I've been vacuum sealing for decades and recognize the evolution represented by this machine.

As others have given thorough reviews, I thought I'd share some of why I chose this and what hasn't been mentioned as of yet.

First the unit has 3 lid positions that are accessed by the chromed plastic levers on both sides of the unit.

Unlocked, Storage and locked power on ready to seal. Unlocked allows the lid to open for cutting a bag and or placing a bag to seal.

The next is storage position which I think may be the reason one reviewer had a unsuccessful experience. What the video from AvidArmor and Magic Vac show is when you close the lid to seal you need to rotate the chrome handles up and then rotate all the way forward.

The problem is you can close the lid and rotate forward to 'on' which keeps the lid in the storage position (which is meant to lock the lid for storage without compressing the seal and keep from falling open when stored vertically.) Unless you rotate up first then forward you won't get a vacuum or seal.

I'm speaking from experience. The first time I used my sealer I placed the bag and rotated the handles forward without rotating them up first, and the bag wouldn't seal as the lid was in storage position.
Simply rotating them up and then forward set the lid in the locked and on position and worked as expected.

Next the instructions had a extra sheet stating that you should move both handles with both hands. In other words don't operate the lid handles with one hand.

The next extra sheet and the manual show there is a 2 minute wait between completed vacuum and seal cycles.

Now I don't pack large amounts of meat where speed and time are perhaps more important to some users. So two minutes is not a concern for me and indeed when I timed my normal routine it was right at 2 minutes. The machine has a thermal cut out that will trip automatically should the device become too hot. It will reset to normal after it cools down. I've not come close to hot with normal use.

Someone mentioned the instructions were in Italian, they are also in English Spanish French and German. Each language has its own section in the manual. The box it arrives in has both Italian and English describing the sealer.

As mentioned above there are helpful videos from both Avid Armor and Magic Vac located on both websites and conveniently this Amazon sales page has both above.

The included hose for accessories worked great with my mason jar sealer and canister from my old sealer. However the reverse will not work as the old hose that came with the original accessories has a shorter stem than the Maxima2. Again the new hose works great with the old and new accessories. I've included a picture showing the difference.

The pump speed and seal time both default automatically to normal "Turbo" pump speed and maximum seal time, after each cycle. You have the option to choose lower pump speed for delicate and shorter seal time for dry contents. The default actually works well as those settings are what I'd use nearly every time anyway.

The lighted view port into the sealing tray is quite helpful when insuring the bag is positioned correctly. A photo showing that is included.

The 5 sample pre-made quart bags and included roll of larger bag material are very well made and like every other part is made in Italy with each bag having a strip of white to write contents and date. I've purchased generic bags and name brand bags and these is the first I've encountered with lot numbers and manufacturing date printed on each bag and roll.

One side of the bag is clear with the area to write on, the other has the most defined ridges/ air removal channels I've seen. The channels appear molded, not embossed. The bags are unique in feel also. Of course I've not tried every permutation of bag design available, however these are so impressive, I purchased the quart and gallon size bags after trying them. More expensive than generic and less than other brand name bags.

The novelty of a vacuum sealer not made in China was also part of my decision. The units build quality and function (along with the fact that Magic Vac makes every part in their factory in Italy) made the choice easier.

The final part of my decision was communication with the seller Avid Armor. Nina who answered my emails politely and as importantly quickly. Its a lot of money for me and I was comfortable knowing they take care of customers.

I'll add to this review if anything changes or strikes me as interesting.

I payed for everything. I'm not a professional reviewer and seeing the dearth of reviews wanted to share my experience.

If this was helpful please note that below. Thanks 😊

For several weeks I researched buying a vacuum sealer. Most of the ones had poor reviews with operating problems. I found this sealer on Amazon made in Italy the reviews were excellent!! Never having a sealer before I purchased It. Just the packaging made me think the seller had great pride in it's product. The vacuum suction sealed perfectly, loved the built in cutter with the extra bags which were sturdy & high quality. I vacuumed sealer my frozen meat from the freezer with ease. I highly recommend this sealer. I would purchase it again but I doubt I will have to as the quality is built to last. Thanks to the great reviews I have a excellent product. Remember honest reviews do make a deference!!!!!

I like the quality of this vacuum sealer over other that I have looked at. Also the fact that it is made in Italy and not China.

I have used it twice since I bought it. So this review is limited. I replaced a vacuum sealer and this one seems as easy and effective as the one I had used for a decade.

We have utilized this food saver for dry goods like mash potatoes, rice, cereals and many others, also meats prior to freezing, sealed several items in mason jars and everything feels, looks as fresh and the day we started using this awesome food saver. READ the manual so you can create a good seal, it's NOT hard to work with it.