Weston 65-1101-W User Manual

Model No.65-1101-W
REV060411
Due to constant factory improvements, the product pictured might
differ slightly from the product received.
HARVEST GUARD
PORTABLE
VACUUM SEALER
It is important to follow the “Food Safety” guidelines outlined in this
manual. For most up to date instruction, visit the USDA website.
REV080614
NOTE: The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags with an embossed or mesh lining. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Rules Components Protective Tape Vacuum Chamber Seals Thermal Overload Protector Care & Cleaning Outlet Instructions Control Panel Before You Start Bag Sealing Initial Testing of Bag Seal Vacuum Operation Vacuum Packaging Guidelines Storage Lifespan Guidelines Troubleshooting Maintenance Kit Instructions Food Safety Storage Warranty
3 4 5 6 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14-15 16 17-18 18 19
Reglas Importantes de Seguridad Componentes Cinta Protectora Sellos de la Cámara de Vacío Protector de Sobrecarga Térmica Instrucciones de Cuidado y Limpieza Instrucciones para la Corriente Panel de Control Antes de Empezar a Sellar las Bolsas Prueba Inicial De Sellado De Bolsas Operación al Vacio Lineamientos de Envasado Al Vacío Lineamientos de la Caducidad del Almacenamiento Solución de Problemas Instruciones del Juego de Mantenimiento Seguridad de Los Alimentos Almacenamiento Información de Garantía
21 22 23 24 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32-33 34 35 36 37
Importantes Consignes de Sécurité Pièces Ruban Protecteur Joints de la Chambre Sous Vide Protection Contre les Surcharges Thermiques Instructions D’Entretien et de Nettoyage Instructions sur les Prises Panneau de Commande Avant de Lancer le Scellement des Sacs Test Initial du Scellement d’un Sac Fonctionnement Directives Pour L’emballage Sous Vide Directives Sur la Durée de Conservation Dépannage Instructions pour le Kit de Maintenace Sécurité Alimentaire Stockage Information sur la Garantie
39 40 41 42 42 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50-51 52 53-54 54 55
ENGLISH INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCCIONES EN ESPAÑOL
INSTRUCTIONS EN FRANÇAIS
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WARNING!
1. ALWAYS DISCONNECT Vacuum Sealer from power source before servicing, changing accessories or cleaning the unit.
2. Check if the voltage indicated on the appliance corresponds to the local voltage before you connect the appliance. Plug the Vacuum Sealer into a standard 120 Volt, 60 Hz wall outlet. If using the 12 Volt Adapter Power Cord, plug into a standard 12 Volt car port. Avoid using extension cords. CAUTION: In order to avoid a hazardous situation, this appliance must never be connected to a timer switch.
3. DO NOT USE the Vacuum Sealer if the Power Cord, Plug or any other parts are damaged. If the Power Cord or the Vacuum Sealer is damaged, call Customer Service. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE CORD. Be sure to not allow the Power Cord to drape into your work area. Check that all parts are operating properly, and perform the intended functions. Check for any other conditions that may affect the operation.
4. NEVER use any accessories or parts from other manufacturers. Doing so will VOID YOUR
WARRANTY and may cause re, electrical shock
or injury.
5. KEEP FINGERS CLEAR of the Heat Sealing Bar and Seal Bar Tape AT ALL TIMES, these areas become HOT. Doing so may cause serious injury.
6. DO NOT take this appliance apart; doing so will VOID YOUR WARRANTY and may result in personal injury.
7 TO PROTECT AGAINST RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK: DO NOT SUBMERGE THE VACUUM SEALER INTO WATER OR LIQUID. BE SURE THE VACUUM SEALER IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE CLEANING. Follow the “Cleaning Instructions” in this booklet. NEVER rinse appliance Vacuum Sealer under tap.
8. NEVER let the appliance run unattended. Be safe, DISCONNECT the Vacuum Sealer from power source before leaving the work area. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children. This appliance is NOT to be used by children.
9. DO NOT let the Power Cord hang over edge of work surface. DO NOT let cord come in contact with a hot surface. DO NOT use on an oven or stove.
10. Be sure the Vacuum Sealer is on a stable work surface. Be sure all the Vacuum Sealer Feet are stable.
11. DO NOT use the Vacuum Sealer outdoors.
12. DO NOT use the Vacuum Sealer while
under the inuence of drugs, medications or
alcohol.
