10 Essential Tips for Using a FoodSaver

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will revolutionize the way you preserve the freshness of your food! The FoodSaver, a remarkable kitchen appliance, empowers you to extend the shelf life of your favorite meals and snacks, minimizing waste and maximizing flavor. With its innovative vacuum-sealing technology, this culinary ally creates an airtight seal around your precious food items, effectively removing oxygen and creating an environment that inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold. Unleash the potential of your FoodSaver and witness the transformative power it brings to your kitchen.

To commence your FoodSaver journey, familiarize yourself with its essential components. The device comprises a vacuum-sealing machine, specially designed vacuum-sealing bags, and a convenient roll of bag material. The vacuum-sealing bags are crafted from durable, BPA-free plastic, ensuring the safety of your food while maintaining its freshness. Additionally, the FoodSaver features adjustable settings, enabling you to customize the vacuum strength based on the type of food you intend to preserve. This versatility empowers you to cater to the specific requirements of your culinary creations, ensuring optimal results.

Preparing Your Food

To ensure optimal results with your vacuum sealer, proper preparation of your food is crucial. Here are some detailed guidelines to help you achieve perfect sealing and food preservation:

Choosing the Right Food

Not all foods are suitable for vacuum sealing. Choose fresh, high-quality foods without bruises, cuts, or blemishes. Avoid foods with high moisture content, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, or watermelon, as they can release excess moisture during the sealing process and compromise the seal. Fruits and vegetables should be washed and dried thoroughly before sealing.

Trimming and Slicing

Trim off any excess fat or skin from meat and poultry. Slice foods into manageable pieces that fit comfortably within the vacuum bag. This will help ensure even sealing and prevent food from becoming crushed during the vacuuming process.

Marination and Seasoning

If marinating or seasoning your food before vacuum sealing, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent the marinade or seasoning from interfering with the sealing process.

Cooling Cooked Food

Allow cooked food to cool completely before vacuum sealing. Hot food can release steam and moisture, which can affect the seal’s integrity.

Freezing Wet Food

If freezing wet food, such as soups or sauces, consider freezing them partially before vacuum sealing. This will prevent liquids from spilling out during vacuuming.

Table of Recommended Seal Settings


Moist Foods (e.g., meat, fish, cheese)	Dry
Dry Foods (e.g., grains, nuts, pasta)	Moist
Liquids	Seal only, do not vacuum

Choosing the Right Bag or Container

Selecting the Appropriate Bag or Container

Choosing the right bag or container is essential for successful vacuum sealing. FoodSaver offers a range of options to meet specific needs and preferences:

Choosing the Right Bag or Container Size

Determine the appropriate size for the amount of food you wish to vacuum seal. Bags should be large enough to hold the food comfortably without excess air, while containers should have sufficient capacity to accommodate the food’s volume. Consider the following factors:

Food volume: Measure the volume of the food to ensure you select a bag or container that is large enough.
Air removal: Leave some extra space (about 1 inch) at the top of the bag or container to allow for air removal during vacuum sealing.
Seal integrity: Ensure the bag or container can create a tight, airtight seal. This is essential to prevent food spoilage and freezer burn.

Operating the Foodsaver Machine

Bag Loading:

1. Select the appropriate bag size for the food you intend to seal. Ensure the bag is large enough to accommodate the food without excessive bulging.

2. Open the bag and prevent it from creasing by flattening it on a flat surface.

3. Gently insert the food into the bag, leaving about 2 inches of space at the top for proper sealing.

Vacuum Sealing:

1. Align the open end of the bag with the sealing strip inside the machine. Make sure it’s positioned correctly within the designated guides.

2. Close the lid of the machine securely, ensuring it locks into place with an audible click.

3. Press the “Vacuum and Seal” button to initiate the vacuum sealing process. The machine will automatically extract the air from the bag and create a tight seal.

Additional Functions:

1. Manual Vacuum Control: Some Foodsaver models feature a manual vacuum control option. This allows you to customize the vacuum level for more delicate foods or sous vide applications.

