VS350 - Vacuum packaging machines BLACK & DECKER - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Vacuum Sealer
Brand	Black & Decker
Model	VS350
Power Supply	120 V, polarized plug (USA/Canada)
Compatible Roll Width	21 cm (8 in) and 28 cm (11 in)
Main Features	Vacuum sealing, jar sealing, custom bag making
Indicator Light Capacity	Green (ready), amber (in operation), red/green (end of cycle)
Safety	Non-removable screw, polarized plug, do not immerse
Estimated Weight	Approximately 2.5 kg (5.5 lb)
Approximate Dimensions	42 x 15 x 12 cm (16.5 x 6 x 4.7 in)
Maintenance	Clean chamber every 30 cycles with 2 tablespoons of water
Replaceable Spare Parts	Upper foam gasket (ref. 2900-3211) and lower foam gasket (ref. 2900-3201), drip tray (ref. VS250-01)
Repairability	Authorized service center only (do not open yourself)
Included Accessories	Plastic roll(s), jar tube, drip tray
Warranty	1 year limited (United States and Canada)
Food Compatibility	Reusable washable bags, suitable for freezer and microwave, FreshGUARD jars

Frequently Asked Questions - VS350 BLACK & DECKER

How to make a custom bag with the appliance?

Cut a piece of roll leaving a 7.5 cm (3 in) excess. Place one end on the sealing strip, close the lid, and latch the locks. The appliance seals automatically. Let it rest for 20 seconds before the next cycle.

What types of rolls can I use?

The appliance is designed for five-layer plastic rolls 21 cm (8 in) and 28 cm (11 in) wide.

How to vacuum seal jars?

Pour the food into the jar, place the lid. Plug in the appliance, insert the tube into the jar sealing port, then press the jar sealing button for 2 seconds. Place the other end of the tube on the jar. The appliance stops automatically.

How to clean the sealing chamber?

After about 30 cycles, if liquids have penetrated, pour 2 tablespoons of water into the chamber, start the jar sealing cycle, then empty and clean the drip tray.

Which foods should not be vacuum sealed?

Avoid fragile foods (bread, chips) as they will be crushed. First seal meats, poultry, and blanched vegetables after freezing them for 1 to 2 hours.

What is the shelf life of vacuum sealed foods?

Meat can be stored up to 3 years in the freezer, fish 2 years, cheese 8 months, blanched vegetables 3 years, well beyond normal times.

Can I reuse the bags?

Yes, wash the bags in warm soapy water, rinse and dry. Do not reuse bags that have contained raw meat, poultry, or fish.

Why doesn't the appliance seal?

Check that the end of the bag is placed between the foam gaskets and not on the black strip or in the sealing path. Make sure the locks are securely latched.

How to quickly marinate foods with the appliance?

Place meat and marinade in a bag or jar, vacuum seal and let sit for 30 to 45 minutes in the refrigerator. The vacuum accelerates penetration.

Where can I find replacement parts?

Foam gaskets (ref. 2900-3211 and 2900-3201) and drip tray (ref. VS250-01) are available from the parts department at 1 800 738-0245 (USA/Canada).

USER MANUAL VS350 BLACK & DECKER

vs250.pub1000001093 7/16/04 2:00 PM Page 1

PLEASE READ AND SAVE THIS USE AND CARE BOOK.

POR FAVOR LEA ESTE INSTRUCTIVO ANTES DE USAR EL PRODUCTO.

VEUILLEZ LIRE ET CONSERVER CE GUIDE D'ENTRETIEN ET D'UTILISATION.

Professional-Performance Vacuum System

Accessories/Parts (USA/Canada) 1-800-738-0245

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

Read all instructions.
Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
To protect against a risk of electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plug or any part of this product in water or other liquid, or use on wet surfaces.
Do not place or store appliance where it can fall or be pulled into a sink or tub.
- Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
- Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions or is dropped or damaged in any manner. Return the product to the nearest authorized service facility for examination, repair or electrical or mechanical adjustment. Or, call the appropriate toll-free number listed on the cover of this manual.
Do not use outdoors
Do not allow the cord to touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of table or counter. Do not wrap the cord around the appliance.
To disconnect, grasp plug and remove from outlet. Do not pull by the cord.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

POLARIZED PLUG

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify the plug in any way.

ELECTRICAL CORD

The cord of this appliance was selected to reduce the possibility of tangling in or tripping over a longer cord. If more length is needed, use an extension cord rated no less than 15-amperes. (For 220 volts rated products, use an extension cord rated no less than 6-amperes cord). When using an extension cord, do not let it drape over the working area or dangle where someone could accidentally trip over it. Handle cord carefully for longer life; avoid jerking or straining it at outlet and appliance connections.

Congratulations ...