13. The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty!
14. DO NOT operate while using a motor
vehicle/boat.
15. Close adult supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children. This appliance is NOT to be used by children.
16. DO NOT operate the appliance for more than 15 minutes at one time. After 15 minutes of continuous use, allow a few minutes for the appliance to rest before next use.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Refer to them often and use them to instruct others.
WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the Vacuum
Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS PRIOR TO USING THIS UNIT. YOUR SAFETY IS MOST IMPORTANT! FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PROCEDURES AND SAFEGUARDS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
REMEMBER: YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!
IMPORTANT SAFETY RULES
NOTE: The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags with an embossed or mesh lining. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty!
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COMPONENT LIST
These products and many more products can be ordered by visiting
WestonProducts.com or by calling
Weston Products LLC Toll Free at 1-800-814-4895
Monday thru Friday 8:00am-5:00pm EST. Outside the U.S. call 440-638-3131
DIAGRAM PART PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION NUMBER
1 Seal Bar Heating Element 08-1127 2 Seal Bar Insulator 08-1125 3 Seal Bar Tape (Black) See Maintenance Kit 4 Oval Chamber Seal (2) See Maintenance Kit 5 Vacuum Sealer Maintenance Kit 08-2402
Seal Bar Tape (Black) Chamber Seals (2)
6 12 Volt Adapter Power Cord 08-1102
Control Panel
1
Under Seal Bar Tape
3
2
4
5
Power Cord
Vacuum Lid
Base
Lid Closure
Vacuum
Hose
Port
Vacuum Chamber
6
12 Volt
Power
Cord
Port
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PROTECTIVE TAPE
There is a factory installed
strip of Seal Bar Tape on the Vacuum Sealer.
DO NOT REMOVE THE TAPE!
SEAL BAR TAPE
DO NOT
REMOVE!
The Seal Bar Heating Element is covered with Seal Bar Tape to protect vacuum bags during sealing (Figure 1). DO NOT remove the Seal Bar Tape. See the “Maintenance Kit” section of this manual for information on replacing the Seal Bar Tape, if necessary.
OVAL VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS
DO NOT REMOVE!
Figure 1
NOTICE!!
PLEASE DO NOT DISCARD THE ORIGINAL
SHIPPING PACKAGE AND THE INNER CARTONS!
IN THE EVENT THIS UNIT MUST BE RETURNED
FOR SERVICE OR ADJUSTMENTS, THE PRODUCT
IS BEST PROTECTED DURING SHIPMENT IF THE
PRODUCT IS RETURNED IN THE
ORIGINAL SHIPPING CARTON.
WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the
Vacuum Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS
There are two factory-installed
Oval Chamber Seals on the Vacuum Sealer (Figure 2).
When the Vacuum Lid is closed they form an airtight seal so the Vacuum Chamber can be evacuated.
The Oval Chamber Seals may wear over time and require replacement. See the “Maintenance Kit” section of this manual for information on replacing the Oval Vacuum Chamber Seals, if necessary.
THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTOR
The Vacuum Sealer will automatically shut down if it overheats. If this occurs, turn the unit off and open the Vacuum Lid. Resume normal operation after the unit cools or about 20 minutes.
To help prevent overheating, wait at least 20 seconds between cycles with the Vacuum Lid open. Avoid touching the Seal Bar Tape. The Seal Bar Tape will remain hot for a brief period of time after each sealing cycle.
WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the Vacuum
Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
Figure 2
Oval
Chamber
Seals
CARE & CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
.
NEVER IMMERSE the Vacuum Sealer in water or other liquid.
.
Make sure the Vacuum Sealer has completely cooled before cleaning it.
.
Wipe clean all outside surfaces including the Plastic Vacuum Chamber and
Vacuum Lid with a damp cloth or paper towel. Most household spray cleaners are safe to use. Avoid spraying directly into the vent on the left side of the unit. DO NOT use abrasive cleansers!
.
Be careful while cleaning not to peel or damage the strip of Seal Bar Tape
covering the Seal Bar Heating Element.
.
Dry all surfaces and close the Vacuum Lid before storing the Vacuum Sealer.
