10 Helpful Vacuum Sealing Tips

There are many things you can do to avoid having problems when vacuum sealing foods and to ensure food safety. Additionally, a little TLC really does go a long way. Listed below are some vacuum sealing tips addressing problems, offering solutions and helpful that can help you get the most use from you vacuum sealer, while increasing its lifespan.  

1.                 Problems with bag not sealing:  If you experience problems with your vacuum sealer bag not sealing properly, check to make sure there is no food or other debris near the seal.  This area must be clean for proper sealing to take place.  Another thing you want to make sure of, is that you don't over-pack the bags.  Leave plenty of room for vacuum sealing to thoroughly take place.  Keeps bags as flat as you can for better sealing.  In other words don't pile a bunch of food on top of other food.  Also remember to unseal your bag completely before trying to reseal it.

2.                 Cleaning machine after every use:  It is important to keep your food vacuum sealer clean to ensure that it works properly.  This will also make it perform longer, so that you can enjoy it for many years.  Follow the cleaning instructions that come with your machine.

3.                 Always using clean bags:  To ensure your foods are safe, always use a clean bag with every food seal.  Raw meats and other foods will leave behind bacteria in the bags, and you don't want that transferred to your other food.

4.                 Referring to users manual to troubleshoot problems:  If your vacuum sealer isn't functioning the way it should, make sure you refer to your users manual to troubleshoot problems.  This will offer good suggestions on what to do to solve the problem.  You can also look online for suggestions from other users. 

5.                 Choosing bags and accessories:  You really should only use bags that are recommended by the manufacturer, and make sure they are BPA free.  If you are using canisters to vacuum seal your food, make sure your canisters, lids and marinating containers are clean.

6.                 How to seal foods with pointy edges:  To keep pointy foods from busting through your vacuum sealing bags, there are a few precautions you can take.  You can tape the pointy edges with freezer tape, then put them in a freezer bag before packing them for vacuum sealing. Another option is to wrap them in a brown paper bag, or brown meat paper before vacuum sealing and packaging foods in vacuum sealer bags.  You can also consider sealing them loosely around the edges.

7.                 Liquid rich foods and wet foods:  Chamber vacuum sealers work better with liquids due to the chamber technology.  You also want to make sure you dry your wet foods off with a paper towel to ensure better sealing.

8.                 Purchasing the right vacuum sealer based on need:  Consider the frequency with which you will be using a vacuum sealer, the size of your household and what you are going to be sealing most often.  These considerations will help you to purchase the right vacuum sealer for your home.

9.                 Avoiding health risk and practicing safe techniques:  Make sure you keep your food sealing machine, counter area, containers, utensils and bags clean!  The smallest food particles left on any of these items can cause bacteria to grow and risk the health of you and your family. For more information on vacuum packing safety, visit the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

10.            Take advantage of the season and taking advantage of sales:  If you hunt, fish or garden, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor anytime, when you vacuum seal your meats, vegetables and fruits.  Enjoy them year around, and offer them as gifts to family and friends.  So go ahead and take advantage of seasonal foods, sales and bulk shopping!  Your food will last for years in the freezer when you vacuum seal it.

Practice these tips with every use to get the most out of your unit for years to come.

Must Have Small Kitchen Appliances

These must have small kitchen appliances are something that just about every kitchen could use and household should have.  If you are seeking appliances that will make your life simpler, then consider the top five that are featured here.  They are convenient, easy to maintain and will make you wonder how you ever did without them in the first place.  Remember those on your gift-giving list, too.  Who wouldn't love to have any of these small kitchen appliances in their home?

1.                 Toaster Oven:  A toaster oven allows you to bake, cook, toast bread, and more.  You can bake any small item in a toaster oven just as easily as you can a large oven, perhaps even easier, and its easy and convenient to do so.  Some of the benefits of this small kitchen appliance are that you don't have to wait as long for it to preheat; it sits at a convenient level on your counter top; it's easy to clean and maintain; it saves energy compared to a large oven; it saves you from having to have a toaster, too.  Some of the top name brands of toaster ovens include Cuisinart, Breville and Hamilton Beach.

2.                 Vacuum Sealer:  A vacuum sealer allows you to seal food and freeze it for fresher tasting food that keeps important nutrients in tact.  Along with food, you can also seal clothing, snacks for traveling, emergency first aid kits for camping, and so on.  Buy food on sale or in bulk then vacuum seal it to remove air, and you'll see little to no frostbite on your food, and it will stay in your freezer for years.  This will save you time and money in the long run.  This small kitchen appliance is becoming increasing popular with households everywhere.  Some of the top name brands of vacuum sealers include Weston, Foodsaver and Vacmaster. Compare and read detailed vacuum sealer reviews.

3.                 Food Processor:  You can do so much with a food processor.  It allows you to chop foods, prepare soups, mix ingredients, and so on.  Every kitchen needs this small kitchen appliance!  Some of the top name brands in food processors include Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach and Black & Decker.

4.                 Crock Pot/Slow Cooker:  Crock pots or slow cookers are the working woman's dream appliance.  You can place food in one and let it cook on low all day while you are working.  You and your family will be able to come home to a hot, fresh meal that was made with little effort.  Make soups, stews, entrees and even desserts in this small kitchen appliance.  Some of the top name brands in crock pots include Hamilton Beach, Crock-Pot and Cuisinart.

5.                 Electric Grills:  Electric grills are a very popular small kitchen appliance that allows you to grill foods in your kitchen.  Hot sandwiches, hamburgers, steaks and more can be prepared quickly and easily using an electric grill.  They are easy to store and extremely convenient.  Some of the top name brands in electric grills include George Foreman, Cuisinart and Hamilton Beach.