The Original Home Vacuum Packaging System Packaging Vacuum Home Original The Vac User Manual 300 ™

Français Español English THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL

Welcome Table of Contents

You have just purchased an appliance that will soon Welcome have you wondering how you ever got by without it. The FoodSaver Vac 300 is so convenient and versatile, 2 The FoodSaver Vac 300 you’ll find yourself using it every day. We guarantee that if you make room for it on your countertop, you will quickly see how indispensable it becomes Operating Instructions: How to... in your kitchen. 4 Make a Bag with FoodSaver Rolls You’ll Save Money, Time, and Effort. 6 Vacuum Package Using Ready-Made and Custom-Made ◗ Meats, poultry, fish, and produce stay fresh and FoodSaver Bags flavorful 3-5 times longer in your freezer. ◗ No more freezer burn. ◗ Foods stay fresh longer in your refrigerator. 8 Care and Cleaning Instructions ◗ Dry ingredients stay fresh in the pantry, too. ◗ Buy in bulk to reduce your grocery bills. 9 Food Preparation and Storage Guide ◗ Repackage your purchases in portions sized for your family’s needs. 16 Important Safeguards ◗ Prepare meals in advance so when you don’t have time to cook, you and your family will still have great-tasting homemade meals. 17 Troubleshooting ◗ Take bags right from the freezer or refrigerator and

boil or microwave. English 20 Warranty and Service Information ◗ Reduce waste and spoilage. ◗ Great for storing non-food items to keep them dry and free of dust and mold. ◗ Stop silver from tarnishing because the metal is not exposed to air.

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The FoodSaver Vac 300

◗ Sealing Light “Press Here” Icons About Vacuum Packaging FoodSaver Bags and Rolls can go Air is left in most food storage straight from the freezer and containers and plastic bags even refrigerator to the microwave or when sealed tightly. Oxygen in the boiling water. They are reusable, air is one of the main reasons that washable (including in the dish- food goes bad. It starts a chemical washer), and recyclable. change – robbing food of its nutri- ◗ FoodSaver Bags are ready-made tional value, texture, color, flavor, in quart and gallon sizes to offer

Seal O Vacuum and overall quality. The FoodSaver convenient, one-step storage. nly & Seal Vac 300 removes the air from our ◗ FoodSaver Rolls come in two FoodSaver Bags and then seals the widths, 8 inches and 11 inches, bags so air cannot reenter. which allow you to make custom- sized bags. FoodSaver Bags and Rolls Selector ◗ Switch FoodSaver Bags and Rolls are made from a patented, 3-ply plastic material with special channels that remove the air. The outer layer of nylon seals freshness in, while locking air and moisture out.

Sealing Strip English

V AC U U M C H AN N EL S V ea ac l O u n um ly & S e al

Vacuum Channel

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How to Make a Custom-Made Bag with FoodSaver Rolls

When using FoodSaver Rolls you first need to make a bag, then 6 Close the lid. S e V al ac O u nl um y & S e vacuum package your food in the bag. (If you are using ready- al made FoodSaver Bags, go to page 6.) 7 Move the Selector Switch to the “Seal Only” position. 1 Place the Vac 300 on a flat, dry surface and plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. 8 Place your hands on the lid where it says “PRESS HERE.” Press 2 Lay the item(s) you want to vacuum package near the down on the lid with both hands FoodSaver Roll so you can see where to cut the bag material. and hold. The light will go on as Leave at least 3 extra inches at one end of the bag and more if the Vac 300 seals the bag. Wait you want to reseal or reuse the bag. (One inch per reseal.) until the light turns off before releasing the lid. 3 Cut the FoodSaver Roll to the desired length, making sure you 9 Lift up the lid and remove the bag. cut straight. The marks on the side of the roll are at 3" intervals and 10 You now have a custom-sized FoodSaver Bag. will assist you in cutting straight. You are now ready to vacuum package. Just follow the instructions 4 Open the lid of the on page 6. Vac 300. NOTE: Let the Vac 300 cool down for at least 20 seconds before 5 Place one end of the bag using it again. on the sealing strip. English

V AC U U M C H AN N EL S V ea ac l O u n um ly & S e al

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How to Vacuum Package Using Ready-Made and Custom-Made FoodSaver Bags

1 If you have not already done so, place the Vac 300 on a flat, dry 7 Place your hands on the lid where it says “PRESS HERE.” Press surface and plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet. down on the lid with both hands and hold. The light will go on as the Vac 300 vacuums and seals 2 Open the lid. the bag. Wait until the sound stops and the light turns off 3 Place the item(s) to be vacuum packaged into the bag. before releasing the lid.

