ICO ICO031 User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
ICO VACUUM SEALER PRESERVATION SYSTEM
MODEL NO:ICO031
Impeccable Culinary Objects (ICO), ICO Trading UK Ltd.
Temple Chambers 16a Belvoir Road, Coalville, Leics, LE673QE, United Kingdom
Tel: +0034 630018807
Website: http://icotrading.co.uk/

YOUR ICO VACUUM PRESERVATION SYSTEM
KEEPS
FOOD FRESH UP TO FIVE TIMES LONGER
Thank you for your purchase of an ICO Vacuum Sealing System.
CONTENTS
ICO Vacuum Sealer Advantages 01
Safeguards & Tips 03
Structure and Functions 04
Operating Instructions 06
How to seal vacuum bags and vacuum canisters 07
Helpful Hints 09
Care and Cleaning 10
Troubleshooting 11
The Complete ICO System’s Accessories 13
Storage Guide and Technical Data 15
Disposal 16
Please read these instructions carefully and retain this manual for future reference.
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YOUR VACUUM SEALER SAVES
YOU TIME AND MONEY
WELCOME…
Save money:
With your new vacuum sealing system, you can buy in bulk or
when food is on sale and vacuum pack your food in your
desired portion size without worrying about wasting it.
You are about to enjoy the benefits of an Impeccable Culinary Object (ICO).
Our vacuum sealing system is designed to limit oxidization and extend freshness
up to 5 times longer than conventional storage method. Keep your
ICO vacuum sealer on your worktop, and you will soon discover its
convenience and versatility.
Save time:
Cook ahead for the week, preparing meals and saving them in
ICO vacuum bags.
Marinate in minutes:
Vacuum packaging opens up the pores of food so you can get that
great-marinated flavour in just 20 minutes instead of overnight.
Make entertaining easy:
Make your signature dish and holiday treats in advance so you
can spend quality time with your guests.
Enjoy seasonal or specialty foods:
Keep highly perishable or infrequently used items fresh
longer.
Why do you need a vacuum sealer ?
Exposure to air can cause food to lose flavour and nutrition. It can also
promote growth of bacteria, mold and yeast which will cause food to spoil. The
ICO vacuum packaging system removes air and seals in flavour and
freshness.
Control portions for dieting:
Vacuum package sensible portions and write calories and/or fat
content on the bag.
Protect non-food items:
Keep camping and boating supplies dry and organized for outings,
protect polished silver from tarnishing by minimizing exposure to air.
01
02

1 Check if the Voltage indicated on the appliance corresponds to the local
mains voltage before you connect the appliance.
Speed indicators LEDs and
Food type indicator LEDs.
2 Do not operate the appliance if the appliance malfunctions or is damaged in any way.
DO NO SUBMERGE THE APPLIANCE IN WATER
4 Do not use your vacuum sealer if the cord has frayed or been damaged in any way. Contact ICO for
a replacement via our website, icotrading.com.
5 Do not use an extension cord with the appliance.
6 When not in use or when cleaning unplug cord from the power outlet.
7 Do not use the appliance on wet or hot surfaces, or near a heat source.
Seal button:
Operates the
vacuum followed
by the seal function. A
good default choice.
8
Do not immerse any part of the appliance, power cord, or plug in water or other
liquid.
9 Use only accessories or attachments recommended by the manufacturer.
For optimal vacuuming and sealing of moist
or juicy foods, press the Adjustable food
setting button (3) until the Moist indicator
light
is illuminated. Choose the dry food
10 Use the appliance only for its intended use. This device is for household use only.
setting for foods without liquid.
11
Closely supervise children when using any electrical appliance. This appliance is not a toy and
should not be operated by anyone under the age of 18.
Cancel button:
Press this to stop the operation of the appliance.
03
04
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS & TIPS
3 Do not unplug the device by tugging on the cord –only remove the plug from a wall socket by using
the plug itself.
Press this button to use canisters
(not included)
When vacuum sealing delicate items,
press the Speed setting button so
that the gentle speed indicator light is
illuminated. For more control you
can press the “Seal” button (5) at any
time to stop the vacuum and begin the
automatic sealing process. Note - The
appliances will default to the Normal
speed when turned on or if power has
been interrupted.
Speed setting button:
6
Vacuum/
4
5
Seal control button:
Operates the sealing
function only
Push both of these to open the appliance.
8 Release mechanism:
Vacuum canisters button:
Adjustable food settings button:

