Heat Sealer Review
I thought I was smart a few weeks back and decided to find an inexpensive heat sealer to with my holiday cookies. As I shopped around Amazon I found different kinds to try. I know most of you have probably seen the Impulse Heat Sealer and know that’s what a lot of cookie decorators use. Well, as I looked at it I kept thinking the last thing I need is something else to store for my cookies so I decided to shop a little more for some smaller option. Here’s what I learned.
Before I start reviewing these heat sealers let me say that I purchased these heat sealers myself. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.
Heat Sealer Review:
8″ (200mm) Impulse Manual Bag Sealer Heat Seal Closer + Free KIT at the time of this post the cost for this heat sealer is $24.99 on Amazon.
***Update: The This is a new link for an 8″ Impulse Heat Sealer due to the fact the one I linked to is sold out.
Orblue Bag Heat Sealer – Food Saver and Creates Airtight Containers – Cabinet Accessory (Orange) at the time of this post the cost it $12.87 on Amazon.
DOB Mini Portable Household Plastic Bag Heat Sealer Hand Pressure Sealing Machine Snack Food Saver and Creates Airtight Containers, White I call this one the “blue one” at the time of this post the cost for this heat sealer is $12.99 on Amazon.
One thing I have always wanted to add to my cookie decorating tool box is a nice heat sealer. I looked on Amazon with every intention of buying an Impulse Heat Sealer, but I came across these little mini portable guys. They are cute so I wanted some videos on how they worked. I like the videos enough to purchase them along with the Impulse Heat Sealer so I could compare to see which one I liked the best.
Okay, things didn’t start or end too well for the little orange heat sealer. It is called Orblue Bag Heat Sealer and it didn’t work. Like never. I tested the batteries and made sure the connection were the way they needed to be but nothing. I don’t recommend it. Also, the magnet on the back that is supposed to stick it to the fridge for easy access, it wasn’t strong enough so the heat sealer fell to the floor and fell apart. Sigh. I don’t like this little guy and don’t recommend it.
Now for the blue one. It is called the Mini Portable Household Plastic Bag Heat Sealer and requires 2 “AA” batteries. Well, it is better than the orange one but I still don’t recommend it. See the little white rectangle with the black line across it? That is where the magic is supposed to happen. You slide the bag across this rectangle and it magically seals. The problem with it is it smells like it is burning. Actually, it gets very warm to the touch. It makes me nervous so I kept taking the batteries out so it would not burst into flames! I am not sure it could or would actually do that but boy oh boy it had me thinking it could.
I really had high hopes for this one because it worked when I opened it. It sealed the bag so well that water would stay inside without leaking out. It had the potential to be a great little heat sealer that didn’t take up space because it would stay on the side of the fridge with the handy dandy little magnet on the back. Well, that is what the video said but it lied! It fell to the floor and I ended up putting it back together. So sad.
Also, when you use it, you have to start in the middle of the bag and pull it to one side, then place it back in the middle and pull it to the other side so the line isn’t very clean. You can’t really see well enough to make it a pretty seal. Sigh.
If this one didn’t smell like it was going to burn my house down and if the magnet was stronger, and it was easier to line the lines up, I would recommend it but I can’t. It didn’t make me feel comfortable having it in the house because of the heating issue. It didn’t stick to the fridge like it said it would and the line wasn’t easy to line up for a nice professional look. I am sad because I really wanted this one to work.
Now for the Impulse Heat Sealer. This is the 8″ Impulse Heat Sealer and it’s the one most cookie decorators use. This is the inexpensive version without the cutter on the top and is less than $25. Okay it was $24.99 which is one cent less than $25 but still less. The one with the cutter on the top is over $100. They range anywhere from $150-$175. If I sold cookies or packaged a lot of them I would totally spend the extra $100+ and get the one with the cutter. I can see how beneficial a cutter could be. It could save you hours on orders.
But how does it work? I am glad you asked.
