FoodSaver FM2900 - Vacuum Sealer Manual

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

For your own safety, always follow these basic precautions when using a FoodSaver^® appliance:

1. Read the User Manual carefully for operating instructions. Read all instructions in this manual before use.
2. When using an electrical appliance, basic precautions are required to always be followed, including the following:

FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
Read all instructions before using this appliance.

To reduce the risk of electric shock:

1. Do not reach for an appliance that has fallen into water. Unplug immediately from receptacle.
2. Do not use while bathing or in a shower.
3. Do not place or store appliance where it is able to fall or be pulled into a tub or sink. Do not place in or drop into water or other liquid.
4. Always unplug this appliance from the electrical outlet immediately after using.
5. Unplug this appliance before cleaning.

To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock:

1. Do not use appliance on wet surfaces or outdoors.
2. To protect against electric shock, do not immerse any part of appliance, power cord or plug in water or other liquid. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
3. To disconnect, unplug power cord from electrical outlet. Do not disconnect by pulling on cord.
4. Do not operate appliance with a damaged power cord or plug. Do not operate appliance if it malfunctions or is in any way, damaged.

For details, contact Consumer Services at 1-877-777- 8042.

1. Use appliance only for its intended use.
2. Close supervision is required when this product is used near children.
3. 
   A short power cord is provided to reduce risks from entanglement or tripping over a longer cord. An extension cord may be used when marked electrical rating is no less than electrical rating of this appliance.
4. No cords should drape over counter or tabletop, where cords can be tripped over or pulled on unintentionally, especially by children.
5. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or heated oven. Extreme caution must be used when moving products containing hot liquids.

POLARIZED PLUG

This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). As a safety feature to reduce the risk of electricl shock, this plug is intended to 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 attempt to defeat this plug safety feature or modify the plug in any way. If the plug fits loosely into the AC outlet or if the AC outlet feels warm do not use that outlet.

IMPORTANT TIPS

1. Vacuum sealing is NOT a substitute for the heat process of canning. Perishables still need to be refrigerated or frozen.
2. For best results, use only with FoodSaver Rolls, Containers and Accessories.
3. During the vacuum sealing process, small amounts of liquids, crumbs or food particles can be inadvertently pulled into the Vacuum Channel. Empty the Drip Tray after each use.
4. Avoid overfilling; always leave at least 3 inches (7.62 cm) of bag material between bag contents and top of bag. This allows room for the bag material to cinch tightly against the food and prevents the bag from pulling out of the Vacuum Channel during the sealing process. Then leave at least one additional inch (2.54 cm) of bag material for each time you plan to reuse bag.
5. Do not create your own side seams for a FoodSaver^® Bag. These bags are manufactured with a special side seam, which is sealed all the way to the outer edge.
6. To prevent wrinkles in the seal when vacuum sealing bulky items, gently stretch bag flat while inserting bag into Vacuum Channel and continue to hold bag until vacuum pump starts.
7. When you are vacuum sealing items with sharp edges (dry spaghetti, silverware, etc.), protect bag from punctures by wrapping item in soft cushioning material, such as a paper towel. You may want to use a canister or Mason jar instead of a bag.
8. When using accessories, remember to leave one inch (2.54 cm) of space at top of canister or container.
9. Pre freeze fruits and blanch vegetables before vacuum sealing for best results. See Guidelines for Vacuum Sealing.
10. Wait 20 seconds between seals to allow appliance to cool.
11. Never store lid in OPERATE position as gaskets may become compressed.

POWER CORD INSTRUCTIONS

A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Longer extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised in their use. If a long extension cord is used:

1. The marked electrical rating of the extension cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance;
2. The longer cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the counter top or table top where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over unintentionally.

FEATURES

The user-friendly, intuitive control panel makes it easy for you to get the most out of your FoodSaver^® System:

1. Dry/Moist/Pulse/Sous Vide Settings Indicator Light
   Shows whether Dry, Moist, Pulse, or Sous Vide Food Setting is selected.
2. Seal Indicator Light
   This light has two uses:
   1. Flashing light indicates sealing process is engaged.
   2. Rapid Flashes to indicate error.
3. Vacuum Indicator Light
   Flashing light shows Vacuum process is engaged. Once vacuum process is complete, it will automatically shut off and transition to the Seal button to start the sealing process.
4. Power Light
   Illuminates when the unit is in the OPERATE position. Shuts off automatically when latch is not in OPERATE position.
5. Dry/Moist/Pulse/Sous Vide Settings Button
   Press Mode button to select custom setting. Indicator light will illuminate next to the custom setting that is initiated. Use Dry Mode for optimal vacuuming and sealing of dry foods. This is the default setting. Use Moist Mode for optimal vacuuming and sealing of moist or juicy foods. Use Pulse Mode and press and hold the Vacuum Button to manually control the vacuum function. Press Seal Button when ready to seal bag. Use Sous Vide Mode for optimal vacuuming and sealing of bags to use in Sous Vide cooking.
6. Seal Button
   This button has three uses:
   1. Press to create a seal when making bags from a FoodSaver^® Roll.
   2. Press to immediately stop the vacuum process and begin sealing the bag.
   3. Press to create a seal on film bags (such as a potato chip bag) to keep food sealed airtight.
7. Vacuum Button
   This button has two uses:
   1. Press to vacuum seal and seal food airtight. Appliance shuts off automatically.
   2. Press to pause vacuum process at any point.

