FoodSaver VS3000 Series User manual

VS3000 Series
Owner’s Manual
For more information, watch our “How To” videos on our Youtube channel.
www.youtube.com/foodsaver

Customer Service: 1-877-777-8042
Important Safeguards
Product Features
“How To”
Make a FoodSaver® Bag
Vacuum Seal a FoodSaver® Bag
Vacuum Seal with FoodSaver® Accessories
Care & Cleaning
Storage Guide
Guidelines
Vacuum Sealing and Food Safety
Food Preparation and Reheating Tips
Sealing Non-Food Items
Troubleshooting
Replacement Parts
Warranty
2
4
6
10
11
12
18
20
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When using electrical appliances, basic
safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric
shock, and/or injury to persons including
the following:
1. Read all instructions before using
this product.
2. For bag sealers: To reduce the risk
of burns, do not touch the sealing
strip while using the appliance.
3. To protect against electric shock, do
not place or immerse cord, plugs, or
appliance in water or other liquid.
4. This appliance is not to be used
by children or by persons with
reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities.
5. Close supervision is necessary
when any appliance is used near
children. Children should not play
with the appliance.
6. Unplug from outlet when not in
use, before putting on or taking off
parts and before cleaning. Allow
to cool before putting on or taking
off parts, and before cleaning. To
disconnect, unplug power cord from
outlet. Do not disconnect by pulling
on cord.
7. Do not operate any appliance with
a damaged cord or plug or after
the appliance malfunctions, or has
been damaged in any manner. Do
not attempt to replace or splice a
damaged cord. Contact Customer
Service (see warranty) for examination,
repair or adjustment.
8. The use of an accessory not
recommended by the appliance
manufacturer for use with this
appliance may result in fire, electric
shock or injury to persons.
9. Do not use in wet locations or
leave outdoors. Do not use for
commercial purposes.
10. Do not let cord hang over edge of
table or counter, or touch hot
surfaces.
11. Place cord where it cannot be
tripped over, pulled on, cause
user to become entangled with,
especially by children, or cause the
appliance to be overturned.
12. Do not place on or near wet
surfaces, or heat sources such as a
hot gas or electric burner, or heated
oven. Always use appliance on a
dry, stable, level surface.
13. Extreme caution must be used
when sealing bags or moving an
appliance containing hot liquids.
14. Always attach plug to appliance
first, then plug cord into outlet (for
appliances with detachable cords).
15. Use appliance only for its intended
use.
16. Vacuum packaging is not a
substitute for the heat process of
canning. Perishables still need to be
refrigerated or frozen.
Important Safeguards

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Customer Service: 1-877-777-8042
NORTH AMERICAN MODELS WITH POLARIZED PLUGS:
This appliance has a polarized plug, (one blade is wider than the
other). As a safety feature to reduce the risk of electrical shock,
this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the
plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still done
not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to defeat
this safety feature or modify the plug in any way. If the plug fits
loosely into the AC outlet or if the AC outlet feels warm do not
use that outlet.
Important Safeguards
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
POWER CORD INSTRUCTIONS:
A short power-supply cord or detachable power-supply cord (shorter than 4 ½
feet or 1.4m) is provided on some models to reduce risks resulting from becoming
entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Longer detachable power-supply
cords or extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised in
their use. Models provided with cords longer than 4 ½ feet (1.4m), or if a long
detachable power-supply cord or extension cord is used on short-cord models:
a. The marked electrical rating of the detachable power-supply cord or extension
cord should be no less than the marked electrical rating of the product;
b. When the product is of the grounded type, the extension cord shall be a
grounding type 3-wire cord.
c. The longer cord shall be arranged so that it does not drape over the counter-
top or tabletop where it is capable of being tripped over, snagged, or pulled
on unintentionally, especially by children.

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Product Features
Latch
Control Panel
Bag Cutter
Built-In
Handheld
Sealer
Upper
Foam
Gasket
Extra-Wide
Sealing Strip Vacuum
Channel Removable
Drip Tray
Roll
Storage
Lower
Foam
Gasket
Appliance
Lid
Upper Seal
Profile
Bag
Cutter
Cutter
Stabilizer
Prole

