FoodSaver V1050 User manual

Copyright © 2004 Tilia, Inc. All rights reser ved.
This material may not be reproduced or redistributed in any
fashion without the express written consent by Tilia, Inc.
FoodSaver, Tilia and The Original Home Vacuum Packaging System are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Tilia International, Inc. in the
United States and other countries. Tilia, Inc. and Tilia International, Inc.
are Jarden companies.
This product is protected by one or more of the following Patents:
U.S. RE 34,929; 4,660,355; 4,941,310; 5,655,357; 6,058,998; 6,256,968;
Canada 1,315,746; and their equivalent international patents.
Fourth Printing: Januar y 2004
Printed in the United States of America
Item# 180-00185-000 (01/04)
The Original Home Vacuum Packaging System
®
User Manual
Vac 1050
Guide.1050_v5.1 12/31/03 4:23 PM Page B

You have just purchased an appliance that will soon
have you wondering how you ever got by without
it. The FoodSaver vacuum packaging system is so
convenient and versatile, you’ll find yourself using
it every day. We guarantee that if you make room
for it on your countertop, you will quickly see how
indispensable it becomes in your kitchen.
Foods Will Keep Their “Just Bought” Freshness,
Flavor and Nutritional Value 3 to 5 Times Longer.
◗Meats, poultry, fish and produce stay fresh and
flavorful in your freezer.
◗No more freezer burn.
◗Foods stay fresh longer in your refrigerator.
◗Dry ingredients stay fresh and insect free in
the pantry.
You’ll Save Money, Time and Effort.
◗Buy in bulk to reduce your grocery bills.
◗Repackage your purchases in portions sized for
your family’s needs.
◗Prepare meals in advance so when you don’t have
time to cook, you and your family will still have
great-tasting homemade meals.
◗Take bags right from the freezer or refrigerator
and boil or microwave.
◗Reduce waste and spoilage.
◗Prepare your own healthy frozen dinners. You
control serving portions, calories and nutritional
content.
◗Make and deliver home-cooked meals to those
who can’t get out.
◗Keep non-food items dry and free of dust and mold.
◗Stop silver from tarnishing because the metal is
not exposed to air.
Table of Contents
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
1
Welcome
2The FoodSaver Vac 1050
4FoodSaver Accessories
6Important Safeguards
7 Important Tips
Operating Instructions: How to...
8Make a Custom-Made Bag with FoodSaver Rolls
10 Vacuum Package Using Ready-Made and
Custom-Made FoodSaver Bags
12 Use the Sealing Adjustment Switch
13 Use the Manual Seal Button
14 Vacuum Package Using FoodSaver Designer Canisters
16 Vacuum Package Using FoodSaver Bulk Storage Canisters
and Square Canisters
18 Vacuum Package Using the FoodSaver Jar Sealer with Mason Jars
20 Vacuum Package Using FoodSaver Universal Lids
22 Vacuum Package Using FoodSaver Bottle Stoppers
23 Care and Cleaning Instructions
24 Food Preparation and Storage Guide
32 Vacuum Packaging Non-Food Items
33 Troubleshooting
40 Warranty and Service Information
...to the world of FoodSaver.
Welcome
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
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THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
3
About Vacuum Packaging
Air is left in most food storage con-
tainers and plastic bags even when
they are sealed tightly. Oxygen is
one of the main reasons that food
goes bad. It starts a chemical
change – robbing food of its nutri-
tional value, texture, color, flavor
and overall quality. The FoodSaver
vacuum packaging system removes
the air from FoodSaver Bags and
then seals the bags so that air cannot
re-enter. It is also designed to be used
with a wide range of FoodSaver
accessories that will keep a variety
of foods fresh longer. Finally, you
can maintain the same freshness at
home that you get with profession-
ally vacuum-packaged items you
purchase at the grocery store.
FoodSaver Bags and Rolls
◗FoodSaver Bags and Rolls are made
from a special 5-layer plastic
material with patented channels
that remove the air. The outer
layer of nylon seals freshness in,
while locking air and moisture out.
◗FoodSaver Bags and Rolls can go
straight from the freezer and
refrigerator to the microwave or
boiling water.
◗FoodSaver Bags and Rolls are
reusable* and washable (includ-
ing in the dishwasher).
◗FoodSaver Bags come in ready-
made pint, quart and gallon sizes
to offer convenient, one-step storage.