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Insert the vacuum bag’s open
mouth into the vacuum sealing
chamber, push the bag as far into the
unit as it will go without crumpling.
Lock Catch
Push the 2 lock catches on either side
of the device down until you hear
them lock into place.
Note: We recommend pushing the 2
catches down at the same time.
Push both sides down until they click to lock the bag into place.
Vacuum Canister Hole
Ensure suction connector is inserted into the correct position when operating. Accessories
are required to use this feature.
Vacuum and Seal Chamber
Insert the vacuum bag’s open mouth into the vacuum and seal chamber to begin vacuum
sealing. Make sure to lock the bag in place with the two lock catches (9) before use.
Liquid Waste Tray
Using the buttons on the top of the
device, select your desired settings.
Once the vacuum and seal are
complete, use the 2 release
mechanisms to free the bag from the
vacuum sealing chamber.
When vacuum sealing wet items, excess liquid will be deposited in to the liquid waste
tray. This tray can be removed and cleaned by hand or on your dishwasher’s top rack.
05
06

TO SEAL NON-VACUUM BAGS (IE. POTATO CHIP BAGS)
◆Plug the appliance in and switch it on.
◆Insert your bag into the vacuum chamber (11).
PRESERVATION
WITH VACUUM CANISTERS
◆Press the Seal button (5). The seal LED indicator (7) will illuminate. The light will turn off
when the seal is complete
Place the items inside the canister and place
◆Press the release mechanism (8) to open the appliance when sealing is complete.
the lid on top of the canister. Insert one end of
the accessory hose into the Vacuum Canister Hole (10)
of your appliance. Insert the other end
into the hole on the top of the canister lid.
STEP 1
STEP 2
PRESERVATION OF FOOD WITH ICO VACUUM BAGS
Press the Canister button (1). The appliance will
remove the air from the canister and create a tight seal.
When it completes the vacuum process, it will
automatically stop.
1. Put the food or items that you want to preserve inside the bag.
2. Straighten the opening of the bag, making sure there are
no wrinkles or obstructions inn the opening. A wet bag will not seal correctly.
3. Make sure that both sides of the bag are located within the vacuum
area (11). The bag must be in between the two black arrows on the outside of the vacuum
chamber.
Unplug one end of the accessory hose from
the canister first. Then unplug the other end
from the appliance.
STEP 3
STEP 4
To open, press and hold down the button in
the center of the canister lid until you no
longer hear air escaping.
07
08
◆Once bag is in position, push down on both lock catches (9) until you hear them click
closed
4. Once bag is in position, push down on both lock catches (9) until they click
into position.
5. Press the “Vacuum/Seal ” button (6). The bag will be automatically
vacuumed and sealed.
6. Once the LED's on the top of the device are no longer illuminated, press the release
mechanisms (8) on each side to release the bag.

