FoodSaver FM3900 Series - Vacuum Sealer Manual

Also See for FM3900 Series:

Owner's manual (13 pages)

Table of Contents

Contents

1 Important Safeguards
2 Product Features
3 How to
4 Care & Cleaning of your Vacuum Sealer
- 4.1 To Clean Appliance
- 4.2 To Clean Retractable Handheld Sealer Reservoir
5 Storage Guide of your Vacuum Sealer
6 Guidelines Vacuum Sealing and Food Safety
7 Food Preparation & Reheating Tips
8 Vacuum Sealing Non-Food Items
9 Troubleshooting
10 Replacement Parts
11 Documents / Resources
- 11.1 Download manual

FoodSaver FM3900 Series - Vacuum Sealer Manual

Important Safeguards

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons including the following:

Read all instructions before using this product.
For bag sealers: To reduce the risk of burns, do not touch the sealing strip while using the appliance.
To protect against electric shock, do not place or immerse cord, plugs, or appliance in water or other liquid.
This appliance is not to be used by children or by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities.
Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children. Children should not play with the appliance.
Unplug from outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. To disconnect, unplug power cord from outlet. Do not disconnect by pulling on cord.
Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner. Do not attempt to replace or splice a damaged cord. Contact Customer Service (see warranty) for examination, repair or adjustment.
The use of an accessory not recommended by the appliance manufacturer for use with this appliance may result in fire, electric shock or injury to persons.

Do not use in wet locations or leave outdoors. Do not use for commercial purposes.
Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
Place cord where it cannot be tripped over, pulled on, cause user to become entangled with, especially by children, or cause the appliance to be overturned.
Do not place on or near wet surfaces, or heat sources such as a hot gas or electric burner, or heated oven. Always use appliance on a dry, stable, level surface.
Extreme caution must be used when sealing bags or moving an appliance containing hot liquids.
Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into outlet (for appliances with detachable cords).
Use appliance only for its intended use.
Vacuum packaging is not substitute for the heat process of canning. Perishables still need to be refrigerated or frozen.

For appliances with automated vacuum chamber lids:

Lid closes down automatically with force. Do not obstruct the lid from closing. Do not manually force the lid to close.
Do not put fingers or any foreign objects inside vacuum sealing chamber while in use.

For appliances with 12V DC Adapter Port:

Ensure vehicle has a 12V DC power outlet and fuse has a rating of 10 amps or higher. Refer to your vehicle's owner manual to confirm.
Plug 12V DC adaptor into the appliance first, then plug into the 12V DC power outlet.
When appliance is powered by 12V DC, make sure vehicle is running and all electrical items in vehicle are off (air conditioning, lights, radio, etc.).

Appliance should be placed on a flat surface and have enough room that the bag and its contents have surface support.
Do not plug unit into 12V DC and 120V AC outlets at the same time. Do not use any power adapter not provided with this appliance.
If green light on 12V DC adapter is not on, check the fuse on the appliance adapter and in your vehicle.
Do not use the 12V DC adapter with the vehicle running in an enclosed space.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

NORTH AMERICAN MODELS WITH POLARIZED PLUGS:

This appliance has a polarized plug, (one blade is wider than the other). As a safety feature to reduce the risk of electrical 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 done not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to defeat this 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.

POWER CORD INSTRUCTIONS:
A short power-supply cord or detachable power-supply cord (shorter than 4 ½ feet or 1.4m) is provided on some models to reduce risks resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Longer detachable power-supply cords or extension cords are available and may be used if care is exercised in their use. Models provided with cords longer than 4 ½ feet (1.4m), or if a long detachable power-supply cord or extension cord is used on short-cord models:

The marked electrical rating of the detachable power-supply cord or extension cord should be no less than the marked electrical rating of the product;
When the product is of the grounded type, the extension cord shall be a grounding type 3-wire cord.
The longer cord shall be arranged so that it does not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it is capable of being tripped over, snagged, or pulled on unintentionally, especially by children.
Customer Service: 1-877-777-8042

Product Features

Product Features - Part 1

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

Product Features - Part 2

Power Light
Illuminates when Latch is in On position. Shuts off automatically when Latch is not in On position.
Seal Indicator Light
This light has two uses:
1. Constant light indicates that sealing process is engaged.
2. Flashing light indicates an error in sealing process.
Seal Button
This button has three uses:
1. Press to create a seal when making bags using a FoodSaver ® Roll.
2. Press to immediately stop vacuum process and begin sealing bag. This prevents crushing delicate items such as bread, cookies and pastries.
3. Press to create a seal on multilayer film bags (such as a potato chip bag) to keep food sealed airtight.
Vacuum Indicator Light
Shows Vacuum and Seal process is engaged. Shuts off when full process is finished.

