Hamilton Beach Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220 User Guide

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Introduction of Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220

The Hamilton Beach Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220 is an essential tool for preserving food and reducing waste in your kitchen. This user-friendly appliance automatically removes air and heat seals bags, extending the freshness of your food up to five times longer than traditional storage methods. With built-in storage and a bag cutter, you can easily create custom-sized bags. Ideal for bulk purchases and meal prep, this vacuum sealer is priced around $69.99.

Parts and Features 

NOTE: Not all available parts and accessories are shown here. Please visit our website or call for a complete list. 

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Control Panel

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  • Power Light: The power light will remain illuminated when the vacuum sealer is plugged into an outlet. Power light is green when unit is ready and red when in operation.
  • Vac&Seal/Cancel Button: Press this button to start vacuum and seal operation. This button will stop operation at any time.
  • Seal Button: Press this button to start heat-sealing operation. Use to make bags from rolls. 
  • Vacuum Level Button:
    • Select High for maximum air removal.
    • Select Low for softer/delicate foods.
  • Seal Time Button:
    • Select Normal when vacuum-sealing dry items.
    • Select Extended when vacuum-sealing moist items.
  • Pulse Button: Press, hold, and release this button to control air removal for delicate or crushable items. Press Seal button when proper amount of air is removed.
    Accessory Button:
    • Press this button to operate accessory port on the side of the appliance.
    • Use with vacuum hose, special canisters, and zipper bags (not included).

Detailed Specifications

  • Compact Design: Space-saving design ideal for small kitchens.
  • Easy Operation: One-touch operation with automatic shut-off.
  • Vacuum Strength: Powerful vacuum pump with adjustable settings.
  • Moist/Dry Settings: Separate settings for sealing moist and dry foods.
  • Accessory Port: For use with vacuum canisters, jars, and wine stoppers.
  • Cleaning Indicator Light: Alerts you when the machine needs cleaning.

Before You Start Vacuum-Sealing

  1. The vacuum sealer is intended to be used only with heat-seal bags which have at least one side that is textured for air flow. Do not use household plastic bags.
  2. A vacuum bag is sealed when the two layers of the bag are heated from the heat-seal strip, causing the bag to be permanently sealed.
  3. Wait at least 20 seconds between operations for heat-seal strip to cool to prevent overheating and premature melting of the bag.
  4. There are two ways to close the vacuum sealer to start the vacuum or sealing process:
    • 4A Lower the lid; press and hold the lid down until vacuuming or sealing starts.
    • 4B Use locks if you do not want to hold the lid down manually. Lower the lid. Press down on both corners and push in locks on both sides to lock lid.
    • 4B.1 The locks will release automatically after sealing or vacuum-sealing. If the lid remains locked, press down corners to release lid.

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Making Bags From Rolls

CAUTION Burn Hazard. Seal bar is hot. Avoid touching it.

  1. Insert heat-seal roll into roll holder with roll feeding over the top.
  2. Raise roll cutter bar and pull material under bar; then lower cutter bar. 
  3. To cut material to form the bag, pull forward enough material for the item to be vacuum-sealed plus another 4 inches (10.2 cm). 
  4. Slide cutter across to cut the bag.

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  5. Plug into outlet. Place one open end of bag over heat seal strip and completely within vacuum chamber. 
  6. For best sealing, place curl side down so end of bag points down into the chamber. Be sure there are no folds or wrinkles.
  7. Close the vacuum sealer. Push the Seal button. Press and hold the lid down during sealing or use locks. Red light will illuminate for about  6 seconds indicating the unit is heating the seal. Then, vacuum comes on to allow slight pressure to finish the seal and release the lock.

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  8. Wait to open the lid until unit beeps and light turns green.
  9. Unplug when finished making bags.

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NOTES:

  • To prevent overheating, allow 20 seconds between each bag that is sealed.
  • To ensure proper seal, keep the lid closed during use.

Description

The Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220C boasts a sleek and modern design that fits seamlessly into any kitchen decor. The device features an intuitive control panel with clearly labeled buttons for easy operation. The machine's compact size makes it perfect for those who have limited counter space but still want to enjoy the benefits of vacuum sealing.

The device comes with a built-in cutter for custom bag sizes and includes a starter kit containing vacuum bags. It also supports various accessories like vacuum canisters and wine stoppers through its accessory port.

