Vacmaster VP210 User manual

User’s Guide
VAC MASTER
®
VP210

Thank you for purchasing the VACMASTER® VP210 Vacuum Packaging
Machine. You are about to use one of the most powerful vacuum packaging systems
available. With the help of the VP210, you will now be able to keep food fresher longer
in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry. The VP210 effectively removes air and extends
freshness up to ve times longer than normal preservation methods. Also, the VP210
can be used to preserve and organize other items, such as keepsakes, small toys and
easy-to-lose items. You will soon nd your VP210 to be so versatile and convenient, it
will never leave the countertop.
The VP210 is a chamber vacuum system, which offers two distinct advantages over
non-chamber, external suction units. First, a much higher level of vacuum can be
achieved, which means a longer shelf life for foods that you package. Second, liquids
and liquid-rich foods can be effectively vacuum packaged. Foods like fresh meats, sh,
soups, stews, and marinated vegetables are packaged quickly with ease, and no mess.
The VP210 Vacuum Packaging Machine uses proven commercial technology. To use,
simply place the pouch to be sealed inside the chamber and close the lid. Push start
and the sealing process begins. First, the air is removed from the entire chamber and
the vacuum pouch. Once the preset vacuum level is achieved, the pouch is sealed.
Upon completion of the sealing cycle, air ows back into the chamber. Wait for the lid
to release, and the process is complete.
To get started, please read and follow all instructions for usage and maintenance
carefully before operating the VACMASTER® VP210 Vacuum Packaging Machine.

Vacuum Packaging Overview ........................................4
VP210 Features .........................................................5
VP210 Control Panel ..................................................6
Operating Instructions
Setting up the VP210 .........................................................7
Adjusting/Setting the VP210 Timing Controls ....................7
Using the VP210 Vacuum Packaging Machine .............. 9
VACMASTER® Pouches ........................................11
VP210 Uses & Tips ..................................................12
Machine Safety & Maintenance ...................................13
Troubleshooting ...........................................................14
Parts Information .........................................................15
Warranty ......................................................................19
Table of Contents

If you are part of either the food processing or food service industry, there is a good
chance that you already know the advantages of vacuum packaging. It has been used
with success for many years as a safe and cost effective method for extending shelf
life and maintaining the quality of food products. If vacuum packaging is new to your
home or business, you will soon wonder how you lived without it!
Whether you are a beginner or expert, there are certain basic guidelines that should
always be followed in order to package foods safely for consumption. Neglecting
these basic guidelines can result in food spoilage, and in some cases, illness or death.
Once you familiarize yourself with the machine procedures, you will feel at ease using
the VACMASTER® VP210 Vacuum Packaging Machine and enjoy a higher quality of
stored foods.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
• Package only fresh foods. Do not package old or rancid foods. An already bad
product does not improve with vacuum packaging.
• Fresh foods (meats, vegetables, cheeses, etc.) should be refrigerated at 34˚F or
below or frozen after vacuum packaging.
• Vacuum packaging removes a high percentage of air (which is 21% oxygen). This
slows the growth of most living microorganisms, which degrade food, such as aerobic
bacteria and molds. However, some forms of bacteria, such as clostridium botulinum
(responsible for botulism), are anaerobic and grow in the absence of oxygen.
• The foods susceptible to botulinum should be refrigerated for the short term and frozen for
long-term storage. Consume immediately after heating.
• Vegetables such as cauliower, broccoli and cabbage will emit gasses when vacuum
sealed. To prepare these foods for vacuum packaging, you must blanch them rst and
then freeze.
• All perishable foods must be refrigerated or frozen to prevent spoilage.
• Vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning.
Vacuum Packaging Overview
4

Seal Bar
5
VP210 Features
Filler Plates**
Seal Pad
Vacuum Chamber
Power Switch
Control Panel
Lid Gasket
Lid Lock*
* Lid Lock: DO NOT USE while the machine is operating. This feature is used
to keep the lid closed while the machine is in storage.
** Filler Plates: Filler plates are used to occupy space in the vacuum chamber. The
plates allow for a faster vacuum - when more space is occupied, there is less air to
be removed from the chamber.

