Vakum machine

Types of vakum machines

A vakum machine is available in different types, including chamber, external, and handheld or portable vacuum-sealing machines.

• Chamber vakuum machines: A chamber machine has a strong, durable body for commercial or industrial use built to withstand demanding tasks. The design features a large sealing chamber, often rectangular or square, lined with rubber or foam material to create an airtight space. This machine provides superior vacuum strength by sucking the air out of the entire chamber, not just the bag. As a result, it can handle bags of any size and reshapes food items for storage or sous-vide cooking. It is easily adaptable to sealing liquid that might leak out of the bag. Many of them have digital control panels with adjustable settings. Users can customize the level of vacuuming, sealing, and even the time it takes to seal an item. This feature is great for people who often cook with advanced techniques like sous-vide or for businesses that need to keep ingredients fresh for longer. Chamber vakuum machines tend to be more expensive than other types because of their superior performance, larger capacity, and higher-level technology.
• External vakuum machines: The external vacuum machine is a more compact and portable device. It is very easy to use and store at home. The design features a smaller machine with a sliding bar to seal the bags. This machine works by suctioning the air out of the bag before sealing it with a heating element inside the sliding bar. External machines are typically less expensive than their chamber counterparts. Although they still do a great job of preventing freezer burn and spoilage, they are more limited than chamber ones. One issue with external devices is that they aren't as powerful as chamber ones. After a while, the suction power might drop down. Also, if they are used to sealing messy or tough foods, the sealing bars can get dirty or clogged with debris. Users need to clean and scrape the gunk out of the sealing bar, which is annoying and time-consuming.
• Handheld/portable vakuum machines: Handheld or portable vacuum-sealing machines are the smallest devices in the lineup. They usually come with rechargeable batteries, making them extremely portable. This machine is used to seal food items or any other items into bags and bottles. While many models are made for food items, some are great for sous-vide cooking, freezer storage, and camping. This method involves placing meats and vegetables in bags and heating them in a pot of boiling water. Other kinds might be used to compress clothes or seal air out of storage bins, suitcases, and hotel rooms. Like most portable devices, storage and charging are often issues. They can take up less than a foot of space and go anywhere as long as they're charged. Also, because they run on batteries in most cases, they need to be charged regularly, unlike power cords that plug right into the wall.

Specification and Maintenance of vakum machines

Specification

• Power: The power of a vakum machine is usually between 100 and 200 watts for small household machines. Larger commercial machines have greater power, generally around 200 to 600 watts.
• Pump: The pumps are divided into two categories: oil pumps and rotary pumps. Oil pumps are prevalent in household machines, while rotary pumps are more prevalent in commercial machines.
• Packing width: The packing width of a vakum machine refers to the width of the sealing strip. It is usually from 30mm to 300mm (3-30cm). Machines with large packing widths are generally used for commercial purposes.
• Packing depth: The packing depth of a vakum machine is the distance between the pre-sealed and the feeding ports, which is generally 5-15mm (0.2-0.6in). The depth of the machine determines how much air can be removed from the container.
• Vakuum pressure: The vacuum pressure of a vakum machine is measured in millibar (mbar) or inches of mercury (inHg), indicating how much air the machine can remove from a container. Different machines have different vacuum pressures.
• Material: The main material of the vakum machine is usually stainless steel or plastic. Stainless steel has a longer life and is less likely to break, while plastic is lighter and more portable.

Maintenance

• Clean the surface: Clean the machine's surface with a clean, wet cloth or detergent.
• Clean the vacuum pump: Regularly clean the vacuum pump to remove any dirt or debris. Use an air gun or a soft brush for cleaning.
• Replace the sealing strip: If the sealing strip is damaged, replace it in time to ensure a good sealing effect.
• Check the power cord: Check the power cord regularly to ensure it is not damaged or loose.
• Oil the vacuum pump: Some vakum pumps require lubrication of the vacuum pump. Follow the instructions and oil them as required.
• Regularly check the electrical components to ensure that each connection is firm and there is no corrosion or abrasion.
• Clean the filters and sealing strips periodically to avoid blockages and ensure good vacuuming and sealing.
• When not using the vakum machine for an extended period, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. In addition, cover the machine to prevent dust from getting inside.

