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I saw jars and canisters advertised with the appliance. Why didn't I receive them?
The jars and accessories are packaged differently with each appliance. Browse to Products to order canisters and accessories. We sell all of our accessories via our website or you can order by calling Customer Service.
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What is the warranty on FoodSaver® appliances and accessories?
All FoodSaver® products have a One-Year Limited Warranty.
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Why are some models not featured on your website? It would help me to compare all your products.
Some of our units and models are exclusively available through retail stores; however, comparable appliances are sold directly through our website. In addition, we have many FoodSaver® accessories that can be used with different models.
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Why does the infomercial say that the FoodSaver® system cannot be bought in stores when I've seen it in retail stores?
The particular unit and combination of accessories shown in the infomercial is not available in stores. Also, the money-saving coupons and the three-payment plan are only available when ordering directly from the infomercial.
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Air was removed from the bag, but now air has re-entered
Examine seal of bag. A wrinkle along the seal may cause leakage and allow air to enter. Simply cut bag and reseal.
Sometimes moisture or food material (such as juices, grease, crumbs, powders, etc.) along seal prevents bag from sealing properly. Cut bag open, wipe top inside of bag and reseal. See pages 2-3 for guidelines for specific foods.
If you are vacuum packaging sharp food items, bag may have been punctured. Use a new bag if there is a hole. Cover sharp food items with a soft cushioning material and reseal.
If you are still experiencing difficulty with air in your bag, fermentation or the release of natural gases from inside the foods may have occurred. When this happens, food may have begun to spoil and should be discarded.
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Every time I press the "on" button on my appliance, the clips pop open. What is wrong?
This is normal. The clips are only meant to aid in the vacuum process. Once the appliance has started, the clips will automatically unlock.
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My FoodSaver® appliance won't seal. What is wrong?
First, close the lid of the unit without placing a bag in it. Start the appliance and let it go through its cycle. When the unit stops, gently touch the seal bar. Is it hot/warm? If the seal bar is not hot or it is too hot (and the bags have melted), then there may be something wrong with the sealing bar. Please call customer service.
Are you trying to vacuum package items that are not moist? If so, test the bag by placing a spoon in a bag and place the end of the bag into the vacuum channel, close the lid and press the ON button. Lock the side clips or press down on the lid and allow the unit to go through the entire cycle. If the bag seals, then now you are able to vacuum/seal bags.
Are you trying to seal moist items, such as unfrozen meats or fish? Try placing the meat or fish in a bag, then taking a paper towel and folding it in half twice. Place the folded paper towel into the bag so it is between the item and where the bag will be sealed. Place the open end of the bag into the vacuum channel, close the lid and start the vacuum/seal process. The paper towel traps excess liquids and won't affect the flavor of the food item. If the unit seals properly, then you should be able to vacuum/seal bags. You can also slightly pre-freeze meat or fish for 15-30 minutes in order to eliminate some of the juices.
While examining your appliance, check the lower gasket for any cracks, dents or food particles. Please clean the gasket by wiping it with a soft cloth or sponge. A clean gasket will ensure the FoodSaver® will seal properly.
If the above troubleshooting techniques do not work, please call Customer Service for further assistance.
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My FoodSaver® appliance won't vacuum, why?
First, please place a spoon in a bag, and place the open end of the bag into the vacuum channel of the unit. Make sure the bag is resting entirely inside the vacuum channel area. It should NOT go over and behind the vacuum channel. Turn the unit on and let it go through its cycle. This technique can help determine if the problem is with the vacuum pump or with the bag.
If the bag won't vacuum, test the bags by first sealing the bag, then place it in a sink with enough water to be able to submerge the entire bag. If you see bubbles, the bags may be defective.
If there are no bubbles and the bags hold their air, there may be a problem with the vacuum pump of the unit. Please contact Customer Service.
If a complete vacuum was drawn in the bag but it loses its vacuum after awhile, then check the seal. A wrinkle along the seal may have created an air pocket. You can reopen the bag and smooth out the material along the sealer bar, then re-seal the bag.
If the above troubleshooting techniques do not work, please contact Customer Service.
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Nothing happens when I try to vacuum package
Check power cord to see if it is firmly plugged into electrical outlet.
Examine power cord for any damages.
See if electrical outlet is operative by plugging in another appliance.
If your appliance has a mode switch, make sure it is set to the correct mode. Refer to your QuickStart card for instructions.
Make sure bag is placed correctly inside Vacuum Channel.
Wait 20 minutes to allow appliance to cool off, and then try using it again.
Note: The appliance will shut off automatically if it becomes too hot.
To keep your appliance from overheating:
Wait at least 20 seconds for appliance to cool down before you begin vacuum packaging another item. Keep lid open before vacuum packaging.
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The bag melts
If your bag melts, Sealing Strip may have become too hot. Always wait at least 20 seconds for the appliance to cool down before you vacuum package another item unless you are using the Professional II. This model allows you to vacuum package at least 50 consecutive bags without allowing time for the appliance to cool down.
