Frequently Asked Questions
FoodSaver® Canisters
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.
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.
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. (If your accessory lid has a knob, make sure the knob is set to Vacuum.)
Are FoodSaver® Canisters dishwasher-safe?
The base of the canisters can all be washed in the dishwasher. The bases should only be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher. The lids should be washed by hand.
Are FoodSaver® Canisters microwave-safe?
The base of the Square Canister and the Bulk Canister (not the lids) is microwave-safe, but it should only be used to RE-HEAT foods, not to cook them in the microwave. The Designer Canisters are designed for storage only and should not be used to cook or re-heat foods in the microwave.
Are the FoodSaver® Canisters recyclable?
Yes, the canisters (base and top) are recyclable under the "Other" category. Please follow the recycling guidelines and requirements of your local municipality.
Can I put my FoodSaver® Canisters in the freezer?
No. Due to the expansion and contraction that occurs when something is frozen then thawed, the canisters will eventually crack and will no longer hold a vacuum.
Can I vacuum package in canisters other than the FoodSaver® Canisters?
No. Only FoodSaver® Canisters would be able to withstand the pressure of the vacuum that is created, and our canisters have a special seal inside of the lid to ensure a complete vacuum/seal. Universal Lids are a good way to vacuum a container other than a canister.
I have been vacuum packaging my coffee in a Designer Canister, but now it won't hold the seal. What can I do?
The oil in the coffee (powdered or beans) is being drawn up into the seal area. Place a coffee filter or napkin on top of the coffee before placing the lid on the canister. This will catch the oil and allow for a good seal every time.
Is there a FoodSaver® Canister for marinating food?
Yes. The FoodSaver® Square Canister is the perfect item for marinating foods. Foods will marinate in minutes when vacuum packaged because the vacuum process opens the pores of the food and absorbs the marinade more quickly. The base of the square canister is microwavable, making it perfect for re-heating foods. You can also marinate in FoodSaver® Bags or FoodSaver® Designer Canisters.
Is there a FoodSaver® Canister that can vacuum package bread?
There is not a specific canister to vacuum pack bread, but you can use the 6 Quart Bulk Storage Canister. If the loaf of bread is too long, just take some of the slices and place them down inside the canister surrounding the rest of the loaf. However, it has been our experience that if you must vacuum pack the same loaf more than once, it tends to remove the flavor of the bread and can make the bread go flat.