VACUUM SEALER
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
HELPFUL HINTS
Your ICO vacuum preservation system is easy to clean and care for. Simply
observe the following steps:
1. Do not overfill the bags: leave enough length at the open
end of the bag so that it can be placed in the Vacuum Sealing Chamber easily.
◆Always unplug the unit before cleaning.
2. Ensure that the open end of the bag is not wet. A wet bag will may seal
incorrectly or not at all.
◆Wipe the outside of the appliance with a damp cloth or sponge and mild soap if
necessary. Do not use industrial strength cleaners.
3. Vacuum sealing is NOT a suitable replacement for canning. Perishables still
need to be refrigerated or frozen once they have been sealed.
◆To clean the inside of the unit, wipe away any food or liquid with a damp
paper towel.
4. To prevent wrinkles in a seal when vacuum sealing bulky items, gently
stretch the bag flat when inserting it into the vacuum chamber and hold
tight until the seal completes.
◆Dry thoroughly before storage or reuse.
◆Keep the unit on a flat, safe surface. Do not allow children to use this device.
VACUUM SEALING AND FOOD SAFETY
6. When using accessories, remember to leave an inch of space at the top
of the canister or container.
The vacuum sealing process extends the life of foods by removing most of the air from
the sealer container or bag. This reduces oxidation, which affects nutritional value,
flavor, and over quality. Removing air can also inhibit the growth of microorganisms,
which can cause mold, yeast, and bacteria.
To preserve foods safely, it is critical that you maintain low temperatures. You can
significantly reduce the growth of bacteria at temperatures of 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freezing does not kill microorganisms but it does stop them from growing. For long-
term storage, always freeze perishables that have been vacuum sealed.
Vacuum sealing cannot reverse the deterioration of foods. It can only slow down the
changes in quality. It is difficult to predict how long foods will keep their flavor,
appearance and texture. VACUUM SEALING IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
REFRIGERATION OR FREEZING.
7. Pre-freeze fruits and blanch vegetables before vacuum sealing for the best
results.
8. If you are unsure whether your bag was sealed properly, you can seal the bag a
second time (simply seal it on the outside of the original seal).
9. For best results, use ICO brand Bags, Canisters, Containers and Accessories.
Your ICO Vacuum Sealing system is compatible with FoodSaver bags and other
major brands.
09
10
5. When you are vacuum sealing items with sharp edges (dry spaghetti,
silverware, etc.), protect the bag from punctures by wrapping items in a
soft cushioning material, such as a paper towel.

TROUBLESHOOTING
Nothing happens when I try to vacuum seal a bag or canister:
1. Check the power cord to see if it is firmly plugged into an operational outlet.
2. Examine the power cord for any damage.
3. Check electrical outlet is working by plugging in another appliance.
4. Make sure that both latches are in the locked position.
5. Make sure bag is placed correctly inside the Vacuum Chamber.
6. Wait 60 seconds to allow appliance to cool off, and then try using it again.
1. Examine the bag’s seal. A wrinkle along the seal may cause
leakage and allow air to enter, simply cut bag and reseal.
2. Sometimes moisture or food material (such as juices,
grease, crumbs, powders, etc.) along the seal prevents the bag
from sealing properly. Cut the bag open, wipe the top inside of
bag and reseal.
3. If you are vacuum packaging sharp food items, the bag may
have been punctured. Use a new bag if there is a hole.
Cover sharp food items with a soft cushioning material,
such as a paper towel, and reseal.
AIR REMAINS IN THE BAG AFTER VACUUM SEALING:
1. Ensure that the vacuum bag is inserted as far as it will go into the Vacuum Chamber.
4. If you are still experiencing difficulty with air in your bag,
fermentation or the release of natural gases from inside
the foods may have occurred, when this happens , food
may have begun to spoil and should be discarded.
2.Check the seal on the bag by submerging it in water. No water should enter the bag,
nor should any bubbles escape from inside the bag.
3.
If you are using a custom-sized ICO Bag, check seal of
bag. A wrinkle in the bag along the seal may cause leakage and
allow air to re-enter. To fix this, cut the bag and reseal it.
THE BAG MELTS:
If your bag melts, the sealing strip may have become too hot,
always wait at least 60 seconds for appliance to cool down
before you vacuum package another item.
4.
Do not attempt to make your own side seams for an ICO Bag,
the bags are manufactured with special side seams ,which are
sealed all the way to the outer edge. Making your own side seams
may cause leakage and allow air to re-enter.
11
12
Note: The appliance will shut off automatically if it becomes too hot. Wait 60
Seconds before attempting to use the appliance again if this happens.
AIR WAS REMOVED FROM THE BAG, BUT AFTER A
DAY OR TWO, AIR HAS RE-ENTERED THE BAG

