Vacuum seal with FoodSave
Vacuum seal with FoodSaver
accessories
Food Preparation & Safety Tips 9
Care and Cleaning Instructions 10
Guidelines for Vacuum Packaging 11
Preservation Guidelines 14
Troubleshooting 16
®
Lock & Seal 3
r®
bags
®
Important Safeguards
Read the Instructions Carefully.
For Your Own Safety, Always Follow These Basic Precautions When Using the FoodSaver
Sunbeam is very safety conscious when
designing and manufacturing consumer
products, but it is essential that the product user
also exercise care when using an electrical
appliance. Listed below are precautions which
are essential for the safe use of an electrical
appliance:
• Read carefully and save all the instructions
provided with an appliance.
• Always turn the power off at the power outlet
before you insert or remove a plug. Remove
by grasping the plug - do not pull on the cord.
• Turn the power off and remove the plug
when the appliance is not in use and before
cleaning.
• Do not use your appliance with an extension
cord unless this cord has been checked and
tested by a qualified technician or service
person.
• Always use your appliance from a power
outlet of the voltage (A.C. only) marked
on the appliance.
• This appliance is not intended for use by
persons (including children) with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or
lack of experience and knowledge, unless they
have been given supervision or instruction
concerning use of the appliance by a person
responsible for their safety.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that
they do not play with the appliance.
• The temperature of accessible surfaces may
be high when the appliance is operating.
• Never leave an appliance unattended while
in use.
• Do not use an appliance for any purpose
other than its intended use.
• Do not place an appliance on or near a hot gas
flame, electric element or on a heated oven.
• Do not place on top of any other appliance.
• Do not let the power cord of an appliance
hang over the edge of a table or bench top or
touch any hot surface.
• Do not operate any electrical appliance with
a damaged cord or after the appliance has
been damaged in any manner. If damage is
suspected, return the appliance to the nearest
Sunbeam Appointed Service Centre
for examination, repair or adjustment.
• For additional protection, Sunbeam
recommend the use of a residual current
device (RCD) with a tripping current not
exceeding 30mA in the electrical circuit
supplying power to your appliances.
• Do not immerse the appliance in water
or any other liquid unless recommended.
• Appliances are not intended to be operated
by means of an external timer or separate
remote control system.
• This appliance is intended to be used in
household and similar applications such
as: staff kitchen areas in shops, offices and
other working environments; farm houses; by
clients in hotels, motels and other residential
type environments; bed and breakfast type
environments.
®
Appliance:
If you have any concerns regarding the performance and use of your appliance,
please visit www.sunbeam.com.au or contact the Sunbeam Consumer Service Line.
Ensure the above safety precautions are understood.
1
Vacuum Packaging tips
When Vacuum Packaging:
1. Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for
refrigeration.
®
2. Use only FoodSaver
containers.
3. During the vacuum packaging process,
small amounts of liquids, crumbs or food
particles can be inadvertently pulled into
the Vacuum Channel. Empty the Drip Tray
after each use.
4. You can prevent liquids from being
drawn into the appliance by placing a
folded paper towel at the top of the bag,
but below the seal area, before vacuum
packaging.
5. Do not attempt to create your own side
seals for a FoodSaver
are manufactured with special side seams
which are sealed all the way to the outer
edge. Creating your own side seams can
actually leave air channels exposed which
will cause leakage and prevent a vacuum
from being formed.
6. Always make sure you leave at least
2.5 cm of extra bag material for each
time you plan to reuse the bag. To avoid
possible illness, do not reuse bags after storing meats, fish or greasy foods.
bags, rolls and
®
Bag. These bags
7. If you are not sure whether you have
achieved a complete seal, simply seal the
bag again about 1cm above the first seal.
8. Bulky items sometimes make it difficult
to achieve a smooth sealing surface.
Gently stretch the bag flat along the
Sealing Strip before closing the lid.
9. When packaging products with sharp
edges (dry spaghetti, silverware, etc.),
protect the bag from punctures by
wrapping the products in a cushioning
material, such as paper towels, styrofoam,
tissue, etc. Products can also be vacuum
packaged in containers to avoid any
possibility of puncturing a bag.
10. Avoid drawing powdery or fine-grained
products such as, flour, sugar and coffee
grinds into the appliance. This will inhibit
the vacuuming and sealing process and
may clog the unit, preventing it from
drawing a good vacuum. To prevent this
from occurring, avoid overfilling the bags
or alternatively use containers.
11. If using the FoodSaver
re-seal packets, ensure that these have
been previously commercially heat sealed.
