ROMMELSBACHER VAC 385 Vacuum Sealer Instruction Manual

: June 12, 2024
: ROMMELSBACHER

**Instruction manual

VAC 385
Vakuumierer
Vacuum sealer**

Product description

Control panel

The appliance is equipped with push-buttons which are easy to use. The function is activated by lightly pressing the relevant button.

| Button / Pilot lamp| Function
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A| Button Lebensmittel| For adjusting the operation mode for dry resp. humid food
B| Button Automatik/Stopp| For automatic vacuuming and sealing in one step and for stopping the appliance during operation
C| Button Versiegeln| For manually producing a sealing seam
D| Button Manuell| For manually producing a vacuum
E| Button Behalter| For vacuuming special vacuuming containers
F| Port for connection hose| For connecting the connection hose
Al| Pilot lamp dry| Indicates the setting of the operating mode for dry food
A2| Pilot lamp humid| Indicates the setting of the operating mode for humid food
B1| Pilot lamp Automatik| Indicates the operation of the function automatic vacuuming/sealing
Cl| Pilot lamp Versiegeln| Indicates the operation of the function manual sealing
D1| Pilot lamp Manuell| Indicates the operation of the function manual vacuuming
El| Pilot lamp Behaiter| Indicates the operation of the function vacuuming of container

For your safety

WARNING : Read all safety instructions and directives!
Non-observance of the safety instructions and directives may cause electric shock, fi re and/or serious injuries and burns!

General safety advices:

Always keep children under 8 years away from the product and the power cord.
Children from the age of 8 must be supervised when cleaning or maintaining the appliance.
Children from the age of 8 and persons not having the knowledge or experience in operating the appliance or having handicaps of physical, sensorial or mental nature must not operate the appliance without supervision or instruction by a person who is responsible for their safety.
Never leave the appliance unattended during operation.
Children should be supervised in order to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
Keep away packing material such as foil bags out of the reach of children.
Do not operate this unit with an external timer or a separate telecontrol system (e.g. so called smart or remote plug sockets)
Prior to each use, check the appliance and the attachments for soundness, it must not be operated if it has been dropped or shows visible damage. In these cases, the power supply must be disconnected and the appliance has to be checked by a specialist.
When laying the power cord, pay attention that no one will get entangled in or stumble over it in order to prevent that the appliance is pulled down accidentally.
Keep the power cord away from hot surfaces, sharp edges and mechanical stress. Check the power cord for damage, wear and tear on a regular basis. Damaged or entangled power cords increase the risk of electric shock.
Always disconnect the appliance from the power supply by pulling the plug. Never pull at the cord!
Never immerse the appliance, the power cord and the power plug in water for cleaning.
Do not store the appliance outside or in damp rooms.
This electrical appliance complies with the relevant safety standards. If the appliance or the power cord is damaged, unplug the appliance immediately.
Repairs must only be executed by an authorised service centre. Improper repair works can cause substantial danger for the user.
Improper use and non-observance of the instruction manual void all warranty.

Safety instructions for operating the appliance

WARNING : Hazard of injury and burns!
The sealing bar is getting hot during use.
Do not touch the sealing bar, when in use!

Place the appliance beyond children’s reach!
Place the appliance on a heat-resistant, stable and even surface and do not operate it in the vicinity of sources of heat (oven, gas fl ame, etc.) or in explosive environments, where infl ammable liquids or gases are located!
Do not use the handle to carry the appliance!
Prevent suction of liquids into the vacuum chamber. Should liquids get into the vacuum chamber, please remove them with a cloth! The vacuum chamber insert is detachable for cleaning.
Operate appliance and accessory parts in dry condition only!
Always pull the power plug before cleaning!
Always let the appliance cool down before cleaning or moving it!
Never immerse the appliance, power cord and power plug in water!
Do not store the appliance outside or in wet rooms!
Pull the power plug after each use for a safe switch-off.

Prior to initial use

CAUTION : Please remove any protective fi lms, tapes, advertising and packaging material from the appliance.
Clean the appliance and all removable accessory parts according to the cleaning instructions in this manual (please refer to Cleaning and care, see page 32).

Introduction

We are pleased you decided in favour of this superior Vacuum sealer and would like to thank you for your confi dence. Its easy operation and wide range of applications will certainly impress you as well. To make sure you can enjoy using this appliance for a long time, please read through and observe the following notes carefully. Keep this instruction manual safely. Hand out all documents to third persons when passing on the appliance.
Thank you very much.