Usage scenarios of a vakum machine

Food industries and restaurants use industrial vakum machines to preserve food for later use. The machines do this by sucking out all the air from the bags containing food products and sealing the bags. The absence of air in the bags helps to prevent freezer burn from occurring or any other deterioration of the food products. In turn, food shelves companies or restaurants can maintain the quality of the food items, even after a prolonged period.

For those who like to prep meals in advance, a vakum sealing machine for home use can be a game-changer. By sealing and separating home-cooked meals into individual portions, it becomes easy to store them in the fridge or freezer and simply reheat them when it's time to eat. This not only minimizes food waste but also saves time during busy weeknights.

In the manufacturing and retail sectors, vakum machines are of great importance. They package a wide variety of products, including electronics, garments, nuts, and hardware. The machines remove the air from the packaging and seal it tightly to provide customers with products in pristine condition. Moreover, vakum machines are of great help in the logistics industry. There, they are used to package and seal shipping items and parcels, thereby, saving space in containers and ensuring the safety of the items during transit.

Many people who have been to a library or books store know the importance of vakum machines. In the publishing sector, vakum machines package books and other printed materials. The sealed units provide additional protection against dampness, grime, and physical damage both on books or while in storage.

How to choose a vacuum machine

The selection of a vacuum machine must be in line with the specific application requirements. In this case, users pay attention to the features that the machine offers.

• Industry requirement

  Focus on the industry need. Factors like the frequency of usage, the kinds of items that need vacuum packaging, and the importance of maintaining product integrity should be taken into account. For instance, in the food sector, a food-grade vacuum pump machine should be used. It is more suitable for food packaging because it meets the food packaging standard.

• Packaging size and volume

  Make sure the vacuum machine can accommodate the size and volume of items that need to be vacuum-packed. For large or bulky items, consider using a vacuum machine with a larger chamber.

• Sealing strength and quality

  It is important to maintain the quality of products and customer satisfaction. Choose a vacuum machine that provides adjustable sealing settings to achieve desired sealing strength and quality.

• Durability and reliability

  Opt for a vacuum machine made with quality materials, like stainless steel, and with good craftsmanship. This choice will provide customers with long-lasting performance.

• Ease of use and maintenance

  Select a vacuum machine with intuitive controls and clear instructions. Consider a vacuum machine that is easy to clean and with low maintenance requirements.

• Cost-effectiveness

  While upfront costs are an important consideration, it is more important to consider the long-term value. Analyze factors like energy efficiency, maintenance costs, and equipment longevity to determine the machine's cost-effectiveness over time.

FAQ

Q1: What types of foods should vacuum-sealed bags not be used for?

A1: Foods with lots of liquid, such as soup and juicy fruits, should not be vacuum-sealed since they might clog the machine's suction area. Moreover, foods with fragile surfaces, for example, mushrooms and potato chips, may break or smash into bits in the bag, compromising the sealing effect.

Q2: Can someone reuse vacuum-seal bags?

A2: It is reasonable to reuse VAC bags, more so the textured ones, which are ideal for effective suction. Nonetheless, after vacuuming something potentially contaminated, like raw meat, it's better to seal them in.

Q3: Do vacuum sealers worth buying?

A3: For people who enjoy camping or cooking and freezing meals, a good AVS machine can be a handy asset. Besides prolonging the life of perishable foods, they can prevent freezer burns and save money.

Q4: Can vacuum-sealing machines destroy oxygen-sensitive foods?

A4: Vacuum-sealing machines can eliminate oxygen, which is a key factor in food deterioration. By doing so, they can prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and oxidation processes that can spoil food, thus prolonging the food's shelf life.