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The FoodSaver® Bottle Stopper will not vacuum
Check Bottle Stopper to see if it fits snugly inside bottle. If it is loose, air may enter and prevent it from vacuuming properly.
Examine neck of bottle and tip of Accessory Hose for food materials. Any gaps can prevent bottle from vacuuming properly.
Make sure Accessory Hose is securely in Accessory Port on appliance and on Bottle Stopper.
Note: For all accessories, make sure Accessory Hose is completely inserted into appliance and lid of accessory. Twist gray tab on Accessory Hose while inserting to ensure a tight fit.
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The FoodSaver® Canister will not vacuum
Make sure rubber gasket on lid is free from food materials.
Examine rim of canister for cracks or scratches. Any gaps can prevent canisters from vacuuming properly.
Make sure Accessory Hose is securely inserted into Accessory Port on appliance and in port on canister lid.
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The FoodSaver® Universal Lid, Bulk Canister, Quick Marinator will not vacuum
When using the Universal Lid, rim of container should be smooth and flat. Ragged edges will prevent lid from vacuuming properly.
Make sure rubber gasket underneath lids as well as rim of canisters or containers is free from food materials.
Check knob on lid to see if it is closing and opening properly and that there are no food materials caught inside.
Make sure Accessory Hose is securely inserted into Accessory Port on appliance and in port on accessory lid.
Make sure knob on accessory lid is set to Vacuum.
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The gasket is always loose or has a tear. What do I do?
Is the problem with the lower or upper gasket? The lower gasket is located on the inside center base of the appliance . The upper gasket is located on the underside of the lid, just behind the thick rubber strip.
If it is the lower gasket, take out the lower gasket, clean it and reinsert the gasket into the vacuum channel.
If it is the upper gasket, please contact Customer Service.
Air is still in the bag:
Make sure open end of bag is resting entirely inside Vacuum Channel. If edge of bag is beyond Vacuum Channel, bag will not seal properly.
Examine bag for leaks. To see if your bag has a leak, seal bag with air, submerge it into water and apply pressure. Bubbles indicate a leak. Use a new bag if bubbles appear.
If you are using a custom-sized FoodSaver® Bag, check seal of bag. A wrinkle in the bag along the seal may cause leakage and allow air to enter. Just cut bag and reseal.
Do not attempt to make your own side seams for a FoodSaver® Bag. The bags are manufactured with special side seams, which are sealed all the way to the outer edge. Making your own side seams may cause leakage and allow air to enter.
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The Mason jar will not vacuum
The Jar Sealer is designed for use with Ball® and Kerr® Mason jars.
Check Jar Sealer to see if it is centered and pressed firmly over Mason jar lid.
Make sure rubber gasket on Jar Sealer is free from food materials.
Examine rim of Mason jar for cracks or scratches. Any gaps can prevent jars from vacuuming properly.
Check metal lid of Mason jar to see if it is bent.
Make sure Accessory Hose is securely in Accessory Port on appliance and on Jar Sealer.
Try using two jar lids instead of one. Remove second lid from Jar Sealer when vacuum process is finished.
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Are FoodSaver® Bags safe for food use?
Yes. The bags are made of materials that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined to be safe for food use.
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Are the FoodSaver® Bags & Rolls recyclable?
Yes, the bags are recyclable under the "Other" category. Please follow the recycling guidelines and requirements of your local municipality.
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Can FoodSaver® Bags be put in the freezer?
Yes. The bags are ideal for the freezer because they will keep all air and moisture out, preventing food from getting freezer burn and becoming dry and tasteless.
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Can FoodSaver® Bags be put in the microwave?
Yes. You can heat cooked foods, such as leftovers, in a FoodSaver® bag. The bags should never be used to cook raw foods. When microwaving, cut open a corner of the bag before putting it in the microwave so steam can escape. Avoid microwaving foods containing a lot of oil, as oil will get hot very quickly and could cause the sides of the bag to stick together.
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Can FoodSaver® Bags be re-sealed?
Yes. Just cut off the existing seal, remove as much food as you need, then re-vacuum package. Be sure to wipe off any food or grease residue inside the bag near the seal area. You can also re-seal FoodSaver® Bags after you have washed them.
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Can FoodSaver® Bags be washed?
Yes, but it depends on the previous contents of the bag.
Bags that previously contained fruits, vegetables, breads and dry goods can be washed and reused.
Bags that contained raw meats, fish, eggs or un-pasteurized cheese should be discarded after use because they may contain invisible bacteria that will remain after washing.
Bags that contained greasy or oily foods should also be discarded, as they may be difficult to clean.
FoodSaver® Bags can be washed by hand, or in the top rack of the dishwasher. Use a wooden clothespin or a clip to hold the bags in place. Dry completely. They can then be re-vacuumed.
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Do I have to use the FoodSaver® Bags? Can I vacuum package in other plastic bags?
To vacuum package with the FoodSaver®, you must use the FoodSaver® Bags. They are specially designed to be strong enough for vacuum packaging and the waffle pattern in the bag is a patented design that makes sure air does not get caught in pockets around the food. FoodSaver® Bags have five layers, including an outer layer of nylon. This configuration completely prevents air and moisture from getting back into the bag and prevents odors from getting out or in. Other plastic bags allow air to seep through.