®
appliance to
2
VS4500 FoodSaver® Lock & Seal
E. Accessor y Port
F. Upper Foam Gasket
A. Seal Button
B. Vac/Seal Button
G. Vacuum Channel
H. Easy-clean
C. Power On/Off
D. Easy Lock Latch:
Operate
Adjust Back
to Operate
Store
Adjust Center
to Store
Open
Adjust Forward
to Open
Drip Tray
I. Lower Foam Gasket
J. Extra-wide Sealing Strip
K. Handheld Sealer
Use with zipper bags and containers, ideal for fresh food and
snacks.
3
Vacuum
Indicator Light
Vacuum & Seal
4
2
Button
5
3
Power
Light
1
Seal Indicator Light
1
Seal Indicator
Light
Seal
Button
This light has two uses:
1. Constant light indicates Sealing process is engaged.
2. Flashes to indicate error.
2
Vacuum Indicator Light
Shows Vacuum and Seal process is engaged. Shuts off when the full process is
finished.
3
Power Light
Illuminates when the unit is in the OPERATE position. Shuts off automatically when
latch is not in OPERATE position.
4
Seal Button
This button has three uses:
1. Press to create a seal when making bags from a FoodSaver
®
Roll.
2. Press to immediately stop the vacuum process and begin sealing the bag. This
prevents crushing delicate items such as bread, cookies and pastries.
3. Press to create a seal on multilayer film bags (such as a potato chip bag) to keep
food sealed airtight.
5
Vacuum & Seal Button
This button has two uses:
1. Press to vacuum seal and seal food airtight. Appliance shuts off automatically.
2. Press to pause vacuum process at any point.
4
Using your FoodSaver
E
ND
ALED END
Lock & Seal
How to make a Bag from a FoodSaver® Roll
1. Using scissors, cut enough bag material from
roll to hold item, plus 7.5cm. Be sure to cut
straight.
2. Move Easy Lock Latch to the open position.
Open appliance lid. Insert one end of bag
material across Sealing Strip.
®
3. Close lid and turn Easy Lock Latch to
OPERATE position.
4. Press Seal button.
5. When Seal Indicator Light turns off, sealing is
complete. Turn latch to OPEN position, lift lid
and remove bag.
Now you are ready to vacuum seal with your
new bag (see page 6).
Place Bag on Sealing Strip
Close and turn Easy Lock Latch to OPERATE position
Press Seal Button
5
E
ND
ALED END
ED
Using your FoodSaver® Lock & Seal continued
How to Vacuum Seal FoodSaver® Bags
1. Place item(s) in bag, allowing at least
7.5cm of space between bag contents and
top of bag.
2. Open appliance lid and place open end of
bag into Vacuum Channel.
3. Close lid and turn Easy Lock Latch to
OPERATE position.
4. Press Vacuum & Seal Button to begin
vacuum and sealing process. Motor will
continue to run until bag is fully vacuumed,
then will automatically seal.
5. When Seal Indicator Light turns off, turn
Latch to OPEN position, lift lid and remove
bag. Refrigerate or freeze if needed. (See
FoodSaver
®
Storage Guide, page 14, for safe
food storage tips.)
Place Bag in Vacuum Channel
Close and Latch Lid
Operate
Store
Open
NOTE: Let appliance cool down for 20 seconds
after each use. Always store appliance with the
Easy Lock Latch in the center STORE position.
Important Tips:
To minimize bag waste do not insert too
much. Only insert bag over the edge of the
removable drip tray.
6
Press Vacuum & Seal Button
Using your FoodSaver® Lock & Seal continued
Tips on sealing & vacuuming a bag
Make sure you've securely locked the
FoodSaver
®
appliance lid. When making a
bag from a roll, place bag material on the
sealing strip, close and lock the lid.
Prevent moisture or liquid from being pulled
into the Vacuum Channel or trapped in the
seal. For very moist or wet foods either
use Seal only, or pre-freeze for 1-2 hours
before vacuum packaging. Alternatively
place a folded paper towel between food
and end of bag to absorb excess liquids.
Just be sure to leave at least 7.5cm
between food and end of bag so that bag
seals properly with paper towel inside.
®
Make sure you give FoodSaver
appliance
time to cool down. Under heavy usage,
appliance will not operate to prevent
overheating. If it does, wait 10 - 20
minutes to allow appliance to cool off.
Vacuum packaging in bulk
To package a large number of bags at one
time, it is recommended to:
- create bag
- place foods in bag
- vacuum & seal
- repeat
Following this process will prevent the
appliance from overheating.