4 Place the open end of 8 Lift up the lid and remove the bag. the bag down into the vacuum channel. 9 Vacuum packaging is complete.

NOTE: Let the Vac 300 cool down for at least 20 seconds before using it again.

V AC U U M C H AN N EL S V ea ac l O u n um ly IMPORTANT: You will need to pre-freeze foods that have excess & S e al moisture and juices before vacuum packaging in FoodSaver Bags because the liquid will be drawn into the vacuum pump. English

5 Close the lid.

6 Move the selector switch to the “Vacuum & Seal” position.

S e V al ac O u nly um & S e al

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Care and Cleaning Instructions Food Preparation and Storage Guide

The FoodSaver Vac 300 Guidelines for Vacuum perature to grow, and can grow Packaging Food with or without air. Refrigeration 1 Always unplug the Vac 300 before cleaning. Vacuum packaging is not a substitute slows the growth of yeast, and for canning nor can it reverse deteri- freezing stops it completely. 2 Do not immerse the Vac 300 in water. orating quality; it can only slow down ◗ Bacteria: Frequently results in changes in quality. It is impossible to discoloration, soft or slimy texture, 3 Do not use abrasive products or materials to clean any of the predict how long a specific food will and/or an unpleasant odor. Clostridium botulinum (commonly Vac 300 components. These can scratch the surfaces and damage have top-quality flavor, appearance, known as Botulism), can grow with- the black foam rubber pads preventing a vacuum from forming. and texture, because it depends on the age and condition of the food out air under the right conditions, on the day it was vacuum packaged. cannot be detected by smell or 4 Clean using a mild dishwashing soap and a warm, damp cloth. Foods that are extremely fresh will taste, and although extremely rare, Wipe away any food residue from inside or around the vacuum last longer than foods that are al- can be very dangerous. channel, sealing strip, and black foam rubber pads. ready deteriorating. Maintaining low temperatures is a critical factor in preserving foods 5 Dry thoroughly before using. Vacuum packaging extends the life of foods by removing nearly all the air safely. Growth of micro-organisms is in a sealed container, thereby reducing significantly reduced at temperatures oxidation which affects nutritional of 40°F (4°C) or below. Freezing at FoodSaver Bags value, flavor, and overall quality. 0°F (-17°C) does not kill micro- However, most foods contain enough organisms, but it stops them from growing. For long term storage, 1 Wash bags in warm water using a mild dishwashing soap. water to support micro-organisms which can grow with or without air. always freeze "perishable" foods that While micro-organisms are present have been vacuum packaged.

2 Bags can be washed in the dishwasher by carefully turning the English everywhere, only certain ones cause bags inside out and spreading them over the top rack of the Thawing and Heating Vacuum problems, and only under certain Packaged Foods dishwasher, so that all surfaces are exposed to the washing water. conditions: Always thaw foods in either the ◗ Mold: Easy to identify because of refrigerator or microwave – do not 3 Allow bags to dry thoroughly before reusing. its characteristic fuzz. Molds are leave perishable foods at room tem- virtually eliminated by vacuum perature to thaw. IMPORTANT: We do not recommend reusing bags that have stored packaging because they cannot raw meats or fish. Also, bags may not be reusable if they have been grow in a low oxygen environment. To microwave in a FoodSaver Bag, used to store greasy or fatty foods. ◗ Yeast: Results in fermentation, cut a corner of the bag and place on which can frequently be identified a microwave-safe dish. You can also by smell or taste. Yeast requires place the FoodSaver Bag in boiling water, sugar, and a moderate tem- water to heat.

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.

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Food Preparation and Storage Guide

Where to Vacuum Normal Storage Preserve Your Garden Goodness ◗ Harvesting from a home garden M EATS/FISH Store Packaged Life (without gives you the opportunity to enjoy Storage Life vacuum packaging) Your FoodSaver Vac 300 is an invaluable tool to help preserve the produce that is ripened to perfec- Beef, lamb, and pork Freezer 2 to 3 years 6 months quality, freshness, and nutrients of tion. Because different parts of the your homegrown vegetables. When plant will ripen at different times, Ground meat Freezer 1 year 4 months vacuum packaging and freezing the Vac 300 allows you to vacuum Poultry Freezer 2 to 3 years 6 months items from your garden, you can package small amounts frequently enjoy your harvest year round. and cost effectively. Fish Freezer 2 years 6 months ◗ Select top quality young, tender General Harvesting Information produce that is free from mold and Preparation Guidelines for Meats/Fish: decay. Freezing will not improve ◗ Option 1: For best results pre-freeze Option 2: If it is not possible to pre- It is generally best to pick in the cool the quality. meats and fish for 1-2 hours before freeze, place a folded paper towel of the morning because produce ◗ Clean vegetables thoroughly before usually has the best texture then. vacuum packaging in a FoodSaver between the meat or fish and the end freezing and vacuum packaging. Bag to ensure the retention of juices of the bag. Leave the paper towel in and shape, and to help guarantee a the bag when vacuum packaging to good seal. absorb excess moisture and juices. V EGETABLES Blanching V EGETABLES Blanching Times Times

