Vacuum sealers like the FoodSaver 4840 and 5860 are invaluable kitchen tools for reducing food waste and saving money. But with two similar models to choose from, it can be tough deciding which FoodSaver vacuum sealer best fits your needs and budget.
This comprehensive guide compares the key features, benefits, downsides, and frequently asked questions about the FoodSaver 4840 and 5860 vacuum sealers.
After reading, you’ll have all the details to determine which of these FoodSaver machines is the right one for your household.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | FoodSaver 4840 | FoodSaver 5860 |
| Vacuum Sealing Method | Heat seal | Heat seal |
| Manual Seal Button | Yes | Yes |
| Handheld Sealer | No | Yes |
| Retractable Cord | No | Yes |
| CrushFree Instant Seal | No | Yes |
| Vacuum Progress Indicator | No | Yes |
| Vacuum Speeds | 1 | 2 |
| Bag Cutter | Yes | Yes |
| Bag Roll Storage | Top of machine | Integrated |
| Price | Affordable | Premium |
Overview of the FoodSaver 4840
The FoodSaver 4840 is a mid-range “Series I” vacuum sealer model. It uses a heat-sealing method to create an airtight vacuum seal on bags and containers.
Key features and benefits of the 4840 include:
- Simple One-Touch Operation: Vacuum and seal with just the press of a button.
- Manual Seal Option: Control seal timing yourself for delicate items.
- Handy Bag Cutter: Built-in cutter neatly separates bags.
- Accessory Port: Use vacuum-seal bags, canisters, jars, and more.
- Top-Mounted Bag Storage: Keep extra bag roll handy on top of the machine.
- Affordable Price: Provides great value without breaking the bank.
Potential downsides to consider:
- Lacks a handheld sealer attachment.
- No retractable power cord for compact storage.
- Only one vacuum speed rather than variable speed control.
- Doesn’t have a progress indicator light or instant seal feature.
Overview of the FoodSaver 5860
The FoodSaver 5860 is a higher-end “Series II” vacuum sealer model with more features and capabilities. Like the 4840, it uses a heat-sealing method to create a vacuum seal.
Highlights of the 5860 include:
- One-Touch Operation: Simple control panel for automatic vacuum and seal.
- Manual Seal Option: Seal bags without vacuuming when needed.
- Handheld Sealer: Attachment provides control and precision sealing.
- Retractable Cord: Cord tucks away for clutter-free storage.
- CrushFree Instant Seal: Seals fragile items quickly.
- Two Vacuum Speeds: Adjust vacuum level for different foods.
- Progress Indicator: Light shows vacuum progress to prevent crushing.
- Built-In Bag Storage: Convenient storage under the lid.
- Accessory Port: Use bags, canisters, jars, and more.
Potential cons to note:
- More expensive price point than 4840 model.
- Lacks bottom-mounted bag storage placement.
- Not as basic and intuitive for beginners.
Also Read: Comparison Between the FoodSaver 5800 and 5860
Detailed Comparison Between FoodSaver 4840 and 5860
Now, let’s take a deeper dive into how the FoodSaver 4840 and 5860 models match up in terms of critical features and performance.
· Vacuum Sealing Method
Both the 4840 and 5860 use a heat seal method to create an airtight vacuum seal. To use, you insert the open end of the bag into the vacuum chamber. When you press the vacuum button, all the air is removed. Then the machine uses heated bars to seal the bag shut.
The seal created by both machines is extremely tight and long-lasting. Vacuum-sealed foods can last up to 5 times longer compared to ordinary storage methods.
· Manual Seal Option
The manual seal button gives you control over the seal timing. This is useful when vacuum sealing delicate items like bread, cheese, or pastries that could crush or compress.
Pressing the manual seal early in the vacuum process seals the bag with some air still inside. Both the 4840 and 5860 give you this manual timing capability.
· Handheld Sealer Attachment
The FoodSaver 5860 comes with an included handheld sealer attachment. This slender wand lets you vacuum seal bags outside the main chamber.
The handheld sealer gives you more precision and control when sealing odd-shaped bags or small portions. It’s great for making homemade freezer bags from inexpensive rolls.
The 4840 model does not include this handheld attachment. You have to seal all bags inside the main chamber.
· Retractable Power Cord
A retractable power cord is a feature only found on the FoodSaver 5860 model. This allows you to neatly tuck the power cord inside the body of the machine for organized storage.