How to Vacuum-Seal

  1. Plug into outlet.
  2. For better sealing, fold over top of bag to keep clean while adding food. Unfold top of bag after filling.
  3. Center the open edge of bag within the vacuum chamber. Ensure entire edge of bag is inside the chamber and bag is flat with no folds or wrinkles. 

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  4. To begin vacuum-seal operation, lower the lid.
  5. Select Vacuum Level and Seal Time. 
  6. Push the Vac&Seal button. Press down and hold the lid during vacuum-sealing or use locks.
  7. Wait to open the lid until unit beeps and light turns green. Remove the sealed bag.

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  8. Unplug when finished vacuum-sealing bags.

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NOTES:

  • To prevent overheating, allow 20 seconds between each bag that is vacuum-sealed.
  • To ensure proper seal, keep the lid closed during use.
  • Do not let moisture into the vacuum port. This may damage the motor.

How to Vacuum-Seal Fragile Foods or Nonfood Items

  1. Plug into outlet.
  2. Add fragile food or item to heat-seal bag. Unfold top of bag.
  3. Center open edge of bag within vacuum chamber.
  4. Close the lid and hold down in center or use locks.

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  5. Press and hold Pulse button to vacuum air out of the bag.
  6. Release Pulse button when desired amount of air is removed. 
  7. Press Seal button while continuing to hold the lid down. Red light comes on.

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  8. Wait to open the lid until unit beeps and light turns green. Release locks manually by pressing down on corners, if necessary.
  9. Remove the sealed bag.
  10. Unplug when finished vacuum-sealing bags.

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NOTES:

  • To prevent overheating, allow 20 seconds between each bag that is vacuum-sealed.
  • To ensure proper seal, keep the lid closed during use.
  • Do not let moisture into the vacuum port. This may damage the motor.

How to Vacuum-Seal Moist Foods 

NOTE: If the liquid is drawn into the vacuum port, the unit will no longer work.

FREEZING: For best results and to prevent accidental entry of fluids into the vacuum sealer, it is best to prefreeze meats, delicate fruits, and baked foods before vacuum-sealing. Prefreeze casseroles, sauces, and soups in plastic containers before vacuum-sealing. 

  1. Pour cooled liquids or moist food into freezer-safe containers and freeze. 
    OR
    If prefreezing is not practical, dry moist foods with a paper towel before vacuum-sealing. 
  2. Fold over 1 1/2 inch of the top edge of bag to prevent moisture transfer from food to top surfaces of bag.

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  3. Invert freezer container to remove frozen food. Place frozen food in heat-seal bag. Unfold top of bag.
    OR
    Add food to heat-seal bag. 
  4. Wipe and dry top 2-inch interior surfaces of the bag with another paper towel. Unfold top of bag after filling. Plug into outlet.
  5. Center open edge within the  vacuum chamber. Ensure entire edge of bag is inside the chamber and bag is flat with no folds or wrinkles. 

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  6. Lower the lid. Press Seal Time button to select Extended Seal Time. 
  7. This slows and extends the sealing time which is better when sealing moist foods. 
    NOTE: If liquid is drawn into the vacuum port, the unit will no longer work.
  8. Push the Vac&Seal button.
  9. Press down and hold the lid during operation or use locks.

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  10. Wait to open the lid until unit beeps and light turns green. 
  11. Remove the sealed bag.
  12. Unplug when finished vacuum-sealing bags. Store sealed bag in freezer or refrigerator.

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NOTES:

  • To prevent overheating, allow 20 seconds between each bag that is vacuum-sealed.
  • To ensure proper seal, keep the lid closed during use.
  • Do not let moisture into the vacuum port. This may damage the motor.

Setup Guide

To set up the Hamilton Beach Vacuum, follow these steps:

  1. Place the machine on a flat surface and ensure it is plugged into a power outlet.
  2. Wash your hands before handling food to prevent contamination.
  3. Insert the open end of the vacuum bag into the sealer's bag opening.
  4. Select either "Dry" or "Moist" mode depending on the type of food you are sealing.
  5. Press the "Seal" button to start the vacuum process. The machine will automatically shut off once complete.
  6. Remove the sealed bag from the machine and store it as desired.