Intended use
The appliance is designed for vacuum-sealing of food for domestic use only (in the kitchen, at table, in the offi ce, etc.) and in the semi-professional range (fi shermen, hunters as well as farm houses, etc.). Other uses or modifi cations of the appliance are not intended and harbour considerable risks. For any damage arising from not intended use, the manufacturer does not assume liability. The appliance is not designed for commercial use.

Technical data
Only connect the appliance to a properly installed socket outlet. The rated voltage must comply with the details on the rating label. Only connect to alternating current!

Nominal voltage: 220 – 240 V~ 50 Hz
Nominal power: 120W
Suction power: approx. 12 l/min.
Negative pressure:: up to -0,8 bar
Dimensions (WxHxD): approx. 40 x 10 x 17,5 cm

Scope of supply

Check the scope of supply for completeness as well as for perfect condition of the product and all accessory parts (see product description, page 21) immediately after unpacking.
1 Vacuum sealer VAC 385
10 foil bags, 1 foil roll
Packing material
Do not simply throw the packing material away but recycle it. Deliver paper, cardboard and corrugated cardboard packing to collecting facilities. Also put plastic packing material and foils into the intended collecting basins.

In the examples for the plastic marking:
PE stands for polyethylene, the code fi gure 02 for PE-HD, 04 for PE-LD, PP for polypropylene, PS for polystyrene.
Disposal/recycling
The package and the packaging material are only made of environmentally sound materials. They can be disposed in the local containers.
According to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, this product must not be disposed of with your normal domestic waste at the end of its life-span.
Therefore, please deliver it at no charge to your appropriately licensed local collecting facilities (e.g. recycling yard) concerned with the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. Please approach your local authorities for how to dispose of the product.

Storage position

In order to guarantee the proper function of the appliance, it must be stored slightly opened with the lid unlocked in a storage position. Otherwise the gaskets may be damaged.

Position top
• Lid is unlocked an can be opened.| Position centered
• Lid is in storage position, slightly opened.| Position down
• Lid is locked and the appliance is ready for operation.
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| |

Operating the appliance

CAUTION : Hazard of injury and burns! The sealing bar is getting hot during use. Do not touch the sealing bar!
Important notes for operation

The appliance is suitable for long term operation without intermediate pauses.
However we recommend to let the appliance cool down for several minutes after 25 consecutive cycles.
Make sure there is enough space in front of the appliance for the bag with the food to be vacuum-sealed.
Bags and rolls are available with different widths. Opt for the bag size suitable to accommodate the food to be preserved. Make sure that the bag is several centimetres longer than the food to be vacuum-sealed.
Fill the bag avoiding wrinkles or tensing the surface. The area of the sealing seam must be clean, dry and free from food residues at the inside and outside.
For the vacuum sealing of pressure-sensitive food, we recommend to use the function manual vacuuming and sealing (see point B, page 28).

Automatic vacuuming and sealing

Preparing the appliance for operation
• Completely unwind the power cord from the cord storage.
• Connect the power plug to a socket. All pilot lamps light up for a short time.
• The appliance is in standby mode. The pilot lamp above the button Lebensmittel lights up.
• Lift up the handle for unlocking the lid of the appliance.
• Open the lid up to the stop.
• Place the vacuum chamber insert into the vacuum chamber.
• Place the filled bag with the open end below the stop angle of the vacuum chamber insert.
• Then close the lid of the appliance.
• For locking the lid, fold the handle down until it snaps in.
Note : This may cause a squeaking noise due to the pressure equalisation.
• The appliance is ready for operation now.
Selecting operation mode

• By pressing the button Lebensmittel, the requested operation mode can be set. The respective pilot lamp shows the selected setting.
• For dry food, select .
• For humid food, select .
• The standard pre-setting is .

Starting the automatic programme

• To start the programme, press the button Automatik/Stopp.
Note : The operation can be stopped at any time by pressing the button Automatik/Stopp once again.
Note : The appliance automatically stops after one minute of extraction time, if the bag is not tight.
• The appliance activates the pump and extracts air from the bag, thus creating a vacuum.
The pilot lamp above the button Automatik/Stopp lights up
• After successful extraction of air, the pump stops and the sealing of the bag starts. Now the pilot lamp above the button Versiegeln lights up additionally.
• As soon as this pilot lamp stops lighting, the process is completed. The appliance switches to operation mode. Just one of the pilot lamps above the button Lebensmittel is lighting.
• In order to remove the bag, fold the handle upwards and then open the upper part of the appliance up to the stop.
• Check the sealing seam. A correct seam should be a smooth straight line without wrinkles.
• After use, pull the power plug and bring the lid into storage position.

