If you want your food to last longer and avoid waste, learning how to use a FoodSaver vacuum seal system is a great skill. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from your first seal to expert tips.
Vacuum sealing removes air from specially designed bags or containers. This process slows down freezer burn, prevents spoilage, and helps keep flavors fresh. It’s useful for much more than just leftovers, too. You can use it for meal prep, marinating, and even protecting important documents from moisture.
How to Use a FoodSaver Vacuum Seal
Let’s get straight to the main process. Using your FoodSaver might seem tricky at first, but it becomes simple with a little practice. Always start by reading your specific model’s manual, as features can vary.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- Your FoodSaver vacuum sealer machine.
- A roll of FoodSaver vacuum bags or pre-cut bags.
- The sealing strip must be clean and dry.
- Food or items you wish to seal.
Step-by-Step Sealing Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Food and Bag
Proper preparation is key for a good seal. For best results, pat dry any moist food like meat or fish with a paper towel. Excess liquid can interfere with the vacuum process. Then, place your items inside the bag, leaving at least three inches of space at the top.
Step 2: Position and Lock the Bag
Open the lid of your FoodSaver. Place the open end of the bag over the sealing strip, making sure it’s flat and even. Close the lid firmly until it locks into place. You should here a click on most models.
Step 3: Start the Vacuum and Seal Process
Press the appropriate button. For most food, you’ll use the “Vacuum & Seal” button. The machine will automatically remove the air and then heat-seal the bag shut. You’ll hear the air being sucked out. Wait for the cycle to finish completely; it will beep or turn off.
Step 4: Release and Check Your Seal
Open the lid and remove your bag. Gently feel along the seal. It should be smooth, firm, and completely airtight. If you see any wrinkles or gaps, you’ll need to reseal it. Just cut above the bad seal and try again.
Using Canisters and Specialty Lids
Many FoodSaver systems come with containers. These are perfect for sealing dry goods like coffee, nuts, or cereal. To use them, fill the canister, attach the compatible lid to the machine’s hose, and press the button. The machine will remove the air and lock the lid in place.
Essential Tips for Perfect Seals Every Time
Bag Placement is Critical
Always ensure the bag’s open end is fully over the sealing strip. If it’s crooked, the seal will fail. Also, check that no food particles or moisture is on the area where the seal will form. Even a tiny crumb can cause a leak.
Handling Liquids and Powders
For soups, stews, or fine powders, you need a different approach. Use the “Moist” setting on your machine if it has one. Or, freeze the liquid in a container first until solid, then vacuum seal the frozen block. For powders, placing a coffee filter inside the bag above the product can prevent them from being sucked into the machine.
Maximizing Freezer Space
To save room, you can shape bags before sealing. Lay the filled bag flat on a baking sheet to freeze. Once the contents are solid, you can stack them like books on a shelf. This is much more efficient than storing bulky, irregular shapes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Bag: This puts stress on the seal and can cause it to break open.
- Sealing Hot Food: Always let food cool to room temperature first. Sealing hot creates steam, which can ruin the vacuum and promote bacteria growth.
- Ignoring the Gasket: The rubber seal around the lid needs to be clean. Wipe it down regularly to maintain a strong vacuum.
- Using the Wrong Bags: Only use bags designed for vacuum sealing. Standard zip-top bags are not strong enough and will collapse.
Creative Uses for Your Vacuum Sealer
Beyond preserving leftovers, your FoodSaver has many clever applications.
Fast Marinating
Seal meat with your marinade in a bag. The vacuum process pulls the flavor deep into the food in minutes instead of hours.
Protecting Valuables
Keep important papers, photos, or matches dry during camping trips by sealing them in a bag. You can even seal a spare set of keys and hide them outdoors.
Portion Control and Meal Prep
Cook a large batch of chicken, rice, or vegetables. Then, divide it into single-serving bags and seal. You’ll have ready-to-go meals for the week that just need reheating.
Preserving Seasonal Produce
When fruits or vegetables are in season and cheap, buy in bulk. Blanch veggies like broccoli or green beans, then vacuum seal and freeze them. They’ll taste much better than store-bought frozen ones.
Maintenance and Care for Longevity
Taking care of your machine ensures it works for years.
- Empty the drip tray after sealing juicy items.
- Wipe the sealing strip with a damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Store the unit in a cool, dry place.
- If the seal seems weak, check the manual for instructions on replacing the gasket or sealing strip—it’s usually an easy fix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I reuse FoodSaver bags?
It is not generally recommended. After opening, the bag is shorter, and the seal area may be compromised. For non-food items, you might get another use, but for food safety, it’s best to use a new bag each time.
How long does vacuum-sealed food last?
In the freezer, vacuum-sealed meat can last 2-3 years compared to 6 months with normal wrapping. In the fridge, sealed cooked food may last 1-2 weeks, while raw meat might last a few days longer than usual. Always check for spoilage before eating.
What can’t I vacuum seal?
Avoid sealing raw mushrooms, soft cheeses (they can be crushed), and raw onions or garlic in a mix—their strong flavors will permeate everything. Also, never seal anything sharp without wrapping the points first to prevent punctures.
My machine isn’t sealing. What should I do?
First, check for a simple blockage in the vacuum channel. Make sure the bag is positioned correctly and the lid is fully locked. Also, inspect the sealing strip for debris. If the problem persists, consult your manual’s troubleshooting section.
Is a vacuum sealer worth the cost?
If you buy food in bulk, have a garden, or want to reduce waste, it can pay for itself quickly. The savings from preventing spoiled food and allowing you to take advantage of sales often outweigh the initial cost of the machine and bags over time.
Mastering your FoodSaver is all about practice. Start with simple items like crackers or cheese to get a feel for the process. Soon, you’ll find it’s an indispensable tool in your kitchen. You’ll save money, eat better, and spend less time worrying about food going bad. Remember to keep your machine clean and always use the right materials for the job, and you’ll enjoy the benefits for a long time.