VacPak-It 186VMC12OP, 186VMC12DP 950W, 1050W 12 Inch Seal Bar Instruction Manual

: June 3, 2024
: VacPak-It

Table of Contents

FOOD STORAGE & SAFETY
CONTROL PANEL
SETUP
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
MAINTANENCE GUIDE
TROUBLESHOOTING
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

VacPak-It 186VMC12OP, 186VMC12DP 950W, 1050W 12 Inch Seal Bar Instruction Manual

FOOD STORAGE & SAFETY

Vacuum packaging with any model in the VACPAK-IT line will yield unbelievable results. These machines remove up to 95% of the air from the package. This will help keep food fresher up to 5 times longer than under normal storage methods. You can store dry foods like pasta, cereal and flour, fresh meats like pork, chicken and beef, vegetables like carrots, potatoes and squash, or even frozen liquids like soups and drink mixes. The possibilities are endless.

Once packaged, there are a variety of unique methods to cook your stored food. You can cook the food traditionally or sous vide it for a tender and lush flavor. Vegetables should always be blanched – cook until crispy and then submerge in cold water to stop the cooking process – to kill any enzymes that may cause out gassing when vacuumed.

IMPORTANT
NEVER vacuum pack garlic, fungi (like mushrooms), or soft cheese (like Brie, Camembert, and Ricotta). A dangerous chemical reaction takes place when air is removed, causing them to be extremely dangerous if ingested.

FOOD| TYPICAL STORAGE| VACUUM FRIDGE STORAGE| VACUUM FREEZER STORAGE
---|---|---|---
Fresh Beef & Veal| 1-2 Weeks| 1 Month| 1-3 Years
Ground Meat| 1-2 Weeks| 1 Month| 1 Year
Fresh Pork| 1 Week| 2-4 Weeks| 2-3 Years
Fresh Fish| 3-4 Days| 2 Weeks| 2 Years
Fresh Poultry| 1 Week| 2-4 Weeks| 2-3 Years
Smoked Meats| 2-4 Weeks| 6-12 Weeks| 3 Years
Fresh Produce (Blanched)| 1-2 Weeks| 2-4 Weeks| 2-3 Years
Fresh Fruits| 3-4 Days| 2 Weeks| 2-3 Years
Hard Cheeses| 2-4 Days| 6-12 Weeks| 6 Months
Sliced Deli Meats| 1-2 Weeks| 6-12 Weeks| Not Recommended
Fresh Pasta| 1 Week| 2-3 Weeks| 6 Months

CONTROL PANEL

Control Panel

Vacuum Gauge – Indicates the vacuum pressure level inside the chamber.
“Seal Time” Light – Illuminates when adjusting seal time.
It also illuminates during the sealing process.
“Vac Time” Light – Illuminates when adjusting vacuum time.
It also illuminates during the vacuum process.
LED Display – Displays current cycle time in seconds.
Up/Down Arrow Buttons – Press to increase/decrease the vacuum or sealing time.
ON/OFF Button – Press to turn the machine on or off can also be used as an emergency stop button.
Start Button – Press to begin the indicated process.
Seal Button – Press to begin the sealing process manually for fragile foods.
Set Button – Press to set the vacuum or sealing time, then use the up/down arrow buttons to make adjustments.

SETUP

CAUTION:
DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER
To provide continued protection against risk of electric shock, connect to properly grounded outlets only.

Adding Oil (186VMC12OP)

Remove the back panel by unscrewing all the corner screws.
Remove the oil fill bolt located on the vacuum pump using a thumbscrew cap.
Fill the pump with oil until it reaches the white line marked on the bottle.
Replace the oil fill bolt on the vacuum pump, and then replace the back panel of the unit.

Initial Setup

Attach the power cord to the unit and plug the cord into a grounded electrical outlet.
Release the lid lock, located on the right side of the machine, and allow the lid to lift and remain open.
NOTE: Do not use the machine with the lid lock engaged. Always release the lid lock before use. The lid lock feature is only to be used when the machine is in storage, never while in use.
Press the ON/OFF Button on the control panel to turn the machine on. The LED screen on the control panel will illuminate, confirming the machine is on.

Adjusting Timing Controls

Note: All adjustments and changes to this unit’s timing must be made with the lid lock disengaged and the lid open. DO NOT use the machine with the lid lock engaged.