1 Where to Vacuum Normal Storage Asparagus 1 ⁄2 to 3 mins. Green beans 3 mins. C HEESES Store Packaged Life (without Storage Life vacuum packaging) Whole kernel corn 4 to 5 mins. Broccoli 3 to 4 mins.

Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan Refrigerator 4 to 8 months 1 to 2 weeks Corn on cob 6 to 11 mins. Brussels sprouts 3 to 5 mins. English

1 Preparation Guidelines for Hard Cheeses: Snow peas 1 ⁄2 to 2 mins. Cabbage 3 to 5 mins.

1 Keep cheese fresh even if you use off the amount needed, then place Sugar snap peas 1 ⁄2 to 2 mins. Cauliflower 3 to 4 mins. it everyday by repackaging it with the cheese back in the bag and Where Vacuum Packaged Normal Storage Life the Vac 300 after each use. Make repackage. Allow approximately one to Store Storage Life (without vacuum packaging) your original FoodSaver Bag extra inch of bag material for each time the long. Simply cut along the sealed bag will be opened and repackaged. Freezer 2 to 3 years 8 months edge, remove the cheese and slice See next page for vegetable preparation guidelines.

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Food Preparation and Storage Guide

Preparation Guidelines for Vegetables: Where to Vacuum Normal Storage ◗ N UTS Store Packaged Life (without Vegetables should be blanched servings, place them on a baking Storage Life vacuum packaging) before vacuum packaging. This sheet and spread out so that pieces stops the enzyme action which are not touching. This way they Walnuts, Pistachios, will eventually cause loss of flavor, will not freeze together in a block. Almonds, Peanuts, Pantry 2 years 6 months color, and texture. ◗ Place the baking sheet in the freezer Sunflower seeds ◗ Blanch vegetables by placing them for 1-2 hours until the pieces are Preparation Guidelines for Nuts: in boiling water or in the micro- solidly frozen. wave until they are cooked but ◗ Vacuum package in a FoodSaver Vacuum packaging eliminates the You can open the bag and take what still crisp. Immerse in cold water Bag and return to the freezer for stale or rancid flavor nuts often get you need for baking or snacks and to stop the cooking process. Dry long-term storage. Remember, you when stored. Plus, it eliminates the then repackage it. Allow approxi- them on a towel, then freeze. can microwave and boil FoodSaver growth of molds that commonly mately one inch of extra bag material occur with nuts. Keep nuts fresh by for each time the bag will be opened ◗ To freeze vegetables in individual Bags right from the freezer. repackaging them with the Vac 300. and repackaged.

Where to Vacuum Normal Storage F RUITS Store Packaged Life (without Where to Vacuum Normal Storage Storage Life vacuum packaging) C OFFEE Store Packaged Life (without Storage Life vacuum packaging) Apricots, Nectarines, Beans Freezer 2 to 3 years 6 to 9 months Peaches, Plums, Freezer 1 to 3 years 6 to 12 months All types of berries Ground Freezer 2 years 6 months

Preparation Guidelines for Fruits: Beans Pantry 1 year 3 months English

For best results, before vacuum touching. This way they will not Ground Pantry 5 to 6 months 1 month packaging soft fruits or berries in a freeze together in a block. Then FoodSaver Bag, pre-freeze for 1-2 vacuum package in portions for Preparation Guidelines for Coffee: hours or until solid. To freeze fruits baking, or in your favorite com- When vacuum packaging ground vacuum packaging. This will prevent or berries in individual servings, binations for easy fruit salad all coffee in a FoodSaver Bag, leave grounds from being drawn into the place them on a baking sheet and year round. coffee in original bag or place into a vacuum pump and help guarantee a spread out so that pieces aren’t regular plastic bag and then place good seal. that bag into a FoodSaver Bag for

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Food Preparation and Storage Guide

Where to Vacuum Normal Storage Where to Vacuum Normal Storage P REPARED L IQUIDS Store Packaged Life (without P OWDERY F OODS Store Packaged Life (without Storage Life vacuum packaging) Storage Life vacuum packaging)

