I don’t always get the opportunity to gush about a product, but this feels like the appropriate forum to talk about my current hyper-fixation: the Zwilling Fresh & Save Vacuum Pump. It’s a rare kitchen tool that checks multiple boxes at once; it’s more sustainable thanks to reusable containers and bags, genuinely cost-saving because it cuts down on food waste and single-use plastics, and a secret weapon for meal prep and fridge organization.
For me, the marquee use-case for this has been storing cheese. Even if you’re not looking to build out a whole Fresh & Save “system,” the pump and vacuum bags alone feel worth it if you lean even slightly toward a charcuterie or “girl dinner” lifestyle, and never again want to see a rock-hard chunk of cheese wasted in its prime from being improperly stored in the fridge.
It’s also been incredibly useful for freezing leftovers or meat without freezer burn, like splitting up a family-size tray of chicken breasts and thawing only what’s needed. The accessories have noticeably cut down on prep and cleanup time, too; my go-to is making a quick raw carrot salad directly in the bowl using the slicing attachment, then sealing and storing any leftovers in the same container. If you like your storage to double as serveware, the vacuum lids are compatible with most Staub Ceramic Bowls, which makes it easy to get a little fancy while still keeping everything fresh.
For the second year in a row, the Fresh & Save vacuum pump has earned top billing as my most-gifted item for Christmas or birthdays. It’s such a win because it’s deeply practical, but still has a “new toy” appeal that can turn the impossibly mundane, like managing best-before dates and fridge space, into something you can nerd out about. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through listicles in search of a gift for your in-laws or hard-to-shop-for relatives, anecdotal evidence suggests this one has a universal appeal you can share enthusiasm about:
The range includes everything from vacuum bags and plastic, glass, stainless steel or ceramic containers, cube sets for spices, lunchboxes, wine sealers, and even prep accessories like graters and mandolins that work directly with the bowls. It’s designed to let you prep, seal, store, and even cook sous vide using the same system, which can streamline your kitchen setup and cut down on clutter. The Zwilling app ties it all together by letting you track what you’ve stored, when it was sealed, and when it should be used, while also offering recipes, shopping tools, and inspiration. The result is a more organized, less wasteful kitchen where everything from leftovers, spices, and open bottles of wine has a clear place and purpose.
