Weston Pro 3000 Vacuum Sealer - Manual (Page 5)

WARNING! Before cleaning, assembling or disassembling the
Vacuum Sealer, make sure the Vacuum Sealer is OFF and the PLUG IS
REMOVED FROM THE OUTLET/POWER SOURCE!
PROTECTIVE TAPE
There are two (2) factory installed
strips of Seal Bar Tape on the Vacuum Sealer.
DO NOT REMOVE THE TAPE!
SEAL BAR TAPE
DO NOT
REMOVE!
The Seal Bar Heating Element and Vacuum Lid Seal are each covered
with Seal Bar Tape to protect vacuum bags during sealing (Figure 1). DO
NOT remove the Seal Bar Tape. See the “Service Instructions” section of
this manual for information on replacing the Seal Bar Tape, if necessary.
*NOTE one extra piece of Seal Bar Tape is included with the original unit as a spare.
OVAL VACUUM CHAMBER SEALS
DO NOT REMOVE!
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
.
NEVER IMMERSE the Vacuum Sealer in water or other liquid.
.
Make sure the Vacuum Sealer has completely cooled before cleaning it.
.
Wipe clean all outside surfaces including the Plastic Vacuum Chamber and
Vacuum Lid with a damp cloth or paper towel. Most household spray cleaners are
safe to use. Avoid spraying directly into the vent on the left side of the unit. DO NOT
use abrasive cleansers! Abrasive cleansers will spoil the clarity of the Vacuum Lid.
.
Be careful while cleaning not to peel or damage the strips of Seal Bar Tape
covering the Seal Bar Heating Element and Vacuum Lid Seal.
.
Dry all surfaces and close the Vacuum Lid before storing the Vacuum Sealer.
Figure 1
Very Moist Foods: It is best to freeze very moist food items, like fish, before vacuum
sealing them. The excessive moisture can interfere with the Sealing Bar’s ability to
completely fuse the layers of the bag together.
Powdery Items: When vacuum sealing powdery items, like flour, it is best to keep
them in their original packaging before putting them into the vacuum bags. The fine
powder may get sucked into the 2-Piston Vacuum Pump and cause enough damage
to shorten the life of your Vacuum Sealer. Powdery items may also interfere with the
bag sealing function.
Sharp or Pointed Items: When vacuum sealing sharp or pointy items, it is best to
cushion the edges so they do not puncture the bag during the vacuum process.
YEAST & BACTERIA
For best results in extending the life of foods, it is important to vacuum package foods
that are fresh. Once food has begun to deteriorate, vacuum packaging may only slow
the deterioration process. Vacuum sealing cannot completely prevent the growth of
mold. Other disease causing microorganisms can still grow in low oxygen environments
and may require further measures to be eliminated.
Yeast: The development of yeast can be slowed by refrigeration and completely
stopped by freezing food at 0 o F (-18 o C). Yeast causes fermentation, which will give food
an identifiable smell.
Bacteria: Freezing cannot eliminate bacteria, but their growth can be stopped. The
growth of bacteria can be easily identified by an offensive odor and sometimes a slimy
texture. Some bacteria, like the one that causes botulism, can grow in low oxygen
environments and cannot be detected by smell, taste or color. Botulism is very rare, but
dangerous. Be sure that all foods are stored and cooked properly before eating.
COOKING & HEATING .
Before microwaving vacuum-packed foods, puncture or open the bag to allow hot air
to escape while heating.
.
Vacuum-packed foods can be thawed or cooked in boiling water.
.
Vacuum-packed perishable foods like meats, vegetables and cheeses must
be refrigerated (at or below 34 o F (1.1 o C)) or frozen, especially acid-free or low-acid foods.
This is important because although vacuum packaging removes most air from
the bag, bacteria like Clostridium Botulinum, which produces a toxin that causes
the illness botulism, is anaerobic and grows in the absence of oxygen. Refrigeration
and freezing slow the growth of bacteria. It is also important to maintain a clean
working area to reduce the likelihood of packaging harmful bacteria with the food.
VACUUM PACKAGING GUIDELINES
-5- -16-