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This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade of the plug is wider than the other blade) (Figure 4). To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this plug must
t fully into the outlet. If the blades do not t into
the outlet, try turning the plug around. If the plug
still does not t into the outlet, contact a qualied
electrician. DO NOT attempt to modify the plug in any way.
Plug the Vacuum Sealer into a standard 120 Volt, 60 Hz wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords.
ALWAYS DISCONNECT Vacuum Sealer from power source when not in use.
OUTLET INSTRUCTIONS
DO NOT USE BOTH POWER CORDS AT THE SAME TIME!
Figure 3
This unit includes an alternate 12 Volt Adapter Power Cord (Figure 3a). The 12 Volt Adapter Power Cord can be used to power the Vacuum Sealer on the go.
1. Plug the 12 Volt Adapter Power Cord plug end into the side of the Vacuum Sealer (Figure 3b).
2. Plug the 12 Volt Adapter Power Cord port plug end into the 12 volt plug inside a boat or car.
WARNING!: DO NOT use the Vacuum Sealer outdoors. TO PROTECT AGAINST RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK: DO NOT SUBMERGE OR USE THE VACUUM SEALER IN OR AROUND WATER OR LIQUID. DO NOT use this appliance while driving or boating!
Figure 3a
Plug
Port Plug
12 Volt
Power
Cord
Port
Figure 3b
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.
Power Light: The Power Light will remain illuminated when the Vacuum
Sealer is connected to the power supply.
.
On/Off Button: The On/Off Button turns the unit on or off when connected to
the power supply.
.
Start Button: The Start Button starts the Vacuum Pump, which engages the
air evacuation process.
.
Seal Button: This button will start the Seal Bar at any time. ONLY push this
button while the Vacuum Pump is running.
.
Pulse Button: The Pulse Button can be used when vacuum sealing delicate
items or liquids, allowing the vacuum process to be controlled. Once a bag is set up to vacuum seal, press the Pulse Button once to lock the bag. Then press the Pulse Button as much or as little as desired until the desired amount of air is removed. Press the Seal Button to seal the bag.
.
Accessory Button: Press the Accessory Button when using any external
accessories, via the Vacuum Hose Port.
.
Seal Window: The numeric LED Seal Window indicates the number of
seconds that the Sealing Bar will be activated to apply heat to the bag that creates the seal. Once the Seal Bar is activated, the display will countdown to “0”. See the
“Bag Sealing” section in this booklet for further information on sealing vacuum bags.
.
Seal Time + and - Buttons: The Seal Time Button adjusts the number
of seconds that the Sealing Bar will apply heat to create the bag’s seal. The optimal time for different brands of bags can be adjusted using the Plus (+) or Minus
(-) Buttons. See the “Bag Sealing” section in this booklet for further information on sealing vacuum bags.
CONTROL PANEL
WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the
Vacuum Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
Figure 4
NOTE: The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags with an embossed or mesh lining. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty!
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BEFORE YOU START BAG SEALING
Before using the Vacuum Sealer, familiarize yourself with the bag sealing functions. A vacuum bag is sealed when the Seal Bar Heating Element is activated and heats the bag to its melting point, which then permanently welds the bag layers together, sealing the bag shut. This appliance comes pre-set from the factory to engage the Seal Bar Heating Element for 3 seconds. This is the correct amount of time required to fully seal Weston’s Vacuum Bags. Different brands of vacuum bags may require slightly more or slightly less sealing time. NOTE: THIS BAG SEALER IS
INTENDED TO BE USED ONLY WITH VACUUM BAGS. FOR BEST RESULTS USE ONLY WESTON’S VACUUM BAGS. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS!
The Seal Bar Heating Element of the Vacuum Sealer is covered with a high temperature resistant Seal Bar Tape. DO NOT TOUCH the Seal Bar Tape or the Seal Bar Heating Element after a bag has been sealed.
Test seal a couple of bags to be sure that the Seal Time is set properly. The Seal Time may need to be increased (+) or decreased (-) to optimally seal a bag.
WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the
Vacuum Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
NOTE: The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For
best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags with an embossed or mesh lining. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty!
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1. ALWAYS allow the sealing bar to cool for approximately 20 seconds between bags. Leave the Vacuum Lid OPEN between uses, this allows the Heating Element to cool more quickly between bags.