VP210 Control Panel
Vacuum Gauge - Indicates the vacuum level inside the chamber.
LED Screen (TIME) - Displays current function or cycle time measured in seconds.
VACUUM Function Light - Illuminates to adjust vacuum time. During set up, adjust the vacuum
time using the buttons. Also illuminates during the vacuum process.
GAS Function Light - This model does not offer the gas ush option.
SEALING Function Light - Illuminates to adjust sealing time. During set up, adjust the sealing
time using the buttons. Also illuminates during the sealing process.
COOLING Function Light - Illuminates to adjust cooling time. During set up, adjust the cooling
time using the buttons. Also illuminates during the cooling process.
WORKING Indicator Light - Illuminates to indicate the machine is in use.
Button - Press to increase the vacuum time, sealing time or cooling time.
Button - Press to decrease the vacuum time, sealing time or cooling time.
Button - Press to stop the vacuum cycle and immediately seal the pouch. This button
will only work while the machine is in the vacuum process.
Button - Press to select the vacuum time, sealing time or cooling time. Use with the
buttons.
SET
STOP
6

Please read all instructions before operating the VP210.
SETTING UP THE VP210
1. Attach the power cord and plug the machine into a grounded electrical outlet
Properly insert the electrical cord into the power outlet on the back of the machine and
then plug the cord into the wall outlet.
2. Open the machine lid
Release the lid lock, located on the right side of the machine, and allow the lid to lift and
remain open.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT TURN THE MACHINE ON UNTIL THE LID LOCK HAS BEEN
RELEASED. THE LID LOCK FEATURE IS USED ONLY TO KEEP THE LID CLOSED
WHILE THE MACHINE IS IN STORAGE.
7
Operating Instructions
ADJUSTING/SETTING THE VP210 TIMING CONTROLS
Note: All timing adjustments must be made with the lid lock off and the lid open.
To adjust/set the timing controls, press the button on the control panel until the
required label is illuminated – Vacuum, Sealing or Cooling. For each selection, the current
time setting will show on the LED Screen. Each time setting is displayed in seconds.
For initial testing, the time settings should be: Vacuum Time - 40 seconds
Sealing Time - 1.2 seconds
Cooling Time - 2 seconds
SET
3. Turn the power switch on
Turn the red switch on the left side of the machine
toward the front, switching from the “0” to the “1”
position. The LED Screen on the control panel will
illuminate showing a symbol.

To change the settings, please read the following instructions for each control:
Vacuum Time: To increase or decrease the vacuum time, press the button until
VACUUM is illuminated and then use the buttons to adjust the vacuum time
accordingly. The time setting will display on the LED Screen on the control panel.
Note: Filler plates can be used to reduce the vacuum time required. Place the ller plates inside the chamber
as desired. Filler plates occupy space, leaving less air to be removed from the chamber. If you require more
space inside the chamber, remove the ller plates to accommodate your product.
Sealing Time: To increase or decrease the sealing time, press the button until
SEALING is illuminated and then use the buttons to adjust the sealing time to
accommodate your application. It is recommended that you make adjustments in 0.1
second increments to avoid melting the pouch.
Note: For thicker pouches, you should increase the seal time in 0.1 second increments until the pouch seals
completely. In addition, for thinner pouches, you should decrease the seal time in 0.1 second increments to
avoid over-sealing the pouch.
Cooling Time: To increase or decrease the cooling time, press the button until
COOLING is illuminated and then use the buttons to adjust the cooling time
accordingly.
Note: The VP210 settings will always default to the most recently used settings on the machine.
8
Operating Instructions (Continued)
SET
SET
SET

9
Operating Instructions (Continued)
USING THE VP210 VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE
Note: After setting the timing controls, press the button until all function lights on the control panel
are no longer illuminated. The machine will not start until all function lights are off.
1. Select a vacuum chamber pouch
Select the proper size of vacuum chamber pouch for the product that you are packaging.
Make sure that the mouth of the pouch does not exceed the length of the seal bar and
make sure the entire pouch ts inside of the chamber. Allow 1” to 2” of extra headspace
at the top of the pouch to ensure a quality, air-tight seal. The VP210 accepts vacuum
chamber pouches up to 10”W x 13”L in size.
2. Fill the pouch and place inside the chamber
Fill the pouch with the product to be vacuum packaged and place the pouch inside the
chamber. Keep pouches that contain liquids or wet product below the height of the seal
bar. Lay the pouch at inside the chamber, with the opening of the pouch across the seal
bar. Make sure that the pouch lies at across the seal bar and is free of wrinkles.
Note: The entire pouch, including the opening, must remain inside of the chamber.
3. Close the machine lid to vacuum and seal
Close the lid and press down rmly for 2-3 seconds or until the vacuum gauge begins to
move.
Vacuum Cycle
Runs for a set time - counting down to zero
Sealing Cycle
Runs for a set time - counting down to zero
Cooling Cycle
Runs for a set time - counting down to zero
Lid Release
Indicates the end of the process.
SET

Operating Instructions (Continued)
10
4. Inspect the pouch
When the lid opens, remove the pouch and inspect the vacuum-packaged product.
Vacuum conrmation - Check the quality of the vacuum by looking at the tightness of the
pouch and the product. Look for air pockets or air leaks. If you notice that the product is
not vacuum sealed tightly, then increase the vacuum time by 5 seconds and vacuum and
seal again.
Seal conrmation – Inspect the pouch seal. A positive seal will appear clear upon inspec-
tion. If the seal is spotty or incomplete, increase the seal time by 0.1 second. If the seal
appears white or milky, decrease the seal time by 0.1 second. Once the settings are deter-
mined for your application, vacuum and seal again.
If the product is vacuumed and sealed tightly, then the process is complete.

