VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer Instruction Manual

VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer

Safety Instructions

1. Never let the vacuum sealer run unattended.
2. Disconnect the vacuum sealer from the power source before leaving the work area.
3. To protect against the risk of electric shock, do not immerse the cord, plug, or vacuum sealer in water or other liquids.
4. To reduce the risk of electric shock and injury to persons, disconnect from the power supply when not in use, before cleaning, and before servicing.
5. Call the provided customer service number for information on examination, repair, or adjustment.
6. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
7. Do not use outdoors. Optimal operating temperature range is 65° to 75°.
8. Do not disassemble this appliance beyond the instructions provided.
9. Doing so may result in personal injury.
10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
11. Do not use for anything other than the intended purpose.
12. This appliance is for commercial use only.

Adding Oil

1. Prepare the Oil: The VP680 includes a Maintenance Kit that contains a 1/2 quart of oil and an empty oil bottle with a spout. Fill the empty oil bottle with oil.
2. Remove the Back Panel: Using the enclosed Phillips head Screwdriver, remove the four screws from the back panel and take the panel off the machine.
3. Remove the Oil Fill Cap: Locate the oil fill cap on the vacuum pump and unscrew it.
4. Fill the Pump with Oil: Insert the spout into the open hole (oil fill cap opening) and begin pouring the oil into the pump. Fill the pump until the oil level is at 1/2 to 3/4 in the sight glass. This is approximately 9 to 9 1/2 ounces of oil.
5. Replace the Oil Fill Cap and Back Panel: Once the pump is filled with oil, screw the oil fill cap back on and put the back panel back on the machine.

Descriptiion

1. Lid Lock
2.  Control Panel
3.  Power Switch
4. Vacuum Chamber
5. Filler Plates
6. Seal Bars
7. Lid Gasket

Control Panel

1.  Vacuum Gauge
2. Function Lights
3. Working Indicator Light
4. LED Screen
5. STOP Button
6. SET Button
7. UP/DOWN Buttons

Required Supplies

• 1/2 quart VacMaster machine oil
• Empty oil bottle with spout
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench (not included)

1. Run the vacuum process a couple of times to “warm up” the oil.
2. Prepare the Oil: The VP680 includes a maintenance kit that contains a 1/2 quart of oil and an empty oil bottle with a spout. Fill the empty oil bottle with oil.
3. Remove the Back Panel: Using the enclosed Phillips head screwdriver, remove the four screws from the back panel and take the panel off the machine.
4. Remove the Oil Fill Bolt: Locate the oil fill bolt on the vacuum pump and remove it using an adjustable wrench or similar tool.
5. Fill the Pump with Oil: Insert the spout into the open hole (oil fill bolt opening) and begin pouring the oil into the pump. Fill the pump until the oil level is at 1/2 to 3/4 in the sight glass. This is approximately 10 to 12 ounces of oil.
6. Replace the Oil Fill Bolt and Back Panel: Once the pump is filled with oil, screw the oil fill bolt back in place and put the back panel on the machine. The VP680 Chamber Vacuum Sealer is now ready for us.e

Set Up

1. Attach the power cord and plug the machine into a grounded electrical outlet.
2. Properly insert the electrical cord into the power outlet on the back of the machine, and then plug the cord into the wall outlet.
3. Open the machine lid – Release the lid lock, located on the right side of the machine, and allow the lid to lift and remain open.
4. Turn the power switch on – Turn the red switch on the left side of the machine toward the front, switching from the “0” to the “1” position.

Timing Controls

Vacuum Time: To increase or decrease the vacuum time, press the SET button until VACUUM is illuminated and then use the UP/DOWN buttons to adjust the vacuum time accordingly. The time setting will display on the LED Screen on the control panel.

Sealing Time: To increase or decrease the sealing time, press the SET button until SEALING is illuminated and then use the UP/DOWN buttons to adjust the sealing time to accommodate your application. It is recommended that you make adjustments in 0.2-second increments to avoid melting the pouch.

Cooling Time: To increase or decrease the cooling time, press the SET button until COOLING is illuminated and then use the UP/DOWN buttons to adjust the cooling time accordingly.

Installation

1. Select a vacuum chamber pouch.
2. Select the proper size of vacuum chamber pouch for the product that you are packaging.
3. Make sure that the mouth of the pouch does not exceed the length of the seal bar, and make sure the entire pouch fits inside the chamber.
4. Allow 3” of extra headspace at the top of the pouch to ensure a quality, air-tight seal. The VP540 accepts vacuum chamber pouches up to 16” W x 18” L in size.
5. Fill the pouch and place it inside the chamber.
6. Fill the pouch with the product to be vacuum packaged and place the pouch inside the chamber.
7. Keep pouches that contain liquids or wet products below the height of the seal bar.
8. Lay the pouch flat inside the chamber, with the opening of the pouch across the seal bar.
9. Make sure that the pouch lies flat across the seal bar and is free of wrinkles.
10. Close the machine lid to vacuum and seal.
11. Close the lid and press down firmly for 2-3 seconds or until the vacuum gauge begins to move.
12. When the lid opens, remove and inspect the pouch.