On your purchase of the Black & Decker Professional-Performance Vacuum System! Your decision to purchase this product will have a permanent impact on your budget from now on. It will save you money because you will be able to purchase food in bulk and divide into portions that are exactly right for your family's size and tastes.

It will save you time, too. Imagine not having to worry what's for dinner, because you're able to give each family member a customized dinner that you've prepared, portioned, vaucuum-sealed and frozen in advance. Each meal needs only a few minutes heating in the microwave to be "fresh cooked."

The Black & Decker^b system is convenient, versatile and practical for today's busy lifestyles. In just seconds, you can make custom-sized bags to hold individual or family-sized portions of food, then vacuum seal to keep that food fresh for as much as 5 times longer.

• Keep meals, poultry and blanched vegetables fresh and flavorful and free from freezer burn.
• Pantry staples like flours, sugars and dried peas and beans stay fresh, dry and free of bugs.
• Refrigerated foods like cheese and cold cuts stay fresher longer.

All this means less food waste, so more money saved!

The more you use the Black & Decker system, the more ways you will find to expand its use in and around your home.

TAMPER-RESISTANT SCREW

This appliance is equipped with a tamper-resistant screw to prevent removal of the bottom cover. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not attempt to remove the bottom cover. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Repair should be done only by authorized service personnel.

SOFT-TOUCH PARTS

Note: The soft touch parts of the appliance are free of natural rubber and latex. They are safe for individuals allergic or sensitive to these materials.

VS250.Pub1000001093 7/16/04 2:00 PM Page 4

Product may vary slightly from what is illustrated.

1. Canister vacuum button

2. Vacuum channel

3. Canister hose port

How does the Black & Decker

Professional-Performance Vacuum Sealer Work?

TheScaler unit has a powerful vacuum-pump system that pulls out the air that surrounds food, leaving the food sealed in its owns 5-ply plastic storage bag.

What do I use to package my food for vacuum sealing?

The Black & Decker® System uses 8-inch (21 cm) wide rolls and 11-inch (28 cm) wide rolls of 5-ply plastic to make custom-sized bags for meats, poultry, blanched vegetables, etc.

The bags are freezer safe, hand washable and reusable. They are microwave safe and can be immersed in boiling water for reheating packaged food.

Also available is a 2-size canister set (1- and 1% -quart sizes/1 liter and 1% liters) for refrigerator storage of fragile food items, like berries, or items you want to keep crisp and dry in the pantry like cookies and crackers. It's also perfect for keeping coffee beans fresh in the pantry or freezer.

How to use the Black & Decker® FreshGUARD™ Professional-Performance Vacuum System Sealer to make custom-size bags with rolls:

1. Place the unit on a flat, level surface that is comfortable to work on and plug in the power cord. You see the green progress light come on in the middle of the unit.
2. Use sharp scissors to cut a piece from the roll that is long enough to hold the food item plus 3 inches.
3. Lift the unit lid.
4. Place one end of the bag on the sealing strip. Be sure the end does not extend over the black rubber strip or into the vacuum channel.

1. Close the lid. The push bar on the lid pushes down the open end of the bag into position (A).
2. Press down the top of the lid at the ends then press in the side latches until you hear them click into place (B). The vacuum sealing process begins automatically. The progress indicator light starts blinking; the unit makes a deep humming sound.
3. When vacuum sealing process is complete, the sound stops and the light goes from blinking green to red and then back to steady green. Press the release button (C).
4. Press down the lid at the ends to release the locking latches (D).
5. Lift the lid and remove the sealed bag. Let the unit rest at least 20 seconds before using it again. 10.Unplug unit.

Tip: Using a sharp pair of scissors with long cutting blades makes it easier to cut the roll straight.

How to use the FreshGUARD™ Professional-Performance Vacuum Sealer to vacuum seal:

1. Plug unit and lift lid.
2. Place food or other item in the bag. Do not try to seal fragile foods (breads, chips, etc.) in vacuum-sealed bag. They will be crushed.

1. Close the lid. The push bar on the lid pushes down the open end of the bag into position (see A).
2. Press down the top of the lid at the ends then press in the side latches until you hear them click into place (see B). The vacuum sealing process begins automatically. The progress indicator light starts blinking; the unit makes a deep humming sound.
3. When vacuum sealing process is complete, the sound stops and the light goes from blinking green to red and then back to green. Press the release button (see C).
4. Press down the lid at the ends to release the locking latches (see D).
5. Lift the lid and remove the sealed bag. Let the unit rest at least 20 seconds before using it again.
6. Unplug unit.

How to use the FreshGUARD™ Professional-Performance Vacuum System canisters to vacuum seal:

1. Place food in canister, then place lid on canister.
2. Plug unit and lift lid.

1. Attach the small end of the hose to the canister hose port (F).
2. Press and hold the canister vacuum button for about 2 seconds, until the unit starts.