Once you find out what heat setting works with your bag it is a piece of cake. Just place the cookie into the bag, place the bag onto the heat sealer where you want to seal it and press the arm down. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy! And it works! No problems, no worries!
Make your cookies nice and snug and ship them to your friends, family or customers. It is that simple!
I highly recommend this Heat Sealer. It works, it doesn’t take up that much room, and does not have magnets that will drop it on the floor. As far as storage goes, it is nice and thin and won’t take up that much room in a cabinet or closet.
You can seal the bag on more than one side to give your cookie a custom package.
- Then just trim off the excess and you will have a nice little package that looks professional.
- **Update: If you own a heat sealer, you many need to change the strips sometime during the life of the machine.
- I’m not sure what the strips are called, but Amazon has them listed as “Spare Parts.” They aren’t expensive and you’ll can get 2 for less than $5. Not a bad deal if you ask me, but just make sure these will work with your machine before you order.
Heat Sealer Review:
I hope this helps you decide on a heat sealer. It’s clear to see why cookie decorators use this machine and I wish I would have purchased mine years ago. I know my impulse Heat Sealere aka “Sticky” and I are going to become friends fast with the holidays coming up. And since he works so well, I am willing to find a storage place for him. Well worth the effort to move a few things around.
Disclaimer: Lisa Snyder is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Up next are the new FDA Approved Shrink Bags! I love these things! *UPDATE* here is the information on the FDA Approved Shrink Bags.
Learn how to ship cookies for Christmas, “How to Ship Cookies Like a Pro-Video.”
Bear hugs,
As it happened I had to buy a new heat sealer the other day after using my original one for four years. I opted for the impulse 8 inch and love it!
I am so glad to hear that Anita! I think we should start a club! LOL
These comparisons are SO useful. And for you, unless you return the products you don’t like and get your money back (whether its worth it is dependent on shipping costs), at least YOU can write these off as a tax deduction as they were a business expense. And then, except for the one that didn’t work at all, donate them to Goodwill and let THEM deal with them. I do a fair amount of shipping of treats to family at college and other friends around the country. To have things sealed in bags would be SO nice. I haven’t ever thought about a bag sealer before but this posting made me SERIOUSLY think about it. Christmas about two years ago my brother and his wife gave me a vacuum sealer to use with all the things I freeze but considering how it tries to “scrunch” up the bags I think it would crush cookies and other things in the vacuum process. I think just the heat sealer is what I really need for shipping.
Hi Pamela,
I have decided the two heat sealers that didn’t make the cute aren’t worth saving. I would hate to give the blue one away and it catch fire or something. I don’t trust that little blue devil!
I could ship the orange one back because like you said, it didn’t work at all. I have my Amazon box ready.
I have the vacuum sealer also and you are 100% right. I think it would crush the cookies. The impulse heat sealer is just what I was looking for. But because it works for me and other decorators, be sure to really look at it to see if it will fit your needs.
Bear hugs,
Lisa
PS-What does a girl have to do to get on you baked goods Christmas list? LOL
Thank you for making this post! I LOVE you! (I also love that you give your gadgets names)
I’ve been thinking about getting one of these as I am dipping my big toe into starting a spare time/hobby/cooking baking “business”. Not sure if I want to “jump in” and spend over $100 on the model that cuts since I only have two orders so far, but down the line should I need one I will re-watch this post and most likely buy one knowing that YOU recommend it. You are my “cookie hero” after all.
Thank you for taking the time, and expense, to educate all of us on the different heat sealers. Your video/post really DOES make it all seem easy peasy lemon squeezy! ) 🙂
First of all Janis, there is no dipping your toe into the cookie world because we are going to grab you and pull you in with the rest of us! We need YOU! 😉
Second, I think you are smart to get the smaller machine now. You can always upgrade later and who knows, if your “sticky” still works, you might be able to help out a newbie and give sticky a new home.