◗Your Vac 1050 also works with 8-
inch and 11-inch wide FoodSaver
Rolls, which allow you to make
custom-sized bags for the items
that you are vacuum packaging.
◗Most FoodSaver users like to keep
both bags and rolls handy for the
greatest packaging convenience.
Patented 5-Layer Design
Patented FoodSaver Bags are designed to
remove air and seal in freshness.
The FoodSaver Vac 1050
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
2
Vacuum Channel
Sealing Adjustment Switch
Sealing Strip
On Button
Sealing Light
Star Lock: There is
a lock on each
side.
Accessory Port
Manual
Seal Button
Star
*IMPORTANT: To avoid possible illness,
do not reuse bags after storing raw
meats, fish or greasy foods.
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FoodSaver Canisters
◗There are three styles of FoodSaver
Canisters – Designer, Square and
Bulk Storage. They are ideal for
storing delicate items and liquids,
as well as dry goods and cooking
staples. The canisters come in a
variety of sizes and all can be used
in the refrigerator and pantry.
Canisters are not to be used in
the freezer.
◗FoodSaver Designer Canisters are
especially attractive for use on
your countertop.
◗Vacuum packaging in the
FoodSaver Square Canister is an
excellent way to marinate foods
because the
process opens
the pores of
the food and
seals in the
flavor. With
the FoodSaver vacuum packaging
system you can marinate food in
20 minutes so you don’t have to
wait all day or overnight for that
special taste. All FoodSaver
Canisters work for marinating,
but we recommend the Square
Canister because less marinade
will be needed.
◗The Bulk Storage Canisters are
designed to store pantry items
such as cereal, chips, rice and
baking goods.
FoodSaver Accessories
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
4
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
5
FoodSaver Regular Jar Sealer
◗The FoodSaver Regular Jar Sealer
allows you to vacuum package in
regular or standard-mouth Mason
jars. Note:
FoodSaver
Jar Sealers
are designed
to fit Mason
jars such as
Ball,
®Kerr®and Bernardin ®brands.
FoodSaver Wide-Mouth Jar Sealer
◗The FoodSaver Wide-Mouth
Jar Sealer allows you to vacuum
package in wide-mouth
Mason jars.
FoodSaver Universal Lids
◗With this great kitchen accessory,
you don’t have to transfer many
foods out of their original con-
tainers. Vacuum package and
extend the life of foods in their
original glass jars and metal cans.
◗Available in two sizes – 4 inches
and 51⁄2inches in diameter.
FoodSaver Bottle Stoppers
◗FoodSaver Bottle Stoppers allow
you to vacuum package in bottles
to protect the taste and extend
the life of liquids such as wine,
liquor and cooking oils.
Purchasing FoodSaver Bags,
Rolls and Accessories
◗To find the nearest retailer,
visit our website at
www.foodsaver.com or call
our Consumer Services
Department at the number
listed at the back of this manual.
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Important Tips
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
7
Important Tips When Vacuum Packaging:
1Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration.
2Use ONLY bags and rolls manufactured by FoodSaver.
3Do not allow the Vacuum Channel to fill up with liquids. This
will render the machine unusable. To prevent it, avoid overfilling
the bags and freeze liquids first.
4You can prevent liquids from being drawn into the appliance by
placing a folded paper towel at the top of the bag, but below
the seal area, before vacuum packaging.
5Do not attempt to create your own side seams for a FoodSaver
Bag. These bags are manufactured with special side seams which
are sealed all the way to the outer edge. Creating your own side
seams can actually leave air channels exposed which will cause
leakage and prevent a vacuum from being formed.
6Always make sure you leave at least one extra inch of bag
material for each time you plan to reuse the bag.
7If you are not sure whether you have achieved a complete seal,
simply seal the bag again about 1⁄4 inch above the first seal.
8Bulky items sometimes make it difficult to achieve a smooth
sealing surface. Gently stretch the bag flat along the Sealing Strip
before closing the lid.
9When packaging products with sharp edges (dry spaghetti,
silverware, etc.), protect the bag from punctures by wrapping the
products in a cushioning material, such as paper towels, styrofoam,
tissue, etc. Products can also be vacuum packaged in canisters or
Mason jars to avoid any possibility of puncturing a bag.
10 Avoid drawing powdery or fine-grained products into the appliance.
This will inhibit the vacuuming and sealing process and may clog
the unit, preventing it from drawing a good vacuum. To prevent
this from occurring, avoid overfilling the bags.
