Vacuum sealing is an increasingly popular method of storing and preserving food products. Read on to find out which machine to choose depending on the type of your catering business, and what else a vacuum packing machine can be used for.
Vacuum sealing is an increasingly popular method of storing and preserving food products. Read on to find out which machine to choose depending on the type of your catering business, and what else a vacuum packing machine can be used for.
Food vacuum packing has a number of advantages. It lets you save space in the refrigerator, while the air suction function additionally preserves your food. Moist products (meats, cold cuts, cheeses) don’t dry out, bread doesn’t become stale, delicate products (fruit, vegetables) are protected against damage and insects, and food with a short shelf life stay fresh longer. For popular products, the approximate shelf life is as follows:
- Bread rolls (room temperature) – normally 2-3 days, up to 8 days with vacuum packing
- Yellow cheese (refrigerator) – normally approx. 20 days, with vacuum packing up to 3 months
- Poultry (refrigerator) – normally 3 days, 6-9 days with vacuum packing
- Meat (freezer) – normally around 6 months, up to 2 years with vacuum packing
Vacuum packing also saves energy. Refrigeration equipment works more efficiently due to the fact that unlike the case with traditional packaging, it cools only the items, not the air.
All-purpose vacuum sealing
Vacuum sealers are the most popular type of device. Due to their compact size they take up little space. User-friendliness and their affordable price make them ideal for both commercial and home use. They will be particularly appreciated by people who prepare food in advance and fans of healthy cooking at low temperature using the sous-vide method. They will also work wonders in themed restaurants.
Vacuum sealers are also irreplaceable at meat stands, letting you perfectly pack the selected piece of meat in front the customer.
The basic models offer air suction and bag sealing. With more sophisticated models you can also use vacuum pouches, air suction from canisters/bottles, sealing without air suction, and adjusting each parameter to the type of product (dry/wet). They also let you close the bags manually, which works well with delicate items that are prone to damage. Click on the link for a video showing how to use a vacuum sealer.
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Food Vacuum Sealer – 175 W – 28 cm – Stainless Steel/ABS
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Vacuum Packing Machine – bag width: 31 cm – Royal Catering – 16 L/min – 0.9 bar
249.00 €219.00 € -
Food vacuum sealer – 165 W – 32 cm – stainless steel/ABS
129.00 €109.00 € -
Food Vacuum Sealer Set with 50 Vacuum Bags 28 x 40 cm – 28 cm – Stainless Steel/ABS
Chamber sealers for advanced users
Efficient chamber packing machines let you simultaneously pack of a large number of smaller articles or larger individual products. They can even cope with items such as a pork leg or a whole turkey. They will therefore work wonders in butchers, food processing plants and large restaurants, such as in hotels. A useful feature is the option of labelling each package, so it’s worth checking if the model you are interested in has this feature.
Chamber packing machines are usually operated via a digital control panel. Readability and the possibility to control each parameter on the display or pressure gauge make them more effective and easier to use.
Chamber packing machines are usually operated via a digital control panel. Readability and the possibility to control each parameter on the display or pressure gauge make them more effective and easier to use.
Vacuum packing for electronics
Vacuum packing can also be used in other industries than catering, e.g. producers and sellers of electronic components: processors, car parts, watches, etc. Sensitive elements are perfectly protected against the damaging effects of moisture, and after packing them in a thick and durable foil – also against mechanical damage.
People who like to stock up on different products can use vacuum packaging to better protect items such as flour, beans or rice. Tightly packed, they will stay fresh after extreme circumstances such as flooding or a food moth invasion.
Packing machines can also be used for securing documents, cash (e.g. when camping), storing medicines or jewellery. Your well-packed valuables will stay in good shape for a long time, and silver coins will not tarnish.
What should you pay attention to when choosing the right machine?
Regardless of the type of vacuum packing machine you choose, there are a few key elements to consider. In order to ensure long-term use, the following aspects are worth bearing in mind:
- Pump output – the more powerful the pump, the faster and more efficiently you will be able to pack your products
- The size of the sealer/chamber – this defines whether you will be able to pack larger or non-standard articles
- The foil used – the thicker the foil, the more resistant it will be to tearing
- Additional functions – choose equipment that is appropriate for your needs. For example, choose a machine with a wet packing option if you intend to pack wet products frequently
- The quality of the materials used – packing machines made of durable material (ABS, stainless steel) will be better for commercial use
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