Believe it or not, I name everything.
My mixer is Arnold Schwarzenegger because he beats everything up for me.
My airbrush is Wendy.
My coffee pot is Buster because he will bust up my bad morning mood. 😉
I will stop there while we are still friends!
I use the impulse sealer for almost every cookie because it keeps them fresher, actually improves the flavor, makes them more “hygienic” and some of my clients even freeze them in air tight containers. Also prevents flavors & moisture from “crossing” so your ginger crisps stay crispy and your brownie bites stay moist without creating a soft chocolate-ginger taste/texture on a tray.
If you have a broad selection of bag sizes to fit your typical cookie sizes, you will find you won’t even need to trim the sealed edges 😉 Great review Lisa!
Thanks for the info Barbara! I am making brownies this weekend and I will have bag those up and see how it works. Thanks for the excust to play with the heat sealer! SMOOCH!!;)
Love this thank you for the great info on the sealers. One question though where do you get you cookies bags from?
Hi Shellie,
I am working on a post now and hope it will be done by Tuesday. I will cover a few bags and tell you about the new FDA Approved bags! SO EXCITING!
I have always just used an inexpensive flat iron – works like a charm!
I love how creative cookie people are Janet! You rock!
GREAT review….I have the Impulse and is my baby!!! I had to replace the white thingie strip whatever that is called last Xmas, must have been a dodgy one didn’t last long. Luckily the box had spare. Recently I ordered on Amazon and have 10 of the spare babies now in case this happens again. It was much cheaper to buy in bulk then 2!!! x
That is a really good tip Claire. There were 2 replacement strips in my box so I have them in case anything happens. I have added a link in the post for those who many need to replace them.
Thanks for the great tip!
The strips you are referring to are teflon sealing strips.
Thanks! Now I can quit calling them spare parts! LOL
Lisa, I own the 16″ Heat sealer. I bought it on clearance at Office depot for $10 about 5 years ago. I set the temperature a little hotter, and it seals and “melts” the edge. Any excess bag just falls off, like it was trimmed away. You may want to try increasing the temperature of your machine and see if your machine will do this. You probably will need to practice with a few bags to get it.
I love you Karen! I have some cookies to pack this week and I am going to try it. Thank you!!!
I love my heat sealer!! Just FYI, you can go to technopackcorp.com and get one with a cutter for $45 (and free shipping). I have one with a cutter and it’s definitely worth the extra money!
Thanks for always sharing your experiments with us!
I totally agree with the need for the cutter. When I originally purchased mine 2 years ago I scoffed at the need for a cutter. After all, how hard is it to cut a bag? I have since learned that while cutting 1 bag is no big deal, cutting 100 bags is a huge deal! I got a sealer with a cutter for Christmas 🙂
Thanks you for sharing that Kelly! I would hate to make hundreds of cookies and then have to cut hundreds of bags. That would be a bummer! 😉
Cristin of Cristin’s cookies told me about the impulse heat sealer and I have loved mine.
They are handy little tools aren’t they. I wish I would have bought mine years ago!
Thanks for the reviews, Lisa! I appreciate all of your tutorials and tips! Guess I’ll try to get back to cookie baking since I’ve completed the pumpkin rolls. You rock!
I am still thinking about you and you many, many pumpkin rolls! You are the rock star! 😉
I bought my impulse heat sealer from Technopak last year on Black Friday because they had them on sale. They always have free shipping. I bought the 8″ one w/the cutter & love it. An impulse sealer is a type of sealer, not a brand, so there are all kinds of manufacturers and prices out there for them.
I know what is going on this cookiers Christmas list now! I am going to tell hubby exactly which one I want. Thank you so much for this post! You are amazing!
I hope hubby brings you this and A NEW CAR! 😉
You are welcome Carrie! I know you are going to LOVE it!! 😉
Thank you for the review. it is very useful. I don’t have a heat sealer, but I want one. I can’t believe the Impulse heater is over $70 on Amazon.ca! It might be time to start shopping in the USA.
