Vacuum sealer

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Small vacuum device for private households

A vacuum sealer , also known colloquially as a vacuum sealer , is an electrical kitchen device that is used to remove the air contained in food wrapped in foil (in the simplest case e.g. in a freezer bag ) and then to seal the bag airtight. This is particularly useful for preserving food. The shelf life is improved up to eight times. In addition to packaging for storage, vacuum sealers are also used for sous-vide cooking.

species

Good household vacuum sealers are available in stores for around € 100. There are also devices for professional use that are designed for high capacity or continuous operation. You will e.g. B. used for catering or for catering on board aircraft . Their prices are easily in the four-digit range.

A basic distinction is made between two device classes: external vacuum sealers and chamber vacuum sealers. With a chamber vacuum sealer, the entire sealed bag, including its contents, is placed in the vacuum sealer. In contrast, with an external vacuum sealer, only the opening of the bag is inserted into the vacuum sealer. Suitable vacuum bags must be used depending on the type of device. In the case of an external vacuum sealer, frozen bags are used. These are characterized by a structured surface, which enables the vacuum sealer to properly evacuate the air. So-called sealed bags, which have a smooth surface, are used in the chamber vacuum sealer. Liquid items to be vacuumed (e.g. soups or sauces) can only be vacuum-packed in chamber vacuum packers.

Features of household vacuum sealers

Vacuum sealers have various characteristics that define their quality and benefits.

  • The purpose of a double weld seam is to make the closure more reliable. It can happen that a seam opens; a second seam prevents sauces or the like from running out.
  • A foil box is practical because the vacuum sealer and foil are directly together. This also makes it easier to use, as the film in the film box can be pulled out to the required length and filled and cut off without having to take it out completely.
  • With a vacuum regulation , sensitive goods can also be vacuumed gently; the regulation also helps to prevent liquids from being sucked out.
  • It is also important to monitor the temperature , which prevents the device from overheating and thus a potential defect.

Operation of a household vacuum sealer

Household vacuum sealers are usually very easy to use. If necessary, the goods to be vacuumed are shredded so that they fit into the vacuum bag. Now clamp the bag in the vacuum sealer in such a way that the suction device can remove the air and close the flap. With light pressure, the suction mechanism is switched on, whereby the air is extracted. As soon as the air is completely removed, the pressure is increased slightly, which switches the mode from suction to welding.

Extending the shelf life of food

Vacuum sealers are used wherever food is handled. The shelf life and the associated freshness of the product play a major role in the household as well as in gastronomy and trade. The focus here is on the vacuum sealer and the vacuum packaging of food. Due to the high negative pressure and the consistently high vacuum in the vacuum bag, the shelf life of food can be significantly extended. Shelf life tables can provide information about the extension of shelf life with vacuum sealers. However, important factors play a role here, such as: B. Hygiene, storage and type of food.

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Shelf life table. In: la-va.com. Retrieved January 15, 2016 .