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Customer Service: 1-877-777-8042
The user-friendly, intuitive control panel makes it easy for
you to get the most out of your FoodSaver®System:
Heat Seal Controls
1. Vacuum Button
Press to vacuum seal food airtight. Appliance shuts off automatically.
2. Seal Button
This button as three uses:
i. Press button to create a seal when making bags using a FoodSaver®Roll.
ii. Press to immediately stop vacuum process and begin sealing bag.
iii. Press to create a seal on film bags (such as a potato chip and cereal bags) to keep food sealed airtight.
3. Mode Button
Press Mode Button to select custom setting. Indicator light will illuminate next to the custom setting that is
initiated.
3a. Dry
For optimal vacuuming and sealing of dry foods. This is the default setting.
3b. Moist
For optimal vacuuming and sealing of moist or juicy foods.
3c. Pulse ( available on select models )
Press and hold to manually control the vacuum function. Press Seal Button when ready to seal bag.
3d. Sous Vide ( available on select models )
For optimal vacuuming and sealing of bags to use in Sous Vide cooking.
Handheld Sealer Controls
4. Handheld Button
Press for use with FoodSaver®accessories using Built-In Handheld Sealer.
5. Mode Button ( available on select models )
Press Mode Button to select setting. Indicator light will illuminate next to the custom setting that is initiated.
5a. Vacuum
For use with FoodSaver®Zipper Bags, Containers, Bottle Stoppers, and other accessories using built-in
Handheld Sealer.
5b. Marinate ( available on select models )
For use with FoodSaver®Marinator Containers using built-in Handheld Sealer. Vacuum pulse sequence
takes 12 minutes or less. It allows for optimum flavor infusion in less time. Appliance will vacuum and
release three times.
6. Latch
Operate - Adjust Down to put unit in Operate Mode. This turns unit on for vacuuming and sealing.
Store - Adjust Center to Store
Open - Adjust Up to Open

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1Make a FoodSaver®Bag
1. Turn Latch to Open position Aand open
lid.
2. Place roll inside unit’s internal storage
space as indicated. Pull enough bag
material to edge until it is on top of the
sealing strip to make the first seal Band
close lid.
3. Turn Latch to Operate position C.
4. Press Seal Button Dto seal open end of
bag. Wait until Seal Indicator Light turns
off.
CAUTION: To reduce risk of burns,
do not touch sealing strip while
using appliance.
How to
A
C
D
B

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5. Turn Latch to Open position E, open
lid and pull enough bag material out to
desired length for whatever you intend
to vacuum seal Fand close lid.
6. Turn Latch to Operate position G.
7. Press Seal Button Hto make seal for
next bag. While sealing, you can slide
bag cutter across Ito remove bag.
G
H
I
F
E
SEALED END
SEALED END

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D
IMPORTANT TIPS:
• Let appliance cool down for 20 seconds after
each use. Always store appliance with Latch in
center Store position.
• To minimize bag waste, do not insert too
much bag material into Removable Drip Tray.
Place bag just over edge of Removable Drip
Tray.
1. Turn Latch to Open position Aand open
lid.
2. Place item(s) in bag, allowing at least 3
inches (7.62 cm) of space between contents
and open end of bag. Place open end of
bag into Vacuum Channel (Drip Tray) Band
close lid.
3. Turn Latch to Operate position C.
4. Press Vacuum Button Dto begin vacuum
and sealing process of open end of bag.
Motor will continue to run until bag is fully
vacuumed, then will automatically seal.
5. When Seal Indicator Light turns off, turn
Latch to Open position Aand open lid.
Remove bag. Refrigerate, freeze or store as
needed. (See FoodSaver®Guidelines, pg. 12
for safe food storage tips.)
CAUTION: To reduce risk of burns,
do not touch sealing strip while
using appliance.
2Vacuum Seal a FoodSaver®Bag
How to
B
C
A
OPEN END
SEALED END

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Customer Service: 1-877-777-8042
For Zipper Bags & Containers:
1. Turn Latch to Operate position and pull
Handheld Sealer Afrom appliance.
2. Place Built-in Handheld Sealer on zipper bag
Bor container Cvalve.
3. Press Press Mode button ( on select models )
until the Indicator light next to Vacuum is
illuminated. Then press Handheld button to
vacuum. If no Mode button, press Handheld
button to vacuum D.
For Canisters, Jar Sealers, & Bottle Stoppers
1. Turn Latch to Operate position and pull Built-in
Handheld Sealer Afrom appliance.
2. Disassemble Handheld Sealer to remove clear
bottom portion from top handle. Insert tip into
port on accessory E.
3. Press Mode button ( on select models ) until the
Indicator light next to Vacuum is illuminated.
Then press Handheld button to vacuum. If
no Mode button, press Handheld button to
vacuum D.
NOTE: FoodSaver®Jar Sealers are for use with Ball®
and Kerr®brand Mason jars only.
For Quick Marinators:
1. Turn Latch to Operate position and pull Built-in
Handheld Sealer Afrom appliance.
2. Disassemble Handheld Sealer to remove clear
bottom portion from top handle. Insert tip into
port on Quick Marinator E.
3. Press Mode button ( on select models ) until the
Indicator light next to Marinate is illuminated.
Then press Handheld button to marinate F.
Please refer to Quick Marinator instructions that come
with accessory.
Your new FoodSaver®Appliance includes a Built-In Handheld Sealer
for accessories.
3Vacuum Seal with FoodSaver®Accessories
A
B
C
F
D
E

