Black & Decker VS350, VS250, VS450 User Manual

PLEASE READ AND SAVE THIS USE AND CARE BOOK. POR FAVOR LEA ESTE INSTRUCTIVO ANTES DE USAR EL PRODUCTO. VEUILLEZ LIRE ET CONSERVER CE GUIDE D’ENTRETIEN ET D’UTILISATION.

Professional-Performance Vacuum System

Sistema de sellado al vacío de calidad profesional

Système de scellage sous vide à rendement professionnel

Série/Serie VS250, VS350, VS450 Series

Accessories/Parts (USA/Canada) 1-800-738-0245 Accesorios/Partes

(EE.UU/Canadá)

Accessoires/Pièces

(É.-U./Canada)

USA/Canada 1-800-231-9786 Mexico 01-800-714-2503

www.blackanddecker.com

VS250.Pub1000001093 7/16/04 2:00 PM Page 1

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

❑

Read all instructions.

❑

Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.

❑

To protect against a risk of electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plug or any part of this product in water or other liquid, or use on wet surfaces.

❑

Do not place or store appliance where it can fall or be pulled into a sink or tub.

❑

Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.

❑

Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Return the product to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair or electrical or mechanical adjustment. Or, call the appropriate toll-free number listed on the cover of this manual.

❑

Do not use outdoors.

❑

Do not allow the cord to touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of table or counter. Do not wrap the cord around the appliance.

❑

To disconnect, grasp plug and remove from outlet. Do not pull by the cord.

Congratulations …

On your purchase of the Black & Decker®Professional-Performance Vacuum System! Your decision to purchase this product will have a permanent impact on your budget from now on. It will save you money because you will be able to purchase food in bulk and divide into portions that are exactly right for your family’s size and tastes.

It will save you time, too. Imagine not having to worry what’s for dinner, because you’re able to give each family member a customized dinner that you’ve prepared, portioned, vaucuum-sealed and frozen in advance. Each meal needs only a few minutes heating in the microwave to be "fresh cooked."

The Black & Decker

system is convenient, versatile and practical for today’s busy lifestyles. In just seconds, you can make custom-sized bags to hold individual or family-sized portions of food, then vacuum seal to keep that food fresh for as much as 5 times longer.

• Keep meats, poultry and blanched vegetables fresh and flavorful and free from freezer burn.

• Pantry staples like flours, sugars and dried peas and beans stay fresh, dry and free of bugs.

• Refrigerated foods like cheese and cold cuts stay fresher longer.

All this means less food waste, so more money saved! The more you use the Black & Decker®system, the more ways you will find to

expand its use in and around your home.

POLARIZED PLUG

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the plug in any way

ELECTRICAL CORD

The cord of this appliance was selected to reduce the possibility of tangling in or tripping over a longer cord. If more length is needed, use an extension cord rated no less than 15-amperes. (For 220 volts rated products, use an extension cord rated no less than 6-amperes cord). When using an extension cord, do not let it drape over the working area or dangle where someone could accidentally trip over it. Handle cord carefully for longer life; avoid jerking or straining it at outlet and appliance connections.

TAMPER-RESISTANT SCREW

This appliance is equipped with a tamper-resistant screw to prevent removal of the bottom cover. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not attempt to remove the bottom cover. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Repair should be done only by authorized service personnel.

SOFT-TOUCH PARTS Note: The soft touch parts of the appliance are free of natural rubber and latex.

They are safe for individuals allergic or sensitive to these materials.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

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1. Locking latch (one on each side) Aldaba de cierre (una a cada lado) Loquets (sur les côtés)

2. Progress indicator light Luz indicadora de progreso Témoin de progession du fonctionnement

3. Release button Botón de mecanismo de liberación Bouton de dégagement

†1. Upper foam gasket

(Part# 2900-3211)

2. Push bar

†3. Lower foam gasket (Part# 2900-3201)

4. Canister vacuum button

5. Vacuum channel

6. Canister hose port

7. Sealing strip

8. Vacuum/seal button

9. How-to-use picture guide

†10. Drain cup

(Part# VS250-01)

† Consumer replaceable

†1. Junta superior de espuma

(Part# 2900-3211)

2. Barra de presión

†3. Junta inferior de espuma

(Part# 2900-3201)

4. Botón de vacío para envases

5. Canal de vacío

6. Orificio de vacío del envase

7. Tira sellante

8. Botón de vacío y de sellar

9. Guía ilustrativa de funcionamiento

†10. Bandeja de goteo

(Part# VS250-01)

† Reemplazable por el consumidor

Product may vary slightly from what is illustrated. Este producto puede variar ligeramente del que aparece ilustrado. Le produit peut différer légèrement de celui illustré.