Make sure you've securely locked the
FoodSaver
®
appliance lid. 'When vacuuming
and sealing a bag or container ensure the
lid has been fully closed and lid has locked
into place.
Check for wrinkles in the bag along the
Sealing Strip. Wrinkles in seal may cause
leakage and allow air to come back into
bag. Check for wrinkles in bag along
Sealing Strip before closing lid and
vacuum packaging. If you find wrinkles
after sealing bag, simply cut bag open and
vacuum seal again.
If the motor runs for more than 2 minutes
without stopping, consider the following:
- adjust the bag and try again.
- if you are making an initial seal on a
piece of bag material with two open
ends, make sure the bag is placed on the
sealing strip.
- if you are vacuum packaging with a bag,
make sure the open end is placed down
inside the vacuum channel.
- ensure the accessory hose is not
attached.
7
Vacuum Sealing Accessories
For Containers
1. Prepare container according to FoodSaver®
Accessory Guidelines
with your Accessory Kit).
2. Insert one end of Accessory Hose into Accessory
Port on appliance. Press the Handheld Sealer
over the accessory.
NOTE: For Containers and Bottle stoppers without
green oval buttons on lid, remove the clear
bottom portion of Handheld Sealer from top
handle. Insert the green tip into the hole on top of
the container lid or into the bottle stopper. Twist
the green tip of the hose while inserting to ensure
a tight fit.
3. Close lid, rotate Latch to OPERATE position,
press Vacuum & Seal Button.
4. When motor and Indicator Light turn off, vacuum
process is complete. Note that the appliance
will still go through sealing cycle even when
vacuuming an accessory. You will hear Motor shut
off and then the sealing cycle will begin.
5. Gently twist and remove Handheld Sealer from
accessory and appliance.
6. To test vacuum, simply tug on accessory lid.
It should not move.
(see manual that comes
Connect Accessory Hose to both accessory
port on appliance and port on accessory
Green tip to insert into the
port on containers/
bottle stoppers
Press Vacuum & Seal Button
NOTE: For important tips on using accessories with
different foods, please refer to the FoodSaver
®
Storage Guide on page 14.
For Zipper bags
1. To use Handheld sealer with Vacuum Zipper
Bags, lay bag flat with grey circle facing upwards.
Squeeze air out of the bag and seal closed
completely.
2. Place Handheld Sealer over grey circle on bag and
press Vacuum & Seal button.
8
Vacuum sealing zipper bags
Food Preparation & Safety Tips
Guidelines for Vacuum Packaging Food
Vacuum packaging is not a substitute for
canning nor can it reverse deteriorating
quality; it can only slow down changes
in quality. It is impossible to predict how
long a specific food will have top-quality
flavour, appearance and texture, because
it depends on the age and condition
of the food on the day it was vacuum
packaged. Foods that are extremely fresh
will last longer than foods that are already
deteriorating.
Vacuum packaging extends the life of foods
by removing nearly all the air in a sealed
container, thereby reducing oxidation which
affects nutritional value, flavour and overall
quality. However, most foods contain
enough water to support micro-organisms
which can grow with or without air. While
micro-organisms are present everywhere,
only certain ones cause problems, and only
under certain conditions:
• Mould: Easy to identify because of its
characteristic fuzz. Moulds are virtually
eliminated by vacuum packaging because
they cannot grow in a low oxygen
environment.
• Yeast: Results in fermentation, which
can frequently be identified by smell or
taste. Yeast requires water, sugar and a
moderate temperature to grow, and can
grow with or without air. Refrigeration
slows the growth of yeast, and freezing
stops it completely.
• Bacteria: Frequently results in
discolouration, soft or slimy texture,
and/or an unpleasant odour. 'Clostridium
botulinum' (the organism that causes
Botulism) can grow without air under the
right conditions, cannot be detected by
smell or taste, and although extremely
rare, can be very dangerous.
Thawing and Heating Vacuum Packaged
Foods
Always thaw foods in either the refrigerator
or microwave – do not leave “perishable”
foods at room temperature to thaw.
To microwave in a FoodSaver
cut a corner of the bag and place on a
microwave-safe dish.
The combination of vacuum packaging and
freezing will extend food freshness and
reduce the growth of bacteria in perishable
foods.
Maintaining low temperatures is a critical
factor in preserving foods safely. Growth of
micro-organisms is significantly reduced at
temperatures of 4°C or below. Freezing at
-17°C does not kill micro-organisms, but
it stops them from growing. For long term
storage, always freeze “perishable” foods
that have been vacuum packaged.