2. Pulse Vacuum: This function enables you to gradually vacuum food, allowing you to control the vacuum level for items like bread or baked goods that may crush easily when vacuumed too quickly.

3. Marinate Mode: Select Foodsaver models offer a marinate mode that alternates between vacuum sealing and releasing vacuum. This helps the marinade penetrate the food more effectively.

Bag Type	Features
Regular Bags	Versatile and economical; suitable for most foods
Heavy Duty Bags	Thicker and more puncture-resistant; ideal for liquids and sharp objects
Zipper Bags	Resealable design; convenient for storing and accessing food without opening
Containers	Hard-sided containers; protect contents from damage and moisture

Function	Description
Manual Vacuum Control	Adjusts vacuum level for delicate foods
Pulse Vacuum	Provides gradual vacuuming for crushable items
Marinate Mode	Alternates vacuum and release for marinade penetration

Vacuum Sealing Techniques

Choosing the Right Bag Size

Select a bag size that is large enough to accommodate the food without leaving excessive space. Use the “fill line” indicator on the bag to guide you.

Sealing Dry Foods

For dry foods like cereals, pasta, and flour, place them in the bag and remove the air by pressing out with your fingers or using the “pulse” function on the FoodSaver. Press the “seal” button to create a vacuum-sealed bag.

Sealing Wet or Liquid Foods

For wet or liquid foods, place them in the bag and use the “liquid-only” setting or a special liquid-blocking bag. This setting prevents the vacuum from drawing liquids into the appliance. After sealing, check the bag for any leaks and double-seal if necessary.

Sealing Delicate Foods

For delicate foods like fruits and vegetables, use the “gentle” or “pulse” setting to gradually remove air. Over-vacuuming can crush or damage these foods. Freeze delicate foods before vacuum sealing to further protect them.

Food Type	Bag Size	Sealing Setting
Dry Foods (cereals, pasta)	Large enough to accommodate the food with minimal space	Regular or “pulse”
Wet Foods (meats, soups)	Liquid-blocking bag or “liquid-only” setting	“Liquid-only” or “gentle”
Delicate Foods (fruits, vegetables)	Large enough to avoid crushing	“Gentle” or “pulse” (with freeze-drying)

Selecting the Correct Seal Setting

Choosing the proper seal setting on your FoodSaver is crucial to ensure successful vacuum sealing. Here are the types of seal settings commonly found on FoodSaver machines:

Normal Seal

For most vacuum sealing tasks, the normal seal setting is sufficient. It provides a tight and secure seal for virtually all types of food items, including meats, cheeses, and produce.

Gentle Seal

The gentle seal setting is ideal for delicate foods that may be susceptible to crushing or puncturing during the sealing process. This setting applies less pressure, allowing you to vacuum seal fragile items such as berries, pastries, and soft-shelled seafood.

Double Seal

If you are storing food for an extended period or want extra security, the double seal setting is recommended. This setting creates two parallel seals on the bag, providing an enhanced level of protection against air leaks and freezer burn.

Extra Thick Bag Seal

Certain FoodSaver models offer an extra thick bag seal setting. It is designed for use with thicker bags or specialized bags with gussets. This setting applies additional pressure to create a secure seal on heavy-duty or oversized bags.

Custom Seal

Advanced FoodSaver models may have a custom seal setting that allows you to adjust the sealing time and temperature. This setting gives you greater control over the sealing process and can be fine-tuned for specific types of food or sealing applications.

Seal Setting	Recommended Use
Normal Seal	Most food items, including meats, cheeses, and produce
Gentle Seal	Delicate foods, such as berries, pastries, and soft-shelled seafood
Double Seal	Extended storage or extra security
Extra Thick Bag Seal	Thicker bags or bags with gussets
Custom Seal	Fine-tuning for specific food types or sealing applications

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Food is not sealed properly

Check that the bag is clean and free of any debris or moisture. Ensure that the bag is placed correctly in the machine. The open end of the bag should be aligned with the sealing bar and the bag should be taut.

Vacuum pump is not working

Check if the vacuum hose is connected securely to both the machine and the accessory port. Ensure that the hose is not kinked or blocked. If the problem persists, contact customer support.

