Nutrichef Vacuum Sealer PKVS18BK vs CALOTO Vacuum Sealer AP-12X

Overall Verdict

Ranking by

Showing: 2/2 Items

Nutrichef's PKVS18BK vacuum sealer is notable for its beautiful design and, additionally, its performance in our sealing tests was excellent against the CALOTO AP-12X. As such, it stands as a pretty well-rounded option for consumers seeking a good-looking sealer with efficient performance at a reasonable price. Meanwhile, the CALOTO AP-12X, although compact and versatile, finds itself slightly overshadowed — but it should still make for a good purchase if you value compactness above all else.

Pros & Cons

Relatively affordable
Visually-appealing design
The lid and the attached locking mechanism are well-built
Simple and intuitive control panel
Bright and comprehensive indicator lights

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

The lid requires quite a lot of force to close properly.
Motor is loud.
Doesn’t come with any extra feature.

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

*You help support HealthyKitchen101's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring

5.7

4.7

Dry Food Test

4.7

4.9

The Nutrichef PKVS18BK during the first dry food test. The suction flow during the 17-second working cycle was measured at 33 kPA by our vacuum pressure gauge.

The Nutrichef PKVS18BK sealer during its second dry test, which reported a suction flow of 45 kPA at the end of a 21-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

Normal

N/A

Food Mode

Dry

Dry - 1

Suction Strength

33 kPA (1) - 45 kPA (2)

40 kPA (1) - 43 kPA (2)

Cycle Time

17s (1) - 21s (2)

23s (1) - 31s (2)

Moist Food Test

7.1

4.5

The Nutrichef PKVS18BK sealer during the first moist food test, during which it reported a vacuum strength of 30 kPA over a working cycle of 17 seconds.

The Nutrichef PKVS18BK sealer during the first moist food test, during which it reported a vacuum strength of 28 kPA over a working cycle of 15 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

30 kPA (1) - 28 kPA (2)

18 kPA (1) - 20 kPA (2)

Cycle Time

17s (1) - 15s (2)

33s(1) - 33s (2)

Design

Overall Design Scoring

7.2

6.1

In the Box

The content of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK vacuum sealer shipping box, which includes plastic bags, accessories, and documents such as warranty card and user manuals.

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

2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)

2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)

Length

14.1" (35.8 cm)

14.9" (37.8 cm)

Width

6.0" (15.2 cm)

3.2" (8.1 cm)

Height

3.0" (7.6 cm)

2.1" (5.3 cm)

Build Quality

8.0

7.0

The outer portion of the lid hinges of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK.

The underside of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK, which comes with four white anti-slip feet in four corners of the sealer.

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

8.0

5.0

The control panel of the Nutrichef PKVS18BK. All of the buttons (five in total) are touch-sensitive. The panel also has four indicator lights, plus a progress bar.

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

A locking latch on one side of the sealer. You can also see the button that releases the latch to the side.

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

0.0

Bag Cutter

Bag Holder

Bag Hooks

Removable Drip Tray

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring

8.3

7.5

Ease of Use

8.0

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

There are numerous safety stickers inside of the sealer.

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

84.5 dBA

74.8 dBA

Indicator Lights and Chime

9.0

3.0

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.