NOTE: Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute
for refrigeration or freezing. Any “perishable”
foods that require refrigeration prior to
vacuum packaging still must be refrigerated
or frozen after vacuum packaging.
®
Bag,
9
Care and Cleaning Instructions
The FoodSaver® Appliance
1. Always unplug the appliance before
cleaning.
2. Clean using a mild dishwashing soap
and a warm, damp cloth. Do not
immerse the appliance in water. Dry
thoroughly before using.
3. Do not use abrasive products or
materials to clean any of the appliance
components.
Drip Tray
Remove from appliance for easy clean.
Clean drip tray in warm soapy water.
®
FoodSaver
IMPORTANT: Do not reuse bags after storing
meats, fish or greasy foods.
1. Wash bags in warm water using a mild
dishwashing soap.
2. Bags can be washed in the dishwasher
by carefully turning the bags inside out
and spreading them over the top rack of
the dishwasher so that all surfaces are
exposed to the washing water.
3. Allow bags to dry thoroughly before
reusing. To avoid possible illness, do not
reuse bags after storing raw meats, fish
or greasy foods. Do not reuse bags that
have been microwaved or simmered.
Bags
®
FoodSaver
1. All FoodSaver
washed in warm water using a mild
dishwashing soap. Dry thoroughly before
using.
2. The FoodSaver
can be cleaned in the dishwasher but
only in the top shelf. Items washed in
bottom shelves can distort due to the
heat from the dishwasher element.
FoodSaver
NOT dishwasher safe
IMPORTANT: All plastic components
deteriorate through the prolonged use of a
dishwasher for cleaning. Hand washing of
plastic components in warm soapy water is
always recommended.
To Store Appliance
Clean unit thoroughly.
After the unit has been cleaned and
allowed to fully dry, close lid and push
the Easy Lock Latch into the STORE
(middle) position. This setting will keep
the lid closed but avoid and pressure being
applied to the gaskets.
Always leave lid latch in STORE position
when not in use. Never store lid in OPERATE
position as gaskets may become compressed.
If gaskets become compressed the unit
may not function properly.
Accessories
®
accessories should be
®
Fresh Containers
®
Quick Marinator lids are
10
Guidelines for Vacuum Packaging
Vacuum Packaging and Food Safety
The vacuum packaging process extends the
life of foods by removing most of the air from
the sealed container. This reduces oxidation,
which affects nutritional value, flavour and
overall quality.
Removing air can also inhibit growth of micro
organisms, which can cause problems under
certain conditions such as mould, yeast and
bacteria.
IMPORTANT: Vacuum packaging is NOT a
substitute for refrigeration or freezing
Any perishable foods that require refrigeration
must still be refrigerated or frozen after
vacuum packaging.
Thawing and Reheating Vacuum Packaged Foods
Always thaw foods in either refrigerator or
microwave — do not thaw perishable foods at
room temperature.
Reheating in a microwave
To reheat foods in a microwave in a
FoodSaver
®
Bag, always cut corner of the bag
before placing it on a microwave-safe dish.
However, to avoid hot spots, do not reheat
bone-in meat or greasy foods in microwave
within a FoodSaver
Reheating in water
You can also reheat foods in FoodSaver
®
Bag.
®
Bags
by placing them in water at a low simmer
below 75°C.
Vacuum Packaging Meat and Fish:
®
For best results, use a FoodSaver
bag to
vacuum seal before freezing.
For very moist meat or fish, place a folded
paper towel in the bag, between meat/fish
and top of bag, below seal area. Leave paper
towel in bag to absorb excess moisture and
juices during vacuum packaging process.
Note: Beef may appear darker after vacuum
packaging due to the removal of oxygen.
This is not an indication of spoilage.
Vacuum Packaging Hard Cheeses:
To keep cheese fresh, vacuum package it
after each use. To continue using the same
bag, when initially vacuum packaging the
cheese, ensure the FoodSaver
®
Bag is extra
long. Allow one inch of bag material for each
time you plan to open and reseal the bag in
addition to the 7.5cm space you normally
leave between contents and seal. Simply cut
sealed edge and remove cheese prior to use.
When you’re ready to repackage the cheese,
just drop it in bag and reseal.
IMPORTANT: Due to the risk of anaerobic
bacteria, Soft cheeses should never be vacuum
packaged.
11
Guidelines for Vacuum Packaging continued
Vacuum Packaging Vegetables:
It is recommended that vegetables are
blanched before vacuum packaging.
This process stops the enzyme action that
could lead to loss of flavour, colour and
texture.
To blanch vegetables, place them in boiling
water or in the microwave until they are
cooked, but still crisp.