Vacuum & Seal Button
This button has two uses:
1. Press to vacuum seal food airtight. Appliance shuts off automatically.
2. Press to pause vacuum process at any point.
Moist Food Setting Indicator Light
Shows whether Moist Food Setting is selected.
Moist Food Setting Button
For optimal vacuuming and sealing of moist or juicy foods, press Moist Food Settings Button. Moist Indicator Light will illuminate.
Accessory Button
Press for use with FoodSaver ® accessories using Retractable Handheld Sealer. Push Accessory Button to begin vacuum process. Motor will run until Vacuum Sealing Process is complete.
Marinate Button
Press for use with FoodSaver ® Marinator Container using Retractable Handheld Sealer. Vacuum pulse sequence takes 12 minutes or less. It allows for optimum flavor infusion in less time. Appliance will vacuum and release three times.
Latch
On - Adjust Back to put unit in On Mode. This turns unit on for vacuuming and sealing.
Store - Adjust Center to Store
Open - Adjust Forward to Open

How to

Make a FoodSaver ® Bag

Turn Latch to Open position and open lid.
Place roll inside unit's internal storage space as indicated. Pull enough bag material to edge until it is on top of the sealing strip to make the first seal and close lid.
Turn Latch to On position . Power On Indicator Light will illuminate indicating unit is ready.
Press Seal Button to seal open end of bag. Wait until Seal Indicator Light turns off.

To reduce risk of burns, do not touch sealing strip while using appliance.

Turn Latch to Open position , open lid and pull enough bag material out to desired length for whatever you intend to vacuum seal and close lid.
Turn Latch to On position . Power On Indicator Light will illuminate, indicating unit is ready.
Press Seal Button to make seal for next bag. While sealing, you can slide bag cutter across to remove bag.

Vacuum Seal a FoodSaver ® Bag

Turn Latch to Open position and open lid.
Place item(s) in bag, allowing at least 3 inches (7.62 cm) of space between contents and open end of bag. Place open end of bag into Vacuum Channel and close lid.
Turn Latch to On position.
Press Vacuum / Seal Button to begin vacuum and sealing process of open end of bag. Motor will continue to run until bag is fully vacuumed, then will automatically seal.
When Seal Indicator Light turns off, turn Latch to Open position and open lid. Remove bag. Refrigerate, freeze or store as needed. (See FoodSaver ® Guidelines, for safe food storage tips.)

To reduce risk of burns, do not touch sealing strip while using appliance.

information IMPORTANT TIPS:

Let appliance cool down for 20 seconds after each use. Always store appliance with Latch in center Store position.
To minimize bag waste, do not insert too much bag material into Removable Drip Tray. Place bag just over edge of Removable Drip Tray.

Vacuum Seal with FoodSaver ® Accessories

Your new FoodSaver ® Appliance includes a Retractable Handheld Sealer for accessories.

For Zipper Bags & Containers:

Turn Latch to On position and pull Handheld Sealer from appliance.
Place Retractable Handheld Sealer on zipper bag or container valve.
Press Accessory Button to vaccum.

For Canisters, Jar Sealers, & Bottle Stoppers

Turn Latch to On position and pull Retractable Handheld Sealer from appliance.
Disassemble Handheld Sealer to remove clear bottom portion from top handle. Insert tip into port on accessory .
Press Accessory Button to vaccum.
NOTE: FoodSaver ® Jar Sealers are for use with Ball ® and Kerr ® brand Mason jars only.

For Quick Marinators:

Turn Latch to On position and pull Retractable Handheld Sealerfrom appliance.
Disassemble Handheld Sealer to remove clear bottom portion from top handle. Insert tip into port on Quick Marinator .
Press Marinate Button to marinate. Please refer to Quick Marinator instructions that come with accessory.

Care & 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 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 Vacuum Channel during vacuum process.

Empty Drip Tray after each use. Wash in warm soapy water or place in top rack of dishwasher. Check for food residues in Drip Tray Slot. Clean if needed. Dry thoroughly before reinserting into appliance.

To Clean Retractable Handheld Sealer Reservoir

Empty Reservoir after each use. To remove Reservoir from Handheld Sealer, holding top portion (black upper piece) firmly, pull Lower Reservoir down and off . Wash in warm soapy water. Air dry before replacing.

NOTE: Always clean after each use when fluid is visible.

Storage Guide of your Vacuum Sealer

To Store Appliance
Clean unit thoroughly as detailed "Care & Cleaning" section.

After unit has been cleaned and allowed to fully dry, close lid and push Latch into Store (middle) position . This setting will keep lid closed but prevents any undue pressure from being applied to internal sealing Gaskets of unit.

Always leave Latch in Store position when not in use. Never store Lid in On position as Gaskets may become compressed and unit will not vacuum bag.

