Product FAQs
SmartSeal™ V3800 Series
How does the new FoodSaver® with SmartSeal™ Technology sense the different types of food for best heat seal?
The New FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System with SmartSeal™ Technology contains liquid detection sensors in the removable drip tray that can detect liquids as soon as they have been pulled through the vacuum channel. Automatic Liquid Detection senses food type; moist or dry- and automatically adjusts seal level for a secure, reliable, air tight seal.
I am having trouble inserting the bag on my new FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System with SmartSeal™ Technology
Make certain all packing materials have been removed. Make certain the drip tray, bag detection tray and foam gasket are inserted correctly.
Check the following before first use: Remove tape and discard the cardboard inserts packed inside the appliance.
To do so, completely open the appliance to access the bag detection trays. First, open the appliance front door by pulling both sides towards you. Then, press gray Release Buttons and rotate housing away from you allowing it to rest on the counter.
Make certain:
1. That all packaging has been removed from inside appliance.
2. The lower foam gasket is firmly seated into the gasket channel.
3. The lower drip tray is firmly snapped into place.
4. The upper bag detection tray is snapped into place.
Close the appliance and you are now ready to begin enjoying the benefits of your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System.
Tips for Easy Bag Insertion: 1. Hold Bag with two hands, gently stretch Bag while inserting. 2. Insert corner of Bag about one half inch into center of channel, then rotate Bag into Channel to activate both Flags on the Upper Bag Detection Tray. 3. Continue to hold bag until vacuum pump begins.
Hint: If the motor runs continuously without vacuuming, press cancel and try again.
Check the following before first use: Remove tape and discard the cardboard inserts packed inside the appliance.
To do so, completely open the appliance to access the bag detection trays. First, open the appliance front door by pulling both sides towards you. Then, press gray Release Buttons and rotate housing away from you allowing it to rest on the counter.
Make certain:
1. That all packaging has been removed from inside appliance.
2. The lower foam gasket is firmly seated into the gasket channel.
3. The lower drip tray is firmly snapped into place.
4. The upper bag detection tray is snapped into place.
Close the appliance and you are now ready to begin enjoying the benefits of your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System.
Tips for Easy Bag Insertion: 1. Hold Bag with two hands, gently stretch Bag while inserting. 2. Insert corner of Bag about one half inch into center of channel, then rotate Bag into Channel to activate both Flags on the Upper Bag Detection Tray. 3. Continue to hold bag until vacuum pump begins.
Hint: If the motor runs continuously without vacuuming, press cancel and try again.
For your own safety, always follow these basic precautions when using a FoodSaver® appliance
Read QuickStart card carefully for operating instructions. Do not use appliance on wet or hot surfaces, or near a heat source. Do not immerse any part of appliance, power cord or plug in water or other liquid. To disconnect, unplug power cord from electrical outlet. Do not disconnect by pulling on cord. Do not operate appliance with a damaged power cord or plug. Do not operate appliance if it malfunctions or is in any way damaged. If cord or appliance is damaged, you can return it to an authorized service center for repair. For details, contact Consumer Services at number listed at bottom of page. Use appliance only for its intended use. Closely supervise children when using any electrical appliance. Do not allow appliance to be used as a toy. 120v Appliances Only: The FoodSaver® appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce risk of electrical shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not modify plug in any way. Caution: A short power cord is provided to reduce risks from entanglement or tripping over a longer cord. An extension cord may be used when marked electrical rating is no less than electrical rating of this appliance. The extension cord should not drape over counter or tabletop where it can be tripped over or pulled on unintentionally, especially by children.
My FoodSaver® appliance will not seal. What's wrong?
Press the seal button before inserting your bag.
How do I clean the appliance?
Both the Upper Bag Detection Tray & Lower Drip Tray are removable for cleaning, and both are top-rack dishwasher safe. Empty Drip Tray after each use. Unplug before cleaning. Open front door of appliance by pulling towards you on both sides. Press gray Release Buttons and rotate housing away from you allowing housing to rest on the counter.
Remove Drip Tray by lifting the tabs on each end. The Upper Bag Detection Tray has two pivoting flags for bag detection. Remove Bag Detection Tray by lifting the tabs on each end. Do not pull on the Upper Bag Detection Flags to remove the Upper Bag Detection Tray. Wash trays in warm soapy water or place in top rack of dishwasher, allow trays to dry completely and replace into appliance.
Before closing appliance: Firmly snap the left side of the Lower Drip Tray down. Make sure the lower Foam Gasket is firmly seated into the gasket channel. Upper Bag Detection Tray MUST be inserted to use the appliance. Without the Upper Bag Detection Tray, your FoodSaver® appliance will not the detect bag when inserted in the Vacuum Channel.
Remove Drip Tray by lifting the tabs on each end. The Upper Bag Detection Tray has two pivoting flags for bag detection. Remove Bag Detection Tray by lifting the tabs on each end. Do not pull on the Upper Bag Detection Flags to remove the Upper Bag Detection Tray. Wash trays in warm soapy water or place in top rack of dishwasher, allow trays to dry completely and replace into appliance.
Before closing appliance: Firmly snap the left side of the Lower Drip Tray down. Make sure the lower Foam Gasket is firmly seated into the gasket channel. Upper Bag Detection Tray MUST be inserted to use the appliance. Without the Upper Bag Detection Tray, your FoodSaver® appliance will not the detect bag when inserted in the Vacuum Channel.
