Vacuum sealer
Vacuum sealers remove the air from the package and create a tight seal which is ideal for preserving food by freezing. Some dehydrated and freeze-dried foods can also benefit from being vacuum sealed.
Vacuum sealers can be used on a variety of foods from fruits and vegetables to beans, fish, and meats.
How To Troubleshoot Vacuum Sealing
This video provides a quick and easy guide for preserving food with a vacuum sealer.
Videos are included to provide general information on how to use canning equipment and are not an endorsement of any product. Instructions will vary with different models, please follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to safely use all canning equipment.
Transcript
sealing such as you may have been
feeling too long and need to give your
machine a moment to cool down or your
drip tray might be full we'll also show
you a quick test you can do and we'll go
over some bad questions you need to
consider and lastly we'll show you how
to remove and replace your gaskets for
routine maintenance so let's get started
with the tips you need to maintain your
vacuum sealer and keep your foods
fresher longer as you do your bulk
sealing be sure to leave at least 20
seconds between each seal to avoid
overheating your vacuum sealer if you've
been sealing for a while without a break
you might have overheated your vacuum
sealer all you need to do is simply give
yourself and your machine a quick time
out for about 20 minutes and then try
sealing again if you've been feeling a
lot of moist foods the drip tray on your
vacuum sealer might be full the
indicator light will blink to let you
know that it needs to be emptied simply
remove your drip dry clean it
dry it and reinsert according to your
specific models instruction manual the
light will go out and you're ready to
start sealing again if you've ruled out
the first two tips and your machine is
not vacuum sealing try this quick test
take a brand new bag that you have not
previously used before place a spoon
into the new bag and place the open end
to be sealed into your vacuum sealer go
through the normal steps for your
particular model and vacuum seal your
bag if the bags filled you know that the
problem was with the original bag you
tried to seal and now you're ready to
resume sealing once again here's a few
bag troubleshooting questions you might
want to consider if your machine is not
vacuum sealing is your bag too full
always leave about four inches at the
top of the bag when filling so that you
have enough space to seal are you using
a food saver brand bag food saver brand
bags are specifically designed to work
with our appliances other bags aren't
did you reuse a bag prior to reusing
your bags be sure to carefully check for
imperfections from previous use before
attempting to seal for maximum
efficiency the gaskets in your vacuum
sealer need to be cleaned on a regular
basis depending on your model you'll
either have a removable or non
moveable gaskets for non removable
gaskets simply use a damp sponge to
clean for removable gaskets use both
hands and firmly grasp both ends of the
gasket in the channel and pull straight
out gently clean and let it dry 24 hours
then reinsert by placing it back into
the channel and pressing all four
corners
lightly tap around the perimeter not
straight across until the gasket is
fully seated back into the channel when
done close your vacuum sealer and lock
it if you've had your vacuum sealer for
over a year and use it often it may be
time for a gasket replacement it's a
good maintenance practice to regularly
inspect your gaskets for wear
we hope these simple tips will help you
to maintain your vacuum sealer so you
can keep your food fresher longer if you
need further troubleshooting advice give
us a call at one eight seven seven seven
seven seven eight zero four to see below
for a link to download an information
sheet with details discussed in this
video
Additional resources
A PNW Extension Publication
Storing Food for Safety and Quality
© 2023 Published and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914, by the Oregon State University Extension Service, Washington State University Extension, University of Idaho Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. The three participating Extension services offer educational programs, activities and materials without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/ parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Accessibility: This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact [email protected] or 541-737-3311.