2. Open the Vacuum Lid, press and unlock both corners by pressing down on the two grey corner panels on the Vacuum Lid.
3. Place one end of the bag onto the Sealing Bar, leaving about 2” (5 cm) of the empty part of the bag beyond the inside edge of the Sealing Bar.
4. Be sure not to cover the Vacuum Port with the bag. Covering the Vacuum Port prevents the proper vacuuming of air from the bag.
5. Close the Vacuum Lid, press and lock both corners by pressing down on the two grey corner panels on the Vacuum Lid.
6. Press the Start Button engaging the Vacuum Pump (the Vacuum Pump must be on for the Seal Bar to heat up).
7. Press the Seal Button immediately after the Vacuum Pump starts.
8. After the Seal Window counts down to zero (0) the unit will automatically release the vacuum and enable the Vacuum Lid to open.
9. Open the Vacuum Lid, press and unlock both corners by pressing down on the two grey corner panels on the Vacuum Lid.
10. Remove the bag and inspect the seal. The seal should appear smooth and consistent all the way across the bag. The seal SHOULD NOT melt through the bag at any point. Be sure there are no creases or wrinkles that may allow air to leak into the bag. A properly sealed bag will not pull apart, the bag must be cut open.
11. Do not form side seals on the bags, the sides are already sealed.
12. If the seal is good, proceed with vacuum packaging. Otherwise:
.
If the seal is melted through the bag trim off the bad seal with scissors
and adjust the Seal Time Down (-) in one second increments and try the test process again.
.
If the seal has not fully welded the bag closed, trim off the bad seal with
scissors and adjust the Seal Time Up (+) in one second increments and try the test process again.
INITIAL TESTING OF THE BAG SEAL
WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the
Vacuum Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
NOTE: The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For
best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags with an embossed or mesh lining. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty!
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BEFORE ATTEMPTING VACUUM PACKAGING BE SURE THAT THE VACUUM SEALER IS SET UP IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL OF THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS LISTED IN THIS BOOKLET.
1. Open the Vacuum Lid, press and unlock both corners by pressing down on the two grey corner panels on the Vacuum Lid.
2. Place the items to be vacuum sealed into a vacuum bag. Allow at least 2” (5 cm) at the open end of the bag in order to create enough seal space. Be sure not to cover the Vacuum Port (Figure 5).
3. Close the Vacuum Lid, press and lock both corners by pressing down on the two grey corner panels on the Vacuum Lid.
4. Check that the bag opening is in the center of the Vacuum Chamber.
5. Press and release the Start Button. The Vacuum Pump will begin removing air from the bag while the LED Vacuum
Window begins to count up. The LED Vacuum Window will count up starting at
the number “1” and going thru to the number “9”, before automatically engaging the bag sealing process. These numbers represent
stages, not seconds.
6. Once the LED Vacuum Window displays the number “9”, the sealing process will begin by counting down from your chosen setting to “0” on the LED Seal Window.
7. Once the LED Seal Window has reached “0”, the Vacuum Sealer will automatically stop the Vacuum Pump and release the vacuum pressure moments later. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO PULL THE VACUUM LID OPEN BEFORE THE
VACUUM HAS BEEN RELEASED, SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE SEALING BAR WILL RESULT.
8. Open the Vacuum Lid, press and unlock both corners by pressing down on the two grey corner panels on the Vacuum Lid.
Figure 5
VACUUM OPERATION
Leave 2”
Seal
Space
Vacuum
Port
WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the
Vacuum Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
NOTE: The Vacuum Sealer is ONLY intended to be used with VACUUM BAGS. For
best results, only use the recommended vacuum bags with an embossed or mesh lining. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS! Any other uses of the Vacuum Sealer, other than the uses described in this booklet, could potentially damage the appliance and void the warranty!
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Very Moist Foods: It is best to freeze very moist food items, like sh, before vacuum
sealing them. The excessive moisture can interfere with the Sealing Bar’s ability to completely fuse the layers of the bag together.
Powdery Items: When vacuum sealing powdery items, like our, it is best to keep them in their original packaging before putting them into the vacuum bags. The ne
powder may get sucked into the Vacuum Pump and cause enough damage to shorten the life of your Vacuum Sealer. Powdery items may also interfere with the bag sealing function.
