Avid Armor USV20 vs USV32: Which Chamber Vacuum Sealer Should You Buy?

Choosing between two models from the same trusted brand can be surprisingly tricky. I faced this exact dilemma while deciding between the Avid Armor USV20 and the Avid Armor USV32. Both belong to the brand’s Ultra Series, both promise professional-grade sealing performance, and both are compact enough for countertops. But as I used them side by side, the differences started to reveal themselves.

If you’re considering either of these machines for your kitchen or small business, here’s a full breakdown based on my hands-on experience.

Key Difference Between Avid Armor USV20 and USV32

While both seal liquid-rich foods effectively, the USV20 is lighter and more compact, making it easier to move around and ideal for smaller kitchens. The USV32, however, is sturdier and slightly larger, designed for those who need a higher-capacity machine that can handle frequent or bulk sealing.

Quick Comparison Table: Avid Armor USV20 vs USV32 Vacuum Sealer

Feature	Avid Armor USV20	Avid Armor USV32
Brand	Avid Armor	Avid Armor
Material	Stainless Steel	Stainless Steel
Color	Stainless	Black
Dimensions	12.25” L x 8.5” W x 3” H	12” L x 11.5” W x 3.5” H
Weight	17.3 lbs	26.4 lbs
Seal Bar Size	11.5 inches	11.5 inches
Design	Sleek, ultra-compact	Slightly larger, modern design
Special Feature	Extremely lightweight, portable	More durable build, external vacuum hose
Best For	Small kitchens, light to medium use	Larger households, heavier sealing needs
Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

Detailed Comparative Review

1. Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed when unboxing these two models was their difference in size and weight.

• The USV20 feels noticeably lighter at 17.3 lbs. It has a stainless-steel finish with a clear glass lid that gives it a simple but professional appearance. Its compact size is perfect for a smaller kitchen or if you need to move it in and out of storage often.
• The USV32 weighs a hefty 26.4 lbs, and while it’s not huge, it does feel more grounded and sturdy on the countertop. The black stainless finish gives it a more premium look. I personally preferred the aesthetics of the USV32, but the USV20 won me over in terms of portability.

2. Ease of Use

Both models share one-touch control panels that make sealing straightforward. I didn’t find much difference in how intuitive they were, but there were small differences in daily use.

• On the USV20, the smaller chamber size makes it quicker to set up and operate when I’m sealing just a few items. It’s straightforward and almost effortless.
• The USV32, on the other hand, gives a little more room to work with. I found this helpful when sealing multiple portions in one go. Plus, it includes a vacuum accessory hose, which allowed me to seal jars and containers. That’s a big win for pantry storage.

3. Performance and Functions

Performance-wise, both did an excellent job sealing liquid-rich foods like soups and sauces without leakage. But there are some functional distinctions:

• The USV20 feels more like a “personal” chamber vacuum sealer. It handled smaller meal preps, marinades, and sous vide pouches perfectly. However, when I tried back-to-back bulk sealing, it didn’t feel as efficient as the USV32.
• The USV32 showed its strength here. Thanks to its slightly bigger chamber and more robust build, I could seal larger batches of food in succession without worrying about overheating or inconsistency. If you’re meal prepping for a family or sealing for small business use, this makes a huge difference.

Both models also made marinating incredibly easy. Placing meat into the chamber and letting the vacuum open up the surface of the meat before soaking in marinade is a game changer. Still, the USV32 seemed to infuse flavors a little faster, probably due to its slightly more powerful chamber vacuuming.

4. Countertop Footprint

This was a big consideration for me.

• The USV20, being slimmer, took up less space. I could easily fit it in a corner of my kitchen without feeling cramped.
• The USV32, though still compact compared to commercial-grade sealers, needed a dedicated spot. It’s not oversized, but at 26.4 lbs, I wouldn’t want to keep moving it around often.

5. Durability

After weeks of testing, I felt the USV32 was built to last longer under frequent use. It felt sturdier, heavier, and more solid. The USV20 is still durable, but for daily heavy use, I’d lean toward the USV32.

Avid Armor USV20 Chamber Vacuum Sealer Machine

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact (great for small kitchens)
• Easy to operate with one-touch controls
• Perfect for individuals or couples
• Still includes a powerful 11.5-inch seal bar
• Comes with accessory hose for external sealing

Cons:

• Smaller chamber limits larger food portions
• Not as sturdy as the USV32 for heavy use
• Slightly less efficient for bulk sealing

Buy on Amazon

Avid Armor USV32 Premium Chamber Vacuum Sealer

Pros:

• Sturdier build, feels more professional
• Slightly larger chamber accommodates bigger portions
• Includes external vacuum hose for jars and containers
• Handles continuous sealing sessions with ease
• Premium black stainless finish looks great in modern kitchens

Cons:

• Heavier and less portable
• Takes up more counter space
• Pricier than the USV20

Buy on Amazon

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

After spending time with both the USV20 and USV32, I can confidently say that your choice depends on your lifestyle.

• If you live in a smaller household, have limited counter space, and want something light, compact, and easy to store, the USV20 is more than enough. It’s reliable, efficient, and budget-friendly.
• If you meal prep often, seal in bulk, or want a sturdier machine that can double as a small commercial unit, the USV32 is worth the investment. The extra weight and size pay off in durability and capacity.

Personally, I found myself gravitating toward the USV32 because I often prep in larger batches. However, when space was tight or I just needed something quick and portable, the USV20 was a delight to use.

In short:

• USV20 = portability and simplicity
• USV32 = durability and capacity

Both models are excellent choices, but your kitchen size and sealing frequency should guide your decision.