FoodSaver 5800 vs 5460 (2022): Comparing Countertop Vacuum Sealers

One of the ways to preserve food or reduce its wastage is to seal the food items. But today’s zip-top bags are not enough as they still let air in. And as we all know, air and oxygen are the usual culprits behind food spoilage. If you’re looking to keep your food fresh or you simply want to organize your edible supplies better, then consider investing in a vacuum sealer.

The FoodSaver 5800 and 5460 are just two of the best offered by one of today’s leading manufacturers of vacuum sealers. Both FoodSaver models are heavy-duty and come packed with features. In this review, we compare the two machines to see which one you should buy.

FoodSaver 5800 vs 5460 Comparison Chart

Model	FoodSaver 5800	FoodSaver 5460
Price	Check Price at FoodSaver	Check Price at FoodSaver
Variants	FoodSaver 5860	FoodSaver 5480
Operation	Automatic	Automatic
Built-in Roll Storage	Yes	Yes
Indicator Lights	Yes	Yes
Vacuum View Window	No	Yes
Handheld Sealer	Yes	Yes
Marinate Mode	Yes	Yes
Pulse Vac	No	Yes
Adjustable Food Settings	No	Yes
Cord Length	30 inches	30 inches
Wattage	128w	126w
Dimensions (L x W x H)	19″ x 6.25″ x 8″	16.25″ x 7.4″ x 8″
Weight	14.92 pounds	9.93 pounds

Design

Both the FoodSaver 5800 and 5460 are well-built vacuum sealers.

The FoodSaver 5800 and 5460 are both hefty countertop vacuum sealers that operate automatically. The machines are clad in a durable stainless steel exterior but also feature black and green accents. On the 5800, the setup is vertical, that the lid and control panel face the user. Its overall appearance is also more proportional, with rounded edges that complement the machine’s functionality.

In contrast, the FoodSaver 5460 has a more open design. A side view of the machine reveals a see-through built-in roll holder. It’s almost as if the 5460 folds around this feature. Even the machine’s upper gasket is transparent. The vacuum sealer’s anterior is slightly angled, too, owing to the undulating form of the machine. The result is an ergonomic control panel that sits on an angle, facing up, where fingers would intuitively rest.

Compared to the 5800, however, the 5460’s buttons are round and are arranged in a seemingly random fashion. From afar, the machine resembles a typewriter. The 5800’s control panel is plainer but looks more seamlessly integrated into the machine. Even the placement of its removable handheld sealer on the side gives the 5800 a unibody look. On the 5460, this feature is located on the top, beside the control panel.

The FoodSaver 5800 also has narrower sides compared to the 5460. However, it’s five pounds heavier, too. Now, the 5460 may not be lightweight, coming in at just a little under 10 pounds. But it’s certainly easier to carry and move around. Lastly, both machines come with a 30-inch cord that can be tucked into a compartment on the back.

Features

The FoodSaver 5460 has a few features that’s missing on the FoodSaver 5800.

The physical design of the machines reveals the features you get from them. For instance, the 5460 comes with a transparent upper gasket. This creates a viewing window where users can see the vacuum channel, drip tray, and sealing strip. The open roll holder also makes it easier to monitor how many sealing rolls you have left. Meanwhile, the main components on the FoodSaver 5800 are hidden from view underneath the lid.

A look at the control panel of either vacuum sealers will also give you an idea of their respective capabilities. Both the FoodSaver 5800 and 5460 come with one-touch bag cutting and bag dispensing buttons. There’s also a Seal Now button, although, on the 5460, it’s been renamed as Seal. It’s a nifty feature that’s great for handling more delicate food items like chips or cookies.

However, there are a few features on the 5460 missing on the 5800. The 5460, for instance, supports adjustable food settings. This function allows users to control the level of moisture to be preserved in their food items, depending on if they’re dry or wet. The 5460 also comes with a Pulse Vac button that allows for manual control of the vacuum process. It’s a feature that’s already a standard in other FoodSavers, so it’s a bit disappointing not to have this on the 5800 series.

Fortunately, the FoodSaver 5800 does come with a marinate button. Just like the 5460, this feature works in tandem with the retractable handheld sealer. Take note, however, that the marinator mode will require the use of compatible marinating canisters and containers.

Performance

Although both vacuum sealers are functional workhorses, the FoodSaver 5460 is more versatile than the 5800.

Despite missing a few features, the FoodSaver 5800 series is still a capable vacuum sealer. The marinate mode is easy to use, and the Seal Now functions almost similarly to the Dry Food feature of the 5460. The dispense and rewind option for the bag rolls also make it convenient to create custom-sized bags, too. Users have noted, however, that the 5800 can overheat if used continuously. FoodSaver recommends waiting 20 seconds between seals.

The FoodSaver 5460’s extra features make it the more versatile vacuum sealer, though. For instance, the Pulse Vac option gives users more control on just how much air is sucked out from bags. With adjustable food settings, you also get pre-programmed vacuum and sealing levels appropriate for your food item. The open design also means less opening of the lid to check on your sealing rolls supply.

Both machines come with 30-inch long power cords. It’s a thoughtful feature that allows owners to arrange their machines comfortably on their countertops. The actual body of the vacuum sealer is easy to care for, too. A warm, soapy cloth can be used to wipe clean most of the machine’s surfaces, including the gaskets. Meanwhile, the removable drip tray can be cleaned either by hand or placed on the dishwasher.

Variants and Bonus Items

The FoodSaver 5800 and 5460 are available also in online marketplaces under a different model name, and with different bonus items.

Both the FoodSaver 5800 and 5460 are available for purchase directly from the FoodSaver website or from online marketplaces. In the case of the latter, the vacuum sealers get a different model name. The FoodSaver 5800, for instance, is the same machine as the FoodSaver 5860. Meanwhile, the 5460 can also be purchased under the model name 5480. As expected, the features between these variants are the same. The only difference will be the bonus items you get as part of a FoodSaver Starter Kit. The table below indicates the inclusions for each model:

Verdict

The FoodSaver 5460 has more features that give it an edge over the FoodSaver 5800.

FoodSaver 5800

Best for those who want a sturdy machine

FoodSaver 5460

Best for those on a budget

The FoodSaver 5800/5860 and 5460 are well-built and functional vacuum sealers that will help you preserve food items for much longer. Both machines are sturdy and come with a durable exterior. However, the FoodSaver 5460/5480 does offer more features that allow for better control over the vacuum sealing process. This is particularly important since not all food items can be preserved the same way. The inclusion of a Pulse Vac function, as well as adjustable food settings, give the 5460 an edge over the FoodSaver 5800. Best of all, it’s less expensive, too.

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