A vacuum sealer is one of the most useful tools that one could have in their homes. One advantage of using vacuum sealers is that they allow one to neatly pack away items, as well as help preserve and store foods for longer time periods. Not sure how to use a vacuum sealer? Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. The following article will detail you on how to use a vacuum sealer, as well as give you multiple ways one can get inventive with a vacuum sealer’s uses.
Step 1: Make sure you’re using the right vacuum sealer bag
The type of bag that you use depends on the item you’re planning on sealing. If you;re wondering how to use a vacuum sealer for food, then it’s best to get bags from brands such as FoodSaver and FoodVac. It’s possible that some of these bags may be suitable for items such as cooked meals and jars. But one thing that’s crucial is to make sure that the size of the bags are large enough to store the items in question.
Step 2: Prepping your food items
Prepping the food items that you want to seal beforehand will make life much easier for you when you take out the food from the vacuum bag for use. Prepping also ensures that the food lasts for a longer time period. For instance, if you’re sealing liquids, make sure they are frozen to avoid creating a mess. If your food item contains sharp edges such as bones in a meat, try wrapping the food item in a soft material before sealing it, such as a paper towel.
Step 3: Fill up the bags and start the sealing process
After you place the food items in the vacuum bags in a proper manner, the next step is to start the sealing process. The process determines from the bag, and the type of machine being used. The process for how to use a vacuum sealer foodsaver, and how to use a vacuum sealer anova will be different for both of these brands. However, the general process is usually the same.
Lay the bag flat on the surface that you are working on, open up the lid of the vacuum machine, and place the opening of the vacuum bag right on top of the sealing strip of the machine. After you’ve carefully placed the vacuum bag in the correct position, tightly close the lid of the machine shut. Next, click on the button that says “seal” and wait for the machine to do its job. Different machines might have different types of vacuum settings, which can only be determined after a bit of tweaking and experimenting.
If you’re someone who owns a handheld vacuum sealer, the process will be slightly different. A handheld vacuum sealer will resemble a barcode scanner, and just like a barcode scanner, they’re relatively easy to use as well. Firstly, lay the vacuum sealer bag flat on the surface you are performing the process on. Grab your handheld vacuum sealer tightly in your hand, and then press down the machine on top of the vacuum sealer bag’s surface. While pressing, hold down on the sealing button of the machine until all the air present in the bag has left. The approximate time for pressing down onto this button is usually around 10 seconds. Make sure you regularly charge your handheld device so that it’s ready for use at any time.
After you’re done with the sealing process, store your food items in an area that makes sure they remain fresh for a longer time period, preferably a freezer. However, before you put the vacuumed bags into the freezer, make sure you write on the bags the food that you’re freezing, and when you froze them. It’ll make your life so much more easier.
What can one use a vacuum sealer for?
A vacuum sealer can be used for multiple purposes, which generally include:
- Storing of meat
- Preservation of certain ingredients
- Storing salads and fresh vegetables
- Pickles
- Waterproofing items that can easily be damaged by water
- Liquids, such as sauces and stock
- Pre Packed lunches and meals
Many individuals generally do not have any idea on how to perform the process of vacuum sealing, and generally have questions on how to use a vacuum sealer bag, and how to use a vacuum sealer roll. Hopefully, the above given tips are simple, and clear enough for our readers to use a vacuum sealer without having to search on youtube how to use a vacuum sealer. Make sure that you use your vacuum sealers with care, and have fun experimenting and storing your precious food products!