How to

Make a Bag from a FoodSaver^® Roll

1. Move Easy Lock Latch to open position. Open appliance lid (I) and place roll into roll holder.
   
2. Lift up Roll Cutter Bar (P) and place bag material beneath the cutter bar. Pull out enough bag material to hold item being vacuum sealed, plus 3 inches (7.62 cm). Lower the Roll Cutter Bar and slide Bag Cutter (L) across Cutter Bar.
3. Insert one end of bag material across sealing strip.
   
4. Close lid and turn Easy Lock Latch to OPERATE position.
   
5. Press Seal button.
   
6. When Seal Indicator Light turns off, sealing is complete. Turn latch to OPEN position, lift lid and remove bag.

Now you are ready to vacuum seal with your new bag.

Vacuum Seal with FoodSaver^® Bags

1. Place item(s) in bag, allowing at least three inches (7.62 cm) of space between bag contents and top of bag.
2. Open appliance lid and place open end of bag into Vacuum Channel (Drip Tray).
   
3. Close lid and turn Easy Lock Latch to OPERATE position.
   
4. Press Vacuum button to begin vacuum and sealing process. Motor will continue to run until bag is fully vacuumed, then will automatically seal.
   
5. When Seal Indicator Light turns off, turn Latch to OPEN position, lift lid and remove bag. Refrigerate, freeze or store as needed. (See FoodSaver Guidelines for safe food storage tips.)

Tips:

• Let appliance cool down for 20 seconds after each use. Always store appliance with the Easy Lock Latch in the center STORE position.
• To minimize bag waste, do not insert too much bag material into removable drip tray. Place bag just over the edge of removable drip tray.

Vacuum Seal with FoodSaver^® Accessories

Installing Handheld Sealer

1. Remove the plastic plug on the left side of the appliance by lifting it up from the side with hand. If necessary, use a small dull object to pop it up by pressing down and up on side.
   Save plug only if you do not want to clip the handheld into the side of appliance.
2. Insert Chamber Clip into the hole until it clicks into place.
   

Zipper Bags and Containers (not included; sold separately)

1. Prepare container or zipper bags according to FoodSaver Accessory Guidelines, which are included with accessory purchases. For zipper bags, make sure not to put any food under the valve and press zipper closed with finger while bag is lying down on a flat surface.
2. Close FM2900 lid and turn Easy Lock Latch to OPERATE position. Insert one end of the Accessory Hose into Accessory Port on appliance until it clicks into place. Place end over valve on container (a) or zipper bag (b) valve.
   
3. Push Vacuum Button to begin vacuum process. Make sure it is in the Dry Mode setting. Motor will run until vacuum process is complete.

Canisters, Jar Sealers, & Bottle Stoppers (not included; sold separately)

1. Prepare canister according to FoodSaver included with accessory purchases.
2. Close FM2900 lid and turn Easy Lock Latch to OPERATE position. Insert one end of the Accessory Hose into Accessory Port on appliance until it clicks into place. Remove clear bottom portion of handheld from top handle (Fig. 1). Insert the end into the port on accessory. Twist tab while inserting to ensure a tight fit.
   
3. Push Vacuum Button to begin vacuum process. Make sure it is in the Dry Mode setting. Motor will run until vacuum process is complete.
4. When motor turns off, gently twist and remove Handheld Sealer from accessory.
   NOTE: If you are using a canister with a large white knob, rotate knob clockwise to the "Closed" position, then gently twist and remove Handheld Sealer from accessory.
5. To test vacuum, simply tug on accessory lid. It should not move.
   NOTE: FoodSaver Jar Sealers are for use with Ball and Kerr brand Mason jars only