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To Clean Appliance:
CAUTION: Remove Power Cord from electrical
outlet. Do not immerse in liquid.
Check Gaskets and around Drip Tray to make sure
they are free from food materials. Wipe off Gasket
with warm soapy cloth if needed A. Upper and
Lower Gaskets may be removed for cleaning.
Clean with warm, soapy water and allow gaskets
to dry before reinserting in machine.
The Removable Drip Tray makes cleanup easy
when small amounts of liquids are pulled into
Vacuum Channel during vacuum process.
Empty Drip Tray after each use. Wash in warm
soapy water or place in top rack of dishwasher.
Check for food residues in Drip Tray Slot. Clean
if needed. Dry thoroughly before reinserting into
appliance.
To Clean Built-in Handheld Sealer Reservoir:
Empty Reservoir after each use. To remove
Reservoir from Handheld Sealer, holding top
portion (black upper piece) firmly, pull Lower
Reservoir down and off B. Wash in warm soapy
water. Air dry before replacing.
NOTE: Always clean after each use when fluid is visible.
Lift Drip Tray out
Pull Reservoir off
A
B
of your Vacuum Sealer
Care & Cleaning

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Customer Service: 1-877-777-8042
of your Vacuum Sealer
To Store Appliance:
Clean unit thoroughly as detailed in
“Care & Cleaning” section.
After unit has been cleaned and allowed to fully
dry, close lid and push Latch into Store (middle)
position A. This setting will keep lid closed
but prevents any undue pressure from being
applied to internal sealing Gaskets of unit.
Always leave Latch in Store position when not
in use. Never store Lid in Operate position as
Gaskets may become compressed and unit will
not vacuum bag.
A
Push Latch into Store
position to store.
Care & Cleaning
Storage Guide

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Vacuum Sealing and Food Safety
The vacuum sealing process extends the life of foods by removing most of
the air from the sealed container, thereby reducing oxidation, which affects
nutritional value, flavor and overall quality. Removing air can also inhibit growth
of microorganisms, which can cause problems under certain conditions:
Mold – Easily identified by its fuzzy characteristic. Mold cannot grow in a low
oxygen environment, therefore vacuum sealing can slow the growth of mold.
Yeast – Results in fermentation, which can be identified by smell and taste.
Yeast needs water, sugar and a moderate temperature to grow. It can also
survive with or without air. Slowing the growth of yeast requires refrigeration,
while freezing stops it completely.
Bacteria – Results in an unpleasant odor, discoloration and/or soft or slimy
texture. Under the right conditions, anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium
Botulinum (the organism that causes Botulism) can grow without air and
sometimes cannot be detected by smell or taste. Although it is extremely rare,
it can be very dangerous.
To preserve foods safely, it is critical that you maintain low temperatures. You
can significantly reduce the growth of microorganisms at temperatures of
40°F (4°C) or below. Freezing at 0°F (-17°C) does not kill microorganisms, but
stops them from growing. For long-term storage, always freeze perishable
foods that have been vacuum sealed, and keep refrigerated after thawing.
It is important to note that vacuum sealing is NOT a substitute for canning and
it cannot reverse the deterioration of foods. It can only slow down the changes
in quality. It is difficult to predict how long foods will retain their top-quality
flavor, appearance or texture because it depends on age and condition of the
food on the day it was vacuum sealed.
IMPORTANT:
Vacuum sealing is NOT a substitute for refrigeration or freezing.
Any perishable foods that require refrigeration must still be refrigerated or frozen after
vacuum sealing.
Guidelines