To set and adjust the timing controls, press the “Set” button on the front control panel. You can repress the “Set” button to cycle through the settings for Vacuum or Sealing. Once selected, the current time setting will appear on the LED Screen.
The unit’s standard settings are:
Vacuum Time – 40 Seconds
Sealing Time – 1.2 Seconds
Once the setting is selected, you can increase or decrease the time by pressing the “Up” or “Down” arrow buttons accordingly. The new time settings will appear on the screen and be saved to the machine.
Note: For setting the Vacuum time, you can use filler plates to occupy space in the chamber, leaving less air to be removed from the chamber, thus decreasing the overall vacuuming time.
Note: For setting the Sealing time, it is recommended you increase the seal time by small increments of 0.1 to avoid over-sealing or melting the bag.
Upon finishing setting the timing controls, press the “Set” button until no lights on the control pacnel are illuminated. The machine will not operate until all lights are off.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT
NEVER vacuum pack garlic, fungi (like mushrooms), or soft cheese (like Brie, Camembert, and Ricotta). A dangerous chemical reaction takes place when air is removed, causing them to be extremely dangerous if ingested.

Note: DO NOT use the machine with the lid lock engaged. Always release the lid lock before use. The lid lock feature is only to be used when the machine is in storage, never while in use.

Select a suitable Vacuum chamber pouch for this machine. Both models can accommodate up to a 10″ x 15″ pouch. Place item(s) in pouch, leaving at least 2″ space between the item and the top of the pouch.
Note: If item(s) to be sealed contain sharp objects such as bones, stems or cloves, make sure to cover them with a folded paper towel to protect the pouch from potential punctures.
Lay the pouch flat into the chamber, with the pouch opening laid across the seal bar at the front of the chamber. Ensure the pouch lies flat across the seal bar and contains no wrinkles, while making sure the end of the pouch does not extend outside the chamber.
Close the lid and press down firmly on the corners of the lid for 3-4 seconds until the vacuum cycle begins. Press the “Start” button.
The unit will now enter into the VACPAK-IT procedure as follows:
- Vacuum cycle begins, air is removed from the chamber and pouch.
- Sealing cycle begins, the seal bars heat and seal the pouch.
- The cycle finishes and the lid releases.
  Note: Some models have a manual “Seal” or “Stop” button that can be used to seal the pouch immediately. This is useful when vacuuming fragile foods to prevent crushing.
Inspect the pouch to ensure desired vacuum and seal is achieved.
Vacuum Quality – If the quality of vacuum is not adequate or if the pouch is not tight enough, inspect the pouch for air pockets or air leaks. If no leaks are evident, increase the vacuum time by 5 seconds and begin the process again at Step 2.
Note: Some vegetables may emit out-gassing when the air is removed from them. Make sure to blanch – cook until crispy and then submerge in cold water to stop the cooking process – to prevent this out-gassing from occurring.
Seal Quality – A good seal will be clear upon inspection. Seals that are spotty, incomplete, wrinkled, milky, or white colored are inadequate. If the seal is white or milky, cut seal portion and decrease the seal time by 0.1 seconds. If the seal is spotty or incomplete, cut the seal portion and increase the seal time by 0.1 seconds. Begin the process again at Step 2.
If the Vacuum and Seal are of good quality, the VACPAK-IT process is finished. Enjoy the deliciousness of your freshly vacuum packed food!

MAINTANENCE GUIDE

Changing Oil (186VMC12OP)

It is recommended to change the vacuum pump oil in your VACPAK-IT machine after the first 20 hours of use. Further oil changes should occur after every 50 hours of use.

Required Supplies:

Machine Oil
Empty Oil Bottle with Spout
Phillips Head Screwdriver
Adjustable Wrench
Oil Drain Pan or Container

Warm up the current pump oil by running the machine for a few cycles.
Turn the unit off and disconnect the power cable from the outlet.
Remove the back panel of the unit by unscrewing the four corner screws.
Locate the oil drain bolt on the bottom of the vacuum pump under the unit’s housing. Place an oil drain pan or container under the drain bolt. Remove the bolt and the oil will begin to drain.
Once all oil has been drained, replace the oil drain bolt on the pump.
Note: Dispose of used machine oil properly according to your local and state regulations.
Remove the oil fill bolt located on the vacuum pump using a wrench or similar tool.
Fill the pump with oil until the level is at least halfway up the sight glass. (Approx 3.5oz of oil).
Replace the oil fill bolt on the vacuum pump, and then replace the back panel on the unit.
The oil has successfully been replaced and the unit is ready to use.

Routine Cleaning

After each day’s use or when the machine is dirty, remove the seal bar and wipe down the chamber, lid and exterior with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove food particles and other debris.
The seal bar should be wiped clean with a damp cloth only.
Never use an acetone, acetone-based or abrasive cleaner on the lid or other plastic parts. Parts can become discolored, scratched, or even appear burned if these materials are used.
The stainless steel housing should be cleaned and cared for by using a traditional stainless steel cleaning material.
Inspect the power cord for tears, frays, or other damage. Do not use machine if the power cord is damaged.

