First, ignore the instructions posted on the machine by means of stickers. They
are confusing, misleading and wrong. I left the stickers on my machine (they're
supposed to be removed) thinking they'd be helpful. They are pretty, very
encouraging, but not the least bit helpful.
Likely, your 5000-series food-sucker doesn't have these labels any more, so
I've augmented the instructions below accordingly. If you'd like to see the
labels on a new machine,
watch this video.
Note that the step 1 label is inside the right end of the machine to
tell you where to put the roll of bag material.
I'm likely an idiot, but every time I get the machine out, which isn't often, I
have to relearn how to use it. Hence these instructions. Here are the steps to
sucking food:
-
Assuming plastic roll installed, pull a little bit, maybe 1/2", and make
the initial seal by twisting back the Seal ←→ Unlock
knob at the end of the bottom bar (that's labeled, 2 Seal and cut bag
here, but, if the label's gone, then it's just the bar with the
sliding knife in it). This becomes the sealed "bottom" of the bag.
When you twist this knob back to "Seal," you will see the red "Seal" light
wink at you. Wait until it finishes and turns off: This indicates that the
seal is made.
-
Pull enough plastic bag to contain what you want to seal. If the food is
bulky, like a big prime rib roast, leave yourself plenty of extra so that
the bag will reach far enough into the machine to be sealable.
-
Cut the bag using the slider/knife across the bar labeled, "2 Seal and cut
bag here." If your label is missing, then it's the bar with the sliding
knife.
-
Fill the resulting plastic bag with the food you want to seal.
It is important not to distort or get food or moisture on the lip, inside
or out, of the bag. Any of this will endanger the bag's second seal.
-
Lift up the long flap-bar on the machine just above where it's labeled,
3 Push here—Vacuum and seal bar. If the label is missings,
this is the part of the machine proper that probably says, Push to
Vacuum and Seal. You will see the vacuum's orifice: a lighter, grey
plastic. You don't have to insert the unsealed end of the bag into this
orifice, only ensure that it's a good inch inside, underneath this
flap-bar. Close the flap-bar on it.
If the food is bulky, turn a bowl or pan upside down underneath the bag to
raise it up enough to introduce it into the sealer.
-
Holding the food and bag steady, but not the machine, ensure the
green power light is lit, then press and release both ends of the 3
Push here bar. If you're missing this label, this is part of the
machine proper that says, Push to Vacuum and Seal. Wait patiently
for the macine to do its work: you do not have to hold anything down (like
a button, bar or level).
-
Remove the food and bag, inspect the seal. If the seal isn't complete, try
again.
If storing the food, you must have all possible air sucked from the bag in
order not to create an environment for frost, freezer-burn or other damage.
It is the same if you indent to cook sous-vide: any air left inside
will compromise that process (sous-vide means "under vacuum") and
thwart that cooking process.