SUNBEAM FOODSAVER VS4300 (01) PDF MANUAL

For your own safety, always follow these basic precautions when using the appliance:

• Do not use the appliance on wet or hot surfaces, or near a heat source.

• Do not immerse any part of the appliance, supply cord or plug in water or other liquid.

• To disconnect, unplug the supply cord from the electrical outlet. Do not disconnect by pulling on the cord.

• Do not operate the appliance with a damaged supply cord or plug. Do not operate the appliance if it malfunctions or is in any way damaged. If the cord or the machine is damaged, it must be returned to an authorized service center.

• Do not use an extension cord with the appliance.

• Use only accessories or attachments recommended by Sunbeam and the FoodSaver® brand team.

• Use the appliance only for its intended use.

• Closely supervise children when using any electrical appliance. Do not allow the appliance to be used as a toy.

• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.

• If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, or its service agent or a similarly qualified person in order to avoid a hazard.

• This appliance is intended to be used in household and similar applications such as: staff kitchen areas in shops, offices and other working environments; farm houses; by clients in hotels, motels and other residential type environments; bed and breakfast type environments.

• For Household Use Only.

• Please Save These Instructions.

WARNING: To avoid dangers of suffocation, keep bag away from babies and children. This is not a toy.

1. Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration.

2. Use ONLY FoodSaver® bags, rolls and canisters.

3. Do not allow the Vacuum Channel to fill up with liquids. This will render the machine unusable. To prevent it, avoid overfilling the bags and freeze liquids first.

4. You can prevent liquids from being drawn into the appliance by placing a folded paper towel at the top of the bag, but below the seal area, before vacuum packaging.

5. Do not attempt to create your own side seals for a FoodSaver® Bag. These bags are manufactured with special side seams which are sealed all the way to the outer edge. Creating your own side seams can actually leave air channels exposed which will cause leakage and prevent a vacuum from being formed.

6. Always make sure you leave at least 2.5cm of extra bag material for each time you plan to reuse the bag. To avoid possible illness, do not reuse bags after storing meats, fish or greasy foods.

7. If you are not sure whether you have achieved a complete seal, simply seal the bag again about 1cm above the first seal.

8. Bulky items sometimes make it difficult to achieve a smooth sealing surface. Gently stretch the bag flat along the Sealing Strip before closing the lid.

9. When packaging products with sharp edges (dry spaghetti, silverware, etc.), protect the bag from punctures by wrapping the products in a cushioning material, such as paper towels, styrofoam, tissue, etc. Products can also be vacuum packaged in canisters to avoid any possibility of puncturing a bag.

10. Avoid drawing powdery or fine-grained products such as, flour, sugar and coffee grinds into the appliance. This will inhibit the vacuuming and sealing process and may clog the unit, preventing it from drawing a good vacuum. To prevent this from occurring, avoid overfilling the bags.

11. If using the FoodSaver® appliance to re-seal packets, ensure that these have been previously commercially heat sealed. Do not use the sealing strip to re-seal conventional plastic wrap, sandwich bags and plastic bags as they may melt over the sealing strip.

Auto-vacuum Indicator: A green light indicates that the vacuum process is in operation and hands can be removed from the “Press/Hold” areas on the lid.

Release/Cancel Button: Press this button to open the lid after the vacuum and sealing process is finished, or to cancel an operation in progress.

Accessory Port: Attach the accessory hose here and use to vacuum package with FoodSaver® Canisters, Deli Containers and Bottle Stoppers.

Sealing Light Indicator: The red sealing light indicates that the sealing process is in operation.

PRESS/HOLD Areas: Press and hold on these areas firmly with the palms of your hands for operation to begin.

1. Place the appliance on a flat, dry surface and plug the supply cord into a standard electrical outlet.

2. Open the lid.

3. Cut roll to desired length plus 7.5 cm. Place one end of the bag on the sealing strip, but do not place the bag into the vacuum channel.