Vacuum Confirmation

1. Check the quality of the vacuum by looking at the tightness of the pouch and the product.
2. Look for air pockets or air leaks. If you notice that the product is vacuum-packed tightly, then increase the vacuum time by 5 seconds, vacuum, and seal again.

Seal Confirmation

1. Inspect the pouch seal. A positive seal will appear clear upon inspection.
2. If the seal is spotty or incomplete, increase the seal time by 0.1 second.
3. If the seal appears white or milky, decrease the seal time by 0.1 second.
4. Once the settings are determined for your application, vacuum and seal again.
5. If the product is vacuumed and sealed tightly, then the process is complete.
6. ED Code – stands for end of demonstration. You are ready for a new cycle.

Programmable Vacuum Cycle Instructions

This VacMaster chamber vacuum sealer is now equipped with a new feature that allows you to program and store up to 10 different seal cycle settings. Changing from liquids to solids to delicate items has never been easier to get that perfect amount of vacuum and a double seal for an additional layer of protection.

Also included is an oil change alert that, after 250 uses, reminds you to change the oil. This reminder is intended to keep your machine in tip-top shape. As a rule of thumb, change your oil at the 250-mile alert or after 3 months, whichever comes first.

CO Code – This stands for change oil. Once complete, press “Set” ” Up” “Down” (all 3) at the same time for 3 seconds. This will reset and clear this code.

1. Press the program button on the right side of the control panel to bring up P0 on the LED Display.
2. Press the SET button to change your desired vacuum time.
3. Use up or down arrows to adjust the desired vacuum time.
4. Press SET again to change the seal time.
5. Use up or down arrows to adjust desired seal time.
6. Press the SET button again to change your cool-down time.
7. Use up or down arrows to adjust desired cool-down time.
8. Add at least 1 Second more to the cooling time than the sealing time.
9. Press SET one last time to save the settings.
10. You are now ready to vacuum seal.
11. Set up and save up to 10 unique settings.
12. To change the programmed setting, simply press the program button.

Program Settings

• The vacuum time can be adjusted to your desired length.
• Suggested vacuum time should be set to
  • 18-20 for liquids/powders.
  • 35-40 is a good starting point for other products.

All settings are for 3 mil bags. The seal time and cool-down time should only be changed if you move up in the thickness of bags. For different thickness bags, increase both seal and cool down times by .2 seconds at a time until you get a good seal. Please scan the QR code for an instructional video on the programmable functions.

Maintenance Kit

1. Exhaust Filter: Spare filter; should be checked every 6-12 months. If the filter looks dirty or saturated in oil, it will need to be changed. If the filter looks clean, it is ok to put it back into the pump & motor assembly.
2. Double-Sided Tape: Used for adhering the top bar that holds the seal pad in the lid.
3. 20-AMP Fuses (2x): Used for replacing fuses located on the heating transformer.
   
4. Hex/Allen Wrench: Used to remove tension blocks that hold the seal wire to the base of the seal bar.
5. Reversible Screwdriver: Used to un-thread screws on the cabinet of the machine and the screws to move the chamber.
6. Oil Fill Bottle/Oil: Used to fill the pump with oil.

Maintenance

Using the pump site glass, check the oil level and color frequently.

1. Oil must remain between ½ to ¾ of site glass.
2. With use, the pump oil will become cloudy, dark, or even “milky.” Once oil becomes discolored, change the oil using new VacMaster® vacuum oil.
3. First oil change: one week after use.
4. Future oil changes: every 3 months, or 250 cycles; whichever comes first.

Changing/Replacing Oil

Remove the oil drain bolt – Locate the oil fill bolt on the side of the machine. Place an oil catch cup under the drain bolt. Using your 7/8” socket wrench, remove the oil drain bolt. Oil will immediately begin to flow out of the machine.

Capture oil – When oil is completely drained, replace the drain bolt. Dispose of old oil properly, according to your local and state regulations. Refill pump with new oil – Follow the “Adding Oil to the VP540” instructions on page 3.