How does the Black & Decker

Professional-Performance Vacuum Sealer Work?

The Sealer unit has a powerful vacuum-pump system that pulls out the air that surrounds food, leaving the food sealed in its owns 5-ply plastic storage bag.

What do I use to package my food for vacuum sealing?

The Black & Decker®System uses 8-inch (21 cm) wide rolls and 11-inch (28 cm) wide rolls of 5-ply plastic to make custom-sized bags for meats, poultry, blanched vegetables, etc.

The bags are freezer safe, hand washable and reusable. They are microwave safe and can be immersed in boiling water for reheating packaged food.

Also available is a 2-size canister set (1- and 11⁄2 -quart sizes/1 liter and 11⁄2 liters) for refrigerator storage of fragile food items, like berries, or items you want to keep crisp and dry in the pantry like cookies and crackers. It’s also perfect for keeping coffee beans fresh in the pantry or freezer.

How to use the Black & Decker®FreshGUARD™ Professional-Performance Vacuum System Sealer to make custom-size bags with rolls:

1. Place the unit on a flat, level surface that is comfortable to work on and plug in the power cord. You see the green progress light come on in the middle of the unit.

2. Use sharp scissors to cut a piece from the roll that is long enough to hold the food item plus 3 inches.

3. Lift the unit lid.

4. Place one end of the bag on the sealing strip. Be sure the end does not extend over the black rubber strip or into the vacuum channel.

5. Close the lid. The push bar on the lid pushes down the open end of the bag into position (A).

6. Press down the top of the lid at the ends then press in the side latches until you hear them click into place (B). The vacuum sealing process begins automatically. The progress indicator light starts blinking; the unit makes a deep humming sound.

7. When vacuum sealing process is complete, the sound stops and the light goes from blinking green to red and then back to steady green. Press the release button (C ).

8. Press down the lid at the ends to release the locking latches (D).

9. Lift the lid and remove the sealed bag. Let the unit rest at least 20 seconds before using it again.

10.Unplug unit.

Tip: Using a sharp pair of scissors with long cutting blades makes it easier to cut the roll straight.

†1. Joint d'étanchéité en mousse (haut)

(Part# 2900-3211)

2. Barre de poussée

†3. Joint d'étanchéité en mousse (bas)

(Part# 2900-3201)

4. Bouton de scellage sous vide de bocal

5. Voie de scellage

6. Orifice de scellage du bocal

7. Bande de scellement

8. Bouton d'aspiration et de scellage

9. Pictogramme de fonctionnement

†10. Tasse de vidange

(Part# VS250-01)

† Remplaçable par le consommateur

VS250.Pub1000001093 7/16/04 2:00 PM Page 4

How to use the FreshGUARD™ Professional-Performance Vacuum Sealer to vacuum seal:

1. Plug unit and lift lid.

2. Place food or other item in the bag. Do not try to seal fragile foods (breads, chips, etc.) in vacuum-sealed bag. They will be crushed.

3. For proper vacuuming, place the entire open end of the bag over the vacuum channel between the black foam gasket as shown in the upper picture (E). If the bag is placed as noted in the three lower pictures the unit will not vacuum the bag.

4. Close the lid. The push bar on the lid pushes down the open end of the bag into position (see A).

5. Press down the top of the lid at the ends then press in the side latches until you hear them click into place (see B). The vacuum sealing process begins automatically. The progress indicator light starts blinking; the unit makes a deep humming sound.

6. When vacuum sealing process is complete, the sound stops and the light goes from blinking green to red and then back to green. Press the release button (see C).