4. Close the lid.

5. Position your hands over the “PRESS/HOLD” icons on both sides of the lid and press firmly with the palms of your hands. The motor will start. Continue to press and hold until the green auto-vacuum indicator light illuminates.

6. You may now remove your hands from the lid and wait for the vacuum process to continue. The red sealing indicator light illuminates to inform you when sealing is in progress.

7. When the red indicator light turns off, press the “Release/Cancel” button.

8. Lift the lid and remove the bag.

NOTE: Wait 20 seconds before vacuuming and/or sealing again.

1. Place the appliance on a flat, dry surface and plug the supply cord into a standard electrical outlet.

2. Place item(s) in bag, allowing at least 7.5 cm of space between bag contents and top of bag.

3. Open the lid and place the open end of the bag into the vacuum channel.

4. Close lid.

5. Position your hands over the Press/Hold icons on both sides of the lid and press firmly with the palms of your hands. The motor will start. Continue to press and hold until the green auto-vacuum indicator light illuminates. You may now remove your hands from the lid and wait for the vacuum process to continue.

6. The red sealing indicator light illuminates to inform you when sealing is in progress.

7. When the red indicator light turns off, press the Release/Cancel button.

8. Lift the lid and remove the bag.

Prevent moisture or liquid from being pulled into the Vacuum Channel or trapped in the seal: Either pre-freeze moist food such as raw meat for 1-2 hours before vacuum packaging, or place a folded paper towel between food and end of bag to absorb excess liquids. Just be sure to leave at least 7.5cm between food and end of bag so that bag seals properly with paper towel inside.

Make sure you give appliance time to cool down: Wait at least 20 seconds between seals. Under very heavy usage, appliance will not operate to prevent overheating. If it does, unplug appliance, wait 20 minutes to allow appliance to cool off.

Check for wrinkles in the bag along the Sealing Strip: Wrinkles in seal may cause leakage and allow air to come back into bag. Check for wrinkles in bag along Sealing Strip before closing lid and vacuum packaging. If you find wrinkles after sealing bag, simply cut bag open and vacuum package again.

If motor runs for more than 30 seconds without stopping, consider the following: You may need to adjust bag and try again. If you are making the initial seal on a piece of bag material with two open ends, make sure bag is placed on Sealing Strip. If you are vacuum packaging with a bag, make sure open end is placed over the Vacuum Channel and make sure Accessory Hose is not attached.

1. Place the appliance on a flat, dry surface and plug the supply cord into a standard electrical outlet.

2. Prepare your accessory:

• Canisters: Place the item(s) to be vacuum packaged inside the canister. Place the lid on top of the canister. Insert one end of the Accessory Hose into the Accessory Port on your FoodSaver® appliance. Insert the other end of the Accessory Hose into the hole on the top of the canister.

• Bottle Stoppers: Insert the Bottle Stopper into the neck of the bottle. Leave at least 2.5 cm between the contents and the rim. Insert one end of the Accessory Hose into the Accessory Port on your FoodSaver® appliance. Insert the other end of the Accessory Hose into the hole on top of the bottle stopper.

• Deli Containers: Place the item(s) to be vacuum packaged inside the deli container. Place the lid firmly on top of the container. Insert one end of the Accessory Hose into the Accessory Port on your FoodSaver® appliance. Insert the other end of the Accessory Hose into the hole on the top of the container adaptor. Place the container adaptor over the grey vacuum valve on the container lid. Twist the grey tip of hose while inserting to ensure a tight fit.

3. Vacuum package as per instructions by positioning your hands over the Press/Hold icons and pressing firmly.

Important: Remember to remove the Accessory Hose from the Accessory Port on the appliance before you vacuum package in FoodSaver® Bags.

How to Open the FoodSaver® Canister: To open, press and hold down the grey rubber button in the centre of the lid. This will release the vacuum – a hissing sound can be heard as the air rushes in.

How to Remove the FoodSaver® Bottle Stopper: To remove, simply twist and pull up on the Bottle Stopper to release the vacuum.

