How To Use Anova Vacuum Sealer

You’ve just gotten an Anova vacuum sealer, and you’re ready to start preserving food like a pro. Learning how to use an Anova vacuum sealer is simple, and this guide will walk you through every step.

This machine helps keep your food fresh for much longer. It removes air from special bags, which slows down spoilage. You’ll save money and reduce waste in your kitchen.

Before you start sealing, it’s good to understand the main parts. Your sealer has a lid, a sealing strip, and a vacuum channel. You’ll also use rolls of bag material or pre-cut bags designed for the machine.

Always place the sealer on a clean, flat, and dry surface. Make sure the lid is closed properly before you operate it. This ensures a strong seal every time.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Your Anova vacuum sealer unit.
A roll of Anova vacuum sealing bags or pre-cut bags.
Fresh food to seal (start with something easy like vegetables or cheese).
The cutting tool attached to the machine (if your model has one).
A damp cloth for cleaning.

Step-by-Step: Your First Vacuum Seal

Follow these steps for a perfect seal. It’s easier than you might think.

Prepare Your Food: For best results, pat dry any wet food with a paper towel. Moisture can interfere with the sealing process. For sharp items like bone-in meats, consider using a bone guard to prevent punctures.
Cut and Seal One End of the Bag: If using a roll, pull out enough bag material for your item, leaving extra space. Use the built-in cutter or scissors to cut it. First, you must seal one end of the bag to create a pouch. Place the open end of the bag on the sealing strip, close the lid, and press the “Seal” button. Wait for the light to stop flashing.
Fill the Bag: Place your food inside the newly created pouch. Leave at least 2-3 inches between the food and the top of the bag. This space is crucial for the vacuum to work effectively.
Start the Vacuum Process: Place the open end of the bag onto the vacuum channel. Make sure the bag’s end is flat and centered. Close the lid firmly until it locks. It should click into place.
Select Your Mode: Most Anova sealers have buttons for “Dry” and “Moist” foods. Use “Dry” for bread, crackers, or dried herbs. Use “Moist” for meats, fruits, vegetables, and liquids. Press the appropriate button.
Let the Machine Work: You’ll hear the machine start to remove air. The bag will tighten around the food. When the vacuuming is complete, it will automatically seal and beep. Open the lid and remove your perfectly sealed bag.

Understanding the Settings and Modes

Your Anova sealer isn’t a one-button machine. Knowing the modes makes a big difference in results.

Dry vs. Moist Mode

The “Dry” mode uses a slower, gentler vacuum. This prevents powdery or delicate foods from being sucked into the machine. Always use it for dry goods.

The “Moist” mode is more agressive. It has a faster vacuum but stops before liquids are pulled up. If you’re sealing something very juicy, you can also use the “Pulse” function (if available) to manually control the vacuum strength.

The Seal-Only Function

This function is great for sealing bags that already have the air removed, like when you use a straw attachment for mason jars. It’s also handy for resealing bags you’ve opened. Just place the bag’s edge on the strip and hit “Seal.”

Using the Pulse Feature

Some models have a “Pulse” or manual button. Hold it down to start the vacuum, and release it when you achieve the desired level of suction. This is perfect for delicate items like soft berries or flaky fish that can be crushed by a full vacuum.

Tips for Sealing Different Types of Food

Not all food is sealed the same way. Here are some practical tips for common items.

Meats and Poultry: Freeze for 1-2 hours before sealing (flash freezing) to prevent juices from being drawn out. This also gives them a firm shape that seals better. Remember to label with the date!
Vegetables: Blanching vegetables like broccoli or green beans before sealing stops enzyme action and preserves color and texture. After blanching, shock them in ice water and dry thoroughly.
Liquids and Soups: Freeze them solid first. Pour soup into a bag, lay it flat on a tray, and freeze. Once solid, you can vacuum seal it without any mess. This is a real game-changer for meal prep.
Cheese: Hard cheeses seal well directly. For softer cheeses, a partial freeze can help maintain shape. Grated cheese seals wonderfully for quick use.
Herbs: Chop fresh herbs and mix with a little oil or water before freezing in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and seal them in a bag for easy cooking.

