I bought a Black & Decker vacuum sealer 20 years ago, used a handful of times and put it away because it took so long to make something airtight. Once I started using sous vide to cook, I pulled it out of storage and tried to use it to cook with. The same problems were still there AND the plastic was too thin for longer times or higher cook temps.
I called myself taking a flyer on the Anova sealer, but the price was reasonable and I would have returned it in a New York minute if the experience wasn't better.
I don't think it's too soon to say I'm impressed. It works quickly, completely, and fairly (for what it's doing) quietly. Actually, I'm thrilled. It's small enough to leave in a drawer. It's simple enough to use for all sorts of storage needs. Grated cheese, asparagus, coped rice, hamburgers, steaks, nuts, I think you get the picture.