How to Open FoodSaver® Deli Containers: To open, lift the grey rubber cover in the centre of the lid. This will release the vacuum – a hissing sound can be heard as the air rushes is.

The FoodSaver® Appliance

1. Always unplug the appliance before cleaning.

2. Clean using a mild dishwashing soap and a warm, damp cloth. Do not immerse the appliance in water. Dry thoroughly before using.

3. Do not use abrasive products or materials to clean any of the appliance components.

Drip Tray

Wipe out with clean cloth to clean tray.

FoodSaver® Bags

IMPORTANT: Do not reuse bags after storing meats, fish or greasy foods. Do not reuse bags that have been microwaved or simmered.

1. Wash bags in warm water using a mild dishwashing soap.

2. Bags can be washed in the dishwasher by carefully turning the bags inside out and spreading them over the top rack of the dishwasher so that all surfaces are exposed to the washing water.

3. Allow bags to dry thoroughly before reusing.

FoodSaver® Accessories

1. All FoodSaver® accessories should be washed in warm water using a mild dishwashing soap. Dry thoroughly before using.

2. All FoodSaver® Canister and Deli Container bases (but not the lids) may be washed in the dishwasher. FoodSaver® Canister lids and Deli Container lids (white) are NOT dishwasher safe.

3. The FoodSaver® Canister base (clear) and Deli Container base can be cleaned in the dishwasher but only in the top shelf. Items washed in bottom shelves can distort due to the heat from the dishwasher element.

IMPORTANT: All plastic components deteriorate through the prolonged use of a dishwasher for cleaning. Hand washing of plastic components in warm soapy water is always recommended.

Your FoodSaver® appliance also protects non-food items from oxidation, corrosion and moisture. Just follow the directions for vacuum packaging using the FoodSaver® Bags, Canisters, Deli Container and Accessories.

• Camping and hiking gear stays dry and compact. Vacuum packaging your clothes and equipment will help save space in your bag. Vacuum package matches, maps and anything you want to stay dry.

• For picnics, fill a FoodSaver® Bag with ice and seal. When it melts, you’ll have fresh water for drinking or you can put it back in the freezer as a reusable ice pack.

• For painting, vacuum package your wet paint brush between coats rather than washing out. Particularly useful for oil based paints that require mineral turpentine to clean up.

• Vacuum package your food and equipment for a boating or sailing outing. Food will stay dry in the cooler/esky. Batteries and film won’t get damaged by water, and you’ll appreciate having a dry change of clothes.

• Vacuum package first aid kits and emergency kits for your house, your boat and your car. Items will all be in one package and will stay dry and without dirt and mould. Include flares, batteries, flashlight, candles and matches.

• To vacuum package silver, wrap fork prongs in soft cushioning material, such as a paper towel, to avoid puncturing bag.

Vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning nor can it reverse deteriorating quality; it can only slow down changes in quality. It extends the life of foods by removing nearly all the air in a sealed container, thereby reducing oxidation which affects nutritional value, flavour and overall quality.

Micro-organisms:

• Mould: Easy to identify because of its characteristic fuzz. Moulds are virtually eliminated by vacuum packaging because they cannot grow in a low oxygen environment.

• Yeast: Results in fermentation, which can frequently be identified by smell or taste. Yeast requires water, sugar and a moderate temperature to grow, and can grow with or without air. Refrigeration slows the growth of yeast, and freezing stops it completely.

• Bacteria: Frequently results in discolouration, soft or slimy texture, and/or an unpleasant odour. ‘Clostridium botulinum’ (the organism that causes Botulism) can grow without air under the right conditions, cannot be detected by smell or taste, and although extremely rare, can be very dangerous.

Thawing and Heating Vacuum Packaged Foods

Always thaw foods in either the refrigerator or microwave – do not leave “perishable” foods at room temperature to thaw. To microwave in a FoodSaver® Bag, cut a corner of the bag and place on a microwave-safe dish.

