Types of hot vacuum machines
A hot vacuum machine is an essential piece of equipment for food packaging. Food is cooked at a specific temperature in the oven before being placed in the vacuum sealer. When heated, the vacuum sealers eliminate all the air present in the packaging. Hot water in the ziplock bags creates steam that cooks the food evenly. In addition to improving the shelf life of food, hot water also sanitizes the packaging.
Although there are many food vacuum sealers, we can divide them into two classes.
- The first category consists of machines that use heat and vacuum to preserve food. An example is a heat strip seal. These devices employ vacuum to extract air and then heat to seal containers or bags fundamentally. Heat strip sealers function by utilizing a heat strip integrated into the lid of the sealer. Once the air is sucked out, the heat strip is activated. The heat then is enough to melt the plastic of the container or bag, creating a seal. The strips come in various sizes, depending on how much food one has.
- The second category consists of devices that use heat only. An example is a hot wire sealer. It is standard in the packaging industry. A hot wire sealer uses heat to melt the packing material against a wire or element. Depending on the type, a hot wire can be straight, round, or in any other specialty shape. The hot wire can be pneumatically or mechanically presented into the packaging, meaning it can be moved or pressed into the packaging material. Misaligned packages can also be seared with hot wires, making electrical components an exciting option for packaging. They are ideal for sealing containers and bags for food packaging.
Specifications and maintenance of hot vacuum machine
Specifications
- Capacity: The capacity of a hot vacuum machine is present in liters. It indicates the maximum volume that can be processed in a single cycle. For example, a machine with a 10L capacity means that up to 10 liters of food items could be comprised in one go.
- Chamber Size: This measurement corresponds to the internal size of the machine's chamber where food is placed for hot vacuum sealing. The chamber size dictates how much and what shape of food can fit. For instance, a machine may have a chamber size of 20 inches by 10 inches by 4 inches, which means foods such as a turkey could be vacuumed and sealed in it.
- Temperature Control: This feature lets operators handle the precise heat level during the vacuum sealing process. It impacts factors like food texture, nutritional value, and sealing quality. Machines might have adjustable temperature controls that can range from 70°C to 120°C.
- Vacuum Strength: It is the level of suction power used to remove air from the packaging before sealing. This is important because different types of food require varying levels of air removal to prevent spoilage and freezer burn. For instance, fragile foods like chips may require gentle suction to avoid crushing, whereas meats may need stronger suction for optimal preservation. Vacuum strength is represented in inches of mercury (inHg), with typical ranges from 1 inHg to 29.9 inHg. High vacuum levels are critical for long-term preservation, especially for sous vide cooking and preventing freezer burn in foods meant for deep freezing.
- Filtration System: The method of filtering used to clean the water of impurities prior to it being contained in the hot vacuum machine. For example, in countries where mainswater must be filtered first, this may include reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, etc.
- Power: The wattage indicates how much electricity is consumed when this hot vacuum machine is in use. Higher wattage tends to equal faster vacuum sealing and suction. Typical power consumption is around 200 - 800 watts.
- Construction Material: Hot vacuum sealers are made with either cost-cutting Polycarbonate or long-lasting Stainless Steel. Only food-grade materials are used. Depending on the material, the lifetime of the machine varies.
- Crevice Cleaning Tools: Hot vacuum machines have tough, explosion-proof cleaning tools that go into chips, corners, and other hard-to-reach spaces inside the unit. These are included for proper maintenance. Child safety is crucial, and these tools are designed to keep vacuum pressure away from kids and other unqualified persons.
Maintenance
- Carrying the Unit: It is necessary to mostly use two people to carry the hot vacuum machine, especially larger units. This is in order to avoid injury as they are heavy pieces of equipment.
- Daily cleaning: Cleaning the machine after each use is important. This prevents the build-up of food residue and bacteria. It is advisable to inspect and replace the filter as required within the hot vacuum machine also.
- Thorough monthly cleaning: A deep cleaning process should occur once every month. All filters, ventilation slots, and crevices should be thoroughly cleaned. Pay special attention to the fan blades which must be rid of any food particles and dust. A blow gun or crevice tool can be used to clean hard-to-reach areas instead of a cloth.
Scenarios of hot vacuum machine prices
The food industry extensively employs hot vacuum machines due to their potency and flexibility. In culinary arts, chefs utilize these devices for sous-vide cooking, a technique that entails cooking food items that have been sealed in vacuum bags at adopted temperatures over prolonged periods. This method not only enhances tenderness and flavor but also allows precision control over doneness.