Sharp or Pointed Items: When vacuum sealing sharp or pointy items, it is best to cushion the edges so they do not puncture the bag during the vacuum process.
YEAST & BACTERIA
For best results in extending the life of foods, it is important to vacuum package foods that are fresh. Once food has begun to deteriorate, vacuum packaging may only slow the deterioration process. Vacuum sealing cannot completely prevent the growth of mold. Other disease causing microorganisms can still grow in low oxygen environments and may require further measures to be eliminated.
Yeast: The development of yeast can be slowed by refrigeration and completely stopped by freezing food at 0oF (-18oC). Yeast causes fermentation, which will give food
an identiable smell.
Bacteria: Freezing cannot eliminate bacteria, but their growth can be stopped. The
growth of bacteria can be easily identied by an offensive odor and sometimes a slimy
texture. Some bacteria, like the one that causes botulism, can grow in low oxygen environments and cannot be detected by smell, taste or color. Botulism is very rare, but dangerous. Be sure that all foods are stored and cooked properly before eating.
COOKING & HEATING
.
Before microwaving vacuum-packed foods, puncture or open the bag to allow hot air
to escape while heating.
.
Vacuum-packed foods can be thawed or cooked in boiling water.
.
Vacuum-packed perishable foods like meats, vegetables and cheeses must
be refrigerated (at or below 34oF (1.1oC)) or frozen, especially acid-free or low-acid foods.
This is important because although vacuum packaging removes most air from the bag, bacteria like Clostridium Botulinum, which produces a toxin that causes the illness botulism, is anaerobic and grows in the absence of oxygen. Refrigeration and freezing slow the growth of bacteria. It is also important to maintain a clean working area to reduce the likelihood of packaging harmful bacteria with the food.
VACUUM PACKAGING GUIDELINES
CAUTION! It is important to follow the “Food Safety” guidelines outlined in this manual. For the most up to date instruction visit the USDA website.
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration.
Vacuum packed perishable foods still require refrigeration.
.
NEVER thaw frozen foods at room temperature. Thaw frozen foods in a refrigerator
or microwave oven.
.
In general, the colder the temperature at which foods are stored, the longer the
shelf life.
.
Handle vacuum sealer bags with care. Avoid damaging them. A damaged bag
will not hold a seal.
.
Only use information in the following chart as a guideline! Refer to the “Vacuum Packaging Guidelines” and “Food Safety” sections of this manual. Actual storage life spans may vary. Check all food for spoilage before use.
STORAGE LIFESPAN GUIDELINES
FOOD STORAGE NORMAL VACUUM
TYPE LOCATION LIFE PACKED LIFE
LARGE CUTS OF MEAT Freezer 6 months 2-3 years GROUND MEAT Freezer 4 months 1 year FISH Freezer 6 months 2 years
For best results, freeze meats & sh for 1-2 hours before vacuum packing to help prevent moisture
and juices from interfering with the seal of the vacuum bag.
COFFEE BEANS Room temperature 4 weeks 16 months COFFEE BEANS Freezer 6-9 months 2-3 years FLOUR, RICE, SUGAR Room Temperature 6 months 1-2 years
For best results, powder or grainy substances should be kept in their original container or bag, then placed in a
vacuum bag for sealing to prevent interfering with the seal of the vacuum bag.
BERRIES strawberries, raspberries, blackberries Refrigerator 1-3 days 1 week BERRIES cranberries, huckleberries, blueberries Refrigerator 3-6 days 2 weeks
To prevent berries from being crushed by the vacuum sealer, it is best to freeze item before packing. Spread the berries out on a
cookie sheet to allow them to freeze individually. Berries frozen in a large block will be difcult to vacuum seal due to the
many small air pockets that would form between the berries.
CHEESE Refrigerator 1-2 weeks 4-8 months
If vacuum packed cheese is used often, make sure the vacuum bag is long enough to allow for repeated sealing. For shredded
cheese, place a paper towel inside the vacuum bag, on top of the cheese to prevent the cheese from being
sucked into the Vacuum Sealer or interfering with the sealing of the bag.
COOKIES, CRACKERS, BREADS with periodical opening Room Temperature 1-2 weeks 3-6 weeks
Freeze soft airy foods for 1-2 hours prior vacuum packing, to retain shape & texture.