NOTE: Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration or freezing. Any “perishable” foods that require refrigeration prior to vacuum packaging still must be refrigerated or frozen after vacuum packaging.

Meat and Fish: For best results, pre-freeze meat and fish for 1-2 hours before vacuum packaging in a FoodSaver® Bag. This helps retain the juice and shape and guarantees a better seal. If not possible, place a folded paper towel between meat or fish and the top of the bag (below the seal area) to absorb excess moisture.

Hard Cheeses: Vacuum package after each use. Make your bag extra long, allowing 2.5cm of material for each time you plan to open and reseal. Simply cut the sealed edge, remove cheese, then drop it back in the bag and reseal.

Vegetables: Vegetables need to be blanched before vacuum packaging to stop enzyme action. Place them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immerse in iced cold water to stop cooking. Dry vegetables on a towel before packaging. For freezing, pre-freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. NOTE: Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.) naturally emit gases and must be stored in the freezer only after blanching. Important: Mushrooms should never be vacuum packaged.

Leafy Vegetables: Use a canister. Wash, then dry with a towel or salad spinner. Put them in a canister, vacuum package, and store in the refrigerator.

Fruits: For soft fruits or berries, pre-freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. To freeze in individual servings, spread on a baking sheet so they are not touching. Once frozen, vacuum package in a FoodSaver® Bag. For refrigerator storage, use a FoodSaver® Canister.

Baked Goods: For soft or airy baked goods, use a FoodSaver® Canister to hold their shape. If using a bag, pre-freeze for 1-2 hours until solidly frozen.

Coffee and Powdery Foods: To prevent particles from being drawn into the pump, place a coffee filter or paper towel at the top of the bag or canister before vacuuming. You can also place the food in its original bag inside a FoodSaver® Bag.

Liquids: Pre-freeze liquids like soup stock in a casserole dish, loaf pan or ice cube tray until solid. Remove the frozen liquid and vacuum package in a FoodSaver® Bag.

Snack Foods: For crushable items like crackers, use a FoodSaver® Canister.

Marinating: Vacuum sealing opens the pores in foods, allowing marinades to be absorbed much faster. Marinating can occur in either FoodSaver® Bags or Canisters. Do not overfill bags with marinating liquid. NOTE: Marinating times will vary. Do not marinate for more than 5-10 minutes if the marinade contains acidic ingredients like lemon juice and vinegar.

Re-sealing Chip packets, etc: You can use the sealing strip to reseal packets that have a commercial quality seal. Place the packet on the sealing strip. Ensure the bag does not reach into the vacuum channel. Only re-seal packets. NOTE: Do not use the sealing strip to seal conventional plastic wrap or sandwich bags as they may melt.