Approximate blanching times:
- 1 to 2 minutes for leafy greens and peas
- 3 to 4 minutes for snap peas, sliced
zucchini or broccoli
- 5 minutes for carrots
- 7 to 11 minutes for corn on the cob.
After blanching, immerse vegetables in cold
water to stop the cooking process.
Dry vegetables on a towel before vacuum
packaging.
Note: All vegetables (including broccoli,
Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale,
turnips) naturally emit gases during storage.
Therefore, after blanching, they must be
stored in freezer only.
IMPORTANT: Due to the risk of anaerobic
bacteria, Fresh mushrooms, onions, & garlic
should never be vacuum packaged.
Vacuum Packaging Leafy Vegetables:
For best results, use a container to store leafy
vegetables. First wash the vegetables, and
then dry with a towel or salad spinner.
After they are dried, put them in a container
and vacuum package. Store in refrigerator.
Vacuum Packaging Fruits:
For best results, vacuum seal fruit in a
®
FoodSaver
Container to protects the shape of
berries and soft fruits. Alternatively pre-freeze
fruit for 1-2 hours before vacuum sealing to help
maintain the shape and flavour of the food.
If storing in the refrigerator, we recommend
using a FoodSaver
®
Container.
Vacuum Packaging Baked Goods:
To vacuum package soft or airy baked goods,
we recommend using a FoodSaver
®
Container
so they will hold their shape. If using a
bag, pre-freeze for 1-2 hours or until solidly
frozen. To save time, make cookie dough, pie
shells, whole pies, or mix dry ingredients in
advance and vacuum package for later use.
12
Guidelines for Vacuum Packaging continued
Vacuum Packaging Coffee and Powdery Foods:
To prevent food particles from being drawn
into vacuum pump, place a coffee filter or
paper towel inside the bag, above the coffee
and below the top of the bag, before vacuum
packaging.
You can also place the food in its original bag
inside a FoodSaver
®
Bag.
Vacuum Packaging Liquids:
®
Using a FoodSaver
Container is the easiest
way to vacuum seal liquids. Pouring liquids
®
into a FoodSaver
bag then using Seal only is
a quick way to prepare liquids for storage.
Alternatively pre-freeze liquids until solid,
remove from freezer and vacuum package in
®
a FoodSaver
bag. Then return to the freezer.
When you’re ready to use, just cut corner of
bag and place in a dish in microwave or drop
into water at a low simmer, below 75°C.
Vacuum Packaging Non-Food Items
The FoodSaver
®
vacuum packaging system
also protects non-food items from oxidation,
corrosion and moisture. Simply follow the
directions to vacuum package items using
FoodSaver
®
Bags & Containers.
To vacuum package silver, wrap
forks in soft cushioning material,
such as a paper towel,
to avoid puncturing bag.
®
Your FoodSaver
Bags are ideal for
outdoor excursions. For camping
and hiking, keep your matches,
maps and food dry and compact.
To have fresh water for drinking,
simply fill a FoodSaver
®
Bag with
ice, seal it and when needed, let
the ice pack melt.
If you’re going sailing or boating,
vacuum package your food, film
and a dry change of clothes. Just
remember to bring scissors or a
knife to open the bag.
To keep emergency kits safe
and dry, vacuum package flares,
batteries, flashlights, matches,
candles and other necessities.
Your emergency items will stay dry
and organized in your home, car or
boat.
Vacuum Packaging Snack Foods:
Your snack foods will maintain their freshness
longer when you vacuum package them.
For best results, use a FoodSaver
®
Container
for crushable items like crackers.
Natural Gases in Foods
The release of natural gases or fermentation
from foods, (such as fresh fruits and
vegetables) can add air back into a vacuum
packaged bag. To prevent this occurring,
vegetables can be blanched prior to vacuum
packing. See page 13 for more details.
Pre-freezing meats prior to vacuum packaging
can prevent natural gases being released.
13
Preservation Guidelines
Foods
Where to
Store
Recommended
FoodSaver
®
Accessory
Storage Life
with FoodSaver
Vacuum
Packaging
System
®
Normal
Storage Life
Meat
®
Beef, Pork, LambFreezerFoodSaver
Ground MeatFreezerFoodSaver
PoultryFreezerFoodSaver
FishFreezerFoodSaver
Bag2-3 years6 months
®
Bag1 year4 months
®
Bag2-3 years6 months
®
Bag2 years6 months
Hard Cheeses
Cheddar, Swiss
ParmesanRefrigerator FoodSaver
Vegetables
(Vegetables, excluding leafy types, must be blanched before vacuum sealing.)