(91167 products available)
A vacuum machine is a device that uses a pump to remove air from a package prior to sealing it. There are six common types of vacuum machines used in the food industry.
Benchtop vacuum sealers
Benchtop vacuum sealers operate by using either an external or chamber-based pump to remove air from the package manually. In most cases, the benchtop sealers are thought to be more cost-effective and space-friendly models in comparison to others. They also feature simple controls, thereby making them easy to operate for food packaging.
Chamber vacuum sealers
Although chamber vacuum sealers are similar to benchtop vacuum sealers in appearance, they have a built-in sealing bar located inside the chamber. The built-in sealing bar is used to hold and package food in a vacuum while removing air from the entire chamber. Chamber vacuum sealers effectively create a vacuum in the chamber, not just around the package, resulting in a thorough and uniform vacuuming process. This is ideal for liquids, soups, and high-moisture foods.
Commercial vacuum pump sealers
A commercial vacuum pump sealer is a large-scale industrial sealer produced for heavy use in commercial or business settings. One distinct feature of a commercial vacuum pump sealer is that it is permanently plumbed into the sealing chamber. As a result, users do not have to connect or disconnect the vacuum pump for operational use or storage.
External vacuum sealers with built-in pumps
External vacuum sealers with built-in pumps are generally more mobile and lightweight than most vacuum sealing machines. This is largely due to their built-in pump feature, which is usually located outside, allowing for greater flexibility in positioning the unit for use. The built-in pump eliminates the need for a dedicated space like a chamber or inline pump, further enhancing portability and ease of storage.
Inline pump vacuum sealers
Similar to external vacuum sealers with built-in pumps, inline pump vacuum sealers use an external pump that requires permanent or semi-permanent plumbed connections. Inline pump vacuum sealers can be effectively used in commercial kitchens or food processing facilities where sealing large quantities of food at high speeds is necessary.
Edge vacuum sealers
An edge vacuum sealer is a device manufactured to remove air from bags or containers by suctioning it through an edge sealer. Typically, edge vacuum sealers have control boxes and sealing elements that are aligned in an edge configuration. When operated, the edge vacuum sealer eliminates air from the system through a designated sealing area or edge. This process aids in preserving and protecting food items from freezer burn, freezer spoilage, and food-related contaminants.
Specifications may vary depending on the type and model of the vacuum-seal machine. Some key features include the machine's size and weight, sealing bar length, vacuum pump power, suction power, seal strip length, voltage, and wattage.
To increase the lifespan of a vacuum machine with scales, perform the following maintenance tasks regularly. Daily cleaning is vital for safe food handling. After every use, wipe the vacuum chamber and sealing strips with warm, soapy water. Teflon strips are easy to remove, so take them off while washing, and clean them separately. Ensure the vacuum machine is completely dry before using it to seal any food.
Weekly, check the machine for damaged parts and make necessary repairs. Replace worn or damaged sealing strips immediately to prevent any food contamination. Deep cleaning of the machine is also important. Once a month, remove any debris from within the machine using compressed air. Disinfection of all trays and bin areas helps avoid cross-contamination.
Food is the main industry that uses air vacuum machines for packaging. Here are some common scenarios of how vacuum machines are used in different industries.
Food industry requirements:
Choosing vacuum machines with CE certification is crucial for compliance with food industry standards and ensuring food safety. Food companies, such as packaging manufacturers, often use vacuum machine packaging to extend product shelf life. It's essential that the vacuum machines not only meet CE certification but also comply with specific food industry requirements. For instance, they should feature hygienic designs that facilitate cleaning and sterilization to prevent contamination. Additionally, the machines must have food-grade materials and components to ensure there are no harmful substances leaching into the food during the packaging process. Furthermore, food companies should select vacuum machines equipped with effective sealing systems and accurate control mechanisms to ensure airtight packaging that preserves food quality and prevents spoilage.
Pharmaceutical industry requirements:
In the pharmaceutical industry, vacuum machines play a critical role in packaging medications and maintaining product integrity. When selecting CE-certified vacuum machines for this industry, it's essential to prioritize compliance with pharmaceutical industry standards. The chosen machines should have features that align with the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical sector. For example, they should incorporate precise vacuum control systems to achieve consistent and reproducible vacuum levels during the packaging process. Additionally, CE-certified vacuum machines for the pharmaceutical industry should be equipped with advanced sealing mechanisms to prevent any leaks or contamination. This is vital to safeguard the potency and safety of pharmaceutical products. Furthermore, rapid vacuuming and sealing capabilities are essential to minimize exposure time to external environments, reducing the risk of contamination for medications that are sensitive and must adhere to strict pharmaceutical guidelines.
Mechanical industry expectations:
In the packaging mechanical industry, selecting the right vacuum machines is crucial to meet the diverse expectations of mechanical packaging companies. These companies require vacuum machines that can efficiently handle a wide range of packaging materials commonly used in mechanical packaging applications. When choosing machines for this industry, it's important to consider scalability options to accommodate the increasing production demands of packaging companies. Additionally, packaging speed is a key factor that must align with the expectations of mechanical packaging companies. The chosen vacuum machines should be capable of delivering efficient and rapid packaging speeds to keep up with the fast-paced production lines of mechanical packaging. By selecting the appropriate vacuum machines, packaging mechanical companies can ensure smooth operations, high productivity, and the ability to meet their customers' packaging needs effectively.
Q1: Does the vacuum-seal cooking data underscore the growth potential of the industry?
A1: Yes, according to the market research data, the global vacuum-seal market size was valued at USD 1.38 billion in 2022, and it is expected to expand at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2023 to 2030, indicating strong growth potential.
Q2: Are CE-marked products safe?
A2: The CE mark indicates that a product complies with European health, safety, and environmental standards. Products with CE marks are considered to meet the safety requirements.
Q3: What is the average shelf life of vacuum-sealed food?
A3: Vacuum-sealing can significantly extend shelf life. For example, meat can typically be vacuum-sealed and refrigerated for up to 15 years; vegetables for five to 10 years; cheese for up to eight months; and cooked meals for three to four years.
Q4: Can customers reuse vacuum-seal bags?
A4: Yes, in most cases vacuum-seal bags can be reused. After vacuum sealing, carefully clean the outside and inside of the bags and make sure they are completely dry. However, for the safety of food, some contaminated bags, such as those used for raw meat, should not be reused.