This document describes the FreshVAC VF 200 Vacuum Sealer System, a device designed for preserving food and other items by removing air from specially designed bags and containers.
Function Description
The FreshVAC VF 200 is a vacuum sealer system that extends the shelf life of various foods by up to eight times longer than traditional storage methods, while preserving their freshness, flavor, and nutrients. It operates by drawing air out of a bag or container and then sealing it. The device is suitable for both dry and moist foods, offering different sealing times depending on the food's moisture content. Beyond food preservation, the system can also protect moisture-sensitive items like camping supplies, first aid kits, and important documents from dust and moisture.
The control panel features several buttons for different operations:
- Vakuumstärke (Vacuum Strength): Offers two settings: "normal" for regular items and "soft" for delicate or sensitive foods, providing a reduced vacuum strength. An LED indicator shows the selected setting.
- Lebensmittel (Food Type/Sealing Time): Provides two settings for sealing time: "trocken" (dry) for dry foods or foods without liquid, using a normal sealing time; and "feucht" (moist) for moist foods or foods with liquid, using an extended sealing time. An LED indicator shows the selected setting.
- Schweißen (Seal): This button has two functions. It can be used to seal a bag without vacuuming, for example, when creating a bag from a roll. If the "Vakuum & schweißen" function is in progress, pressing this button will immediately stop the vacuum process and seal the bag with minimal vacuum strength.
- Vakuum & schweißen (Vacuum & Seal): This function automatically extracts air from the bag and then seals it.
- Stopp (Stop): Interrupts any vacuuming or sealing procedure.
The device also includes a vacuum hose for use with external vacuum canisters or wine stoppers.
Important Technical Specifications
- Device Type: Vacuum Sealer System
- Model Name: VF 200
- Item No.: 1173
- Mains Data: 220-240V; 50Hz
- Power Consumption: 110W
- External Measurements (W x H x D): 353 x 86 x 150 mm
- Net Weight: 1408 g
Usage Features
The FreshVAC VF 200 is designed for ease of use in domestic settings.
Vacuum Sealing with a Bag from a Roll:
- Place the unit on a dry, unobstructed surface.
- Unroll the bag material to the desired length and cut a bag.
- Plug in the device.
- Place one end of the bag on top of the sealing bar, ensuring it does not enter the vacuum chamber.
- Close the lid firmly on both sides until two "click" sounds are heard.
- Press the "Seal" button. The button will light up during sealing and turn off when complete.
- Press the lid release buttons and remove the bag. The bag is now ready for vacuum sealing.
- Note: Cut the bag at least 8 cm longer than needed, as sealed ends take up extra space. Add 2 cm extra if reusing the bag.
Vacuum Packaging with a Pre-made Bag:
- Place the unit on a dry, unobstructed surface.
- Place the food to be preserved inside the bag.
- Clean and straighten the open end of the bag, ensuring no wrinkles or ripples.
- Plug in the device.
- Place the open end of the bag within the vacuum chamber area, making sure the air intake is not covered.
- Close the lid firmly on both sides until two "click" sounds are heard.
- Check the LED status for "vacuumstreng" (vacuum strength) and "sealing time" (food type) to confirm settings based on food moisture and desired vacuum pressure.
- Press the "Vac & Seal" button. The bag will be sealed after vacuuming. The "Seal" button will light up during this process.
- Press the lid release buttons and remove the bag.
- Note: Do not overstuff the bag; leave enough empty space (at least a few inches) for proper placement in the vacuum chamber.
- Note: Do not wet the open end of the bag, as wet bags may not seal properly.
- Note: Clean and straighten the bag opening before sealing to avoid faulty seals from foreign matter or creases.
- Note: Press the bag to expel excess air before vacuuming to prevent poor vacuuming and motor overload.
- Note: If sealing foods with sharp edges (e.g., bones), pack the edges with kitchen paper to prevent tearing.
- Note: Allow one minute between sealing sessions for the sealer to cool.
- Note: For liquid-based foods (soups, stews), freeze them first in a baking pan or tempered dish before bagging and vacuum sealing.
- Note: Blanch vegetables briefly in boiling water, cool them, then vacuum seal in portions.
- Note: For unfrozen food, allow at least two extra inches of bag length for expansion during freezing. Place unfrozen meat or fish on a paper towel to absorb extra moisture.
- Note: For items like tortillas or bread, use wax or parchment paper between pieces for easier removal and resealing.
Vacuum Packaging in a Canister:
- Wipe the canister cover and base to ensure they are clean and dry.
- Place items in the canister, ensuring it's not overfilled so the cover can make good contact with the rim.
- Close the cover.
- Insert one end of the vacuum hose into the hose port on the device and the other end into the center hole of the canister cover.
- Close the device lid.
- Press the "Canister" button to start vacuuming. Push down on the canister cover at the beginning to ensure no air leakage. The machine will stop automatically when sufficient vacuum pressure is reached.
- Remove the hose from the canister or bowl immediately after the process is complete.
Bags and Rolls:
- Only use specified bags and rolls designed for vacuum sealing.
- FreshVAC bags and rolls are suitable for sous vide cooking and can be defrosted and heated in the microwave up to 70°C.
- When using bags from other manufacturers, ensure they are microwaveable and suitable for sous vide.
- This device requires structured bags.
Opening a Sealed Bag:
- Cut the bag straight across with scissors just inside the seal.
Maintenance Features
Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of the FreshVAC VF 200.
Safety Information for Cleaning:
- Always unplug the appliance immediately after use and before cleaning.
- Turn off and unplug the unit prior to cleaning.
- The sealing strip remains hot after use; wait a few minutes for it to cool before cleaning.
- Clean the unit after every use once it has cooled to prevent food residue buildup.
- Ensure no moisture enters the unit's housing, as it can damage electronic components.
- Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or tools.
- Do not immerse the unit in water or other liquids.
Cleaning the Unit:
- Outside of the unit: Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge and a mild dish soap.
- Inside of the unit: Clean with kitchen paper to remove food residues and liquids.
- Cleaning bags for reuse: Wash bags in warm soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before reuse.
- Warning: Bags used for raw meat, fish, or greasy foods should not be reused due to contamination risks.
- Sealing profile (which presses the bag against the sealing bar): Remove the sealing profile and clean it in warm soapy water.
- Note: Dry the rubber gasket thoroughly before re-installing. Be careful during re-installation to avoid damage and ensure proper function.
Storage:
- Store the unit in an upright position, out of reach of children.
- For correct storage, slightly close the cover without locking it. This prevents deformation of the gaskets and ensures proper machine function.
Troubleshooting:
The manual provides a table to help identify and resolve minor malfunctions, such as:
- Device not turning on (check power cord, plug, or contact customer service).
- Incomplete vacuum (check bag placement, bag defects, or impurities on seals).
- Bag not sealing correctly (sealing bar overheating, incorrect bag type).
- Bag not holding vacuum after sealing (bag defects, creases, crumbs, grease, or liquids along the seal).
If problems persist, contact customer service.
Disposal of the Old Device:
- Dispose of old electronic devices properly at designated collection points for recycling.
- Do not dispose of the old unit in non-recyclable waste.
- Store the old unit away from children until disposal.
Guarantee:
- A 24-month guarantee is provided for production or material faults from the date of sale.
- The guarantee does not cover damages from improper handling, use, minor malfunctions, consumables, transit damages (unless FreshVAC is responsible), or repairs not performed by FreshVAC.
- The device is designed for domestic use. Commercial use is covered only to the extent comparable to domestic use.
- Report any faults within 14 days of delivery.
- For guarantee claims, contact FreshVAC before returning the device and provide proof of purchase.
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