Foods	Where to Store	Recommended FoodSaver® Products	Storage Life with FoodSaver® Products	Normal Storage Life
Meat
Beef, Pork, Lamb	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	6 months
Ground Meat	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	1 year	4 months
Poultry	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	6 months
Fish	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2 years	6 months
Hard Cheeses
Cheddar, Swiss	Refrigerator	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	4-8 months	1-2 weeks
Parmesan	Refrigerator	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	4-8 months	1-2 weeks
Vegetables (must be blanched before vacuum sealing)
Asparagus	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	8 months
Broccoli, Cauliflower	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	8 months
Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	8 months
Corn (cob or kernel)	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	8 months
Green Beans	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	8 months
Lettuce, Spinach	Refrigerator	FoodSaver® Canister	2 weeks	3-6 days
Snow Peas, Snap Peas	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	8 months
Fruits
Apricots, Plums	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	1-3 years	6-12 months
Peaches, Nectarines	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	1-3 years	6-12 months
Softer Berries
Raspberries, Blackberries	Refrigerator	FoodSaver® Canister	1 week	1-3 days
Strawberries	Refrigerator	FoodSaver® Canister	1 week	1-3 days
Harder Berries
Blueberries	Refrigerator	FoodSaver® Canister	2 weeks	3-6 days
Cranberries	Refrigerator	FoodSaver® Canister	2 weeks	3-6 days
Baked Goods
Bagels, Bread, Pastries	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	1-3 years	6-12 months
Nuts
Almonds, Peanuts	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	2 years	6 months
Sunflower Seeds	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	2 years	6 months
Coffee
Coffee Beans	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2-3 years	6 months
Coffee Beans	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	1 year	3 months
Ground Coffee	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	2 years	6 months
Ground Coffee	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	5-6 months
Prepared Liquids
Sauces, Soups, Stews	Freezer	FoodSaver® Bag	1-2 years	3-6 months
Bottled Liquids
Wine	Refrigerator	FoodSaver® Bottle Stopper	2-4 months	1-3 weeks
Oils	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bottle Stopper	1-1½ years	5-6 months
Dry Foods
Beans, Grains	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	1-2 years	6 months
Pasta, Rice	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	1-2 years	6 months
Powdery Foods
Dry Milk	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	1-2 years	6 months
Dried Coconut	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	1-2 years	6 months
Flour	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	1-2 years	6 months
Sugar, Brown Sugar	Pantry	FoodSaver® Bag, Canister	1-2 years	6 months
Snack Foods
Chips	Pantry	FoodSaver® Canister	3-6 weeks	1-2 weeks
Cookies, Crackers	Pantry	FoodSaver® Canister	3-6 weeks	1-2 weeks

• Check to see that the appliance is plugged in. Test electrical outlet by plugging in another appliance.

• The appliance will shut off automatically if overheated. Allow to cool down for 20 minutes and try again.

• Check supply cord and plug for damage. If damaged, do not use the appliance.

• To seal properly, open end of bag should be resting entirely inside Vacuum Channel area.

• Check sealing strip and gasket beneath the lid for debris. Wipe off and then smooth back into place.

• Bag may have a leak. To test, seal the bag with some air in it, submerge in water, and apply pressure. Bubbles indicate a leak. Reseal or use another bag.

• Open bag and dry/wipe at top end of bag. Ensure no food particles are in/around top of bag.

• Leaks along the seal can be caused by wrinkles, crumbs, grease or liquids. Reopen bag, wipe the top inside of the bag and smooth it out along the sealing strip before resealing.

• The release of natural gases or fermentation from foods (such as fresh fruits and vegetables) may have occurred. Most vegetables require blanching prior to vacuum packing. Open bag, if you think food has begun to spoil, discard food. Lack of refrigeration or fluctuating temperatures in the Refrigerator can cause food to spoil.

• Check the bag for a puncture or hole, which may have released the vacuum. Cushion sharp edges in the contents of the bag with paper towels.

• Should sealing strip overheat and melt the bag, it may be necessary to lift the lid and allow sealing strip to cool for a few minutes.

• Built-in safety shut-off may shut the appliance off if it becomes overheated. Allow the unit to cool down for 20 minutes and try again.

• Make sure the rubber gasket on the canister lid is free from food materials, crumbs, coffee grinds, etc.

• Make sure the rim of the canister does not have any cracks or scratches. Any gaps can prevent a vacuum from forming.

• Make sure you aren’t filling the canister too full prior to vacuum packaging. Always leave at least 7.5cm between the contents and the lid.

NOTE: For all accessories, make sure the Accessory Hose is completely inserted into appliance and lid of accessory. Twist grey tab on Accessory Hose while inserting to ensure a tight fit.

• Make sure the Bottle Stopper is fitting snugly inside the bottle. If it is loose, air may leak in and prevent a vacuum from forming.

• Make sure the neck of the bottle and tip of the Accessory Hose are free from food materials, crumbs, etc. Any gaps created by food etc, will prevent a vacuum from forming.

NOTE: For all accessories, make sure the Accessory Hose is completely inserted into appliance and lid of accessory. Twist grey tab on Accessory Hose while inserting to ensure a tight fit.