ATTENTION! For a safe switch-off, disconnect the appliance from the mains after each use by pulling the power plug!

Manual vacuuming and sealing

ATTENTION : Depending on the period of activation, the air is not completely extracted with this function. The storage time of the food is reduced.
The table storage times of this manual does not apply in this case!

Preparing the appliance for operation
• Completely unwind the power cord from the cord storage.
• Connect the power plug to a socket. All pilot lamps light up for a short time.
• The appliance is in standby mode. The pilot lamp above the button Lebensmittel lights up.
• Lift up the handle for unlocking the lid of the appliance.
• Open the lid up to the stop.
• Place the vacuum chamber insert into the vacuum chamber. • Place the fi lled bag with the open end below the stop angle of the vacuum chamber insert.
• Then close the lid of the appliance.
• For locking the lid, fold the handle down until it snaps in.
Note: This may cause a squeaking noise due to the pressure equalisation.
• The appliance is ready for operation now.
Selecting operation mode

• By pressing the button Lebensmittel, the requested operation mode can be set. The respective pilot lamp shows the selected setting.
• For dry food, select .
• For humid food, select .
• The standard pre-setting is .

Starting manual vacuuming

• To start the programme, press the button Manuell and hold it until the desired vacuum has developed.
Note : By briefl y pressing the button Manuell several times (pulsing), the vacuum can be defi ned optimally.
• The appliance activates the pump and extracts air from the bag so that a vacuum develops.
The pilot lamp above the button Manuell lights up.
• When the desired vacuum has developed, release the button Manuell. The pilot lamp above the button Manuell keeps on lighting.

Starting manual sealing

• To start the sealing process, press the button Versiegeln.
• The appliance starts the sealing of the bag. The pilot lamp above the button Manuell shuts off. The pilot lamp above the button Versiegeln lights up.
• When the sealing is completed, the pilot lamp stops lighting.
• In order to remove the bag, fold the handle upwards and then open the lid of the appliance up to the stop.
• Check the sealing seam. A correct seam should be a smooth straight line without wrinkles.
• After use, pull the power plug and bring the lid into storage position.

Making bags from a foil roll

Preparing the appliance for operation
• Completely unwind the power cord from the cord storage.
• Connect the power plug to a socket. All pilot lamps light up for a short time.
• The appliance is in standby mode. The pilot lamp above the button Lebensmittel lights up.
• Lift up the handle for unlocking the lid of the appliance.
• Open the lid up to the stop.
• Place the vacuum chamber insert into the vacuum chamber.
Placing the foil roll
• Open the lid of the appliance up to the stop.
• Fold up the cutting device.
• Place the foil roll into the compartment and pull out some foil.
• Fold down the cutting device.
Cutting to size
• Pull out as much foil as needed.
• Cut the foil with the cutting device by moving the integrated blade from one side to the other.
Preparing for sealing
• Place an open end of the foil on the sealing bar.
• The foil should touch the outer edge of the vacuum chamber’s gasket.
• The foil must not be placed on the gasket or extend into the vacuum chamber!
Note : Always ensure the correct position of the foil.
• Close and lock the lid of the appliance.
Note: This may cause a squeaking noise due to the pressure equalisation.
Starting the automatic programme

• To start the programme, press the button Automatik/Stopp.
Note : The operation can be stopped at any time by pressing the button Automatik/Stopp once again.
• The appliance activates the pump and extracts air from the vacuum chamber. The lid of the appliance is pressed fi rmly onto the base part by the developing vacuum. The pilot lamp above the button Automatik/Stopp lights up.
• After successful extraction of air, the pump stops and the sealing of the bag starts. Now the pilot lamp above the button Versiegeln lights up additionally.
• As soon as this pilot lamp stops lighting, the process is completed. The appliance switches to operation mode. Just one of the pilot lamps above the button Lebensmittel is lighting.
• In order to remove the bag, fold the handle upwards and then open the upper part of the appliance up to the stop.
• Check the sealing seam. A correct seam should be a smooth straight line without wrinkles.
• The bag can now be used for vacuum sealing.
• After use, pull the power plug and bring the lid into storage position.

Vacuuming of food in containers

ATTENTION : Only use special vacuuming containers.
Please also pay attention to the safety notes which are enclosed with the containers!