I am not sure how much shipping would cost you but I think it might be worth checking into. 😉
I’m loving all of your reviews!!!
I have the 8″ impulse by technopak (looks like yours) WITH the cutter. I got it for about $40. The company sells on ebay as well. I do need to order some replacements strips. I think they are wearing out. I am going to buy a second one (w/out cutter) for work. I often package during lunch that thing is kinda clunky to tote around lol. I love my impulse. Worth every penny! And you don’t have to worry about it “burning” anyone if they touch it since it only heats up when pushed down.
I don’t have a heat sealer…YET, but looks like I need one! Thanks for the info.
First, i want to say, I LOVE all of your tutorials and tips. I have learned sooo much from you. Making cookies is more of a hobby for me, however, I do sell them to coworkers, friends etc. So I recently bought the impulse heat sealer from Amazon and I LOVE it. Such a breeze! But, I have a problem. I can’t seem to get a straight even line (seal). There are no markings on my bags or the sealer to help line the bag up , so how do you get an even line? It is so frustrating and I have gone through so many bags trying to line it up evenly. Please help!
Hi Alicia,
If you want a nice straight line you can print a piece of free graph paper here: http://mathbits.com/MathBits/StudentResources/GraphPaper/full%20page.pdf.
Place you cookie in the bag and use a Sharipe to mark where you want the bag sealed. Remember to leave a little room for the edge of the cookie and then seal the bag. This should give you a nice straight line. If you are going to use it a lot, you might want to laminate the paper so you can use it over and over.
Hope this helps!
Totally ordering mine today. But what bags do you recommend for the impulse sealer? Sorry if you already answered this.
Hi! I’m new to the cookie world and i was wondering if you can use any kind of plastic bag with the impulse sealer! Or does it have to be a specific type?
Hi Taylor,
I only use treat bags with my heat sealer, but the description in the one I use says it can be used to seal KEL-F, MYLAR, POLYFLEX, P.V.A., POLYETHYLENE, POLYURETHANE, POLYVINYLCHLORIDE.
I suggest you check the description of recommended bags on the one you intend to purchase. If it doesn’t list everything, contact the manufacture.
I believe I purchased this exact same impulse sealer from Amazon, after using one just like it at a bakery I briefly worked for but I’ve been disappointed in mine. I’ve tried two different types of bags (one was even linked to the sealer itself on Amazon) but it seems as if the I can’t get the heat setting right. I have played with it repeatedly and gone through countless bags. It’s either too cool and doesn’t seal completely or it’s too hot and melts the bag, leaving strings when you pull away. I don’t know if it’s my bag or if I received a defect sealer or what. I’ve even tried varying the time I leave the arm depressed but nothing seems to CONSISTENTLY work. I may try and change out the “spare part” as you call it and see if that helps. Have you ever experienced this problem?
Hi Tori,
I’m sorry your heat sealer isn’t working for you. I haven’t had this issue but maybe if you change the “spare part” it may work. When did you purchase it? Do you think you could return it for a new one?
I know a lot of people that have the same brand I do and we really like ours. I am going to cross my fingers and hope yours will be an easy fix. Let me know how it turns out.
Bear hugs,
Lisa
Once again, you are amazing! I invested in a good heat sealer with the cutting tool and love it! You are so brilliant! Bringing us all of these great tools, ideas, recipes, and tutorials! Really, I do not know what I would do with out you! Thank you for taking the time to do what you do for us!
Thanks for that ! Almost bought small heat sealer.the other day. Said it was originally $20 on sale for $10.. Tempted but something told me not to. I’m so happy I read this review. I will make the correct purchase when need be.
