Is your vacuum sealing machine malfunctioning? Are you having problems creating a secure seal or vacuum-sealing liquids? This vacuum sealer troubleshooting guide has your issues and concerns covered.
Read on to learn the most common vacuum sealing problems and their solutions.
Why is My Vacuum Sealer Not Sealing Properly or At All?
A wet, greasy, overfilled, incompatible, or broken bag is the usual culprit why your food vacuum sealer cannot seal properly.
An overheated machine, broken gasket, and damaged sealing bar are potential causes, too.
Here are some vacuum sealer troubleshooting steps you can apply when you encounter this problem.
1. Keep your vacuum bag clean and dry.
The sealing bar of your machine should come in contact with a dry surface to create a secure seal. That means there should be no moisture or grease around the sealing edge of the bag.
To achieve this, you can:
- use a disposable paper towel to wipe the sealing edge dry
- reverse the outer edge of the vacuum bag before putting food inside
2. Avoid overfilling your vacuum bag.
An overfilled bag will not have enough headspace to create a proper vacuum seal.
Also, if you do this for sauces, marinated meats, or cooked dishes, the sealing edge will be too wet or greasy for proper vacuum sealing.
So, check the bag size and follow its recommended capacity.
3. Do not use torn or incompatible vacuum bags.
If you reuse your vacuum bags often, small tears will eventually form, making them unsuitable for vacuum sealing.
In the same way, using vacuum bags that do not match your food sealer device can prevent proper sealing.
I do not recommend patching up torn vacuum bags, though. The best vacuum sealer troubleshooting step is to buy new ones that work with your machine.
If you want to reuse your bags and save money, consider getting those with zip locks and valves.
4. Keep the gasket of your machine in good condition.
Home vacuum sealers typically have a rubber gasket lining the inner edge of their lids. This part helps in creating an airtight seal.
However, it won’t work if the gasket is dirty or damaged. So, check your manual to see how to remove the gasket for cleaning and follow the instructions.
Usually, cleaning it with water and letting it dry completely should be enough. Once done, reinstall and try resealing the bag.
For a broken gasket, consult your manufacturer to get a replacement.
5. Allow your machine to rest or check its heating bar.
Overworking your food vacuum sealer for several minutes or hours can result in overheating, which affects regular operation.
So, turn the machine off and let it cool down for half an hour before trying to reseal the bags.
The problem could also be the heating bar itself or the part that melts the edge of the vacuum bag to create a seal.
You can check if it’s working with a multimeter. A zero or null reading would indicate your machine needs a new heating bar.
You may also consult your manufacturer if you need further assistance.
Why is My Vacuum Sealer Sucking in Liquid?
Remember that food vacuum sealers work through a suction-and-heat mechanism. If the vacuum bag contains liquid, the machine can likely draw some of it as it sucks the air out.
Try these vacuum sealer troubleshooting suggestions to tackle this issue:
- Use a longer vacuum bag. This tip ensures that the liquid contents are not near the air-suctioning mechanism of the machine.
- Freeze moist food or liquid for about 1 to 2 hours before sealing. Par-freezing works for meats, sauces, soups, pickled vegetables, and other similar food items. You can also try this when vacuum-sealing soft or delicate foods like bread and berries.
- Apply the double bag technique. Place your moist food inside a vacuum bag, then wrap the remaining edge around it. Next, place this inside another vacuum bag and seal it.
- Vacuum pack moist foods or liquids manually. Some food sealers have a manual mode where you can control their air suction level. There are also non-electric machines with a manual air pump tool. Either option lets you observe the movement of the liquid inside the bag and adjust the suctioning power accordingly.
Why is My Vacuum Sealer Not Suctioning Air Properly?
Some of the vacuum sealer troubleshooting solutions for this issue are similar to when your machine fails to seal properly.
Try one of these suggestions.
1. Insert the vacuum bag correctly.
Improper bag insertion may cause the machine to suck air outside the bag continuously.
So, double-check your product manual and follow the instructions on how to position and insert your vacuum bag into the mouth of the sealing machine.
2. Allow the machine to cool down.
An overheated vacuum sealer due to overuse can lessen the suctioning power and affect its vacuum seal function.
Let the machine rest for a few minutes, then try again. Also, follow the manufacturer’s recommended usage time to avoid damaging the machine.
3. Check the machine lid, power cord, or gasket for damage.
A warped or broken lid prevents you from closing the machine properly, causing air to leak and hinder the vacuum process.
On the other hand, a frayed or damaged power cord prevents proper machine operation, including its vacuum function.
Similarly, a torn or cracked gasket leaks air during vacuum sealing.
So, turn the machine off, allow it to cool down, and inspect these parts for damage. Install a replacement if needed.
4. Have the vacuum pump inspected.
Vacuum pumps in food sealers are the ones that draw the air out from the bag. If it’s worn out or obstructed, vacuum errors are likely.
So, if you think this is causing the issue, consult the manufacturer or a professional technician for repair or replacement.
Final Thoughts
Modern food vacuum sealers are generally durable. However, improper or frequent use can cause them to malfunction.
So, take care of your kitchen appliance. Follow the instruction manual and keep the machine clean. Hopefully, the vacuum sealer troubleshooting tips above will solve your concerns.
If you are looking for a product replacement, I recommend choosing a high-quality food vacuum sealer from a trusted brand with a good warranty coverage.
It’s also best to buy from manufacturers with top-notch customer service and readily available replacement parts.
Check out our food vacuum sealer top picks and buying guide for more info.