Important Safeguards
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
6
For Your Own Safety, Always Follow These Basic
Precautions When Using the FoodSaver Vac 1050:
1Read the instructions carefully.
2Do not use the appliance on wet or hot surfaces, or near a
heat source.
3Do not immerse any part of the appliance, power cord or plug in
water or other liquid.
4To disconnect, unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Do not disconnect by pulling on the cord.
5Do not operate the appliance with a damaged power cord or plug.
Do not operate the appliance if it malfunctions or is in any
way damaged. If the cord or the appliance is damaged, it must be
returned to an authorized service center.
6Do not use an extension cord with the appliance.
7Use only accessories or attachments recommended by Tilia, Inc.
8Use the appliance only for its intended use.
9Closely supervise children when using any electrical appliance.
Do not allow the appliance to be used as a toy.
10 120v Machines Only: The Vac 1050 has a polarized plug (one
blade is wider than the other). 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 does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not
modify the plug in any way.
For Household Use Only • Please Save These Instructions
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THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
9
6Close the lid.
7Lock the lid by pressing down
lightly on the stars while pulling
the locks forward on both sides
until they snap into place.
8Press and release the On Button.
The locks will release and the
lights will turn on in sequence as
the appliance seals the bag.
9The sound will stop and the lights
will turn off when the bag is sealed.
10 Open the lid and remove the bag.
NOTE: Let the appliance cool down for at least 20 seconds
before using it again.
When using FoodSaver Rolls you first need to make a bag, then
vacuum package your food in the bag. (If you are using ready-
made FoodSaver Bags, go to page 10.)
1Place the appliance on a flat, dry surface and plug the power cord
into a standard electrical outlet.
2Lay the item(s) you want to vacuum package near the FoodSaver
Roll so you can see where to cut the bag material. IMPORTANT:
Leave at least 3 extra inches at one end of the bag, and more if
you want to reseal or reuse the bag (one inch per reseal).
3Cut the FoodSaver Roll to the desired length, making sure you
cut straight. The marks on the side of the roll are at 3" intervals
and will assist you in cutting straight.
4Open the lid of the appliance. If
the lid is locked, release the locks by
pressing down firmly on the stars.
5Place one end of the bag on the
Sealing Strip. Do not let the bag
slip into the Vacuum Channel.
How to Make a Custom-Made Bag with FoodSaver Rolls
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
8
IMPORTANT: Make sure the end of the bag does not go over the
black foam rubber ring, or into the Vacuum Channel.
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THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
11
6Lock the lid by pressing down
lightly on the stars while pulling
the locks forward on both sides
until they snap into place.
7Press and release the On Button.
The locks will release and the
lights will turn on in sequence as
the appliance vacuums and seals
the bag.
8The sound will stop and the lights
will turn off when the bag is sealed.
Open the lid and remove the bag.
IMPORTANT: You will need to pre-freeze foods that have excess
liquid or moisture before vacuum packaging in FoodSaver Bags
because the liquid can be drawn up into the Vacuum Pump.
Do not allow the Vacuum Channel to become filled with liquid.
This may allow liquid to get sucked into the motor and permanently
damage the appliance.
Wipe out any excess liquid from the Vacuum Channel after each
time you vacuum package.
NOTE: Let the appliance cool down for at least 20 seconds before
using it again.
1Place the appliance on a flat, dry surface and plug the power cord
into a standard electrical outlet.
2Open the lid of the appliance.
If the lid is locked, release the
locks by pressing down firmly
on the stars.
3Place the item(s) to be vacuum
packaged into the bag.
4Place the open end of the bag down into the Vacuum Channel.
5Close the lid.
How to Vacuum Package Using Ready-Made
and Custom-Made FoodSaver Bags
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
10
IMPORTANT: Make sure the open end of the bag is resting
entirely inside the Vacuum Channel.
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How to Use the Manual Seal Button
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
13
The Manual Seal Button stops the vacuum process early and seals
the bag. This feature does two things:
◗Saves time when making custom bags from rolls.
◗Helps vacuum package crushable foods such as cookies.
If you are making custom bags from rolls, the Manual Seal Button
cuts the time it takes to make the initial seal. See pages 8-9 for
instructions on making a custom bag; just press the Manual Seal
Button after Step 8 (on page 9), and you’ll have a bag in no time.
If you are vacuum packaging crushable foods, follow these steps:
1Open the lid. If the lid is locked, release the locks by pressing
down firmly on the stars.