Soups, Stews, Sauces, Flour, Sugar, Dry milk, Freezer 1 to 2 years 3 to 6 months Other liquids Brown sugar, Pantry 1 to 2 years 6 months Dried coconut Preparation Guidelines for Prepared Liquids: To vacuum package liquids for freezer can go right into boiling water or the Preparation Guidelines for Powdery Foods: storage, pre-freeze them first in a microwave when you are ready to use For best results when vacuum pack- guarantee a good seal. casserole or loaf pan until they are them. This same technique can be used aging powdery foods in a FoodSaver solid. Remove from the pan and for pre-cooked dinners and leftovers. Bag, leave the item in the original Keep powdery foods fresh and protect vacuum package in a FoodSaver bag then place that bag inside a them from insect infestation by Bag. These “frozen bricks” stack FoodSaver Bag. This keeps fine or repackaging them with the Vac 300 conveniently in your freezer and powdery food from being drawn into after each use. You can open the bag the vacuum pump and helps to and take what you need for baking.

Where to Vacuum Normal Storage NOTE: Placing a box inside a FoodSaver Bag may puncture the bag. Therefore, D RY F OODS Store Packaged Life (without it is best to use the inner bag in which powdery foods are generally packaged. Storage Life vacuum packaging)

Rice, Risotto, Pasta, Pantry 1 to 2 years 6 months Beans, Grains Where to Vacuum Normal Storage

Preparation Guidelines for Dry Foods: B AKED G OODS Store Packaged Life (without English Storage Life vacuum packaging) Before vacuum packaging dry foods cushioning like a paper towel. This will Bread, Rolls, with sharp edges, such as rice and help protect the bag from punctures. Freezer 1 to 3 years 6 to 12 months pasta, wrap the food in something Bagels, Pastries Preparation Guidelines for Baked Goods: Before vacuum packaging soft or airy pie shells and vacuum package the baked goods, pre-freeze for about extras for later use. Also, you can two hours or until solid so that they vacuum package treats such as peanut will hold their shape. You can bake brittle and fudge to send as gifts. a double batch of bread or multiple

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Important Safeguards Troubleshooting

For Your Own Safety, Always Follow These Basic Safety Nothing Happens When the Vac 300 Lid is Pressed: Precautions When Using The FoodSaver Vac 300: 1 Make sure the power cord is firmly plugged into the electrical outlet. 1 Read the instructions carefully. 2 Make sure the power cord is not damaged in any way. 2 Do not use the Vac 300 on wet or hot surfaces, or near a heat source. 3 Make sure the electrical outlet is operative by plugging in another appliance. 3 Do not immerse any part of the Vac 300, power cord or plug into water or other liquid. 4 Wait 20 minutes to allow the Vac 300 to cool off, and then try using it again. The Vac 300 will shut off automatically if it 4 To disconnect, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. Do not disconnect by pulling on the cord. becomes too hot. To prevent the machine from becoming too hot: 5 Do not operate the Vac 300 with a damaged power cord or plug. a. After vacuum packaging and/or sealing a bag, wait at least Do not operate the Vac 300 if it malfunctions or is in any way 20 seconds for the machine to cool down before vacuuming damaged. If the cord or the machine is damaged, it must be and/or sealing another bag. returned to an authorized service center. b. Keep the lid open between vacuuming and/or sealing another bag. 6 Do not use an extension cord with the FoodSaver Vac 300. 7 Use the Vac 300 only for its intended use. Air Is Not Removed From the Bag: 8 Closely supervise children when using any electrical appliance. 1 Make sure the open end of the bag is resting entirely inside the Do not allow the Vac 300 to be used as a toy. vacuum channel. Make sure you are not putting the edge of the bag beyond the vacuum channel. 9 120v Machines Only: The Vac 300 has a polarized plug (one English blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electrical 2 Check the bag for leaks. Seal the bag with some air in it. Submerge shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one it in water and apply pressure. Bubbles indicate a leak. If the bag way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. has a leak you need to use a new bag. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify in any way. 3 If using a custom-sized FoodSaver Bag, check the seal of the bag. There may be a wrinkle in the bag along the seal, which causes leakage and prevents air from being removed. Cut the bag and re-seal the edge. 4 Do not attempt to make your own side seams for a FoodSaver Bag. FoodSaver Bags are manufactured with special side seams, which are sealed all the way to the outer edge. Making your own side seams may leave air pockets, which will cause leakage and prevent air from being removed.