7. Press down the lid at the ends to release the locking latches (see D).

8. Lift the lid and remove the sealed bag. Let the unit rest at least 20 seconds before using it again.

9. Unplug unit.

How to use the FreshGUARD™ Professional-Performance Vacuum System canisters to vacuum seal:

1. Place food in canister, then place lid on canister.

2. Plug unit and lift lid.

3. Attach the small end of the hose to the canister hose port (F).

4. Press and hold the canister vacuum button for about 2 seconds, until the unit starts.

5. After the unit has started, place the large end of the hose over the vacuum port in the center of the lid.

6. The unit will automatically shut off when canister is vacuum sealed.

7. Detach the hose from the canister and unit.

8. Close unit lid.

9. Unplug unit.

Care and Cleaning

Cleaning the Vacuum Chamber Caution: Do not clean the vacuum chamber after every use. It is recommended

to clean it every 30 cycles and only if liquids get inside the chamber. Important: If you see any food particles in the chamber, clean the chamber

to prevent food from getting into pump.

1. Plug unit.

2. Using a measuring cup, fill with 2 tablespoons of water ONLY.

3. Turn on by pressing the canister button.

4. Once unit shuts off, remove drain cup, clean it and insert back into the unit.

5. Unplug unit.

Food Preparation Before Vacuum Sealing

AWord About Food Safety

It is very important that you know and observe some basic safe-food handling practices as you vacuum seal food:

Keep food, especially meats, fish and poultry refrigerated until ready to vacuum seal. Store vacuum-sealed meats, fish and poultry in the freezer immediately after sealing.

Wash hands with warmest water possible and soap and dry with a clean towel or paper toweling before handling food.

Re-wash hands as above after handling raw meat, fish or poultry and before handling any other food.

Before re-using a bag in which food was sealed, wash in warmest sudsy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to thoroughly air dry.

Do not re-use a bag in which raw meat, fish or poultry had been sealed. To safely thaw food, take from freezer and place directly in refrigerator to thaw,

or defrost in a microwave oven. Since oxygen (air) and time are the major reasons foods spoil, it is important to

note that vacuum sealing food cannot reverse food deterioration. Food that is not fresh when you vacuum seal it, will not be any fresher when you un-seal it.

The fresher the food is when you vacuum seal it, the fresher and more flavorful it will be when it is un-sealed.

While vacuum sealing extends the life of foods, it is not a substitute for canning. Follow the guidelines in this manual for sealing and storing different types

of foods.

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Preparing Vegetables for Vacuum Sealing

Vegetables should be blanched before vacuum sealing to retain nutrients, flavor and color.

To blanch vegetables, place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook according to the chart below, then immediately drain and plunge drained vegetables into a pot of very cold water to stop the cooking. Drain vegetables then place on paper toweling or on a kitchen towel to dry, then vacuum seal and freeze.

Vegetables Blanching Where Recommended

Black & Decker®Normal

(home frozen) Time to Store Storage System

Recommended

System

Storage Time Storage Time**

Asparagus 1 to 3 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months

Broccoli 3 to 4 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months

Brussels 3 to 4 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months sprouts

Cabbage 3 to 5 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months

Cauliflower 3 to 4 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months

Corn, on the cob 6 to 12 minutesFreezer Bag 3 years 10 months

Corn, 4 to 6 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months whole kernel

Green beans 2 to 3 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months

Snow peas 1 to 2 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months

Sugar snap peas 1 to 3 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months

* Recommended storage times are for quality only. Follow safe food-handling

procedures and consult individual product recommendations.

** Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

Preparing Cheeses for Vacuum Sealing

If cheese is used frequently, you might want to make the bag longer than normal by 3 to 4-inches (7.5-10 cm). That will allow you to cut to open and leave enough room for 3 or 4 reseals.

Tip: For cubed cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss, freeze cubes on a cookie sheet 30 minutes to 1 hour before vacuum sealing. For shredded cheeses, toss with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) all-purpose flour per 2 cups (500 ml) of cheese; spread cheese lightly on cookie sheet and freeze 20 minutes before sealing.