11
For the best results, use our VACMASTER® Vacuum Chamber Pouches with your VP210.
The VACMASTER® Vacuum Chamber Pouches are constructed of a heavy-duty poly/nylon
combination. This durable pouch provides increased puncture and abrasion resistance. These
pouches are transparent, offering clearly visible product for easy identication. The pouches work
well in conjunction with the VP210 Vacuum Packaging Machine, creating a secure vacuum and a
tight seal, making it a great asset for Sous Vide cooking. The VACMASTER® Vacuum Chamber
Pouches are high quality, larger quantity and incredibly affordable!
VACMASTER® Bone Guard
If you are vacuum packaging meat, sh or items that may puncture or tear the pouch, you may
want to consider using VACMASTER® Bone Guard. Bone Guard is a heavy-duty, 6 mil thick
material that is clear, for full product visibility, and provides the ultimate in pouch protection.
VACMASTER® Pouches
• Heavy-duty poly/nylon material
• Eliminates freezer burn and dehydration
• Pouches can be frozen, refrigerated, microwaved or boiled
• Economically priced
• Offered in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses
• BPA free

12
• Vacuum package brown sugar to keep it from getting hard.
• Make smoothies or juices ahead of time, and portion out for a quick way to get your daily dose
of vitamins. Save time on prep and cleanup.
• Leftover margaritas? Package them for a quick and easy way to enjoy margaritas any time.
• Make pre-portioned snacks for the family on the go!
• Package gardening seeds and bulbs to keep fresh until next spring when you can plant them.
• Making homemade frosting and decorating is such a chore. Put frosting into a chamber pouch
and vacuum package it (or just seal). Cut a small corner off and decorate! You won't get your
hands or utensils dirty.
• Keep important documents safe from damage (i.e. passport, birth certicates, marriage license).
• Keep items safe from wet conditions when outdoors (i.e. rst aid kits, cell phones, cameras).
• For a quick wet washcloth for children while on a road trip or while camping, wet some
washcloths and vacuum package them. Use a zipper bag and keep reusing it when needed.
• Not done with that paint project? Don't wash out your brushes every time - keep them wet and
vacuum package them for the following day.
• Hate it when your toiletries expand and leak when ying or driving to higher altitudes? Vacuum
package your items to ensure you won't encounter a mess when you arrive.
• There are literally hundreds of uses for all your craft projects. Vacuum package your rubber
stamps, modeling clay, or playdough to prevent drying out.
• Vacuum package your winter wool hats/gloves/scarves for compact summer storage and to
keep moths and bugs out of them.
• Make camping easy - vacuum package meals in advance, keep your toilet paper dry, make a
camping kit (matches, dry socks, maps, an extra set of shoes or clothes, etc).
• Vacuum package tools to keep them from rusting.
• For a quick ice pack, ll a vacuum bag about half full with water and a few tablespoons of
rubbing alcohol. Seal the bag - don't vacuum it - and place in the freezer. The alcohol keeps
the water from freezing completely, resulting in a exible ice pack to wrap around sore joints and
minor injuries.
VP210 Uses & Tips

13
• Read this manual carefully before using your VP210 for the rst time.
• Do not use the VP210 on a wet or hot surface, or near a heat source.
• Do not immerse machine, or power cord in water, or any other liquid.
• Use grounded power sources only. Do not use extension cords.
• Do not operate appliance with a damaged cord.
• Only use the VP210 for its intended use.
• Only use VACMASTER® vacuum chamber pouches and accessories.
• Vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning. Any perishable foods
that require refrigeration must still be refrigerated or frozen after packaging.
• Never vacuum package garlic or fungi, like mushrooms. A dangerous
chemical reaction takes place when the air is removed.
• Unplug machine before cleaning.
• Regularly clean your VP210 chamber, lid and exterior with a damp cloth and
mild soap to remove food particles and debris.
• Do not use any acetone-based or abrasive cleaner on the lid or other plastic
parts. Parts may become discolored or scratched.
• Wipe the seal bar with a damp cloth only. The seal bar is removable for
safe cleaning.
Machine Safety & Maintenance