Appliance is not turning on

Make sure that the appliance is plugged into a working outlet. Check the power cord for any damage. If the problem persists, contact customer support.

Excessive moisture in the vacuum bag

For wet or moist foods, use the “moist” setting on the machine. Freeze the food before vacuum sealing to reduce moisture.

Bag is melting

Do not vacuum seal hot foods. Allow food to cool completely before vacuum sealing.

Not creating a vacuum

Possible Cause	Solution
Lid not closed properly	Reposition the lid and ensure it is locked securely.
Damaged vacuum chamber gasket	Contact customer support for a replacement gasket.
Bag puncture or tear	Discard the bag and use a new one.
Valve stuck	Gently tap the valve with a soft object. If the issue persists, contact customer support.

Storing Vacuum-Sealed Food

Freezing Vacuum-Sealed Food:

Vacuum-sealed food can be frozen for extended periods of time. When freezing vacuum-sealed food, it is important to ensure that the food is properly cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup inside the bag. The vacuum seal will inhibit freezer burn and extend the shelf life of your food.

Table of Recommended Freezing Times for Vacuum-Sealed Food:

Type of Food	Freezing Time
Meat (raw)	6-9 months
Meat (cooked)	3-4 months
Fish (raw)	3-6 months
Fish (cooked)	2-3 months
Vegetables (blanched)	10-12 months
Fruit (frozen)	8-12 months

Refrigerating Vacuum-Sealed Food:

Refrigerating vacuum-sealed food can significantly extend its shelf life compared to non-sealed food. Vacuum-sealed food in the refrigerator will typically last for weeks or even months, depending on the type of food.

Tips for Storing Vacuum-Sealed Food in the Refrigerator:

Allow the food to cool completely before sealing.
Check the vacuum seal regularly for leaks.
Use a vacuum sealer specifically designed for refrigerator storage.
Label the bags with the contents and storage date.

Extending Shelf Life with Foodsaver

The FoodSaver is a vacuum sealing system that can help extend the shelf life of food by removing the air from the packaging. This process helps to prevent spoilage and keep food fresh for longer.

Freeze and Thaw

One of the best ways to extend the shelf life of food is to freeze it. However, freezing can also cause food to lose its moisture and flavor. By vacuum sealing food before freezing, you can help to lock in the flavor and moisture, resulting in better-tasting food when it’s thawed.

Dry Goods

Vacuum sealing can also be used to extend the shelf life of dry goods, such as cereal, pasta, and rice. By removing the air from the packaging, you can help to prevent the food from going stale and losing its flavor.

Meats and Fish

Vacuum sealing is an excellent way to store meats and fish. By removing the air from the packaging, you can help to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage. This can extend the shelf life of meats and fish by up to three times.

Fruits and Vegetables

Vacuum sealing can also be used to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. By removing the air from the packaging, you can help to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which can cause spoilage. This can extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables by up to two times.

Cheeses

Vacuum sealing can also be used to extend the shelf life of cheeses. By removing the air from the packaging, you can help to prevent the growth of mold and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage. This can extend the shelf life of cheeses by up to two times.

Vacuum Sealing Tips

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your FoodSaver:

Use the right bags

FoodSaver bags are specially designed to work with the FoodSaver vacuum sealing system. They are made of a durable material that can withstand the vacuum sealing process and help to prevent leaks.

Load the food properly

When loading food into a FoodSaver bag, make sure to leave at least 2 inches of space at the top of the bag. This will give the vacuum sealer enough room to create a seal.

Seal the bag properly

Make sure to seal the FoodSaver bag properly by pressing down on the seal bar until the light turns green. This will ensure that the bag is properly sealed and that the food will be protected from the elements.

Advantages of Using a Foodsaver

Foodsavers are a great way to preserve food and save money. They can be used to vacuum-seal everything from meat and fish to fruits and vegetables. This helps to keep food fresh for longer and prevent spoilage.