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Food Preparation & Reheating Tips
Thawing and Reheating
Vacuum-Sealed Foods
Always thaw foods in either refrigerator or microwave — do not thaw perishable
foods at room temperature.
To reheat foods in a microwave in a FoodSaver®Bag, always cut corner of the
bag before placing it on a microwave-safe dish. However, to avoid hot spots, do
not reheat bone-in meat or greasy foods in microwave within a FoodSaver®Bag.
You can also reheat foods in FoodSaver®Bags by placing them in water at a low
simmer below 170°F (75°C).
Preparation Guidelines
for Meat and Fish:
For best results, pre-freeze meat and fish for 1-2 hours before vacuum sealing
in a FoodSaver®Bag. This helps retain the juice and shape, and guarantees a
better seal.
If it’s not possible to pre-freeze, place a folded paper towel between meat or fish
and top of bag, but below seal area. Leave paper towel in bag to absorb excess
moisture and juices during vacuum sealing process.
NOTE: Beef may appear darker after vacuum sealing due to the removal of oxygen. This is not an
indication of spoilage.
Preparation Guidelines for Hard Cheeses:
To keep cheese fresh, vacuum seal it after each use. Make your FoodSaver®Bag
extra long, allowing one inch (2.54 cm) of bag material for each time you plan
to open and reseal in addition to the three inches (7.62 cm) room you normally
leave between contents and seal. Simply cut sealed edge and remove cheese.
When you’re ready to reseal the cheese, just drop it in bag and reseal.
IMPORTANT:
Due to the risk of anaerobic bacteria, Soft cheeses should never be vacuum sealed.

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Preparation Guidelines
for Vegetables:
Vegetables need to be blanched before vacuum sealing. This process stops the
enzyme action that could lead to loss of flavor, color and texture.
To blanch vegetables, place them in boiling water or in the microwave until they are
cooked, but still crisp. Blanching times range from 1 to 2 minutes for leafy greens
and peas; 3 to 4 minutes for snap peas, sliced zucchini or broccoli; 5 minutes
for carrots; and 7 to 11 minutes for corn on the cob. After blanching, immerse
vegetables in cold water to stop the cooking process. Finally, dry vegetables on a
towel before vacuum sealing.
NOTE: All vegetables (including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips)
naturally emit gases during storage. Therefore, after blanching, they must be stored in freezer only.
When freezing vegetables, it is best to pre-freeze them for 1-2 hours or until
solidly frozen. To freeze vegetables in individual servings, first place on a baking
sheet and spread them out so they are not touching. This prevents them from
freezing together in a block. Once they are frozen, remove from baking sheet
and vacuum seal vegetables in a FoodSaver®Bag. After they have been vacuum
sealed, return them to the freezer.
IMPORTANT:
Due to the risk of anaerobic bacteria, Fresh mushrooms, onions and garlic should never
be vacuum sealed.
Preparation Guidelines
for Leafy Vegetables:
For best results, use a canister to store leafy vegetables. First wash the
vegetables, and then dry with a towel or salad spinner. After they are dried, put
them in a canister and vacuum seal as normal. Store in refrigerator.
Food Preparation & Reheating Tips
Guidelines

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Preparation Guidelines for Fruits:
When freezing soft fruits or berries, it is best to pre-freeze them for 1-2 hours or
until solidly frozen. To freeze fruit in individual servings, first place on a baking
sheet and spread them out so they are not touching. This prevents them from
freezing together in a block. Once they are frozen, remove from baking sheet
and vacuum seal fruit in a FoodSaver®Bag. After they have been vacuum sealed,
return them to the freezer.
You can vacuum seal portions for baking or in your favorite combinations for
easy fruit salad all year round. If storing in the refrigerator, we recommend using
a FoodSaver®Canister.
Preparation Guidelines
for Baked Goods:
To vacuum seal soft or airy baked goods, we recommend using a FoodSaver®
Canister so they will hold their shape. If using a bag, pre-freeze for 1-2 hours or
until solidly frozen. To save time, make cookie dough, pie shells, whole pies, or
mix dry ingredients in advance and vacuum seal for later use.
Preparation Guidelines for
Coffee and Powdery Foods:
To prevent food particles from being drawn into vacuum pump, place a coffee
filter or paper towel at top of bag or canister before vacuum sealing. You can also
place the food in its original bag inside a FoodSaver®Bag, or use a FoodSaver®
Universal Lid with the original container to vacuum seal.
Food Preparation & Reheating Tips