Guidelines For Successful Vacuum Sealing

Vacuum Sealing and Food Safety

The vacuum sealing process extends the life of foods by removing most of the air from the sealed container, thereby reducing oxidation, which affects nutritional value, flavor and overall quality. Removing air can also inhibit growth of microorganisms, which can cause problems under certain conditions:
Mold – Easily identified by its fuzzy characteristic. Mold cannot grow in a low oxygen environment, therefore vacuum sealing can slow the growth of mold.
Yeast – Results in fermentation, which can be identified by smell and taste. Yeast needs water, sugar and a moderate temperature to grow. It can also survive with or without air. Slowing the growth of yeast requires refrigeration, while freezing stops it completely.
Bacteria – Results in an unpleasant odor, discoloration and/or soft or slimy texture. Under the right conditions, anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium Botulinum (the organism that causes Botulism) can grow without air and sometimes cannot be detected by smell or taste. Although it is extremely rare, it can be very dangerous.
To preserve foods safely, it is critical that you maintain low temperatures. You can significantly reduce the growth of microorganisms at temperatures of 40°F (4°C) or below. Freezing at 0°F (-17°C) does not kill microorganisms, but stops them from growing. For long-term storage, always freeze perishable foods that have been vacuum sealed, and keep refrigerated after thawing.
It is important to note that vacuum sealing is NOT a substitute for canning and it cannot reverse the deterio ration of foods. It can only slow down the changes in quality. It is difficult to predict how long foods will retain their top-quality flavor, appearance or texture because it depends on age and condition of the food on the day it was vacuum sealed.

Vacuum sealing is NOT a substitute for refrigeration or freezing. Any perishable foods that require refrigeration must still be refrigerated or frozen after vacuum sealing.

Food Preparation and Reheating Tips

Thawing and Reheating VacuumSealed Foods

Always thaw foods in either refrigerator or microwave — do not thaw perishable foods at room temperature.
To reheat foods in a microwave in a FoodSaver^® Bag, always cut corner of the bag before placing it on a microwave-safe dish. However, to avoid hot spots, do not reheat bone-in meat or greasy foods in microwave within a FoodSaver^® Bag. You can also reheat foods in FoodSaver^® Bags by placing them in water at a low simmer below 170°F (75°C).

Preparation Guidelines for Meat and Fish:

For best results, pre freeze meat and fish for 1-2 hours before vacuum sealing in a FoodSaver This helps retain the juice and shape, and guarantees a better seal.
If it's not possible to pre freeze, place a folded paper towel between meat or fish and top of bag, but below seal area. Leave paper towel in bag to absorb excess moisture and juices during vacuum sealing process.
Note: Beef may appear darker after vacuum sealing due to the removal of oxygen. This is not an indication of spoilage.

Preparation Guidelines for Hard Cheeses:

To keep cheese fresh, vacuum seal it after each use. Make your FoodSaver^® Bag extra long, allowing one inch of bag material for each time you plan to open and reseal in addition to the 3-inch (7.62 cm) room you normally leave between contents and seal. Simply cut sealed edge and remove cheese. When you're ready to reseal the cheese, just drop it in bag and reseal.

Due to the risk of anaerobic bacteria, Soft cheeses should never be vacuum sealed.

Preparation Guidelines for Vegetables:

Vegetables need to be blanched before vacuum sealing. This process stops the enzyme action that could lead to loss of flavor, color and texture.
To blanch vegetables, place them in boiling water or in the microwave until they are cooked, but still crisp. Blanching times range from 1 to 2 minutes for leafy greens and peas; 3 to 4 minutes for snap peas, sliced zucchini or broccoli; 5 minutes for carrots; and 7 to 11 minutes for corn on the cob. After blanching, immerse vegetables in cold water to stop the cooking process. Finally, dry vegetables on a towel before vacuum sealing.
Note: All vegetables (including broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips) naturally emit gases during storage. Therefore, after blanching, they must be stored in freezer only.
When freezing vegetables, it is best to pre freeze them for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To freeze vegetables in individual servings, first place on a baking sheet and spread them out so they are not touching. This prevents them from freezing together in a block. Once they are frozen, remove from baking sheet and vacuum seal vegetables in a FoodSaver^® Bag. After they have been vacuum sealed, return them to the freezer.

Due to the risk of anaerobic bacteria, Fresh mushrooms, onions and garlic should never be vacuum sealed.

Preparation Guidelines for Leafy Vegetables:

For best results, use a canister to store leafy vegetables. First wash the vegetables, and then dry with a towel or salad spinner. After they are dried, put them in a canister and vacuum seal as normal. Store in refrigerator.

Preparation Guidelines for Fruits:

When freezing soft fruits or berries, it is best to pre freeze them for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To freeze fruit in individual servings, first place on a baking sheet and spread them out so they are not touching. This prevents them from freezing together in a block. Once they are frozen, remove from baking sheet and vacuum seal fruit in a FoodSaver^® Bag. After they have been vacuum sealed, return them to the freezer.
You can vacuum seal portions for baking or in your favorite combinations for easy fruit salad all year round. If storing in the refrigerator, we recommend using a FoodSaver^® Canister.