How do I operate the Bag Opener?
The Bag opener is a handy and convenient way to open sealed bags. To Use: 1. Press Bag Opener to extend (press again to retract Bag Opener for storage). 2. Fold end of bag to create a loop with the sealed bag so the Heat Sealed area is above the cutter. 3. Hold bag taught with two hands and pull bag through the cutter.
How is my new FoodSaver® with SmartSeal™ Technology faster than previous FoodSaver® appliances?
The Vacuum pump on the New FoodSaver® with SmartSeal™ Technology evacuates air 19% faster than the Advanced Design Series.
How often should I replace the gaskets?
To keep your FoodSaver® vacuuming properly, we recommend that you replace the gaskets every year.
What is the Ten Minute Quick Marinate Cycle?
Your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System with SmartSeal™ Technology has a special Quick Marinate Cycle which will last about ten minutes. During the Cycle, the vacuum motor will "hold" the vacuum for several minutes then release the vacuum allowing the food to "rest" for 30 seconds. This process will then repeat two more times. Use the FoodSaver® Quick Marinating Canister (with clear lid and large white knob). During the Quick Marinate Cycle, make sure the knob on accessory lid is set to OPEN. Do not set knob to Vacuum.
What is the Tray Full indicator?
When excess liquid fills the Drip Tray, the unit will turn off and the Tray Full Indicator light will activate. To resume normal operation, open Appliance Door, press two release buttons, rotate appliance away from you, and allow appliance to rest on the counter. Then empty Drip Tray, clean it and place it back in the appliance.
My unit is stuck, it will not open, and unit is not allowing me to feed bag into unit to vacuum/seal.
Cons should be advised that their seal profile is stuck to sealing strip. All they have to do is turn unit on, if they see that the red seal light is on, press the cancel button twice. Red seal light should turn off and cons should be able to reopen the unit/feed bag into unit.
I am having trouble inserting the bag on my new FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System with Exclusive SmartSeal™ Technology
Make certain all packing materials have been removed. Make certain the drip tray and foam gasket are inserted correctly. Make certain the upper bag detection tray is inserted correctly. Bag must be centered in opening (between arrows). Move the bag side to side until it is in all the way.
I have additional questions about using my appliance, what can I do?
Our Customer Service team is available to answer any of your questions and help you get comfortable with your new appliance. Contact us here or call us at 1-877-777-8042 to speak to one of our representatives.
What is Cool Down time for?
We have added a short "cool down" period immediately after the heat seal process. This allows the bag to cool down and set, ensuring an air-tight, durable Heat Seal.
What is SmartSeal™ Technology?
SmartSealTM Technology allows your FoodSaver® system to sense food moisture and automatically adjusts the seal level for a secure, reliable, air tight seal. The Automatic Bag Sensing feature takes all the guesswork out of Vacuum Sealing.
What is the CrushFree™ Instant Seal?
You can immediately stop the vacuum process when vacuum packaging delicate foods. Press the SEAL Button at any time during the vacuum process to immediately stop the vacuum and begin sealing the bag. This prevents crushing delicate items such as bread, cookies and pastries.
Why is the Seal Indicator Flashing?
The Seal indicator flashes to signal an ERROR. This may be caused by an improperly inserted bag. Make sure bag is placed correctly inside Vacuum Channel. (See How to Insert a Vacuum Bag.) Also review the following:
a. Check power cord to see if it is firmly plugged into an electrical outlet.
b. Examine power cord for any damages.
c. See if electrical outlet is working by plugging in another appliance.
d. Check to be certain the Upper Bag Detection Tray is properly inserted.
e. Check to ensure Release Buttons are properly latched.
f. Check to ensure Foam Gasket is properly inserted into gasket channel.
g. Check Gaskets around to make sure they are free from food material.
h. Lower Drip Tray must be firmly snapped into place.
i. If overheated, allow appliance to cool for 20 minutes.
a. Check power cord to see if it is firmly plugged into an electrical outlet.
b. Examine power cord for any damages.
c. See if electrical outlet is working by plugging in another appliance.
d. Check to be certain the Upper Bag Detection Tray is properly inserted.
e. Check to ensure Release Buttons are properly latched.
f. Check to ensure Foam Gasket is properly inserted into gasket channel.
g. Check Gaskets around to make sure they are free from food material.
h. Lower Drip Tray must be firmly snapped into place.
i. If overheated, allow appliance to cool for 20 minutes.
How do I clean the gaskets and how often should I clean them?
To keep the gaskets free of debris, we recommend cleaning them every three to six months. To clean the gaskets, use with hot, soapy water, rinse well and let them air dry overnight.
Why is the Moist Food indicator flashing?
The Food Sensors in the Drip Tray will not function if liquid is allowed to remain in the Drip Tray. Remove the Drip Tray, empty liquid, clean Drip Tray and replace it in housing.
Why does my new FoodSaver® with SmartSeal™ Technology seem slower than my older FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System?
The Vacuum Pump actually runs 19% faster. In addition to vacuuming, remember that your new FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealing System with SmartSeal™ Technology is also automatically sensing the bag, clamping and unclamping, and running a seal cool down time.