Vacuum Sealer Accessories

Best Vacuum Sealer Accessories in the UK: Bags, Trays, and Tips to Save More

Why the right vacuum sealer accessories matter

If you’ve ever opened a freezer only to find frost-bitten leftovers and mystery meat, you know the pain of poor storage. Vacuum sealers change the game, and the right accessories—bags, rolls, containers, drip trays—make that game last longer and work better. Accessories aren’t just add-ons; they’re the difference between food that tastes like it was frozen yesterday and food that tastes like it’s been trapped in a glacier for years. Think of accessories as the supporting cast: the star is your vacuum sealer, but the supporting cast keeps the show running.

Top brands and retailers in the UK to check out

When shopping for vacuum sealer accessories in the UK, you’ll find a mix of specialist shops and general retailers that stock everything from branded bags to universal rolls. Nordic Nest is a go-to for premium items and kitchen kit, often stocking Zwilling accessories like drip trays and vacuum bags. Coffee Friend specialises in vacuum solutions and carries Electrolux-branded bag sets and compatible items. Then there are household names—Lakeland, John Lewis, Argos, and Amazon UK—where you can compare packs, prices, and delivery options. Robert Dyas also appears regionally for practical, everyday accessories.

Nordic Nest and Zwilling: premium fit and finish

Nordic Nest often lists Zwilling items aimed at cooks who want reliability and sleek design. Zwilling vacuum bags and drip trays tend to be made to tight tolerances, which means fewer seal failures and longer food life. For example, Zwilling vacuum bags commonly come in small, medium, and large sizes that fit compact sealers as well as larger models. A Zwilling drip tray for vacuum containers is an intelligent accessory if you store cheeses or marinated meats—no leaking mess in the fridge. These accessories favor longevity over the bargain-bin price, so expect to pay a little more for that tidy fit.

Coffee Friend and Electrolux: practical packs for everyday use

Coffee Friend stocks practical replacement bags and sets compatible with popular Electrolux sealer models. The Electrolux Evrb1 vacuum bag set, sold in packs like 20 pieces, is a common choice: it offers enough quantity to get through a month of meal prep without resupply. Electrolux-branded bags are made to match the company’s sealing profile, so you’ll save time troubleshooting. If you use an Electrolux external sealer, these packs reduce guesswork. Coffee Friend also lists handy starter kits for people who want to test vacuum-sealing without committing to rolls or containers.

Types of vacuum sealer bags and when to use them

Not all vacuum bags are created equal. You’ll encounter textured bags, smooth bags, chamber-compatible bags, and specialty ones for liquids or marinades. Textured or embossed rolls are ideal with most external sealers because the channeling helps air escape, giving a stronger seal. Smooth bags are often used with chamber sealers. Sizes usually follow a handy pattern: small (about 8 x 10 inches), medium (roughly 11 x 16 inches), and large (around 11 x 24 inches or bigger). Choosing the right type and size prevents wasted cuts and avoids resealing headaches later.

Rolls vs. pre-cut bags

Rolls are the flexible option: you cut the length you need and seal one end, so you only use what you need. They’re excellent for irregular items like a roast or a long strip of fruit. Pre-cut bags are convenient if you’re going for speed and consistency—think meal-prep sessions where every portion is the same size. Rolls can be more economical long-term, while pre-cut bags reduce time and errors for beginners.

Specialty bags: liquid-friendly and sous vide

If you cook sous vide or freeze liquids, look for bags labelled liquid-friendly or vacuum sealer bags with a marinating mode. Some bags include a one-way valve or thicker walls to handle hot liquids and long immersions. For sous vide, a good bag will withstand higher temperatures for long periods without leaching. When in doubt, choose bags rated for higher heat resistance and check the product specs for temperature tolerance in fahrenheit.

