Nesco VS-12 Deluxe Vacuum Sealer vs CALOTO Vacuum Sealer AP-12X

Overall Verdict

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The Nesco VS-12's dominance in performance, design, and usability clearly outmatches the CALOTO AP-12X. It wasn’t selected as our best-to-buy vacuum sealer (for now) without a reason! With top-notch sealing capabilities and multiple innovative features, like an LED screen that you can use to monitor sealing progress, the Nesco VS-12 is a clear victor over the more basic CALOTO AP-12X.

Pros & Cons

Strong performance in both dry and moist food tests
Well-built design
Intuitive control panel with an LCD screen for progress tracking
Comes with a bag roll compartment and bag cutter

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

Doesn’t come with a chime

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

8.5

4.7

Dry Food Test

8.8

4.9

The Nesco VS-12 in the first dry test session, achieving a suction power of 78 kPA according to our vacuum gauge in a work cycle lasting 29 seconds.

The Nesco VS-12 in the second dry food test. We recorded a peak suction of 80 kPA in 27 seconds.

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

Normal

N/A

Food Mode

Dry

Dry - 1

Suction Strength

78 kPA (1) - 80 kPA (2)

40 kPA (1) - 43 kPA (2)

Cycle Time

29s (1) - 27s (2)

23s (1) - 31s (2)

Moist Food Test

8.0

4.5

The Nesco VS-12 during the first moist food test, achieving a peak suction power of 52 kPA according to our vacuum gauge in a work cycle of 38 seconds.

The Nesco VS-12 during a moist food test packaging fresh mango slices. The peak suction strength recorded was 70 kPA in 36 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

Gentle

N/A

Food Mode

Moist

Moist - 4

Suction Strength

52 kPA (1) - 70 kPA (2)

18 kPA (1) - 20 kPA (2)

Cycle Time

38s (1) - 36s (2)

33s(1) - 33s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring

9.9

6.1

In the Box

Besides the Nesco VS-12 itself, the shipping box also comes with rolls of plastic bags, instruction manual and warranty card.

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

6.0 lbs (2.7 kg)

2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)

Length

15.8" (40.1 cm)

14.9" (37.8 cm)

Width

7.8" (19.8 cm)

3.2" (8.1 cm)

Height

4.3" (10.9 cm)

2.1" (5.3 cm)

Build Quality

7.0

The housing of the Nesco VS-12 is on full display. Note the parts that are plated in metal to protect the sealer from damage.

Inside the Nesco VS-12. You can see the vacuum channel and the vacuum bag roll holder. Towards the front is the heating bar with a high-vis orange strip.

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

Compared to single sealing, which is suitable for dry food, double sealing gives the bag a stronger seam to prevent leakage.

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 lid of the Nesco VS-12 can be locked and unlocked by working the handle at the top.

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

9.0

0.0

The Nesco VS-12 comes with a roomy compartment inside where you can store a single roll of plastic bag. A flip-down cutter is built-in for you to cut out the correct bag length.

The vacuum channel's two bag hooks simplify the process of correctly aligning the plastic bag's lip, making it easier for you to use.

Bag Cutter

Yes

Bag Holder

Yes

Bag Hooks

Yes

Removable Drip Tray

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring

9.6

7.5

Ease of Use

9.5

8.0

The grommet at the back of the Nesco VS-12 allows you to wrap and manage the power cord better when you have to store the sealer.

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

The Nesco VS-12 is on the louder side. According to our noise level meter, the suction motor could get as loud as 83.4 dBA, like during this dry food test.

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

83.4 dBA

74.8 dBA

Indicator Lights and Chime

9.5

3.0

The small LED screen that indicates the sealer’s progress on the control panel.

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.