The right bag first depends on your machine.This is the most common mistake: buying smooth bags for an external vacuum machine, then finding that the air does not escape properly. In reality, the choice betweenembossed bagsAndsmooth bagsis not a matter of detail: it directly determines the quality of the vacuum.
The rule is simple: external suction machines need textured bags to let air circulate, while chamber machines can work with smooth bags, which are often more economical. If you want to avoid making a mistake on your first purchase, this is the point you must understand first of all.
Embossed or smooth bags: the difference in one sentence
THEembossed bagsare designed forexternal suction machines, because their texture creates micro-channels that help the air rise to the pump. THEsmooth bags, they are designed forbell machines, which put the entire chamber under vacuum and therefore do not need this structure.
| Bag type | Compatible machine | For what |
|---|---|---|
| Embossed bag | External suction machine | The grooves allow air to flow to the pump. |
| Smooth bag | Bell machine | The entire chamber is gutted, so texture is not needed. |
- Standard format for steaks, fillets, vegetables and everyday portions
- Compatible with external suction machines
- Can be used for freezing and cooking
When should you choose embossed bags?
If you use a machine without a bell, therefore a machine where the bag remains on the outside, you must chooseembossed bags. Without this texture, the two walls of the bag stick to each other too quickly and block the passage of air. The void then becomes incomplete, or even impossible.
In other words, it is not a “plus”: it is a technical obligation. If you use an external machine, embossed bags are the normal solution. To delve deeper into the logic of daily use, you can also read our article onbatch cooking sous vide, which clearly shows the value of having the right consumable when you prepare several meals in advance.
When are smooth bags more interesting?
THEsmooth bagsbecome interesting as soon as you work with abell machine. In this case, you no longer need the grooves, since the vacuum is not created through the opening of the bag but through the entire chamber.
The advantage is above all economic: smooth bags often cost significantly less. This is one of the reasons why professionals who pack a lot choose bell machines: they are more expensive to purchase, but then allow the consumable cost to be reduced over time.
Simple advice:If you have a cloche machine, you can use embossed bags, but this is generally not the most cost effective. It is better to reserve the embossed ones for external machines and keep the smooth ones for intensive bell uses.
The anti-error memo before buying
- I have an external suction machine→ bagsembossedobligatory.
- I have a bell machine→ bagssmoothrecommended, embossed bags possible but not economically optimal.
- I don't know what type of machine I have→ you must first check whether the bag is placed in a chamber or outside the machine.
If you are still hesitating between several technologies, also take a look at our collection ofbell vacuum machinesto better visualize the difference in use with an external machine.
Need to choose the right consumable for your machine?
Find our vacuum bags and select the format adapted to your type of machine and your actual use.
View vacuum bagsFAQs about embossed bags and smooth bags
Can smooth bags be used in an external vacuum machine?
In practice, no. Without texture, the walls stick together too quickly and prevent the air from rising correctly to the pump.
Can you use embossed bags in a cloche machine?
Yes, it works. But it is often less cost-effective than using smooth bags, which are generally less expensive.
Why do embossed bags cost more?
Because their technical texture requires more complex manufacturing. It is precisely this relief which allows suction on external machines.
How to quickly know which bag to buy?
Just look at your type of machine: if the bag stays on the outside, take embossed; if you have a bell, smooth is usually the right choice.