Hamilton Beach Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220 Care and Cleaning

WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard: 
Before cleaning, assembling, or disassembling the vacuum sealer, make sure the vacuum sealer is unplugged.

  1. Unplug. Let unit cool completely before cleaning.
  2. Wipe the outside of the vacuum sealer and vacuum chamber with a damp cloth or paper towel.
  3. Do not use the locks when storing. Using the locks for an extended time will damage the vacuum sealer.

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Vacuum-Sealing Tips

  • Avoid sharp items around heat-seal bags or rolls when vacuum-sealing. Punctured bags will not seal properly.
  • Buy foods in bulk and vacuum-seal to save time and money.
  • Wash and dry all fruit and vegetables before vacuum-sealing.
  • Washed leafy vegetables can be quickly dried with salad spinners.
  • To avoid crushing berries when vacuum-sealing, freeze them first. To freeze, wash, dry, and freeze on cookie sheets. Then vacuum-seal frozen berries.
  • Vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, green beans, kale, onions, peas, peppers, snap peas, and squash need to be blanched and frozen before vacuum-sealing.
  • After defrosting vacuum-sealed meats, poultry, and seafood, cook to a safe internal temperature.
  • Always cook foods to a safe internal temperature. Foods vacuum-sealed in Hamilton Beach NutriFresh Bags can be used in sous vide cooking and in water on the stovetop. Contact manufacturer for safety of other bags.
  • For food safety information, visit http://www.foodsafety.gov/ 

Sous Vide

  • Sous vide is a no-fail method of cooking vacuum-sealed food in a precisely temperature-controlled water bath, ensuring that food is evenly cooked throughout and reducing chance of over- or undercooking.
  • Use only heat-seal bags made especially for sous vide cooking.
  • Follow directions for vacuum-sealing moist foods when preparing meats, fish, and poultry for sous vide. Juices from meat cannot be drawn into the vacuum port or the unit will no longer work.
  • Follow recommended sous vide cooking times to ensure optimal results. Visit hamiltonbeach.com and search “sous vide” for more information.

Nonfood Tips

  • Nonfood items, such as batteries, boating licenses, matches, and passports, can be vacuum-sealed to keep safe when boating, camping, or traveling.
  • Keys, utensils, and other sharp or pointed objects can be vacuum-sealed. Make sure to wrap the item in paper towels or some type of cushion before vacuum-sealing.
  • For camping, boating, or hiking, be sure to take scissors to open your nonfood items.

Food Storage Tips

  • Always defrost frozen vacuum-sealed foods in the refrigerator.
  • Store all vacuum-sealed cooked foods in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Vacuum-sealed bags of coffee beans, crackers, cereal, granola, and nuts can be stored at room temperature.

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:

  1. Read all instructions.
  2. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they are closely supervised and instructed concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
  3. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
  4. Never let the vacuum sealer run unattended. Disconnect the vacuum sealer from the power source before leaving the work area.
  5. To protect against risk of electric shock, do not immerse cord, plug, or vacuum sealer in water or other liquid.
  6. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
  7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged supply cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Supply cord replacement and repairs must be conducted by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard. Call the provided customer service number for information on examination, repair, or adjustment.
  8. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
  9. Do not use outdoors.
  10. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces, including stove.
  11. Do not disassemble this appliance. Doing so may result in personal injury.
  12. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
  13. Do not use for other than intended purpose.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Other Consumer Safety Information

This appliance is intended for household use only. 
WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard: This appliance is provided with a polarized plug (one wide blade) to reduce the risk of electric shock. The plug fits only one way into a polarized outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug by modifying the plug in any way or by using an adapter. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, have an electrician replace the outlet.

The length of the cord used on this appliance was selected to reduce the hazards of becoming tangled in or tripping over a longer cord. If a longer cord is necessary, an approved extension cord may be used. The electrical rating of the extension cord must be equal to or greater than the rating of the appliance. Care must be taken to arrange the extension cord so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or accidentally tripped over. 