Vacuum sealer containers, drip trays, and other accessories

Rigid vacuum containers are a superb complement to bags when you’re storing fragile foods—think berries, pastries, or leafy greens. Containers let you protect the shape of delicate items while still removing air, and they’re reusable for months, cutting down on single-use plastic. Drip trays, like those paired with Zwilling vacuum containers, catch spills and make cleanup simple. There are also adaptors for bottle sealing, replacement gaskets, cutter blades for rolls, and replacement seals for your machine—small parts that keep your sealer running smoothly.

Why a drip tray is worth it

Drip trays seem minor until that marinade tries to escape during sealing. A drip tray prevents liquids from entering the pump or motor of some external sealers, protecting the machine and saving on repairs. If you frequently seal marinated foods or items that leak, a tray lengthens the life of both your accessories and the sealer.

How to choose the right accessories for your kitchen

Ask yourself three simple questions: what are you sealing, how often, and how long do you want it to last? If you freeze a lot of meat in bulk, buy thicker large bags or rolls and a few sturdy containers for ready meals. For occasional use—think snacks and small portions—pre-cut small bags and a drip tray could suffice. Compatibility matters too: branded bags from Electrolux or Zwilling often fit their own machines better, but universal textured rolls are a safe bet for most external vacuums.

Where to buy in the UK: shopping tips

Compare stores before you buy. Nordic Nest and Coffee Friend are great for branded or specialist items, while Lakeland and John Lewis frequently offer mid-range options and in-store guidance. Argos and Amazon UK cover the budget and fast-delivery markets, often including multipacks or deals on rolls. In practice, I check one specialist site for the exact branded part I need—like a replacement Zwilling drip tray—then compare prices with general retailers for better deals on bulk rolls. Buying a starter kit can also be good value if you’re new to vacuum sealing.

Maintenance, storage, and extending accessory life

Want to stretch your investment? Store unused bags and rolls in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Wipe down gaskets and sealing bars after each use—food residue shortens seal life. If you’re sealing items with sharp bones or edges, wrap the item in a soft layer or use a vacuum container to avoid punctures. For liquids, pre-freezing them to a slushy consistency reduces splatter and prevents pump issues. Replace the cutter blade when it starts to drag, and keep a spare gasket on hand if your model requires one.

Eco-friendly and reusable options worth considering

Single-use plastic is a sticking point for many shoppers. Reusable silicone vacuum bags and glass vacuum containers offer a greener path. Silicone bags are flexible, dishwasher-safe, and work well for sous vide up to a certain temperature—check the product rating in fahrenheit. Glass containers keep odors at bay and can go from fridge to microwave (if rated), but they’re heavier and breakable. If you’re trying to reduce landfill, aim for a mix: reusable containers for daily use and rolls for bulk freezing when necessary.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Here are mistakes I see often: overfilling bags, not leaving enough headspace to properly seal, sealing wet edges, and using the wrong bag type for your machine. To avoid these, leave about 1 inch of clear material at the top of the bag for the sealer to grab. Pat foods dry when possible, and use embossed bags with external sealers to help air escape. If seals keep failing, check the gasket and the sealing strip for debris or warping—replacements are usually inexpensive and save the whole unit.

Creative uses beyond food storage

Vacuum sealers are surprisingly versatile. Use them to marinate meat in minutes, compress and pack clothes for travel, protect important documents from moisture, or keep hobby supplies organized. Want tender steak fast? Vacuum-sealed marinades infuse in a fraction of the time. For sous vide cooking, vacuum-sealed pouches allow precise temperature control for restaurant-quality results at home. The accessory you choose can open up new kitchen strategies, not just keep food fresh.

Choosing the right vacuum sealer accessories in the UK boils down to matching your habits with the right tools. Whether it’s Zwilling’s premium bags and drip trays via Nordic Nest or Electrolux-compatible packs from Coffee Friend, there’s a combination that fits every budget and kitchen routine. Compare sizes, materials, and compatibility before you buy, and invest in a few reusable containers for daily use. With the proper accessories, your vacuum sealer becomes an all-purpose freshness machine rather than just a gadget collecting dust.