Changing the Filter

1. Remove the back panel.
2. Remove the screws that hold the Upper Chamber in place – Two located on the front corners and two located on the back.
3. Pull the chamber assembly back about 3-4 inches
4. Remove the 4 screws that hold the VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer filter plate on the end of the pump
5. Remove the plate and spring
6. Remove the exhaust filter
7. Install a new filter
8. Reassemble all of the
   pieces in reverse order!

Vacuum Packaging Guidelines

• Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for canning.
• Vacuum packaging cannot reverse the deterioration of foods.
• Vacuum packaging is NOT a substitute for refrigeration or freezing.
• Some fruits and vegetables may release gases, known as outgassing.
• You can reduce the growth of microorganisms at temperatures of 34ºF or less.
• Freezing at 0ºF will not kill microorganisms, but reduces the chances of them growing.
• For long-term food storage, always freeze vacuum-packed foods.
• Use VacMaster® Bone Guards to cover an item’s sharp edges to prevent pouch punctures.
• Allow foods and liquids to cool to room temperature before vacuum packaging.
• Avoid overfilling the pouch. Leave 3” of space between the contents and the open end of the pouch.
• This prevents spills during the vacuum sealing process.
• VacMaster® pouches are boilable,  VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer freezable, and microwavable.
• When microwaving, it is important to pierce the pouch.

LID Assembly

Chamber Assembly

Packaging Information

With the VP540, you can easily package a wide variety of sizes and shapes. You can also prep and store smaller individual serving portions as well as bulk items.

• Keeps food fresh 3-5 times longer than conventional storage bags.
• Several sizes available to meet your packaging needs.
• Terrific for hundreds of applications in and out of the kitchen
• Safe for freezer, refrigeration, and microwave use.
• When a normal bag becomes compromised, the pouch will begin to delaminate.
• Bag thickness available in standard  VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer 3mil or heavy-duty 4 4mil.

The chamber of the VP540 can easily vacuum package the following sizes of vacuum pouches:

60 Assorted Vacuum Chamber Pouches:

• 20 (8″ X 8″)
• 20 (8” X 12″)
• 20 (10″ X 13″)
  2 Filler Plates Maintenance Kit User’s Guide

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Limited Warranty

ARY, Inc. | 11880 College Blvd., Suite 550,  VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer Overland Park, KS 66210 | VacMasterFresh.com | 800.821.7849 VP540 Chamber Vacuum Sealer | User Guide ARY, Inc., a distributor and manufacturer of vacuum packaging and other machines VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer (collectively, the “Goods”), extends to the purchaser of the Goods a Limited One Year Warranty, from the receipt of the Goods, under terms and conditions set out herein.

Replace or repair any defective materials and VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer workmanship (and return the Goods to the purchaser without charge). Refund the purchase price, or (iii) grant a reasonable allowance with the foregoing procedure.

Limitataions

This express warranty is the only warranty applicable. It excludes all other express oral or written warranties and all warranties implied by law with respect to the VacMaster VP545 Chamber Vacuum Sealer Goods, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

ARY, Inc.’s maximum liability hereunder, arising from any cause whatsoever, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability, or any other theory of law, shall not exceed the purchase price.

Customer Support

• Website: www.vacmasterfresh.com/product-registration/
• Visit:  vacmasterfresh.com/contact-us/
• Tel: 1-866-384-8432.

FAQs

What types of bags can I use with the VP545 vacuum sealer?

The best chamber vacuum bags for the VP545 are those made by VacMaster or any other premium, heat-sealable bags made for chamber vacuum sealers. For the best seal, make sure the bags are wrinkle-free and smooth.

What size items can the VP545 seal?

The vacuum chamber is appropriate for business use or bulk food storage because it can hold huge objects that fit inside it and bags up to 12 inches wide.

How do I operate the VP545 vacuum sealer?

Choose your preferred vacuum and seal settings, insert the bag’s open end into the chamber, shut the lid, and then begin the cycle. The bag will be mechanically sealed after the air is removed by the machine.

Can I seal liquids or wet foods with this model?

Indeed. Unlike external vacuum sealers, the chamber design permits vacuum sealing of liquids, marinades, and wet foods without the possibility of liquid being drawn into the pump.

Is the VP545 suitable for sous vide cooking preparation?

Of course! By stopping water infiltration throughout the cooking process it produces impermeable, airtight seals that are perfect for sous vide cooking.

How do I clean the VP545 vacuum sealer?

Unplug before cleaning at all times. After every usage, use a moist towel to wipe the chamber and sealing bar. Steer clear of harsh cleaners. As directed by the handbook, regularly inspect and clean the vacuum pump’s intake filters.

How often should I replace the sealing strip and gaskets?

Regularly check gaskets and sealing strips for wear or damage. To ensure peak performance, replace them when they exhibit cracks, rips, or inadequate sealing.