FRESH & SAVE – FAQ
If you have questions about our Fresh & Save products, then you’ve come to the right place. We have compiled useful information about our products and how to use them.
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General Questions
HOW LONG DOES FOOD KEEP IN A VACUUM SEALED CONTAINER?
The lifecycle of vacuum-sealed food depends on many factors, including: the initial germ count of the food, adherence to the correct storage and cooling conditions, and individual hygiene practices followed during preparation and vacuum sealing. The ZWILLING Culinary World app calculates the estimated longevity of the food based on the type of food stored (e.g. fresh beef or fresh vegetables) and the storage location (e.g. fridge, freezer, or pantry). Keep in mind, the calculated longevity is an estimated guideline.
HOW LONG DOES WARM FOOD STAY WARM IN THE CONTAINERS OR BAGS AFTER VACUUM SEALING?
Food should be allowed to cool at least to room temperature before vacuum sealing. Vacuum sealing warm food is generally not recommended. The Fresh & Save products do not offer insulation and thus will not keep food warm.
ARE ANY MATERIALS USED IN THE PRODUCTION OF FRESH & SAVE HARMFUL TO MY HEALTH?
All the components used in the production of Fresh & Save products are food-grade and checked for harmful substances.
HOW LONG IS THE FRESH & SAVE WARRANTY?
ZWILLING offers a 2-year warranty on Fresh & Save pump and containers.
CAN I STORE CHOPPED FRUIT, SUCH AS APPLES OR BANANAS, IN FRESH & SAVE CONTAINERS OR BAGS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE? OR SHOULD FRUIT ALSO BE REFRIGERATED OR FROZEN?
Vacuum sealing is not a replacement for the correct freezing, cooling, or storage of food. Depending on the food type, the standard storage practices generally recommended should be followed.
WHY DOES FOOD KEEP LONGER IN A VACUUM?
Vacuum sealing extracts air that surrounds food in a container, thereby markedly reducing the oxygen content of the container and delaying oxidization and aerobic processes. This results in food spoiling more slowly. Moreover, the minimal amount of air that is still present after vacuum sealing is unable to transport moisture to the surrounding environment, helping to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavors for longer.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE VACUUM SEAL IS STILL SUFFICIENT? SHOULD/CAN I REPEAT THE VACUUM PROCESS IF NECESSARY?
The specially designed container lid also serves as a vacuum seal indicator. If the lid is sunken, a vacuum exists inside the container. If the lid is slightly raised, the vacuum should be refreshed. It is recommended that you check the vacuum from time to time, particularly when storing food long term.
HOW DOES REGULARLY OPENING THE CONTAINER AFFECT THE LENGTH OF TIME MY FOOD WILL STAY FRESH?
The less often that a food comes in contact with air, the longer it will remain fresh. When regularly opening a container or bag, it should be vacuum sealed again as quickly as possible after opening.
Vacuum Pump
DOES THE PUMP WORK WITH BAGS OR CONTAINERS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURERS?
The pump has been specially designed for the Fresh & Save vacuum system. This is the only way to guarantee optimal vacuum sealing results.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO REPLACE OR PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY?
No.
IS THE BATTERY ALSO COVERED BY A ZWILLING WARRANTY?
Both the vacuum pump and the battery are covered by a 2-year warranty.
DOES THE VACUUM PUMP NEED BATTERIES WHEN I PURCHASE IT?
No. The pump is powered by a built-in battery that can be charged using the included USB cable.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE VACUUM PUMP ABSORBS LIQUID FROM THE BAGS OR CONTAINERS?
Avoid absorbing liquids into the pump. Stop the vacuum sealing process immediately if you notice any liquids being sucked towards the pump. If liquid does accidentally enter the pump, turn the pump off and shake it lightly. If you have sucked in so much liquid that you are unable to turn the pump on again, proceed as follows: lightly shake the pump to clear the liquid. Do not turn it on its head! Ensure that the pump and charging station are completely dry. Then connect the pump to the charging station for 1 second to reset it. Separate the pump from the charging station and press the ON/OFF button. If the pump continues to turn itself off, repeat this process.
HOW DO I CLEAN THE PUMP? CAN I PUT IT IN THE DISHWASHER?
No. Due to the built-in battery, the pump cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher. For light cleaning, simply wipe the vacuum pump with a damp cloth. The silicone attachment can be removed and cleaned under running water.
Vacuum Containers
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR HARMFUL SUBSTANCES TO BE RELEASED FROM THE PLASTIC CONTAINERS OR LIDS AFTER A LONG PERIOD OF USE?