If you want to use your FoodSaver® appliance to re-seal, but not vacuum package a bag (without removing the air first) you can use it on Mylar type (strong, thin polyester) or stiff plastic bags, not any other types. For example, you can re-seal potato chip bags.
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How can I tell if a bag is defective?
A good way to test a bag is to just seal both ends of the bag-do not vacuum seal the bag. Submerge the bag in water for a few seconds and look for bubbles in the bag itself or near the seal strip area. If there are bubbles, the bag is defective.
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I am having problems making the first seal on a bag I cut from a roll.
Be sure you do not place the bag over the black gasket, or into the vacuum channel. Lay the end of the bag on the seal bar only, then close the lid, lock the clips (if necessary), then press the "on" button (or the lid).
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I have a different food-packaging appliance made by another company. Can I use the FoodSaver® Bags with it?
Our FoodSaver® Bags and Rolls are designed for FoodSaver® units only. The sealing bar on your unit may either be too hot, which will melt the bags, or too cool, which will result in a bag that is not sealed properly.
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What are FoodSaver® Bags made of?
They are made of polyethylene (a type of plastic) with an outer layer of nylon for added strength and rigidity.
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When you get to the end of a roll of bag material, why don't the bags seal?
Try cutting off about 1/2 inch from the end of the bag. It is possible that the very end of the roll was compressed when rolled. Also, make sure you have made a straight cut. Check to see if you have the end of the bag over the gasket or into the vacuum channel. It should only go up to the gasket, no further.
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Which side of the bag should be placed on the seal bar?
Place the embossed (rough) side down. If the bag is curling (the end of the roll may do this), place the curled side down over the seal bar and can be used either side up.
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Why do FoodSaver® Bags cost more than other plastic bags?
Other plastic bags are usually made of one layer of polyethylene (a type of plastic). FoodSaver® Bags are 5-layer including an outer layer of nylon. The nylon layer not only makes the bags stronger, it also creates a complete air, moisture and odor barrier. Unlike other bags, FoodSaver® Bags can be simmered in water or microwaved (so you can reheat leftovers or pre-cooked dinners).
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Can I keep comic books or coins in FoodSaver® bags?
Yes, but just seal the bags, do not vacuum them. The pressure caused by the vacuum can cause the pages and print transfers to stick together. Coins can be vacuum-packed, but be sure that you place some type of backing, such as cardboard, in the bag against the "waffle" side, and face the coins toward the smooth side of the bag. This will eliminate the possibility of any marks left on the coins after long term storage.
You should also put any printed materials between cardboard or in an archival sleeve before vacuuming. Otherwise the printing may transfer to the bag if you ever remove the material from the bag. We cannot guarantee the preservation of any items you choose to vacuum package.
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Can I vacuum package bread?
It is not recommended to vacuum package soft breads such as white bread. French bread and hard rolls must be frozen first, then vacuum packed.
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Can zipped storage bags, potato chip or pretzel bags be used in the FoodSaver® appliance?
You can re-seal potato chip and pretzel bags, but do not vacuum them as you will crush the contents. Zipped storage bags and other plastic bags cannot be used due to the amount of heat generated when sealing the bags. You run the risk of melting the bag and ruining your unit.
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When simmering food in a FoodSaver® Bag, it splits open at the seam.
Only place bags with frozen food inside the simmering water. The coldness of the food will keep the bag from becoming too hot while the food is heating up. If the food in the bag was frozen, but the bag split anyway, your bags are most likely defective.
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Will flour still get bugs in it after it is vacuum packed?
Insects and their larvae cannot survive in a low oxygen environment, such as that created when you vacuum package your dry foods such as flour, cornstarch, corn meal and cereals.
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What are the benefits of vacuum packaging?
Foods keep their freshness up to five times longer. Foods don't get freezer burn for several years because they don't come in contact with cold, dry air. There are many benefits to vacuum packaging:
You save money:
Foods last longer, so you throw less away.
You can buy lower-priced bulk quantities and re-package at home into smaller portions exactly the size you want.
Leftovers stay fresh in the freezer for several months.
You save time:
Make fewer trips to the grocery store because foods will last longer.
Cook several portions when you have time and vacuum packaging single servings in a bag or right onto plates.
Marinate meat and fish in minutes instead of hours.
Also:
Enjoy your favorite foods all year, even when they are out of season.
Protect non-food items from corrosion and moisture-damage.
Create first aid and emergency kits in the home, car and boat.
Outdoor enthusiasts can vacuum package supplies to keep them clean and dry.
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What are vacuum packaging appliances?
FoodSaver® vacuum packaging appliances remove the air from bags, rolls and food storage containers then seal these items so that air cannot re-enter. Vacuum packaging is a superior alternative to traditional food storage methods because it removes the oxygen that causes foods to spoil. Many bags, rolls and containers claim to protect food, but they are simply sealing the air in, instead of vacuuming it out before sealing.
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Why Vacuum Package?
Exposure to air causes food to s |
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