Cheese Where Recommended

Black & Decker

Normal

to Store Storage System

Recommended

System

Storage Time Storage Time**

Processed cheese Refrigerator Bag 8 months 1 to 2 months (slices)

Cheese, hard Refrigerator Bag 6 to 8 months 3 to 4 months (opened)

Parmesan, Romano Refrigerator Bag 6 to 8 months 1 month (shredded)

Hard and wax-coated Refrigerator Bag 6 to 8 months 3 to 4 weeks cheese, Cheddar, Edam, Gouda, Swiss (opened)

STORAGE GUIDES*

Preparing Meats/Poultry/Fish for Vacuum Sealing

For best results, freeze for 1 to 2 hours before vacuum sealing. If pre-freezing is not an option, place a folded paper towel in the center of the

bag to absorb excess liquid, then place meat in bag. Vacuum seal bag with paper towel and meat in place.

Meat/Fish/Poultry Where Recommended

Black & Decker

Normal

to Store Storage System

Recommended

System

Storage Time Storage Time**

Meat

(beef stew type)

Freezer Bag 3 years 6 to 9 months

Lamb Freezer Bag 2 years 3 to 4 months (steaks and chops)

Pork (chops) Freezer Bag 2 years 2 to 3 months

Ground beef Freezer Bag 1 year 2 to 3 months

Poultry (whole chicken) Freezer Bag 3 years 12 months

Fish (lean) Freezer Bag 2 years 6 to 8 months

Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

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Preparing Foods for Marinating

Marinating is a great way to tenderize a less expensive cut of meat, and give added flavor to meats, poultry, fish and vegetables.

The Black & Decker

Professional-Performance Vacuum System offers you two ways to have tender, flavorful meats, poultry and fish and flavor-infused vegetables and salads—and now it can be done in minutes, not hours.

For larger pieces of meat, poultry or fish, use the 8-inch (21 cm) or 11-inch (28 cm) wide rolls to prepare a custom-sized bag. Place the food and marinade in bag and vacuum seal. Place in refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes.

For cubes of meat, poultry or fish, or for marinated vegetables or salads use the appropriate size canister for the amount of food and marinade.

Always place marinating food, whether in canister or bags, in the refrigerator until ready to cook or eat.

Preparing Other Foods for Vacuum Sealing

Baked goods (breads, rolls, cakes, pastries, bagels) should always be pre-frozen for 1 to 2 hours before vacuum sealing. Pre-freezing prevents baked goods from collapsing when the vacuum sealing process takes place.

When vacuum-sealing foods like soups and stews that are liquid-based, pre-freeze in a shallow casserole or pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. The frozen food can then be easily removed from the container and placed in an appropriate sized bag.

Food Where Recommended

Black & Decker®Normal

to Store Storage System

Recommended

System

Storage Time Storage Time**

Baked pies/pastry Freezer Bag 1 to 3 years 1 to 2 months

Quick Breads Freezer Bag 1 to 3 years 3 to 6 months

Coffee, beans Refrigerator Bag or canister 2 years 2 weeks (from can)

Ground coffee, Pantry Bag or canister 3 years 2 years (from can)

Cookies (packaged) Pantry Canister 6 months 2 months

Nuts Freezer Bag or canister 2 years 6 to 12 months

Pasta (uncooked) Pantry Canister 3 years 2 years

Rice (uncooked) Pantry Canister 2 years 6 months

Granulated sugar Pantry Canister 3 years

2 years

Fruit, Cut Where Recommended

Black & Decker®Normal

to Store Storage System

Recommended

System

Storage Time Storage Time**

Apricots, Nectarines Freezer Bag 1 to 3 years 2 to 3 months Peaches, Plums

Berries Refrigerator Canister 10 days 1 to 2 days

Preparing Fruit for Vacuum Sealing

Soft or delicate fruits and berries of all kinds should be individually pre-frozen for 1 to 2 hours until solidly frozen before vacuum sealing in bags. For example, slice stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines, etc.) and place slices on a cookie sheet and freeze, then place solidly frozen pieces in bag to vacuum seal.

Berries can be individually frozen as above before vacuum sealing in a bag then freezing or vacuum-sealed fresh in a FreshGuard ™ canister and stored in refrigerator.

** Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

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