Preparing the appliance for operation
• Completely unwind the power cord from the cord storage.
• Connect the power plug to a socket. All pilot lamps light up for a short time.
• The appliance is in standby mode. The pilot lamp above the button Lebensmittel lights up.
• Lift up the handle for unlocking the lid of the appliance.
• Open the lid up to the stop.
• Place the vacuum chamber insert into the vacuum chamber.
Removal of connection hose
• The connection hose is placed in the lid of the appliance, above the foil roll compartment.
• Remove the connection hose, then close and lock the lid of the appliance.
Note : This may cause a squeaking noise due to the pressure equalisation.
Plugging of connection hose
• Plug the first jack of the connecting hose in the port of the appliance. Insert firmly until it stops.
• Firmly insert the second jack to the socket on the lid of the vacuum container.
Note: Pay attention to the proper fit of the vacuuming hose at both ports!
Vacuuming the container

• To start the programme, press the button Behälter.
Note : The process can be stopped any time by pressing the button Automatik/Stopp.
Note: The appliance stops automatically after one minute extraction time, if the container or the hose are not tight.
• The appliance activates the pump and extracts the air from the container. A vacuum develops. The pilot lamp above the button Behälter lights during the operation, the pilot lamp above the button Lebensmittel turns off.
• The pump stops after successful extraction of air.
• As soon as this pilot lamp above the button Behälter stops lighting, the process is completed. The appliance switches to operation mode. Just one of the pilot lamps above the button Lebensmittel is lighting.
• Disconnect the vacuuming hose from the container and the appliance
• After use, pull the power plug and bring the lid into storage position.

Cleaning and care

ATTENTION : Risk of injury/burns!

Always pull the power plug before cleaning!

ATTENTION : Risk of injury/burns!

Do not immerse the appliance, the power cord or the plug in water for cleaning and do not clean them under running water!

ATTENTION : Risk of injury/burns!

Always allow the appliance to cool down before cleaning!
Prior to cleaning the appliance or equipment, please wash your hands thoroughly.
Clean the appliance and the vacuum chamber with a moist cloth and a mild dishwashing detergent before and after each use. Should any liquid get into the appliance, under no circumstances connect the appliance to the mains, but contact your service point.
For easy cleaning, the vacuum chamber insert is detachable. Only clean under running water or with a moist cloth and a mild dishwashing detergent. Do not put in the dishwasher!
The foam gaskets as well as the silicone lip can be removed for cleaning. Clean the sealings and the silicone lip with a damp sponge and mild dishwashing detergent.
Allow the gaskets and the silicone lip to dry completely before attaching them again.
When assembling, make sure the gaskets and the silicone lip fi t correctly. Improper installation will affect the function of the appliance.
Do not use any abrasives or solvents.
Never use a steam jet appliance for cleaning.
Do not put any part of the appliance in the dishwasher!

Maintenance

Worn, deformed or damaged gaskets must be replaced in order to guarantee proper working of the appliance.
Spare gaskets can be purchased directly at our service department.
Gaskets are wearing parts; therefore they are not covered by the appliance’s warranty.

Storage of the appliance

In order to guarantee a proper function, the appliance must be stored with unlocked lid when not in use. Otherwise the gaskets may be damaged.
For storage of the appliance set the lid to the storage position. (See page 26)

Accessory

Only use original Rommelsbacher bags/rolls with groove texture. The following accessories can be purchased from your specialist:
Foil bags
VBS 203 – 50 pcs. à 20 x 30 cm
VBS 304 – 50 pcs. à 30 x 40 cm| Foil rolls
VRS 1560 – 2 pcs. à 15 x 600 cm
VRS 2060 – 2 pcs. à 20 x 600 cm
VRS 3060 – 2 pcs. á 30 x 600 cm
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See also pages 19/20.
Please find further accessories for vacuuming food in containers in specialist shops, on the internet or just visit our website www.rommelsbacher.de/en