Hi Bearfoot Baker! I feel so silly, but I have this impulse heat sealer and I’ve tested it out by sealing a cookie (sugar cookie with royal icing) and eating it a week later- it was not fresh! I tried again, same results. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, but I thought the cookies were supposed to stay fresh for a week or two? How long do your cookies stay fresh when they are sealed? Do you have any tips?
Hi Jessica,
What kind of bags are you using? Some bags are much better quality than other and that may be the issue. Also, test your bags by putting a little water in them. No cookies, just water. Then seal it. Hold it over the sink and turn the bag upside down and see if any water leaks out. If it does, you might need a better brand of bags.
Hope this helps,
Lisa
Thank you (and your readers) for all the helpful info. I just went to Technopack and ordered a sealer with cutter for $45. Can’t believe I waited so long. Your blog is so helpful!
It took me forever to buy one Tiffany. I don’t care when we do it, I’m just glad we finally bought them! LOL
New to cookie business. Exactly where are the most economical,and best quality bags for large quantities. For a heat impulse sealer with cutter, best brands?
Hi Kim,
I just answered a question similar to yours so I’m going to share the answer with you. Let me know if you have any other questions. 😉
“I use two different bags for packing the cookies. First one is Shrink bags: http://www.stockpkg.com/Poly-Olefin-Shrink-Bags-4-x-6-75-Gauge-Clear-500Case_p_116553.html. If your ever going to sell your cookies you may want to take a look at them and see if it’s something your interest in. If you are here is a post with all the info: http://thebearfootbaker.com/2015/11/shrink-bags-fda-approved/.
I like to buy local when I can and I’ve fallen for these small Treat Bags from Hobby Lobby. You can find them here: http://www.hobbylobby.com/Party-Baking/Party-Supplies/Treat-Bags-Containers/Small-Clear-Treat-Bags/p/45930. I like the way the feel, they seal good and they are clear so you can see the awesome cookie work you did to make the cookie beautiful.”
Bear hugs,
Lisa
Hi
When using good quality bags, how long do your cookies stay like freshly baked? Could you please compare cookies you store in a tightly sealed tin/jar and cookies sealed with your heat sealer? Do they stay fresher for a week? Or two? More than this? Thanks a lot!!!!
Hi Liane,
Sugar cookies stay fresh for 2 weeks to 4 weeks. I don’t let them hang out at my house that long. I usually give them away after 3 or 4 days. If you want to do a comparison on a tin, jar, or bag, I’d love to hear your results. 😉
Thanks,
Lisa
I have both, the impulse sealer with and one without the cutter. I can not get the one with the cutter to actually cut the bags. They get all scrunched up and look horrible. So now I just cut the bags myself. Those of you with the cutter, do you have any tips for me? I make 100’s of cookies each week! ?
I am purchasing the exact same sealer as you ( 8″ (200mm) Impulse Manual Bag Sealer Heat Seal Closer) and I am very excited (this article was very helpful and relieved a lot of stress about making big choices)! I was wondering where you purchase your bags for this or what brand?
Hi Kat,
I’m so excited your getting a heat sealer. I know your going to LOVE it! It will make your cookies look very professional and it’s a lot of fun to use.
I use two different bags for packing the cookies. First one is Shrink bags: http://www.stockpkg.com/Poly-Olefin-Shrink-Bags-4-x-6-75-Gauge-Clear-500Case_p_116553.html. If your ever going to sell your cookies you may want to take a look at them and see if it’s something your interest in. If you are here is a post with all the info: http://thebearfootbaker.com/2015/11/shrink-bags-fda-approved/.
I like to buy local when I can and I’ve fallen for these small Treat Bags from Hobby Lobby. You can find them here: http://www.hobbylobby.com/Party-Baking/Party-Supplies/Treat-Bags-Containers/Small-Clear-Treat-Bags/p/45930. I like the way the feel, they seal good and they are clear so you can see the awesome cookie work you did to make the cookie beautiful.
Bear hugs,
Lisa
Thanks so much! This was a huge help and now I know which heat sealer I am going to buy!