How to use a press and seal machine?
A "press and seal machine," often referring to a vacuum sealer with a separate sealing function, is used to remove air from specially designed bags before sealing them closed, preserving food freshness.
While the term "press and seal machine" isn't a standard technical name, it commonly refers to a vacuum sealer that has the capability to not only vacuum air out of a bag but also to simply heat-seal the bag closed without vacuuming. These machines typically have a main function (vacuum and seal) and a separate button or setting specifically for sealing only.
Basic Use: Vacuum Sealing
The primary use of these machines is vacuum sealing. This process involves placing food in a special bag, positioning the open end in the machine, and activating the vacuum and seal cycle. The machine then pulls air out of the bag and applies heat to create a permanent seal.
Here are the general steps for vacuum sealing:
- Prepare the Bag: Place the item(s) to be sealed into a vacuum sealer bag. Ensure the open end is clean and dry. Leave enough space at the top of the bag to allow the machine to seal it properly (usually 2-4 inches).
- Position the Bag: Place the open end of the bag into the machine's sealing channel or vacuum chamber, following your specific model's instructions. Make sure the bag is flat and not wrinkled where the seal will be made.
- Close the Lid: Close the machine's lid securely. Some machines require you to press down firmly on both sides until they click.
- Select Function: Press the button for the main "Vacuum & Seal" cycle.
- Wait for Completion: The machine will automatically vacuum the air out and then apply heat to create the seal. Wait for the process indicator lights to show completion before opening the lid.
- Remove Bag: Open the lid and remove the sealed bag. Check the seal to ensure it is complete and airtight.
Using the Seal Only Function
The Seal Only button or function is a crucial feature on many vacuum sealers. It allows you to create a heat seal without running the vacuum cycle. This is useful in several situations.
When to Use Seal Only
The Seal Only button gives you control over the sealing process, allowing you to override the standard vacuum cycle when needed.
- Handling Moist Foods: As indicated in the reference, when sealing items with moisture, like marinated meats or blanched vegetables, liquid can sometimes be drawn up the bag towards the machine. "Or you are sealing pouches with moist foods you should should watch closely. And when the moisture in the food begins to climb up the pouch. Simply press the seal only button to overtake the process." Pressing the seal only button immediately stops the vacuuming and activates the sealer, preventing liquid from entering the machine and potentially damaging it or compromising the seal.
- Sealing Delicate Items: For fragile items that could be crushed by the vacuum process (e.g., chips, pastries), you can manually remove most of the air and then use the Seal Only function to quickly seal the bag.
- Making Custom Bags: If you are using a roll of vacuum seal material, you first use the Seal Only function to seal one end of the roll, creating a custom-sized bag, before inserting the food and performing a vacuum and seal cycle on the open end.
- Resealing Original Bags: You can use the Seal Only function to reseal the original packaging of items like cereal bags, snack bags, or pasta bags after they've been opened.
Steps to Use Seal Only
Using the Seal Only button is typically straightforward:
- Prepare the Bag: Position the open end of the bag in the sealing channel.
- Close the Lid: Close the machine's lid securely.
- Press Seal Only: Instead of pressing the "Vacuum & Seal" button, press the dedicated Seal Only button.
- Wait for Cycle: The machine will engage the heating element to create a seal. Wait for the indicator light to signal completion.
- Remove Bag: Open the lid and remove the sealed bag.
Tips for Optimal Sealing
- Always ensure the open end of the bag is clean and dry before sealing. Moisture or food particles can prevent a proper seal.
- Don't overfill the bag; leave sufficient space at the top for the machine to grip and seal.
- For moist foods, consider pre-freezing them slightly or using the drip tray/moisture barrier included with some machines, in addition to using the Seal Only button if liquid starts to rise.
Seal Only Button - Quick Reference
Use Case | Description | How to Use |
---|---|---|
Moist Foods | Prevent liquids from being drawn into the machine during vacuuming. | Press Seal Only quickly if moisture starts climbing the bag during vacuuming. |
Delicate Items | Seal fragile items without crushing them via full vacuum. | Manually remove most air, then use Seal Only. |
Making Bags | Create custom-sized bags from a roll of film. | Use Seal Only to close one end of the film. |
Resealing | Close original food packaging (cereal, chips, etc.) to maintain freshness. | Position bag opening, use Seal Only. |
Using your press and seal machine (vacuum sealer) effectively involves understanding both the standard vacuum and seal function and the specific control offered by the Seal Only button for challenging or specific sealing tasks.