Guidelines 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 deterioration 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 & Reheating Tips

Thawing and Reheating Vacuum-Sealed 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 ® Bag. 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 (2.54 cm) of bag material for each time you plan to open and reseal in addition to the three inches (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 (2.54 cm) 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 directions to vacuum seal items using FoodSaver ® Canisters and Accessories.

Silverware
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.

Camping
Your FoodSaver ® Bags are ideal for outdoor excursions. For camping and hiking, keep your matches, maps and food dry and compact.

Water
To have fresh water for drinking, simply fill a FoodSaver ® Bag with ice, 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.

Boating
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!

Emergency
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.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Solution
Red Seal LED flashing	Unit is overheated. Always allow 20 seconds between seals. Under heavy usage, appliance will shut off automatically and Red Light will flash. Wait for 20 min. for unit to cool off. Always wait 20 seconds between seals. Latch has been left in On position: Gaskets may be compressed. Turn Latch to Open or Store position and allow 10 to 20 minutes for Gaskets to expand. Vacuum pump running more than 120 seconds. Under heavy usage, appliance will shut off automatically and Red Light will flash. See next section Vacuum Pump is running, but bag is not evacuating. If Latch was left in On position for 5 minutes and not being used reminding user to turn Latch to Open or Store position.
Vacuum Pump is running, but bag is not evacuating	If making a bag from a roll, make sure one end of bag is sealed. See How to Make a Bag from a FoodSaver ® Vacuum Sealing Roll. Adjust the bag and try again. Make sure the open end of the bag is down inside the Vacuum Channel. Check for wrinkles in bag along Sealing Strip. To prevent wrinkles in the seal, gently stretch bag flat while inserting bag into Vacuum Channel. Open unit and make sure Gaskets are inserted properly and there are no foreign objects, dirt or debris on the Upper or Lower Gasket (See Care and Cleaning). Latch has been left in On position: Gaskets may be compressed. Turn Latch to Open or Store position and allow 10 to 20 minutes for Gaskets to expand. Make sure the lid is latched down all the way. If the Latch does not catch the lid and bring it down, there will be a leak between the Gaskets.
Gasket is loose or has a tear	Take out the gasket, clean it and re-insert the Gasket into the Vacuum Channel (See Care and Cleaning). If Gasket has minor damage remove, flip over and reinstall. Call 877-777-8042 or visit website for replacement.
Bag is not sealing properly	Too much liquid in bag, freeze before vacuuming. Check for food debris around seal area. If present, take out the gasket, clean it and re-insert the Gasket into the Vacuum Channel (See Care and Cleaning). Bag has wrinkles: To prevent wrinkles in the seal, gently stretch bag flat while inserting bag into Vacuum Channel.
No lights on the control panel	Make sure unit is plugged in. Make sure wall outlet is functional. Make sure lid is all the way down, and the Latch is in the On position.
Nothing happens when Latch is closed and Button is pressed	Make sure unit is plugged in. Make sure wall outlet is functional. Open Latch, make sure lid is all the way down, re-latch lid.
Cannot insert bag into machine	Make sure there is enough bag material to reach center of drip tray. Always allow three inches (7.62 cm) extra space to allow the bag to seal tightly around food contents. Gently stretch bag flat while inserting. Insert bag curl down into Vacuum Channel.
Air was removed from the bag, but now air has re-entered	Examine the seal. A wrinkle along the seal may cause air to re-enter the bag. To prevent wrinkles in the seal, gently stretch bag flat while inserting bag into Vacuum Channel. Sometimes moisture or food material (such as juices, grease, crumbs, powders, etc.) along seal prevents bag from sealing properly. Cut bag open, wipe top inside of bag and re-seal. Sharp food items may have punctured bag. Use a new bag if there is a hole. Cover sharp food items with a soft cushioning material, such as a paper towel, and re-seal. Fermentation or the release of natural gases from inside the foods may have occurred. When this happens, food may have begun to spoil and should be discarded. Faulty bag. Bag could be punctured. Try another bag.
Bag melts	Sealing Strip may have become too hot. Always wait at least 20 seconds for appliance to cool down before you vacuum seal another item. Use FoodSaver ® brand bags. Our FoodSaver ® Bags and Rolls are specially designed for FoodSaver ® units.
Container does not vacuum	The lid of the container must be correctly placed on and aligned to the container. Make sure you press the Accessory Button. Make sure lid is closed securely on all 4 sides. Make sure rubber gasket on inside of lid is free from food residues. Examine rim of container for cracks or scratches. Make sure container valve is clean.
If you need further assistance:	Call Consumer Services at 1-877-777-8042. For additional tips and answers to frequently asked questions, go to www.foodsaver.com and click the "Service & Support" tab.