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Troubleshooting Troubleshooting

Air Was Removed From the Bag, But Has Come Back The Bag Will Not Seal: Into the Bag: 1 Wait 20 minutes to allow the Vac 300 to cool off, then try using 1 Check the seal of the bag. There may be a wrinkle in the bag it again. The Vac 300 will shut off automatically if it is becoming along the seal, which caused leakage and allowed air to come back too hot. To prevent the machine from becoming too hot: into the bag. Cut the bag open, and vacuum package it again. a. Wait at least 20 seconds for the machine to cool down after 2 Moisture or food material (i.e. juices, grease, crumbs, powders, vacuum packaging or sealing before attempting to vacuum etc.) along the seal may have caused leakage and allowed air to package or seal another bag. come back into the bag. Cut the bag open, wipe the top inside of b. the bag material to clear away any moisture or food residue, then Keep the lid open before vacuuming and/or sealing another vacuum package the bag again. See the “Food Preparation and bag. Storage Guide” in this User Manual for guidelines for specific If You Cannot Fix the Problem: foods. Call our Consumer Services Department at the number listed at 3 Food items with sharp edges may have punctured the bag. If you the back of this manual. find a puncture hole, you will need to use a new FoodSaver Bag. Make sure to protect the bag from puncture holes by wrapping the items in cushioning material such as a paper towel. 4 If you find none of these conditions identified in 1-3 (above), and the bag appears to have air inside, fermentation or the release of natural gases from inside the foods may have occurred. This could English indicate that the food may have begun to spoil and should be dis- carded.

The Bag Melts: 1 The sealing strip may have become too hot. Always wait at least 20 seconds for the Vac 300 to cool down before vacuuming and/or sealing another bag.

18 19 20 b. a. warranty is invalid if this product is: date of the original purchase. This effect 12 months after the further sumer shall terminate and be of no This warranty to the original con- Warranty Limitation and Duration tations and exclusions set out below. normal use subject only to the limi- and workmanship under intended to be free from defects in materials the original consumer, this product year from the date of purchase, to Tilia, Inc. (“Tilia”) warrants, for one Elements of Warranty receipt or packing slip, etc). (this could be the sales service purchase is required for warranty transferable. Evidence of original sumer of this product and is not applies only to the original con- The following warranty policy Warranty and Service Information explained in the User Manual. as with the operating instructions or is not operated in accordance erly maintained, misused, abused, Damaged or carelessly or improp- purposes. Used for commercial or rental ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL warranty. of this tion with the performance Tilia or its representative in connec- shipping and handling) incurred by or any other cost (except services, to you without charge for parts, uct (at Tilia’s option) and return it Tilia will repair or replace the prod- time while this warranty is in effect, conform to this warranty at any In the event the product does not Statement of Remedy f. e. d. c. implied, or arising by operation of whatsoever, whether express, other warranties of any nature and is in lieu of excludes all to the product warranty pertaining above is the sole and entire forth by Tilia. any System not manufactured of or as part equipment or parts Used in any conjunction with lightning or power surges. including but not limited to Damaged due to natural disasters tampered with. Modified, aligned, altered, or Tilia, Inc. other than those authorized by or repairedServiced by persons The limited warranty set rights which vary from state to state. rights which vary legal rights. You may also have other This warranty gives you specific Legal Remedies ages. incidental or consequential dam- or payment of reimbursement for the does not cover or provide ticular purpose. This warranty chantability or fitness for a par- any implied warranties of mer- law, including, but not limited to not apply to you. above limitation or exclusion may or consequential damages so the exclusion or limitation of incidental Evidence of original purchase is required, so [email protected] www.foodsaver.com San Francisco, CA 94119-4530 P.O. Box 194530 Inc. Tilia, your sales receipt or packing slip. your sales receipt If of this product, please contact: you service have any questions concerning Some states do not allow this THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL IF YOU NEED SERVICE equal degree of protection. packaging or affording an freight prepaid in either its original warranty repair must be delivered number. Any product returned for and a Return Authorization (RA) for complete shipping instructions listed below Department Services warranty repair, call Tilia’s Consumer Before you return your product for Warranty Performance for Obtaining Procedure sessions, Canada, and Mexico). America (the United States, its pos- This warranty is void outside North Canada: 1-877-804-5383 United States: 1-800-777-5452 Support Services Toll-Free Consumer it is important to hold onto it is important 21

English ©2000 by Tilia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be copied or reproduced in any fashion without written permission from the publisher.

FoodSaver® is a registered trademark of Tilia, Inc.

First printing, October 2000 Printed in the United States of America

FoodSaver Patent: #4,941,310 FoodSaver Bag Patent Re: #34,929

Item# 18-0505 (10/00)