anti-slip feet at each corner.

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

9.0

5.0

The control panel of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 has five buttons, including a blue “Stop” button on the far right side to interrupt a working cycle for any reason.

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

Touch-sensitive

Physical

Number of Buttons

Number of Modes

Lid

9.0

8.0

Saved for requiring quite a lot of force to click close, the lid of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 is sturdily built.

The inner view of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01’s lid hinges. Off to the side, you can see the locking latch for the lid that would click in place when the lid is closed and pressed down.

The outer view of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01’s lid hinges.

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

Latch lock

Extra Features

5.0

0.0

The sealer comes with a convenient bag cutter built right into the top of the lid.

There is a pair of bag hooks located within the vacuum channel of the Inkbird Plus INK-VS01.

Bag Cutter

Yes

Bag Holder

Bag Hooks

Yes

Removable Drip Tray

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring

6.6

7.5

Ease of Use

6.0

8.0

The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 requires quite a lot of force to click close, which can be a problem if you want to use the sealer one-handed.

There are two bag hooks situated at the top of the vacuum channel that’ll help you guide and align the bag into the proper position for sealing.

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

9.0

The Inkbird Plus INK-VS01 during a dry food test. Our noise level meter recorded the peak loudness of the motor in this instance, which is 83.2 dBA.

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

83.2 dBA

74.8 dBA

Indicator Lights and Chime

7.0

3.0

The indicator lights and the progress bar at the top of the control panel are decently bright and visible even under harsh studio lighting.

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.