INKBIRD INK-VS04 Vacuum Sealer Review

The INKBIRD INK-VS04 vacuum sealer enters the market with a promise to elevate both home and professional vacuum sealing experiences. In this in-depth review, we’ll dive into its technical specifications, explore its features and functions, and compare it to previous INKBIRD models to see what’s new, especially when it comes to handling liquids and heavy-duty use.

Where to Buy

Amazon US plug (110V): https://amzn.to/4li3BGK

Amazon DE (220V): https://amzn.to/3T5m9hp

AliExpress EU plug (220V): https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oBK577Q

Technical Specifications

• Dimensions: Approx. 15.6x9.4x4.5 inches (40x24x11.5 cm)

• Weight: Approx. 6.4 lbs (2.92 kg)

• Power Consumption: 160W

• Maximum Vacuum Pressure: Approx. -0.8 bar (~80 kPa) – delivers strong suction that removes most of the air from the bag

• Vacuum Speed: ~22–25 L/min, thanks to its dual-pump, dual-motor system (significantly faster than typical sealers)

• Seal Strip Width: 5mm (extra wide for stronger seals)

• Maximum Seal Length: Up to 12.5 inches (32 cm)

• Removable Drip Tray: Holds up to 300 ml of liquid—easy to clean and empty

• Display: LED screen with a countdown timer during operation

Features and Functions

The INK-VS04 comes packed with thoughtful features for flexibility and control.

Food Modes

Three built-in settings adjust sealing for different food types:

• Dry: For moisture-free solid items

• Moist: For slightly wet foods like marinated meats or fish

• Liquid: A dedicated mode for wet items or foods with sauces/marinades (e.g., potatoes with cream, garlic confit)

Vacuum Strength Modes

Two suction levels based on food sensitivity:

• Gentle: For fragile or delicate foods (e.g., fish)

• Normal: Strong vacuum for solid, dry items.

Main Control Buttons

• Vac & Seal: Automatically vacuums and seals the bag

• Seal Only: Seals the bag without vacuuming (e.g., for resealing chip bags)

• Pulse Mode: Manual, incremental suction for more precise control—great for delicate items or liquids

• Canister: Enables vacuum sealing for external containers via hose (e.g., for preserving sauces or pickled items)

Notable Built-in Features

• Integrated Bag Cutter: Located inside the lid, this makes it easy to cut custom-sized bags from a roll

• Roll Storage Compartment: Holds a 5-meter vacuum roll inside the machine for direct feeding into the sealer—saves space and streamlines use

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  Removable Drip Tray: A deep, removable tray to catch excess liquids, preventing spills into the machine—first INKBIRD model to feature this

  

• LED Display with Countdown: Shows real-time progress and remaining time until sealing is complete

• One-Hand Auto-Locking Lid: Spring-loaded handle auto-locks the lid with a simple push—no need to press hard on both sides like older models

  

What’s New Compared to INK-VS03 and INK-VS02

The INK-VS04 represents a significant upgrade over its predecessors in design, power, functionality, and usability:

• Auto-Locking Mechanism: Unlike the VS02/VS03’s manual dual-side locks, the VS04 features a front-facing handle that automatically locks the lid electronically. This makes operation more ergonomic, though it adds to the device’s size and weight.

• Display Improvements: VS04 has a central LED display showing operation time and status. The transparent viewing window from the VS03 has been removed.

• Dual Pump System: Previous models used a single motor/pump. VS04’s dual motors/pumps deliver powerful suction at 22–25 L/min—perfect for batch processing. It also includes enhanced cooling and overload protection for extended use.

• Expanded Modes: VS04 introduces a dedicated Liquid Mode (distinct from Moist), and adds Gentle Mode for fragile foods—neither of which existed in older models.

• Better Sealing: The wide 5mm sealing strip is equivalent to a double seal—ideal for sous vide and liquid-heavy items, ensuring durable, leak-proof seals even at high cooking temps.

  

• Improved Liquid Handling: The VS04’s deeper, removable drip tray handles up to 50 ml of overflow—better than the smaller, non-removable tray in VS03.

  

• Larger Size and Heavier Build: At nearly 2.9 kg, the VS04 is bulkier and heavier due to its dual-motor system and reinforced construction. The VS02/VS03 are more compact and easier to store.

  

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Powerful & Fast: Dual pumps deliver rapid suction (~25 L/min)—ideal for bulk sealing sessions

• High-Quality Sealing: Extra-wide 5mm seal strip equals a double seal—perfect for sous vide cooking at high temperatures

• Versatile Modes: Supports dry, moist, and liquid foods; gentle/normal suction; manual pulse; and canister support—great for any food type

• User-Friendly: Auto-lock handle for one-handed operation, LED countdown timer, and intuitive interface—even beginners will find it easy to use

Cons

• Large & Bulky: Takes up substantial counter space and is harder to store—it’s larger and taller than most home vacuum sealers.

• Height May Require Workarounds: Due to its height, sealing bags may feel awkward without the use of a raised surface.

• Higher Price Point: Roughly twice the cost of basic models (including older INKBIRD ones)—may not be worth it for casual users.

• Slightly Smaller Roll Capacity: Holds a 5-meter roll, compared to 6 meters in some previous models—minor, but worth noting.

Bottom Line

All in all, this vacuum sealer sets a new bar for home use. As a heavy user of sous vide and vacuum sealing, I found it delivers everything I need—from sealing performance to flexibility to ease of use. It solves many of the pain points I experienced with previous INKBIRD machines.

Its biggest downside? The size. It’s simply too big for many kitchens and may dominate your counter space.

For a small business needing a true workhorse or a family that vacuum seals a lot of liquids, the INK-VS04 is a near-perfect choice. But for the average home cook, kitchen real estate is a key consideration, and they might be better off with something more compact like the INK-VS03.