Vacuum sealers help keep food fresh for longer by removing air from sealed bags. If you’re new to using a vacuum sealer, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
By the end, you’ll be an expert at “How to Use a Vacuum Sealer” and take full advantage of all its benefits.
How to Use a Vacuum Sealer: A Complete Guide
In the competitive packaging industry, extending the shelf life of products while ensuring minimal food waste is significant for business success. As companies strive to meet consumer demand for hygienic and sustainable packaging solutions, vacuum sealing technology has proved revolutionary.
Investing in vacuum sealing machines can deliver substantial returns for any packaging operation looking to optimise efficiency.
What is a Vacuum Sealer?
A vacuum sealer is a device that removes air from storage bags to extend the shelf life of food. When air is removed from the bag, oxygen cannot come in contact with the food, which prevents spoiling, mould growth and loss of nutrients, flavours and textures over time. Vacuum sealing is especially useful for meats, cheeses, baked goods and snacks.
Types of Vacuum Sealers
There are generally two types of vacuum sealers used in the packaging industry:
- Chamber vacuum sealers
- External vacuum sealers.
Chamber sealers work by placing the product inside an airtight chamber and then sucking out the air. External sealers suck air directly from the packaging before heat sealing.
How to Use a Vacuum Sealer: Basic Steps
The basic components required for How to Use a Vacuum Sealer include the vacuum sealer machine, vacuum-sealable bags or other packaging formats compatible with the machine and a power source.
Most commercial vacuum sealers are electric-powered. Let’s take a closer look at each step:
Step 1: Prepare the product and packaging; this is an important pre-vacuum sealing step. The product and packaging must be clean, dry and moisture-free for effective vacuum sealing. Cut larger products into the required sizes or place them in compatible vacuum-sealable containers before sealing.
Step 2: Place packaging in the sealing area for chamber sealers. Place the open packaging inside the chamber. For external sealers, feed the open packaging under the sealing bar without creasing or wrinkling.
Step 3: Engage Vacuum Function Press the vacuum start button to engage the vacuum pump. It will suck out air from within packaging for chamber models and directly from open packaging for external sealers.
Step 4: Heat seal the package; once the vacuum is complete, the sealing bar or edge will automatically heat seal the packaging shut, forming an airtight seal around the product.
Step 5: Release the sealed package; the sealed package can now be removed from the chamber or sealing area. Some machines also offer an automatic eject function.
Maintaining Your Vacuum Sealer
Proper maintenance is important to ensure your vacuum sealer continues performing effectively over years of use. Following some basic maintenance tips can help maximise the life of your vacuum sealer.
After each use, wipe down the interior and exterior of the vacuum sealer with a slightly damp cloth to remove any residual food particles or moisture. Also, clean under the sealing bar area. For built-up gunk, use a non-abrasive cleaner. Rinse and dry thoroughly before the next use.
Regularly replace vacuum sealer bags when they become fragile or develop tiny holes, which can compromise the seal. Check bag material compatibility with foods to be stored. You can extend bag life by not overfilling them.
Check the vacuum hose and connectors for any cracks once a month. Replace if damaged to ensure optimal air suction. Also, clean dust filters located near the vacuum port area monthly with a small brush or compressed air.
Lubricate moving parts of the sealer, like sliding drawers or sealing bars, occasionally as per manufacturer guidelines to ensure smooth operation and extended motor life. Proper maintenance is important for trouble-free vacuum sealing.
Key Benefits of Packaging Using Vacuum Sealer
Key Benefits for Packaging Using a vacuum sealer as part of your packaging line delivers some key benefits:
- Extended Shelf Life: Removing air is the most effective way to delay product spoilage. Vacuum-sealed foods can last 2-5X longer.
- Less Wastage: Products take longer to go bad, reducing spoilage and waste. This improves cost savings and sustainability.
- Compact Packaging: Vacuum sealing compresses packaging size by 30-60%. This enhances storage and transportation efficiency.
- Freshness Protection: The absence of air prevents the growth of microbes, oxidation and moisture penetration into packaging.
- Versatile Packaging Solutions: Vacuum sealers support bags, jars, and containers that are suitable for varied product types and industries.
- Airtight and Tamper Proof Seals: Strong sealing prevents leakage contamination and indicates tampering, which is important for quality and safety.
Get the best packaging machines from Durapak
As a leader in innovative food packaging solutions, Durapak is at the forefront of offering technologically advanced food packaging machines that are optimised for commercial and industrial use. Through decades of packaging expertise, Durapak has equipped numerous global brands with high-quality, high-performance food packaging machines.
By partnering with an industry pioneer like Durapak, packaging professionals can look forward to streamlined operations and enhanced brand value through superior packaging technologies.
The Ultimate Guide to Maximising Your Vacuum Sealer
Vacuum sealers are versatile tools that can significantly extend the shelf life of various products through efficient air removal. Following the simple step-by-step process outlined above, packaging industry experts can easily learn how to use a vacuum sealer and maximise its benefits like reduced spoilage, compact packaging and freshness protection.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the different types of vacuum sealers?
There are generally two main types of vacuum sealers that are chamber vacuum sealers and external vacuum sealers. Chamber sealers use an airtight chamber to vacuum seal, while external sealers suck air directly from open packaging.
2. How do I select the right vacuum sealer for my needs?
Consider factors like your packaging throughput needs, product types, budget and available space to select between countertop or commercial-grade vacuum sealers. Chamber models work better for varied items.
3. Can vacuum sealing damage fragile foods?
No, vacuum sealing is a gentle process that doesn’t damage foods. However, it is best to avoid vacuum sealing very fragile or delicate items prone to crushing under pressure.
4. How long will vacuum-sealed items stay fresh?
It depends on the product, but vacuum sealing can at least double the shelf life of perishables by removing air. Frozen foods last 2-5 times longer when vacuum sealed.
5. Is vacuum-sealing reusable packaging harmful?
No, vacuum-sealing reusable glass containers, mason jars or plastic containers are safe. It creates an airtight seal without using any chemicals or compounds. Only discard bags after a single use.