3. After the unit has started, place the large end of the hose over the vacuum port in the center of the lid.

4. The unit will automatically shut off when canister is vacuum sealed.

5. Detach the hose from the canister and unit.
6. Close unit lid.
7. Unplug unit.

Care and Cleaning

Cleaning the Vacuum Chamber

Caution: Do not clean the vacuum chamber after every use. It is recommended to clean it every 30 cycles and only if liquids get inside the chamber.
Important: If you see any food particles in the chamber, clean the chamber to prevent food from getting into pump.
1. Plug unit.
2. Using a measuring cup, fill with 2 tablespoons of water ONLY.
3. Turn on by pressing the canister button.
4. Once unit shuts off, remove drain cup, clean it and insert back into the unit.
5. Unplug unit.

Food Preparation Before Vacuum Sealing

A W ord About Food Safety

It is very important that you know and observe some basic safe-food handling practices as you vacuum seal food:

Keep food, especially meals, fish and poultry refrigerated until ready to vacuum seal. Store vacuum-sealed meats, fish and poultry in the freezer immediately after sealing.

Wash hands with warmest water possible and soap and dry with a clean towel or paper toweling before handling food.

Re-wash hands as above after handling raw meat, fish or poultry and before handling any other food.

Before re-using a bag in which food was sealed, wash in warmest sudsy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to thoroughly air dry.

Do not re-use a bag in which raw meat, fish or poultry had been sealed.

Tosafely thaw food, take from freezer and place directly in refrigerator to thaw, or defrost in a microwave oven.

Since oxygen (air) and lime are the major reasons foods spoil, it is important to note that vacuum sealing food cannot reverse food deterioration. Food that is not fresh when you vacuum seal it, will not be any fresher when you un-seal it.

The fresher the food is when you vacuum seal it, the fresher and more flavorful it will be when it is un-sealed.

While vacuum sealing extends the life of foods, it is not a substitute for canning.

Follow the guidelines in this manual for sealing and storing different types of foods.

STORAGEGUIDES\*

Preparing Meats/Poultry/Fish for Vacuum Sealing

For best results, freeze for 1 to 2 hours before vacuum sealing.

If pre-freezing is not an option, place a folded paper towel in the center of the bag to absorb excess liquid, then place meat in bag. Vacuum seal bag with paper towel and meat in place.

Meal/Fish/Poultry	Where to Store	Recommended Storage System	Black & Decker® System Storage Time	Normal Recommended Storage Time**
Meat (beef stew type)	Freezer	Bag	3 years	6 to 9 months
Lamb (steaks and chops)	Freezer	Bag	2 years	3 to 4 months
Pork (chops)	Freezer	Bag	2 years	2 to 3 months
Ground beef	Freezer	Bag	1 year	2 to 3 months
Poultry (whole chicken)	Freezer	Bag	3 years	12 months
Fish (lean)	Freezer	Bag	2 years	6 to 8 months

** Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

Preparing Cheeses for Vacuum Sealing

If cheese is used frequently, you might want to make the bag longer than normal by 3 to 4-inches (7.5-10 cm). That will allow you to cut to open and leave enough room for 3 or 4 rescalls.

Tip: For cubed cheeses like Cheddar or Swiss, freeze cubes on a cookie sheet 30 minutes to 1 hour before vacuum sealing. For shredded cheeses, toss with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) all-purpose flour per 2 cups (500 ml) of cheese; spread cheese lightly on cookie sheet and freeze 20 minutes before sealing.

Cheese	Where to Store	Recommended Storage System	Black & Decker* System Storage Time	Normal Recommended Storage Time**
Processed cheese (slices)	Refrigerator	Bag	8 months	1 to 2 months
Cheese, hard (opened)	Refrigerator	Bag	6 to 8 months	3 to 4 months
Parmesan, Romano (shredded)	Refrigerator	Bag	6 to 8 months	1 month
Hard and wax-coated cheese, Cheddar, Edam, Gouda, Swiss (opened)	Refrigerator	Bag	6 to 8 months	3 to 4 weeks

** Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

• Recommended storage times are for quality only. Follow safe food-handling procedures and consult individual product recommendations.

Preparing Vegetables for Vacuum Sealing

Vegetables should be blanched before vacuum sealing to retain nutrients, flavor and color.

Toblanch vegetables, place them in a large pot of boiling water and cook according to the chart below, then immediately drain and plunge drained vegetables into a pot of very cold water to stop the cooking. Drain vegetables then place on paper toweling or on a kitchen towel to dry, then vacuum seal and freeze.