The containers are made for long-term contact with food and are checked for food safety and harmful substances.
CAN THE LIDS GO IN THE DISHWASHER?
Yes.
ARE THE PLASTIC CONTAINERS OVENPROOF? TO WHAT TEMPERATURE ARE THEY TEMPERATURE RESISTANT?
No, the plastic containers are not suitable for use in the oven. The container and lid are temperature resistant up to 149°F.
CAN THE CONTAINERS (WITH OR WITHOUT A LID) BE USED IN THE MICROWAVE?
All the containers and lids may be used in the microwave. However, it is important that you first release the vacuum seal from the containers.
ARE THE CONTAINERS AND LIDS AVAILABLE IN DIFFERENT COLORS?
They are currently available only in white.
WHAT IS "BOROSILICATE GLASS"?
It is an exceptionally temperature-resistant glass that withstands both hot and cold temperatures. It is shockproof but not breakproof.
DOES THE WARRANTY ALSO COVER BROKEN GLASS?
No.
CAN THE CONTAINERS BE PUT IN THE PREHEATED OVEN DIRECTLY FROM THE FREEZER?
No, to prevent thermal shock, the containers should not be moved directly from the cold into heat.
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE THE GLASS CONTAINERS CAN BE CLEANED AT IN THE DISHWASHER?
The borosilicate glass is temperature resistant up to 535°F, which means the glass containers can be cleaned at very high temperatures in the dishwasher.
ARE THE CONTAINERS AVAILABLE WITHOUT A LID?
No.
DOES THE PLASTIC OF THE CONTAINERS AND LIDS DISCOLOR?
Foods with intense coloring, such as beet or turmeric, may leave behind traces of color on the plastic.
DO THE PLASTIC CONTAINERS REMAIN TASTE AND ODOR NEUTRAL?
Generally, yes. However, it is possible that, for example, strong flavored marinades may leave behind traces of odor. These can be eliminated by cleaning with vinegar and then washing again by hand or in the dishwasher.
DO THE CONTAINERS HAVE A MAXIMUM FILL AMOUNT?
Yes, it is advisable to leave about ½ inch to 1 inch of space at the top of the container to allow the lid to sit properly and to prevent the container contents from coming into contact with the valve.
Vacuum Bag
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I NEED NEW BAGS?
In the event of tears or loose components, such as the closure no longer correctly sealing, please discontinue use. You can use the bags until you notice that they no longer correctly close or if they fail to maintain their vacuum seal. If the pump no longer stops automatically, this can be a sign that the bag has a hole or that it no longer correctly closes.
ARE THE BAGS REUSABLE?
Vacuum bags can be reused after thoroughly washing with hot water and dishwashing liquid, and then completely drying. It is possible that, for example, strong flavored marinades may leave behind traces of odor in a bag or that food may discolor it.
HOW OFTEN CAN A BAG BE REUSED?
This depends on how the bags are used. When you see signs of wear and tear it is time to replace the bag.
ARE THE BAGS SUITABLE FOR USE IN THE MICROWAVE?
Yes, the bags may be used in the microwave to heat their contents. However, the vacuum seal must first be released.
ARE THE BAGS SUITABLE FOR USE IN OVENS?
No, because the bags are temperature resistant only up to 149°F, the bags are only suitable for use in microwaves and for sous vide cooking.
CAN THE VACUUM BAGS BE USED FOR TENDERIZING MEAT?
No. This may damage the structural integrity of the bags.
CAN THE BAGS BE FILLED WITH LIQUIDS?
Yes, the bags are suitable for liquids. The following is recommended:
• For smaller amounts of liquid, such as marinades, use the liquid barrier when vacuum sealing.
• When vacuum sealing, hang the bag over the edge of the table so that the liquid does not reach the valve area.
• Lightly freeze the contents before vacuum sealing.
DO THE VACUUM BAGS REMAIN TASTE AND ODOR NEUTRAL?
Generally, yes. However, it is possible that, for example, strong flavored marinades may leave behind traces of odor.
DOES THE PLASTIC OF THE BAGS DISCOLOR?
Foods with intense coloring, such as beet or turmeric, may leave behind traces of color on the plastic.
Vacuum Wine Sealer
IS THE VACUUM WINE SEALER SUITABLE FOR OTHER LIQUIDS TOO? OR ONLY FOR WINE?
It is suitable for all beverages, juices, and even oils and vinegars. However, it is not suitable for carbonated liquids.