Hamilton Beach Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220 Troubleshooting

PROBLEMPROBABLE CAUSE/SOLUTION
My vacuum sealer shut off and won’t turn on again.• Check power at outlet and then call Customer Service.
The sealing bar melts through the bag.• Only heat-seal bags should be used. DO NOT USE PLASTIC HOUSEHOLD BAGS with the vacuum sealer. 
• Bag cut at an angle does not seal. Ensure bag is cut perpendicular to sides. 
• Unit stored with the lid locked down, gaskets deformed, or overcompressed. Do not store with the lid locked. 
• Check the condition of the seal bar tape strips. Replace if needed. 
• Open the lid and allow the sealing bar to cool for 5–10 minutes. Always leave the lid open between bags, and allow at least 20 seconds between cycles.
The bag seal pulls apart.• The seal of the bag may be incomplete. If the seal has a crease in it, or if a liquid or powder has been trapped between the layers of the bag, the layers may not have been welded together properly. Cut off the seal and wipe the inside of the bag clean. Then, try to vacuum-seal the bag again.
The vacuum pump starts, but no air is being removed from the heat-seal bag.• Be sure you are either pushing down throughout the vacuum-sealing process or using the locks. 
• For best results, use Hamilton Beach heat-seal bags. 
• Be sure the bag is inserted properly. The open end of the bag should be centered within the vacuum chamber. Be sure the vacuum port is not blocked. 
• The bag may have a leak. If there is a leak in the bag, air will be pulled into the bag from the outside. Check for tears or punctures. If you are using a bag that was made from a roll of material, double-check that the end of the bag is sealed. 
• Bag cut at an angle does not seal. Ensure bag is cut perpendicular to sides. 
• Unit stored with the lid locked down, gaskets deformed, or overcompressed. Do not store with the lid locked.
Locks will not engage.• Be sure to push down firmly on both corners while attempting to engage latches.
Lid will not open.• Lid may not have released automatically. Press down on the front lid corners to release locks.
No seal was formed.• If too many seals were made in rapid succession, the unit may be too hot. Wait 2 minutes and retry.
Seal button is pressed but nothing happens.• Once Seal button is pressed, the red light comes on indicating that the vacuum sealer is heating to seal the bag. Wait about 6 seconds. The vacuum will come on briefly to finish the seal and release the locks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight: Easy to store and transport.
  • User-friendly interface: Simple one-touch operation.
  • Versatile usage: Suitable for various types of food including meats, vegetables, fruits, and dry goods.
  • Affordable price point: Offers great value for its features.

Cons

  • Noisy operation: Some users find the machine's noise level during operation to be high.
  • Limited accessory compatibility: May not work with all types of vacuum-sealing bags or accessories.
  • Cleaning challenges: Some parts can be tricky to clean due to their design.

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise the Hamilton Beach Vacuum for its ease of use and effectiveness. Many appreciate its compact size and affordability. However, some users note that it can be noisy during operation and may have limitations in terms of accessory compatibility.

Common complaints include occasional issues with sealing consistency and difficulty in cleaning certain parts of the machine.

Warranty

This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase in Canada and one (1) year from the date of original purchase in the U.S. During this period, your exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of this product or any component found to be defective, at our option; however, you are responsible for all costs associated with returning the product to us and our returning a product or component under this warranty to you. If the product or component is no longer available, we will replace it with a similar one of equal or greater value.

Faqs

What is the primary function of the Hamilton Beach Vacuum Sealer Machine?

The primary function is to remove air from containers or bags to prevent oxidation and spoilage, thus extending the freshness and storage life of various foods.

Is the Hamilton Beach Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220 suitable for sealing moist foods?

It has a 'Moist' setting specifically designed for sealing moist foods without compromising the seal.

Does this machine come with accessories?

It includes a starter kit containing vacuum bags and supports various accessories like vacuum canisters and wine stoppers through its accessory port.

How do I clean the Vacuum Sealer Machine?

Refer to your user manual for specific cleaning instructions. Generally, you'll need to wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth and ensure all parts are dry before storage.

Can I use any type of vacuum-sealing bag with this Hamilton Beach Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220?

While it is compatible with most standard vacuum-sealing bags, some users have reported issues with certain brands or types. It's recommended to use bags specifically designed for this machine for optimal performance.

What should I do if my machine fails to turn on?

Check if it is properly plugged into a working power outlet. Also, ensure there are no electrical issues in your home.

Is there an automatic shut-off feature on this machine?

Once the sealing process is complete, the machine automatically shuts off.

How long does it take to seal a bag?

Hamilton Beach Vacuum Sealer Machine 78220 times depend on the type of food and bag size but generally take around 10-30 seconds.

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