Vegetables Blanching Where Recommended (home frozen) Time to Store Storage System System			Black & Decker2 Storage Time Storage	Normal Recommended Time**
Asparagus 1 to 3 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Broccoli 3 to 4 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Brussels sprouts	3 to 4 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Cabbage 3 to 5 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Cauliflower	3 to 4 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Corn, on the cob	6 to 12 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Corn, whole kernel	4 to 6 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Green beans	2 to 3 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Snow peas 1 to 2 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months
Sugar snap peas	1 to 3 minutes Freezer Bag 3 years 10 months

** Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

Preparing Fruit for Vacuum Sealing

Soft or delicate fruits and berries of all kinds should be individually pre-frozen for 1 to 2 hours until solidly frozen before vacuum sealing in bags. For example, slice stone fruits (peaches, plums, nectarines, etc.) and place slices on a cookie sheet and freeze, then place solidly frozen pieces in bag to vacuum seal.
Berries can be individually frozen as above before vacuum sealing in a bag then freezing or vacuum-sealed fresh in a FreshGuard TM canister and stored in refrigerator.

Fruit, Cut	Where to Store	Recommended Storage System	Black & Decker® System Storage Time	Normal Recommended Storage Time**
Apricots, Nectarines, Peaches, Plums	Freezer	Bag	1 to 3 years	2 to 3 months
Berries	Refrigerator	Canister	10 days	1 to 2 days

** Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

Preparing Other Foods for Vacuum Sealing

Baked goods (breads, rolls, cakes, pastries, bagels) should always be pre-frozen for 1 to 2 hours before vacuum sealing. Pre-freezing prevents baked goods from collapsing when the vacuum sealing process takes place.

When vacuum-sealing foods like soups and stews that are liquid-based, pre-freeze in a shallow casserole or pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. The frozen food can then be easily removed from the container and placed in an appropriate sized bag.

Food	Where	Recommended to Store Storage System System	Black & Decker* Storage Time	Normal Recommended Storage Time**
Baked pies/pastry	Freezer Bag 1 to 3 years 1 to 2 months
Quick Breads Freezer Bag 1 to 3 years 3 to 6 months
Coffee, beans Refrigerator Bag or (from can)		canister 2 years 2 weeks
Ground coffee, (from can)	Pantry	Bag or canister 3 years 2 years
Cookies (packaged)	Pantry	Canister	6 months	2 months
Nuts	Freezer Bag	or canister 2 years 6 to 12 months
Pasta (uncooked)	Pantry	Canister	3 years	2 years
Rice (uncooked)	Pantry	Canister	2 years	6 months
Granulated sugar	Pantry	Canister	3 years	2 years

** Food Marketing Institute, January 2003.

Preparing Foods for Marinating

Marinating is a great way to tenderize a less expensive cut of meat, and give added flavor to meals, poultry, fish and vegetables.

The Black & Decker® Professional-Performance Vacuum System offers you two ways to have tender, flavorful meats, poultry and fish and flavor-infused vegetables and salads—and now it can be done in minutes, not hours.

For larger pieces of meal, poultry or fish, use the 8-inch (21 cm) or 11-inch (28 cm) wide rolls to prepare a custom-sized bag. Place the food and marinade in bag and vacuum seal. Place in refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes.

For cubes of meat, poultry or fish, or for marinated vegetables or salads use the appropriate size canisler for the amount of food and marinade.

Always place marinating food, whether in canister or bags, in the refrigerator until ready to cook or eat.

IMPORTANT MISES EN GARDE

For service, repair or any questions regarding your appliance, call the appropriate "800" number on the cover of this book. Do not return the product to the place of purchase. Do not mail the product back to the manufacturer nor bring it to a service center. You may also want to consult the website listed on the cover of this manual.

One-Year Limited Warranty (Applies only in the United States and Canada)

What does it cover?

Any defect in material or workmanship; provided; however, Applica's liability will not exceed the purchase price of the product.

For how long?

One year after the date of original purchase

What will we do to help you?

• Provide you with a reasonably similar replacement product that is either new or factory refurbished

How do you get service?

Save your receipt as proof of the date of sale.

Check our on-line service site at www.prodprotect.com/applica, or call our toll-free

number, 1-800-231-9786, for general warranty service

If you need parts or accessories, please call 1-800-738-0245.

What does your warranty not cover?

D amage from commercial use

• Damage from misuse, abuse or neglect

• Products that have been modified in any way

• Products used or serviced outside the country of purchase

Glass parts and other accessory items that are packed with the unit

• Shipping and handling costs associated with the replacement of the unit

• Consequential or incidental damages (Please note, however, that some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, so this limitation may not apply to you.)

How does state law relate to this warranty?

• This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.

NECESITAAYUDAB

Copyright © 2004 Applica Consumer Products, Inc.

Pub.No.1000001093-00-RV00

Made in People's Republic of China

Printed in People's Republic of China

Importado por:

Aplica de Mexico S.de R.L.de C.V.

Blvd. Manuel Avila Camacho 2900 Int. 902

Los Pirules, Tlalnepantla,

Edo, Mex.
C.P. 54820

C.P. 51404 Minnie