Convenience

Foodsavers are very easy to use. Simply place the food in a vacuum-seal bag and insert the bag into the Foodsaver. The Foodsaver will automatically vacuum-seal the bag and remove all of the air. This process takes just a few seconds and is much faster than traditional methods of food preservation, such as canning or freezing.

Versatility

Foodsavers can be used to vacuum-seal a wide variety of foods. This includes everything from meat and fish to fruits and vegetables. Foodsavers can also be used to vacuum-seal non-food items, such as documents or valuables.

Compact Size

Foodsavers are relatively compact in size, making them easy to store in a kitchen cabinet or pantry. This is especially important for people who have limited counter space.

Energy Efficiency

Foodsavers are very energy-efficient. They use very little electricity to operate, which can help to save money on energy bills.

Cost Savings

Foodsavers can help to save money on food costs. Vacuum-sealed food lasts longer, which means that you can buy less food and waste less food. Foodsavers can also be used to vacuum-seal leftovers, which can help to reduce the amount of food that you throw away.

Extended Shelf Life

Vacuum-sealed food has a much longer shelf life than food that is not vacuum-sealed. This is because vacuum sealing removes all of the air from the bag, which prevents bacteria from growing. Vacuum-sealed food can last for weeks or even months in the refrigerator or freezer.

Preserves Nutrients

Vacuum sealing helps to preserve the nutrients in food. This is because vacuum sealing prevents oxygen from reaching the food, which can cause nutrients to break down. Vacuum-sealed food retains its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for longer.

Protects Against Freezer Burn

Vacuum sealing can help to protect food from freezer burn. Freezer burn occurs when air comes into contact with frozen food, causing the food to dry out and lose its flavor. Vacuum sealing removes all of the air from the bag, which prevents freezer burn from occurring.

Tips for Optimal Performance

1. Use the Correct Vacuum Bag Size

Select vacuum bags that are appropriate for the size of food you are sealing. This helps ensure a proper seal and prevents punctures.

2. Remove Excess Air from Bags

Before sealing, squeeze out as much air as possible from the vacuum bags. This helps the FoodSaver remove the remaining air and create a tighter seal.

3. Clean the Sealing Area Regularly

Food particles and moisture can accumulate on the sealing area, interfering with the seal. Wipe it down with a damp cloth to maintain optimal performance.

4. Use High-Quality Vacuum Bags

Invest in vacuum bags designed for FoodSaver machines. They offer durability and a higher chance of successful seals.

5. Freeze Food Before Vacuum Sealing

Freezing liquids and moist foods before vacuum sealing prevents them from expanding and rupturing the bags.

6. Avoid Overfilling Bags

Leave about 2-3 inches of space at the top of the vacuum bags to prevent food from getting trapped in the sealing area.

7. Use the Pulse Vacuum Option

For delicate foods or liquids, use the pulse vacuum option to gradually remove air instead of sealing abruptly.

8. Seal Double or Triple-Layer Bags

For extra protection, seal food in multiple layers of vacuum bags, especially when storing for extended periods.

9. Use FoodSaver Accessories

Consider using FoodSaver accessories like marinade infusers and rib racks to enhance the functionality of your machine.

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem	Solution
Bag not sealing properly	Check if the sealing area is clean, the bag is the correct size, and the food is not touching the sealing area.
Air leaks in bags	Use thicker vacuum bags or seal multiple layers. Confirm that the sealing area is clean and the bags are not punctured.
Food not vacuum sealed completely	Ensure that the bag is fully inserted into the vacuum chamber and remove excess air before sealing. Use the pulse vacuum option for delicate foods.

How to Use a FoodSaver

Using a FoodSaver is a great way to preserve food and save money. Here are the steps on how to use a FoodSaver:

Gather your materials. You will need a FoodSaver appliance, FoodSaver bags, and the food you want to preserve.
Prepare the food. Wash and dry the food. If you are freezing the food, it is best to blanch it first.
Place the food in the FoodSaver bag. Leave about 2 inches of space at the top of the bag.
Seal the bag. Place the bag in the FoodSaver appliance and close the lid. The appliance will automatically vacuum seal the bag.
Store the food. You can store FoodSaver bags in the refrigerator, freezer, or pantry.