The FoodSaver Quick Marinator is a vacuum packaging system designed to quickly marinate food. It utilizes a vacuum process to open the pores of food, allowing it to absorb marinade more quickly than traditional methods. This system significantly reduces marinating time from hours to minutes.
Function Description:
The FoodSaver Quick Marinator works by creating a vacuum inside a specialized canister, which then "pulses" by holding and releasing the vacuum. This "vacuuming and resting" action accelerates the marinating process. The system is compatible with FoodSaver SmartSeal Technology (V3000 Series) models, which feature a dedicated Quick Marinate Cycle, and also with all other FoodSaver vacuum sealing appliance models.
For FoodSaver SmartSeal Technology (V3000 Series) Models:
- Users prepare their favorite marinade and ensure it fully covers the food inside the marinating canister, leaving at least one inch of space from the rim.
- The rubber gasket under the lid and the rim of the canister must be free from food materials to ensure a proper seal.
- The Accessory Hose is securely inserted into the port on the Quick Marinator lid.
- The knob on the accessory lid is set to the OPEN/MARINATE position.
- The lid is firmly attached to the marinator base.
- The "Marinate" button on the control panel is pressed.
- The system initiates a Quick Marinate Cycle, lasting approximately ten minutes. During this cycle, the vacuum motor holds the vacuum for several minutes, then releases it for 30 seconds, repeating this process two more times.
- The Marinate Indicator Light flashes, and the Marinate Mode Indicator illuminates during the initial vacuum cycle. The Vacuum Meter Display blinks during the Vacuum Hold or Rest Cycle.
- Upon completion, the appliance signals with short beeps, indicating the marinating cycle is finished. Any button can be pressed to silence the signal.
- Marinated food can then be cooked or refrigerated.
For All Other FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing Appliance Models:
- Users prepare their marinade, ensuring it covers the food in the canister with at least one inch of space from the rim.
- The rubber gasket and canister rim must be clean and free of food debris.
- One end of the Accessory Hose is inserted into the Accessory Port on the FoodSaver appliance.
- The other end of the Accessory Hose is securely inserted into the port on the Quick Marinator lid.
- The lid is firmly attached to the marinator base.
- The knob on the canister is turned to the Vacuum/Canister position.
- The "Canister" button on the control panel is pressed.
- Once vacuuming is complete, the knob on the canister lid is turned to the Closed/Store position.
- For optimal results, after 5 to 10 minutes, the container can be opened to turn the meat, ensuring all sides are coated. Marinating typically takes 15 to 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
Usage Features:
- Quick Marinating: The primary feature is the ability to marinate foods in minutes rather than hours, thanks to the vacuum process that opens food pores for faster absorption.
- Pulsing Action: For V3000 Series models, the "vacuuming and resting" pulsing action enhances marinade penetration.
- Versatile Compatibility: The Quick Marinator is designed to work with both FoodSaver SmartSeal Technology (V3000 Series) and all other FoodSaver vacuum sealing appliance models.
- Reduced Marinade Usage: Due to its low shape, the Quick Marinator requires less marinade to cover the food compared to other canisters.
- Storage Functionality: When the knob is set to "Vacuum" (for non-V3000 models) or "Closed/Store," the canister can be used for extended vacuum storage.
- Clear Indicators: For V3000 Series models, the Marinate Indicator Light, Marinate Mode Indicator, and Vacuum Meter Display provide clear feedback on the marinating process.
- Recipe Inclusion: The manual provides recipes for Fabulous Fajitas, Skewered Greek-Style Shrimp, Grilled Marinated Vegetables, and Asian Citrus Marinated Chicken, demonstrating the versatility of the Quick Marinator.
- Food Preservation Tips: The manual includes "Easy Savings Ideas" for vacuum packaging bulk seafood and homegrown vegetables for long-term freezer storage, and using a FoodSaver Bottle Stopper for cooking oils.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning: The canister should be washed in warm water with mild dishwashing soap. The lid should not be immersed in water but wiped down with a damp cloth.
- Dishwasher Safe Base: The FoodSaver Quick Marinator base is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Drying: All parts should be thoroughly dried before use.
- Gasket and Rim Inspection: Before each use, the rubber gasket under the lid and the rim of the canister should be checked to ensure they are free from food materials, cracks, or scratches, as these can prevent a proper vacuum seal.
- Filling Guidelines: To ensure proper vacuuming, users should leave at least one inch of space between the contents and the lid.
- Temperature Considerations: Hot foods should be allowed to cool to room temperature before vacuum packaging to prevent bubbling up out of the canister.
- Freezer Restriction: The FoodSaver Quick Marinator should not be used in the freezer.
Troubleshooting:
If the Quick Marinator fails to vacuum, users are advised to:
- Check that the rubber gasket on the canister lid is free from food materials.
- Examine the canister rim for any cracks or scratches that could compromise the vacuum seal.
- Ensure the canister is not overfilled, maintaining at least one inch of space from the lid.
- Verify that the Accessory Hose is securely inserted into both the appliance's Accessory Port and the canister lid's port.