Preparation Guidelines for Baked Goods:

To vacuum seal soft or airy baked goods, we recommend using a FoodSaver^® Canister so they will hold their shape. If using a bag, pre freeze for 1-2 hours or until solidly frozen. To save time, make cookie dough, pie shells, whole pies, or mix dry ingredients in advance and vacuum seal for later use.

Preparation Guidelines for Coffee and Powdery Foods:

To prevent food particles from being drawn into vacuum pump, place a coffee filter or paper towel at top of bag or canister before vacuum sealing. You can also place the food in its original bag inside a FoodSaver^® Bag, or use a FoodSaver^® Universal Lid with the original container to vacuum seal.

Preparation Guidelines for Liquids:

Before you vacuum seal liquids such as soup stock, pre freeze in a casserole dish, loaf pan or ice cube tray until solid. Remove frozen liquid from pan and vacuum seal in a FoodSaver^® Bag. You can stack these "frozen bricks" in your freezer. When you're ready to use, just cut corner of bag and place in a dish in microwave or drop into water at a low simmer, below 170°F (75°C).
To vacuum seal non-carbonated bottled liquids, you can use a FoodSaver^® Bottle Stopper with the original container. Remember to leave at least one inch of room between contents and bottom of Bottle Stopper. You can reseal bottles after each use.

Preparation Guidelines for Make-ahead Meals, Leftovers and Sandwiches:

Efficiently store your make-ahead meals, leftovers and sandwiches in the stackable, lightweight FoodSaver^® containers. They are microwaveable, top rack dishwasher safe and come with a custom adaptor. The lightweight containers will be ready to head off to the office, to school or the great outdoors whenever you are!

Preparation Guidelines for Snack Foods:

Your snack foods will maintain their freshness longer when you vacuum seal them. For best results, use a FoodSaver^® Canister for crushable items like crackers.

Vacuum Sealing Non-Food Items

The FoodSaver^® Vacuum Sealing System also protects non-food items from oxidation, corrosion and moisture. Simply follow the directions to vacuum seal items using FoodSaver^® Bags, Canisters and Accessories.

• To vacuum seal silver, wrap fork tines in soft cushioning material, such as a paper towel, to avoid puncturing bag, and seal as normal. Your silver will be clean, fresh and untarnished right when you need it for your next dinner gathering.
  
• Your FoodSaver^® Bags are ideal for outdoor excursions. For camping and hiking, keep your matches, maps and food dry and compact.
  
• To have fresh water for drinking, simply fill a FoodSaver^® Bag with ice, vacuum seal it, and when needed, let the ice pack melt. You can trim the corner off the bag to make a spout for drinking or pouring.
  
• If you're going sailing or boating, you can vacuum seal your food, extra batteries, memory cards, cash, identification cards, boating license and a dry change of clothes. Just remember to bring scissors or a knife to open the bags when you need them!
  
• To keep emergency kits safe and dry, vacuum seal flares, batteries, flashlights, matches, candles, first aid kits, extra food and other necessities. Your emergency items will stay dry and organized in your home, car, boat or RV.
  

Care and Cleaning of your Vacuum Sealer

To Clean Appliance

Remove Power Cord from electrical outlet. Do not immerse in liquid.
Check Gaskets and around Drip Tray to make sure they are free from food materials. Wipe off Gasket with a warm soapy cloth if needed. Upper and Lower Gaskets may be removed for cleaning. Clean with warm, soapy water and allow gaskets to dry before reinserting in machine.
The Removable Drip Tray makes cleanup easy when small amounts of liquids are inadvertently pulled into the Vacuum Channel during vacuum process.
Empty Drip Tray after each use. Wash in warm soapy water or place on top rack of dishwasher. Check for food residues in Drip Tray Slot. Clean if needed. Dry thoroughly before re-inserting into the appliance.

To Store Appliance

Clean unit thoroughly as detailed above.
After the unit has been cleaned and allowed to fully dry, close lid and push the Easy Lock Latch into the STORE (middle) position. This setting will keep the lid closed but prevents any undue pressure from being applied to the internal sealing gaskets of the unit.
Always leave lid latch in STORE position when not in use. Never store lid in OPERATE position as Internal gaskets may become compressed. Push the Latch into the center position to store. When appliance is left in OPERATE position, the Gaskets become compressed and the unit may not function properly.

Handheld Sealer Reservoir

Empty Reservoir after each use.
Wash in warm soapy water.
Air dry before replacing.
To Remove Reservoir from handheld sealer, holding top portion (black upper piece) firmly, pull lower reservoir down and off.

Troubleshooting

www.FoodSaver.com
Customer Service: 1 (877) 777-8042