PASTA, GRAINS, DRIED BEANS Room Temperature 6 months 1-1/2 years NUTS Room Temperature 6 months 2 years
Dried foods with sharp edges should be wrapped in a paper towel or other matter to prevent the sharp edges from puncturing the vacuum bag.
LETTUCE Refrigerator 3-6 days 2 weeks
Wash & thoroughly dry leafy vegetables before vacuum packaging.
VEGETABLES Freezer 8 months 2 1/2 years
To maximize the taste of vegetables, blanch them before vacuum packaging. Blanching cooks the vegetables very briey, sealing
in the avor, color and texture, leaving the vegetables cooked but still crisp. Vegetables can be blanched in boiling water in the microwave,
most vegetables only require 2-3 minutes (corn on the cob requires 6-11 minutes). Then immerse the vegetables in cold water to
stop the cooking process. Dry the vegetables, then vacuum pack.
Table adapted from Dr. G.K.York, Dept. of Food Science & Tech, U of California, Davis.
CAUTION! It is important to follow the “Food Safety” guidelines outlined in this manual. For the most up to date instruction visit the USDA website.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Q: My Vacuum Sealer shut off and will not start again.
1. The Thermal Overload Protector may have been activated. In this case, allow the Vacuum Sealer to cool by opening the Vacuum Lid for approximately 20 minutes. Be sure to leave the Vacuum Lid open between bag sealing.
Q: The Sealing Bar melts through the bag.
1. The Vacuum Sealer is only intended to be used with vacuum sealing bags. For best results, Weston Vacuum Bags should be used. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS with the Vacuum Sealer.
2. Check the condition of the Seal Bar Tape strips. Replace if needed.
3. Open the Vacuum Lid and allow the sealing bar to cool for 5-10 minutes. Always leave the Vacuum Lid open between bags, and allow at least 20 seconds between cycles.
4. The Sealing Bar time may need to be lowered. Adjust the Seal Time Down (-) in one second increments and try the test process again. Refer to the “Initial Testing of the Bag Seal” instructions in this booklet for more information.
5. If none of the above steps remedy the situation, contact Customer Service.
Q: The bag seal pulls apart.
1. If the seal has not fully welded the bag closed, trim off the bad seal with scissors and adjust the Seal Time Up (+) in one second increments and try the test process again.
2. The Vacuum Sealer is only intended to be used with vacuum sealing bags. For best results, Weston Vacuum Bags should be used. DO NOT USE HOUSEHOLD BAGS with the Vacuum Sealer.
3. The seal of the bag may be incomplete. If the seal has a crease in it, or if a liquid or powder has been trapped between the layers of the bag, the layers may not have been welded together properly. Cut the seal off and wipe the inside of the bag clean. Then, try to vacuum seal the package again. When sealing a moist or powdery food, insert a paper towel into the bag above the food before vacuum packaging. The paper towel will prevent the food from interfering with the seal. See the “Vacuum Packaging Guidelines” in this booklet for helpful tips.
4. If none of the above steps remedy the situation, contact Customer Service.
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Q: The Vacuum Pump starts, but no air is being remove from the vacuum bag.
1. For the best results, always use Weston brand vacuum bags.
2. Be sure that the bag is inserted properly. The open end of the bag should be centered within the Oval Vacuum Seals. Be sure not to cover the Vacuum Port opening (Figure 6).
3. The bag may have a leak. If there is a leak in the bag, air will be pulled into the bag from the outside. Check for tears or punctures. If you are using a bag that was made from a roll of material, double check that the seal on the end of the bag is welded closed.
4. If none of the above steps remedy the situation, contact Customer Service.
Figure 6
Leave 2”
Seal
Space
Vacuum
Port
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Some parts of the Vacuum Sealer may need replacing after repeated use. The Vacuum Sealer Maintenance Kit will be necessary for the Vacuum Sealer to properly function.
REPLACING THE OVAL VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS:
1. Remove the Power Cord from the power supply.
2. Make sure the unit is completely cool.
3. Open the Vacuum Lid, press and unlock both corners by pressing down on the two grey corner panels on the Vacuum Lid.
4. Remove the Oval Chamber Seal from the groove on the underside of the Vacuum Lid (Figure 7).
5. Remove the Oval Chamber Seal from the groove in the Vacuum Chamber.
6. Set a new Oval Chamber Seal from the Maintenance Kit (Figure 8) on the groove in the Vacuum Chamber. Work the seal into the
groove with your ngers until done.