In commercial kitchens and restaurants, hot-packing is a prevalent application of hot-vacuum machines. They are utilized to preserve foods such as meats, cheeses, and perishable items to extend shelf life, maintain freshness, and reduce food waste. Vacuum-sealed foods also simplify storage and organize refrigerator and freezer space.
In the packaging industry, hot-vacuum sealing machines are used to package various products, including food items, electronics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The sealing process improves product integrity, tamper evidence, and longevity. It also enhances supply chain efficiency by streamlining packing processes.
Small-scale food producers, artisans, and homemade businesses can also benefit from Hot vacuum machines. These devices enable them to efficiently package and preserve their unique offerings, such as homemade sauces, pickles, jerky, and baked goods. Vacuum sealing can enhance product quality and attract a more extensive customer base.
Hot vacuum machines also have applications beyond the food industry. In the medical field, they are employed in sterile packaging for medical devices, equipment, and supplies, ensuring cleanliness and preventing contamination. Similarly, in the agricultural sector, hot-vacuum machines are used for packaging seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals, protecting them from moisture and contamination.
How to Choose Hot Vacuum Machine
Before deciding on the type of hot vacuum packaging machine to buy for business, it's vital to research some critical factors to ensure they align with business needs. These factors will also indicate why prices differ when buying at scale from B2B suppliers.
- Purpose for Packaging Food Items: They Identify which types of food items are to be packaged. This includes the shapes, sizes, and types of foods. Know if the items need to be freshly packaged for shelf life or if they're to be bought in bulk and portioned for packaging. Also, consider if the packaging will extend to other perishable items like cosmetics or medications. Different hot vacuum pack machines work with different types of packaging materials. Some machines are better suited for frigid temperatures than others because of the quality of the construction materials. Go over all these questions to decide which machine is best for packaging specific items.
- Hourly Production Needs: Determine how many packages are to be vacuum-packed in one hour. This figure will show what type of machine is ideal for meeting this packaging demand. Look at the maximum number of packages that need to be hot-sealed in a day and the frequency with which the machine will be used daily. Consider whether the features of a more advanced machine with faster production speed are worth the added cost. In most scenarios, these high-speed machines are usually ideal for commercial kitchens and higher-scale settings.
- Machine Size: With numerous hot vacuum seal machine models on the market, sizing is essential to consider as all machines take up a certain amount of space. Bigger machines take up more space, but they also have the capacity to handle larger volumes of food. It's essential to have enough space in the facility for the machine so that it can carry out its job efficiently, especially with staff assigned to work with the machine.
- Seal Strength and Durability: The kind of food item to be packaged will determine what kind of seal strength and durability are expected from the machine. Delicate food items like potato chips or berries require gentle seals, while bulk, heavy, and oversized food items need strong seals. Consider the kind of packaging materials to be used. Some hot vacuum machines are better suited to certain types of packaging materials. Uncoated Poly, also known as textured hot vacuums, has more surface area to hold on to an area. Smooth hot vacuums have less surface area and lesser hold. Other packaging materials included in this are grain, flour, and sugar items.
FAQ
Q1: What are the advantages of using a hot vacuum packing machine?
A1: Hot vacuum packaging machines offer various benefits to businesses. They extend shelf life by eliminating air, a primary agent of spoilage. Products kept in vacuum packaging frequently have longer expiry dates. The hot seal component of these machines creates airtight and leakproof packs, ensuring goods are secure and still fresh when they reach consumers. Additionally, vacuum packaging improves storage space. Bags can be stored, stacked, or refrigerated more easily because they are flat and small. Hot vacuum pack machines increase profitability by reducing waste and offering consumers a better product. Hot machines with heat sealing strips can seal up to 500 bags an hour, which is another cost-effective feature.
Q2: What is the difference between a hot and a cold vacuum pack machine?
A2: In contrast to hot vacuum pack machines that use heat to seal bags and remove air, cold vacuum pack machines also create a similar type of seal but are not equipped with a heating element. Hot machines with heat sealing strips can seal up to 500 bags an hour, which is another cost-effective feature.
Q3: How long does it take a hot vacuum pack machine to complete the process?
A3: The time taken to complete the vacuuming and sealing process will depend on the type and model of the machine. With the aid of heat, they can perform the task in approximately 4-6 seconds up to 30-40 seconds.
Q4: Are hot vacuum machines easy to operate and clean?
A4: Yes, hot-vacuum-seal machines are designed for simple operation. With the aid of instructional manual guidelines, both first-time users and experienced individuals can effortlessly perform necessary vacuuming and sealing steps. Cleaning is frequently simple because most devices have removable components that can be cleaned and are also wipeable.