TROUBLESHOOTING

ISSUE	REMEDY
Unit won’t turn on

Ensure the machine is properly plugged into a grounded outlet.
Check the power cord for tears, frays, or other damage. Do not use machine if the power cord is damaged.
Make sure the power switch is turned on. The LED screen will be illuminated when on.

Not achieving a complete vacuum|

Vacuum time may not be set high enough. Set the vacuum time higher in small increments and try again until the desired vacuum is achieved.
The edge of the bag must be across the seal bar, and not extend past the chamber, ensure there are no wrinkles in the bag and that the bag is inside the chamber.
Make sure the seal is complete and that the seal is clear. If the seal is spotty, incomplete, wrinkled, milky, or white colored, they are inadequate. Cut seal portion and restart the vacuum process.
Ensure both the sealer and bag are clean, dry and free of debris for the vacuum process to be successful. Wipe the surface of the seal bar and inside of the bag and try again.

Bag loses vacuum after being sealed|

Check for sharp items such as bones, stems, cloves and others that can puncture the bags, cover them with a folded paper towel and vacuum in a new pouch.
Some fruits and vegetables can release gases if not properly prepared before storing. Make sure to blanch or freeze food before packaging. If in doubt about the quality of the food, discard immediately.

Pouch not sealed properly|

The sealing time may not be long enough for an adequate seal. Increase the seal time in small increments of 0.1 seconds and try again.
Ensure both the sealer and bag are clean, dry and free of debris for the vacuum process to be successful. Wipe the surface of the seal bar and inside of the bag and try again.
The edge of the bag must be across the seal bar, and not extend past the chamber, ensure there are no wrinkles in the bag and that the bag is inside the chamber.

Buttons not working| In rare cases, the buttons and/or programs may not work properly. If this occurs, unplug the machine and plug it back in to reset the programming.

MODEL SPECIFICATIONS

Model	VMC12DP	VMC12OP
Chamber Dimensions	11 3/4″ X 13 3/4″ X 3 1/8″	11 3/4″ X 13 3/4″ X

Digital Vacuum Pressure Display
Traditional Analog Pressure Gauge
Removable Seal Bar
No Hassle Dry Pump
Adjustable Vacuum And Seal Time

|

Digital Vacuum Pressure Display
Traditional Analog Pressure Gauge
Removable Seal Bar
Easy Check and Fill Oil Pump
Adjustable Vacuum And Seal Time

Certifications| ETL| ETL

EQUIPMENT LIMITED WARRANTY

VacPak-It warrants its equipment to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year. This is the sole and exclusive warranty made by VacPak-It covering your VacPak-It brand equipment. A claim under this warranty must be made within 1 year from the date of purchase of the equipment. Only the equipment’s original purchaser may make a claim under this warranty. VacPak-It reserves the right to approve or deny the repair or replacement of any part or repair request. The warranty is not transferable. VacPak-It Equipment installed in/on a food truck or trailer will be limited to a period of 30 days from the original date of purchase.

To Make a Warranty Claim:

For Warranty Inquiries contact the location where you purchased the product:

WebstaurantStore.com: Contact help@webstaurantstore.com. Please have your order number ready.
The Restaurant Store: If you purchased this unit from your local store, please contact your store directly.
TheRestaurantStore.com: Online purchases, call 717-392-7261. Please have your order number ready.

Failure to contact the designated location prior to obtaining equipment service may void your warranty.

VacPak-It makes no other warranties, express or implied, statutory or otherwise, and HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

This Limited Warranty does not cover:

Equipment sold or used outside the Continental United States
Use of unfiltered water (if applicable)
VacPak-It has the sole discretion on wearable parts not covered under warranty
Equipment not purchased directly from an authorized dealer
Equipment used for residential or other non-commercial purposes
Equipment that has been altered, modified, or repaired by anyone other than an authorized service agency
Equipment where the serial number plate has been removed or altered.
Damage or failure due to improper installation, improper utility connection or supply, and issues resulting from improper ventilation or airflow.
Defects and damage due to improper maintenance, wear and tear, misuse, abuse, vandalism, or Act of God.

Any action for breach of this warranty must be commenced within 1 year of the date on which the breach occurred no modification of this warranty. or waiver of its terms, shall be effective unless approved in a writing signed by the parties. The laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania shall govern this warranty and the parties’ rights and duties under it. VacPak-It shall not under any circumstances be liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kind, including but not limited to loss of profits.

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