Tips for vacuum sealing

When vacuuming food with tapered ends or sharp edges, like bones and dried pasta, pad the edges with paper towels to prevent perforating the bag.
In order to avoid the intake of liquids when vacuuming very damp food (e. g. meat or blanched vegetables), you can additionally wrap those in in cling film or place a kitchen tissue inside the bag at the open edge so that escaping liquid is soaked up.
Once perishable food has been packed, place it in the fridge or freezer immediately.
Place the packs of vacuum-sealed food evenly in the fridge or freezer so that the food will cool down rapidly.
After opening tinned food or food that has been factory vacuum-sealed, it can be vacuumsealed again. Follow the instructions for repacking pre-packed food and for freezing the food as described.
Pre-packed food must in any case be consumed by the “use-by date” shown on the original package.
Once you have warmed up or defrosted perishable food, it must be eaten. Do not eat perishable food if it has been left at room temperature for many hours. This is especially important if the food has been prepared with a thickened sauce or are in low-oxygen content environments (like e. g. in a vacuum).
Do not defrost food in boiling water or using other heat sources, unless the food in question is liquid (soups, juices, etc.).
Vacuum sealing extends the storage period of dried food. Food which has a high fat content quickly becomes rancid due to oxygen and heat. Vacuum sealing also extends the storage period of food like nuts, coconut flakes or grain varieties. Store these in a cool, dark place.
Fruit and vegetables like e. g. apples, bananas, potatoes, etc. must be pealed prior to vacuumsealing.
Soft foods and food with a delicate structure (like fish, berries, etc.) should be pre-frozen for one night before they are vacuum-sealed and placed in the freezer again.
Vegetables like e. g. broccoli, cauliflower and other cabbage discharge gases when they are vacuum-sealed freshly for storage in the fridge. Therefore blanch these foods before vacuumsealing and then store them in the freezer.
There are many non-food products which can be protected by vacuum-sealing, such as camping equipment including matches, first aid kits and clean, dry clothes. Also, you can extend the storage time of pipe tobacco. Silverware and collections can also be vacuum-sealed to protect these items against oxidation.

Storage times

Food type| Storage time (up to) not vacuum-sealed| Storage time (up to) vacuum-sealed
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Cooled food (5 t 2 “C)
red meat| 4 days| 9 days
white meat| 3 days| 9 days
fish, whole| 3 days| 5 days
game| 3 days| 7 days
sausages| 15 Tage| 40 days
sliced sausage| 6 days| 25 days
soft cheese| 7 days| 20 days
hard and semi-hard cheese| 20 days| 60 days
vegetables| 3 days| 10 days
fruit| 7 days| 20 days
Cooked and cooled food (5 t 2 °C)
vegetable puree or soup| 3 days| 10 days
pasta and risotto| 3 days| 8 days
cooked and roast meats| 5 days| 15 days
filled cakes (with cream and fruit)| 3 days| 8 days
deep-frying oil| 15 days| 40 days
Deep-frozen food (-18 t 2 °C)
meat| 6 months| 20 months
fish| 4 months| 12 months
vegetables| 10 months| 24 months
Food at room temperature (25 t 2 °C)
bread| 2 days| 8 days
packaged biscuits| 6 months| 12 months
pasta| 6 months| 12 months
rice| 6 months| 12 months
flour| 5 months| 12 months
dried fruit| 4 months| 12 months
ground coffee| 3 months| 12 months
powdered tea| 6 months| 12 months
freeze-dried products| 2 months| 12 months
milk powder| 2 months| 12 months

These are indicative values which depend on the quality of the packaging and the original quality of the food. They solely refer to the use of original accessories (foil bags and rolls). For the use of accessories of other brands, we can neither make a statement regarding their general suitability nor regarding the storage life of food vacuum-sealed with them. Also no liability will be assumed in this case.
Note : Store perishable foods in the freezer or fridge. Vacuum-sealing extends the storage time of food, but does not make them a ‘preserve’, i. e. a product which is stable at room temperature.
Note : Food which has been vacuum-sealed, then has been heated up and left at room temperature is susceptible to pathogenic micro-organisms which are multiplying within just a few hours and can be harmful to health when consumed.

Troubleshooting

The appliance does not work

Check whether power cord or plug show any damage. If yes – do not operate the appliance.
Check if the power plug is correctly inserted in the socket. Check the socket by plugging in another appliance to test.
In case of overheating, the appliance switches off automatically. In this case let it cool down for 20 minutes with open lid and then try again.
Check if the lid has correctly engaged at both sides.

Appliance does not create a sufficient vacuum inside the bag

For a correct sealing process, the open end of the bag must completely extend into the vacuum chamber.
Check the sealing bar, the silicone lip as well as the gaskets for dirt. Clean them and put them back into the correct position.
Check if the lid has correctly engaged at both sides.
Check the bag for holes.

Appliance does not seal the bag correctlyt

Check if the lid has correctly engaged at both sides.
If the sealing bar gets too hot and the bag is melting, fold the lid upwards and let the sealing bar cool down for a few minutes.
This appliance is produced in compliance with current safety standards. In case of overheating, the appliance switches off automatically. Let cool down for 20 minutes and try again.

Bag loses the vacuum after sealing

Wrinkles, crumbs, grease or humidity can cause leaky spots at the sealing seam. Re-open the bag, clean the inside of the upper part of the bag as well as the sealing bar and seal again.
Check the bag for damage (crack, holes). Padding out sharp edges of the contents using kitchen paper is recommended.