7. Position a new Oval Chamber Seal into the groove in the Vacuum Lid. Work the seal into
the groove with your ngers until done.
REPLACING THE SEAL BAR TAPE:
1. Remove the Power Cord from the power supply.
2. Make sure the unit is completely cool.
3. Open the Vacuum Lid, press and unlock both corners by pressing down on the two grey corner panels on the Vacuum Lid.
4. Pick at either end of the Seal Bar Tape covering the Seal Bar Heating Element with a ngernail until it lifts slightly. Grasp the loose end and slowly pull the Seal Bar Tape back over itself until fully removed (Figure 8).
5. Make sure that there is no residue or adhesive left on the Seal Bar Heating Element or the machine. Use a dry paper towel to remove and excess residue.
6. Remove the backing from a new strip of Seal Bar Tape from the Maintenance Kit (Figure 8). Be careful not to allow the Seal Bar Tape to contact anything including itself while the adhesive side is exposed.
7. Hold one end of the Seal Bar Tape in each hand. Stick the left end of the Seal
Bar Tape to the at area on the Vacuum Chamber just left of the Seal Bar Heating Element. Apply the Seal Bar Tape from left to right over the Seal Bar Heating Element until done. Make sure there are no wrinkles or folds in the Seal Bar Tape once applied. The Seal Bar Tape should fully cover the Seal Bar Heating Element.
MAINTENANCE KIT INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the
Vacuum Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
Figure 7
Oval
Chamber
Seal
Figure 8
Seal Bar
Tape
Seal Bar
Tape
Oval
Chamber
Seals
-17-
There are basic rules to follow when handling food.
They are COOK, SEPARATE, CLEAN, and CHILL.
COOK
It’s crucial to cook food to a safe internal temperature to destroy bacteria that is present. The safety of hamburgers and other foods made with ground meat has been receiving a lot of attention lately, and with good reason. When meat is ground, the bacteria present on the surface is mixed throughout the ground mixture. If this ground meat is not cooked to at least 160oF to 165oF (71oC to 74oC), bacteria will not be destroyed and there’s a good chance you will get sick.
Solid pieces of meat like steaks and chops don’t have dangerous bacteria like E. coli on the inside, so they can be served more rare. Still, any beef cut should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145oF (63oC) (medium rare). The safe temperature for poultry is 180oF (82oC) and solid cuts of pork should be cooked to 160oF (71oC). Eggs should be thoroughly cooked too. If you are making a meringue or other recipe that uses uncooked eggs, buy specially pasteurized eggs or use prepared meringue powder.
SEPARATE
Foods that will be eaten uncooked and foods that will be cooked before eating MUST ALWAYS be separated. Cross-contamination occurs when raw meats or eggs come in contact with foods that will be eaten uncooked. This is a major source of food poisoning. Always double-wrap raw meats and place them on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator so there is no way juices can drip onto fresh produce. Then use the raw meats within 1-2 days of purchase, or freeze for longer storage. Defrost frozen meats in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
When grilling or cooking raw meats or sh, make sure to place the cooked meat
on a clean platter. Don’t use the same platter you used to carry the food out to the grill. Wash the utensils used in grilling after the food is turned for the last time on the grill, as well as spatulas and spoons used for stir-frying or turning meat as it cooks.
Make sure to wash your hands after handling raw meats or raw eggs. Washing hands with soap and water, or using a pre-moistened antibacterial towelette is absolutely necessary after you have touched raw meat or raw eggs. Not washing hands and surfaces while cooking is a major cause of cross-contamination.
CLEAN
Wash your hands and work surfaces frequently when you are cooking. Washing with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds, then dry with a paper towel.
CHILL
Chilling food is very important. The danger zone where bacteria multiply is between 40oF and 140oF (4oC and 6oC). Your refrigerator should be set to 40oF (4oC) or below; your freezer should be 0oF (-17oC) or below. Simple rule:
serve hot foods hot, cold foods cold. Use chang dishes or hot plates to keep
food hot while serving. Use ice water baths to keep cold foods cold. Never let
FOOD SAFETY
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