2Place the item(s) to be vacuum packaged into the bag.
3Place the open end of the bag down into the Vacuum Channel.
4Close the lid.
5Lock the lid by pressing down lightly on the stars while pulling
the locks forward on both sides until they snap into place.
6Press and release the On Button. The locks will release and the
lights will turn on in sequence as the appliance vacuums the bag.
7To stop the vacuum process
before all the air is removed,
press and release the Manual Seal
Button. The sound will stop and
the lights will turn off when the
bag is sealed.
8Open the lid and remove the bag.
NOTE: It takes about 3 seconds to stop the vacuum process and
seal the bag. For best results, use a larger bag and freeze delicate
items such as berries first. For highly crushable foods such as
pastries or crackers, use a FoodSaver Canister instead of a bag.
Sealing Adjustment Switch
This two-position switch lets you control the length of the sealing
process. It can be set for 3 or 5 seconds. Set at 3 seconds for
standard vacuum packaging. Set at 5
seconds when vacuum packaging foods
with excess moisture and juices (example:
meats, chicken or fish).
How to Use the Sealing Adjustment Switch
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
12
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THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
15
4Vacuum package as per
instructions on page 11,
steps 6-8.
5Remove the Accessory Hose from
the lid by gently twisting the gray
hose fitting and pulling up.
How to Open FoodSaver Designer Canisters
To open a FoodSaver Designer Canister, press and hold the
gray rubber button in the center of the lid. This will release
the vacuum and allow the lid to be removed.
IMPORTANT: Remember to remove the Accessory Hose from the
Accessory Port on the appliance before you vacuum package in
FoodSaver Bags. Remove the hose by gently twisting the gray
fitting while pulling it out. Never yank or tug the hose as this
may damage both the hose and the fitting.
How to Vacuum Package Using FoodSaver
Designer Canisters
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
14
FoodSaver Designer Canisters are an excellent way to store
delicate items in the refrigerator, pantry or on the countertop.
1Place the item(s) to be vacuum packaged inside the canister. Leave
at least one inch between the contents and the rim of the canister.
2Place the lid on top of the canister.
3Insert one end of the Accessory
Hose into the Accessory Port on
the appliance. Insert the other end
of the Accessory Hose into the
hole on the top of the canister lid.
Twist the gray hose fitting while
inserting to ensure a tight fit.
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How to Vacuum Package Using FoodSaver Bulk
Storage Canisters and Square Canisters
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
16
THE FOODSAVER USER MANUAL
17
6Remove the Accessory Hose from the lid by gently twisting the
gray hose fitting and pulling up.
7Turn the knob on the lid so the arrow points to “Closed.”
How to Open FoodSaver Bulk Storage or Square Canisters
To open a FoodSaver Bulk Storage Canister or Square Canister,
turn the knob on the canister lid so the arrow points to “Open.”
This will release the vacuum and allow the lid to be removed.
NOTE: Do NOT attempt to vacuum package any contents that
are warmer than room temperature since the vacuum may
cause the contents to bubble out of the canister.
IMPORTANT: Remember to remove the Accessory Hose from the
Accessory Port on the appliance before you vacuum package in
FoodSaver Bags. Remove the hose by gently twisting the gray
fitting while pulling it out. Never yank or tug the hose as this
may damage both the hose and the fitting.
CARE AND STORAGE FoodSaver FoodSaver FoodSaver
OF FOODSAVER Bulk Designer Square
CANISTERS Canisters Canisters Canisters
Freezer No No No
Bases in Microwave Yes No Ye s
Lids in Microwave No No No
Bases in Dishwasher Yes Ye s Yes
Lids in Dishwasher No No No
Bulk Storage Canisters are an excellent way to store food in the
refrigerator or pantry. The Square Canister is great for marinating
since vacuum packaging opens the pores of food and cuts
marinating time down to 20 minutes. Both styles of canisters
operate the same way.
1 Place the items(s) to be vacuum packaged inside the canister.
Leave at least one inch between the contents and the rim of
the canister.
2Turn the knob on the lid so the
arrow points to “Vacuum.”
3Place lid on top of Bulk or Square
Canister.
4Insert one end of the Accessory
Hose into the Accessory Port on
the appliance. Insert the other end
of the Accessory Hose into the
hole on the top of the canister lid.
Twist the gray hose fitting while
inserting to ensure a tight fit.
5Vacuum package as per
instructions on page 11,
steps 6-8.
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