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Preparation Guidelines for Liquids:
Before you vacuum seal liquids such as soup stock, pre-freeze in a casserole
dish, loaf pan or ice cube tray until solid. Remove frozen liquid from pan and
vacuum seal in a FoodSaver®Bag. You can stack these “frozen bricks” in your
freezer. When you’re ready to use, just cut corner of bag and place in a dish in
microwave or drop into water at a low simmer, below 170°F (75°C).
To vacuum seal non-carbonated bottled liquids, you can use a FoodSaver®
Bottle Stopper with the original container. Remember to leave at least one inch
(2.54 cm) of room between contents and bottom of Bottle Stopper. You can
reseal bottles after each use.
Preparation Guidelines for Make-ahead Meals,
Leftovers and Sandwiches:
Efficiently store your make-ahead meals, leftovers and sandwiches in the
stackable, lightweight FoodSaver®containers. They are microwaveable, top rack
dishwasher safe and come with a custom adaptor. The lightweight containers
will be ready to head off to the office, to school or the great outdoors whenever
you are!
Preparation Guidelines
for Snack Foods:
Your snack foods will maintain their freshness longer when you vacuum seal
them. For best results, use a FoodSaver®Canister for crushable items like
crackers.
Food Preparation & Reheating Tips
Guidelines

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Silverware
To vacuum seal silver, wrap fork tines in soft cushioning material, such as a paper
towel, to avoid puncturing bag, and seal as normal. Your silver will be clean, fresh
and untarnished right when you need it for your next dinner gathering.
Camping
Your FoodSaver®Bags are ideal for outdoor excursions. For camping and hiking,
keep your matches, maps and food dry and compact.
Water
To have fresh water for drinking, simply fill a FoodSaver®Bag with ice, seal it, and
when needed, let the ice pack melt. You can trim the corner off the bag to make
a spout for drinking or pouring.
Boating
If you’re going sailing or boating, you can vacuum seal your food, extra batteries,
memory cards, cash, identification cards, boating license and a dry change of
clothes. Just remember to bring scissors or a knife to open the bags when you
need them!
Emergency
To keep emergency kits safe and dry, vacuum seal flares, batteries, flashlights,
matches, candles, first aid kits, extra food and other necessities. Your emergency
items will stay dry and organized in your home, car, boat or RV.
Vacuum Sealing Non-Food Items
The FoodSaver®Vacuum Sealing System also protects non-food items from oxidation,
corrosion and moisture. Simply follow directions to vacuum seal items using FoodSaver®Bags,
Canisters and Accessories.

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Problem Solution
Troubleshooting
Seal LED
flashing
• Unit is overheated. Always allow 20 seconds between seals.
Under heavy usage, appliance will shut off automatically and
Seal Light will flash. Wait for 20 min. for unit to cool off.
• Always wait 20 seconds between seals.
• Latch has been left in Operate position: Gaskets may be
compressed. Turn Latch to Open or Store position and allow
10 to 20 minutes for Gaskets to expand.
• Vacuum pump running more than 120 seconds. Under heavy
usage, appliance will shut off automatically and Seal Light will
flash. See next section Vacuum Pump is running, but bag is
not evacuating.
• Latch was left in On position for 5 minutes and not being
used reminding user to turn Latch to Open or Store position.
Vacuum Pump
is running,
but bag
is not
evacuating
• If making a bag from a roll, make sure one end of bag is sealed.
See How to Make a Bag from a FoodSaver®Vacuum Sealing Roll.
• Adjust the bag and try again. Make sure the open end of the
bag is down inside the Drip Tray.
• Check for wrinkles in bag along Sealing Strip. To prevent
wrinkles in the seal, gently stretch bag flat while inserting
bag into Drip Tray.
• Open unit and make sure Gaskets are inserted properly and
there are no foreign objects, dirt or debris on the Upper or
Lower Gasket (See Care and Cleaning on pg 10).
• Latch has been left in Operate position: Gaskets may be
compressed. Turn Latch to Open or Store position and allow
10 to 20 minutes for Gaskets to expand.
• Make sure the lid is latched down all the way. If the Latch
does not catch the lid and bring it down, there will be a leak
between the Gaskets.
Gasket is
loose or
has a tear
• Take out the gasket, clean it and re-insert the Gasket into the
Gasket Channel (See Care and Cleaning on pg 10).
• If Gasket has minor damage remove, flip over and reinstall.
• Call 877-777-8042 or visit website for replacement.
Bag is not
sealing
properly
• Too much liquid in bag, freeze before vacuuming.
• Check for food debris around seal area. If present, take out
the gasket, clean it and re-insert the Gasket into the Vacuum
Channel (See Care and Cleaning on pg 10).
• Bag has wrinkles: To prevent wrinkles in the seal, gently
stretch bag flat while inserting bag into Gasket Channel.