THE COMPLETE ICO SYSTEM
FOOD PREPARATION AND REHEATING TIPS
Get the most out of your ICO appliance with easy-to-use
ICO Bags, Canisters and Accessories.
IMPORTANT: To avoid possible illness, do not reuse bags after storing
raw meats, raw fish or greasy foods, Do not reuse bags that have been
microwaved or simmered.
13
14
ALWAYS allow hot foods to cool to room temperature before vacuum sealing. Hot foods
can cause the bag to melt.
Thawing and Reheating Vacuum Sealed Foods:
Always thaw foods in the refrigerator or microwave –do not thaw perishable
foods at room temperature.
To reheat foods in a microwave in an ICO vacuum sealer bag, cut at least one
corner of the bag before placing on a microwave safe plate or bowl. To avoid hot-
spots, do not reheat bone-in meat or greasy foods inside a vacuum sealer bag.
You can also reheat foods in ICO vacuum sealer bags by placing them in water at a
simmer below 170°F (75°C). Higher temperatures are not recommended due to
the risk of rupturing the bag’s seal.
Preparing Meat and Fish for Vacuum Sealing:
For best results, pre-freeze meat and fish for 1-2 hours before vacuum sealing.
This helps retain the juice and shape, and ensures a better seal.
If it’s not possible to pre-freeze, place a folded paper towel between meat or fish
and the top of the bag to absorb excess moisture.
Vacuum sealing Coffee and other Powders: Place a coffee filter or paper towel at
the top of the bag before vacuum sealing to prevent food particles entering the
vacuum pump.
How to Vacuum Seal Liquids: Pre-freeze liquids like soups, stocks, and stews until
solid. Once solid, insert in vacuum seal bag and seal as normal. To reheat, cut one
or two corners off the bag and microwave, or keep the bag whole and reheat in
water (up to 170°F (75°C).
Vacuum sealing vegetables: Vegetables need to be blanched before vacuum
sealing. This process stops the loss of flavor, color, and texture.
TIP: Loaf pans are a great vessel for freezing soups, sauces, and stews. The resulting
bricks are easy to stack and store in your freezer!
ICO BAGS AND ROLLS
The design of ICO Bags and Rolls features special channels
that enable the efficient and complete removal of air. The multi-ply
construction makes them an especially effective barrier to
oxygen and moisture, preventing freezer burn.
ICO’s vacuum sealer bags are BPA free and tested to be phthalate
free. They are recyclable in most municipalities. Contact your local
municipal recycling organization for further information on recycling.
ICO Bags and Rolls come in a variety of sizes and are available from
www.icotrading.com or Amazon.com.

Food Item
Refrigerated (5±2° C), without vacuum
ICO Vacuum Sealer + Fridge
8-9
days
days
days
TECHNICAL DATA
Red Meat
3-4
days
days
days
days
days
days
days
days
days
days
days
Rated Voltage: 100-120V AC
Rated Frequency: 50/60Hz
White
Meat
2-3
6-8
Rated Power: 110W
Sealing Time: 6-10 Seconds
Vacuum Power: -0.8 bar (approx.)
Fish
1-3
3-5
5-7
1-5
5-7
1-3
2-3
2-3
2-3
4-5
Cooked
Meat
10-15
days
VAC/Sealing Time: 10-20 Seconds
Coffee
20
60
days
Dimensions:
Length:420mm
Width: 92mm
Height: 155mm
Hard/Semi Hard
Fruits
Cheese
days
1 4-20
7-10
8-10
6-8
days
days
days
days
Vegetables
Soup
PRODUCT DISPOSAL
Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste.
Collection of such waste must be handled separately as special treatment is
necessary. Recycling facilities are now available for all customers at which you
can deposit your old electrical products. Customers will be able to take any old
electrical equipment to participating civic amenity sites run by their local
councils. Please remember that this equipment will be further handled during
the recycling process, so please be considerate when depositing your
equipment. Please contact the local council for details of your local
household waste recycling centres.
Pasta/Rice
leftover
Cream Desserts
8 days
°
Room
Temperature (25 ± 2 C)
No vacuum
ICO Vaccuum Sealer
Fresh
Bread
1-2
days
8-10 days
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
Biscuits
4-6
5-6
4-6
3-4
2-3
5-6
1-2
months
months
months
months
months
months
months
Uncooked
Pasta/Rice
Flour
Dry
Fruits
Ground
Coffee
Loose T ea
Milk
T ea
In the Freezer(-18 ±2°C)
No vacuum
4-6 months
3-4 months
8-10 months
ICO
15-20
10-12
8-24
Vacuum Sealer
Meat
Fish
months
months
months
Vegetables
15
16
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