Abstract: A vacuum cooler for produce and the like comprising a vacuum tube (9) forming a vacuum chamber (10) in which the produce is placed. A vacuum pump (13) lowers the atmospheric pressure while cold water is circulated over the produce by a pump (24) forcing the water through nozzles (22). The invention comprises a venting system allowing outside air into the vacuum chamber to raise the pressure back to atmospheric level to allow removal of the cooled produce. A vent pipe (42) includes an outlet (44) positioned beneath the water level in the pump (29). By causing the incoming air to enter the vacuum chamber through the water, the pressure rise is slowed, pressure differentials throughout the vacuum chamber are reduced, and the humidity level of the air entering the chamber is raised to reduce vacuum infiltration of water into the produce.