Beyond the Bag: Other Accessories

Your Anova sealer can do more than just bag food. A few accessories expand its usefulness.

Mason Jar Sealers: This attachment lets you vacuum seal the contents of a standard mason jar. It’s ideal for dry goods like coffee beans, nuts, or flour. Just place the lid on the jar, attach the hose from the sealer to the attachment, and run the vacuum.
Canisters: Vacuum-sealing canisters are great for items you use frequently, like salad greens or leftovers. You vacuum the lid, and it creates an airtight seal on the container.
Bag Holders: These simple stands hold your bag open while you fill it, making the process much less messy, especially with liquids or loose items.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Sealer

Proper care keeps your machine running smoothly for years. Always unplug it before cleaning.

After each use, wipe the sealing strip and the area around the vacuum channel with a damp cloth. Make sure no food debris is stuck.
If any liquid or food gets into the vacuum channel, unplug the machine immediately. Use a cotton swab to gently clean it out. Let the area dry completely before next use.
Empty the drip tray (if your model has one) regularly to prevent mold and odors.
Check the sealing strip periodically for residue or damage. A clean strip is essential for a strong, airtight seal.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to fix common issues.

The Bag Won’t Seal

Cause: Moisture or crumbs on the sealing area.
Fix: Wipe the sealing strip with a dry cloth. Ensure the bag is completely dry on the outside where it seals.
Cause: Wrinkles in the bag at the seal line.
Fix: Smooth the bag material so it lies completely flat before closing the lid.

Incomplete Vacuum (Air Left in Bag)

Cause: The bag is overfilled or the food is too close to the top.
Fix: Use a larger bag and leave more space (at least 3 inches).
Cause: A tiny puncture in the bag.
Fix: Inspect the bag. Re-seal it using a new bag if necessary.

Machine Stops Mid-Cycle

Cause: Overheating.
Fix: The motor has a safety feature. Unplug the machine and let it cool down for 15-20 minutes. Avoid sealing many bags in rapid succession.

Creative Uses for Your Vacuum Sealer

It’s not just for freezing food. Here’s some inspiration.

Marinating Meats: Vacuum sealing pulls marinade deep into the meat in minutes, not hours. Add your meat and marinade to a bag, seal it on “Moist,” and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
Protecting Documents: Keep important papers, passports, or old photographs safe from water damage by vacuum sealing them.
Organizing Small Items: Seal hardware like nails and screws by type. You can also seal first-aid kits for your car or boat to keep them dry and sterile.
Preventing Freezer Burn: This is the classic use. Properly sealed food won’t get freezer burn for a very long time, preserving taste and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What bags can I use with my Anova vacuum sealer?
You should use bags specifically designed for your Anova model. Using generic bags may not seal properly and could damage the machine. Anova bags have a textured pattern on one side to allow air channels for a better vacuum.

Can I reuse vacuum sealer bags?
It is not generally recommended. The sealing process weakens the plastic, and washing them can be unhygienic. For the best and safest results, use a new bag each time.

How long does vacuum-sealed food last?
In the freezer, it can last 2-3 times longer than conventional storage. In the refrigerator, it can extend the life of many items by days or even weeks. Always label with the date and follow food safety guidelines.

Is it normal for the bag to have wrinkles after sealing?
Yes, especially around irregularly shaped food. This is a sign that most of the air has been removed. As long as the seal itself is smooth and straight, the wrinkles are fine.

Why did my liquid get sucked into the machine?
You likely used the “Dry” mode or did not freeze the liquid first. For any wet item, use the “Moist” setting. For soups or broths, freezing them solid before sealing is the best practice to avoid this problem.

Can I seal jars with my Anova sealer?
Yes, but you need a separate mason jar sealer accessory. This attaches via a hose and allows you to vacuum seal the contents of a jar, which is perfect for pantry items.

Mastering your Anova vacuum sealer opens up a world of kitchen efficiency. With these steps and tips, you’ll be preserving food, reducing waste, and making meal preparation simpler in no time. Remember to start with simple projects and experiment as you get more comfortable with the machines functions.