Vacmaster Vp120 User manual

User’s Guide

VP120

Thank you for purchasing the VACMASTER®VP120 Vacuum Packaging Machine. You are

about to revolutionize your home with one of the strongest vacuum packaging systems available.

With the help of the VP120, you will now be able to keep food fresher longer in the refrigerator,

longer than normal preservation methods. Also, the VP120 can be used to preserve and organize

to be so versatile and convenient, it will never leave your countertop.

The VP120 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. Secondly, liquids and liquid-rich foods can be effectively

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The VP120 Vacuum Packaging Machine uses commercial technology. Simply place the pouch to

be sealed inside the chamber and close the lid. Push start and the vacuum process begins. First,

the air is removed from the entire chamber and the vacuum pouch. Once the preset vacuum level

chamber. Wait for the beep, and the process is complete.

To get started, please read and follow all instructions for usage and maintenance carefully before

operating the VACMASTER®VP120 Vacuum Packaging Machine.

Vacuum Packaging Overview........................................4

VP120 Features .........................................................5

VP120 Control Panel..................................................6

Operating Instructions ...................................................7

VACMASTER®Pouches ........................................10

VP120 Uses & Tips ..................................................11

Machine Safety & Maintenance...................................12

Troubleshooting...........................................................13

Warranty ......................................................................15

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 ® VP120 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, such as aerobic bacteria and molds, which degrade food.

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.

•

• All perishable foods must be refrigerated or frozen to prevent spoilage.

• Vacuum packaging is not a substitute for canning.

Vacuum Packaging Overview

Seal Bar

Control

Panel

Vacuum

Chamber

Lid Gasket

Pouch Clip

VP120 Features

Seal Pad

Indicates the vacuum level inside the chamber.

Displays current function or cycle time count.

Press to open or close the lid.

Press to turn the machine ON or OFF. This function is displayed

in the LeD screen.

Press to automatically close the lid and begin the vacuum and

seal process.

Press to stop the vacuum cycle and immediately seal the pouch.

This button will only work while the machine is in the vacuum

process.

Press to select the Vac Time or Seal Time for adjustment.

Use the + / - buttons to increase or decrease the vacuum

or seal time.

Illuminates to adjust the vacuum time. Use the + / - buttons

to increase or decrease the vacuum time.

Illuminates to adjust the seal time. Use the + / - buttons to

increase or decrease the vacuum time.

Press to increase the vacuum time or seal time.

Press to decrease the vacuum time or seal time.

VP120 Control Panel

Vacuum Gauge:

(not shown)

LED Screen:

Buttons:

:nottuB

Button:

Vac Time

Indicator Light:

Seal Time

Indicator Light:

Button:

Please read all instructions before operating the VP120.

USING THE VP120 VACUUM PACKAGING MACHINE

1. Plug the machine into a grounded electrical outlet

Properly insert the machine’s electrical plug into a grounded wall outlet. The machine lid will

raise automatically and the LeD screen on the control panel will read “OFF”.

2. Press the ON/OFF button

The LeD screen on the control panel will read “ON”.

3. Adjust/set timing controls

4. 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

of the pouch to ensure a quality, air-tight seal. The VP120 accepts vacuum chamber pouches

up to 10”W x 13”L in size.

Operating Instructions

Vacuum Time: The default seal time is 5, which is appropriate for standard applications.

You can adjust the time from 5-9. Each number equals ½ of a second. If you wish to

change the seal time, press the SET button twice or until the Seal Time indicator light is

illuminated. Use the + / - buttons to adjust the seal time to accommodate your application.

It is recommended that you make adjustments in 1 increments to avoid melting the pouch.

The seal time can vary from 3-9. Increments. Delete the word seconds that are highlighted

in red and yellow.

Note: If the machine is unplugged, the vacuum time and seal time will reset to the

default settings.

Operating Instructions (Continued)

5. 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.

Note: The entire pouch, including the opening, must remain inside of the chamber.

Using the pouch clip - To keep the pouch in place during

the vacuum cycle, you will want to use the pouch clip

accessory at the front of the chamber. Lift the pouch clip

lever up and insert the open end of the bag inside the

clip. Once the pouch is in position, press the pouch clip

place during the vacuum and seal process.

Note: Once the vacuum and seal cycle is complete, lift

the pouch clip lever up to remove the pouch.

6. Press the “START” button to vacuum and seal

Press the “Start” button to begin the vacuum process. The lid will close automatically and the

vacuum cycle will begin at the set vacuum time and count down to zero. Once the vacuum

cycle is complete, the seal process will begin. The seal cycle will begin at the set seal time

and count down to zero. Once the seal cycle is complete, air will be released back into the

chamber, the machine will give a long beep sound and the lid will rise automatically indicating

that the vacuum and seal cycle is complete.

Note: The “SEAL” button is an additional feature that allows you to abort the vacuum process

and seal the pouch. Press “SEAL” at any time during the vacuum cycle.

Pouch Clip Lever

Operating Instructions (Continued)

7. Inspect the pouch

r emove the pouch and inspect the vacuum-packaged product.

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.

Inspect the pouch seal. A positive seal will appear clear upon inspection.

If the seal is spotty or incomplete, increase the seal time by 1 second. If the seal appears

white or milky, decrease the seal time by 1 second. Once the settings are determined for

your application, vacuum and seal again.

If the product is vacuumed and sealed tightly, then the process is complete.

For the best results, use our VACMASTer ®Vacuum Chamber Pouches with your VP120.

The VACMASTer ®Vacuum Chamber Pouches are constructed of a heavy-duty poly/nylon

combination. This durable pouch provides increased puncture and abrasion resistance. These

well in conjunction with the VP120 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!

• 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 thickness

• BPA free

VACMASTER®Bone Guard

want to consider using VACMASTer ®Bone Guard. Bone Guard is made of a heavy-duty, 6 mil

thick material that is clear, for full product visibility, and provides the ultimate in pouch protection.

VACMASTER®Pouches

• Vacuum package brown sugar to keep it from getting hard.

• Left over margaritas? Package them for a quick and easy way to enjoy margaritas any time.

• Make smoothies or juices ahead of time and portion out for a quick way to get your daily dose

of vitamins and to save time making them and cleaning up every day.

• 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.

• licenses).

•

• 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.

• acuum

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 so they won't dry out, and keep modeling clay and playdough from drying out, too.

• 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.

•

rubbing alcohol. Seal the bag - don't vacuum it - and place in the freezer. The alcohol keeps

and minor injuries.

VP120 Uses & Tips

• r

• Do not use the VP120 on a wet or hot surface, or near a heat source.

• Do not immerse machine or power cord in water, or any other liquid.

• Do not carry machine by the lid.

• Pinch Point Danger: Keep hands and objects clear of lid and chamber during the lid

closing operation.

• Use grounded power sources only. Do not use extension cord.

• Do not operate appliance with a damaged cord.

• Only use the VP120 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.

• r egularly clean your VP120 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 cleaners 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

VP120 will not turn on -

• Make sure 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.

VP120 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”.

• VP120 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.

VP120 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®VP120.

Troubleshooting

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

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

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,

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 r ights r eserved. GameMaster™, VACMASTer ®, VacStrip®, Total Freshness System™and

Commercial Culinary Concepts are trademarks or registered trademarks of Ar Y, 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.

Ar Y, Inc.

P.O. Box 412888

Kansas City, MO 64141

www.aryvacmaster.com

800.821.7849

Table of contents

Vacmaster VP120 User manual