The cord on the 4840 does not retract. It hangs loose when not plugged in. This takes up more space especially when storing the machine in a cabinet or on a shelf.
· CrushFree Instant Seal
CrushFree Instant Seal is another exclusive feature of the 5860. It uses a rapid 1/3 second seal to help protect delicate foods.
You simply press the Instant Seal button when vacuum sealing soft items like bread, cookies, or pastries. It seals the bag quickly so food doesn’t get smashed.
The 4840 model lacks this instant seal option. You have to manually time the seal for delicate foods.
· Vacuum Speed Settings
The FoodSaver 5860 offers two preset vacuum speeds: Normal and Gentle.
- Normal: Provides a high amount of suction for dense foods and remove maximum air.
- Gentle: Lower suction for delicate items like pastries, soft fruits, chips, etc.
Having two speed presets makes it easier to adjust the vacuum level as needed between bags.
The 4840 only has one vacuum speed. You can’t adjust the amount of suction being applied.
Vacuum Progress Indicator Light
As the 5860 vacuum seals bags, an indicator light shows the progress of the vacuum process. This lets you monitor the suction and stop early if needed to prevent crushing delicate foods.
The 4840 lacks any visual indicator to monitor the vacuum progress. You can only listen for the suction sound stopping to determine when air has been sufficiently removed.
· Built-In Bag Cutter
Both the FoodSaver 4840 and 5860 have a handy built-in bag cutter. This allows you to cleanly separate custom-sized bags from the roll.
Just insert the bag and slide to cut – no scissors required! The cutters perform the same on both models.
Also Watch This Review Video:
· Bag Roll Storage
The FoodSaver 4840 stores bag rolls vertically on top of the machine. This provides quick access to extra bags.
The 5860 model has integrated bag storage inside the unit, concealed by the lid. Bag rolls fit horizontally across the inner compartment.
The exterior top storage on the 4840 is arguably more convenient than opening the lid on the 5860. But the interior storage of the 5860 appears a little sleeker.
· Accessory Port
Both vacuum sealers feature an accessory port where you can insert the provided hose to vacuum accessories like canisters, jars, bottle stoppers, and zipper bags.
The accessory ports are equally versatile on the 4840 and 5860 machines. You can expand beyond just bags with either model.
· Price and Budget
The FoodSaver 4840 is typically sold around the $150 price range. This places it in the mid-tier bracket for home vacuum sealers.
Meanwhile, the 5860 is normally priced around $200 due to the additional features and attachments. This places it in the high-end bracket.
The 4840 offers excellent performance and value at a budget-friendly price point. But the 5860 may be worthwhile if you need advanced options like the handheld sealer and instant seal.
Also Read: Comparison Between the Nesco VS-12 and FoodSaver
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For most home users, the FoodSaver 4840 hits the sweet spot of quality performance and value at an affordable mid-range price point. But the 5860 is worth the higher price if you want extra convenience from the handheld sealer, retractable cord, variable speeds, and instant seal.
The FoodSaver brand is the leader when it comes to home vacuum sealing machines. Models like the 4840 and 5860 provide unmatched food preservation through airtight vacuum sealing. For best results, opt for a FoodSaver over other off-brand imitators.
FoodSaver is a brand name of very popular vacuum sealing appliances. So while FoodSaver is a vacuum sealer, not every vacuum sealer on the market is a FoodSaver. When choosing a vacuum sealer, look for the FoodSaver brand name to ensure high quality construction and sealing.
Yes, investing in a FoodSaver appliance is worthwhile for most households. With the ability to extend food freshness up to 5x longer, FoodSavers save money by reducing wasted food. They also allow bulk food preparation and freezer storage. Based on typical food savings, FoodSavers can pay for themselves within a year.
Final Thoughts
No matter if you pick the feature-packed 5860 or the budget-friendly 4840, bringing home a FoodSaver vacuum sealer is sure to be a decision you won’t regret.
With the power to minimize waste, prep recipes ahead of time, and keep food fresher longer, FoodSavers unlock game-changing convenience for home cooks.
Use this comprehensive guide to compare the FoodSaver 4840 and 5860 models. Determine whether advanced features like the handheld sealer and instant seal justify the increased price on the higher-end 5860.
Or if the affordability and simplicity of the 4840 better matches your vacuum sealing needs. Either way, a FoodSaver appliance will provide outstanding food preservation through the power of vacuum sealing.