14
VP210 will not turn on -
• Ensure that the machine is properly plugged into a grounded outlet.
• Check the power cord for tears and frays. Do not use machine if power cord is damaged.
• Make sure the power switch is turned on. LED screen will be illuminated when on.
• If you see displayed on the LED screen and the machine will not function,
make sure the lid is open and turn the power off. When turning the machine back
on, it should return to working order.
VP210 does not pull a complete vacuum with pouch -
• Vacuum time may not be set high enough. Set vacuum time higher and vacuum again.
• To vacuum and seal properly, the opening of pouch must be within the
vacuum chamber. For detailed instructions, refer to “Operating Instructions”.
• VP210 seal bar, lid gasket and vacuum pouch need to be clean, dry and free of
debris for the vacuum process to be successful. Wipe surface of seal bar, lid
gasket and inside of pouch and try again.
Vacuum pouch loses vacuum after being sealed -
• Sharp items can puncture small holes in pouches. To prevent this, cover sharp edges
with paper towel or VACMASTER® Bone Guard and vacuum in a new pouch.
• Some fruits and vegetables can release gases (out-gassing) if not properly blanched or
frozen before packaging. Open pouch. If you think food spoilage has begun, discard
food. If food spoilage has not yet begun, consume immediately. If in doubt, discard food.
VP210 is not sealing pouch properly -
• Seal time may not be long enough. Increase seal time and try again.
For detailed instructions, refer to “Operating Instructions”.
• Pouches will not seal if any moisture, food particles or debris are present in the seal
area. Wipe the inside of the pouch clean and try again.
• Pouch must be properly placed along the seal bar. Make sure the entire pouch is
over the seal bar and there are no wrinkles in pouch material.
If problems persist, contact customer support at 800.821.7849 for further assistance.
Thank you for purchasing the VACMASTER® VP210.
Troubleshooting
F1

15
Parts Information

16
Parts Information

17
Parts Information

18
Notes

Limited Warranty
ARY, Inc. a distributor and manufacturer of vacuum packaging and other machines
(collectively, the “Goods”), extends to the purchaser of the Goods a Limited One Year
Warranty, from the receipt of the Goods, under terms and conditions set out herein.
All Goods sold by ARY, Inc. are warranted to be free from defects in material and
workmanship at the time of delivery to purchaser. Defective material may be returned to ARY,
Inc. after inspection by an agent of ARY, Inc. and upon receipt from ARY, Inc. of shipping
instructions specic to the defective Goods authorized by ARY, Inc. to be returned. ARY, Inc.
at its sole option, may either (i) replace or repair any defective materials and workmanship
(and return the Goods to purchaser without charge), (ii) refund the purchase price, or (iii) grant
a reasonable allowance with the foregoing procedure.
This warranty is subject to the following limitations:
i. ARY, Inc.’s responsibility and the purchaser’s exclusive remedy under this warranty is
limited to the repair or replacement of defects in material and workmanship, refund of the
purchase price, or grant of a reasonable allowance on account of such defects, all as set forth
above. ARY, Inc. is not responsible for any consequential damages resulting from the breach
of this or any other express or implied warranty with respect to the Goods.
ii. This express warranty is the only warranty applicable. It excludes all other express oral or
written warranties and all warranties implied by law with respect to the Goods, including any
warranties or merchantability or tness for a particular purpose.
iii. Every claim under this warranty shall be deemed waived by purchaser unless made in
writing within one (1) year of the receipt of the Goods to which such claim relates.
iv. This warranty, as to the Goods, is void (a) to repairs made by anyone other than ARY, Inc.
without prior authorization from ARY, Inc., (b) to performance of any system of which ARY,
Inc.’s Goods are a component part, (c) to deterioration by corrosion or any cause of failure
other than defect of material or workmanship, (d) to any components of the Goods, including,
without limitation, Teon tape, lid gaskets and seal wire, or (e) if any of the Good or parts
thereof have been tampered with or altered by someone other than ARY, Inc., or subjected to
misuse, neglect, abuse, or misuse in application.
ARY, Inc.’s maximum liability hereunder, arising from any cause whatsoever, whether based in
contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or any other theory of law, shall not exceed
the purchase price. A suit based on any aforementioned cause of action must be commenced
within one year from the date said action accrues.

All Rights Reserved. GameMaster™, VACMASTER®, VacStrip®, Total Freshness System™
and Commercial Culinary Concepts are trademarks or registered trademarks of ARY, Inc. in
the United States and other countries.
**Vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning.
ARY Inc.
A leading supplier of commercial
products since 1939.
ARY, Inc.
P.O. Box 412888
Kansas City, MO 64141
www.aryvacmaster.com
800.821.7849