“Our stainless steel vacuum sealer can seal multiple mason jars simultaneously with both effectiveness and efficiency to secure a superb airtight seal.”

Today we cover the topic: “How to Vacuum Seal Mason Jars | JVR Vac110”

Today we will discuss how to vacuum seal Mason jars using the JVR Vac110 Chamber Vacuum Sealer. In addition to providing endless possibilities such as vacuum sealing meat to avoid freezer burn, providing a delicious sous vide experience right from your own home, or sealing cut bags to store your dried fruit, the Vac110 Chamber Vacuum Sealer is also well equipped to vacuum seal your Mason jars!

Consistent adjustments have been made to the Vac110 Chamber Vacuum Sealer to ensure top notch quality and keep our product standing apart from vacuum sealers provided by our competitors. Our stainless steel vacuum sealer can seal multiple mason jars simultaneously with both effectiveness and efficiency to secure a superb airtight seal.

The following dives into explaining what can be vacuum sealed using this process as well as a detailed account of how you can carry out this process simply from your own countertop.

What Products can be Vacuum Sealed in the Mason Jar Using the Vac110 Chamber Vacuum Sealer?

Vacuum-sealing food is a great way to extend the shelf life of shelf-stable food to keep it fresh for meal prep!

Please note that vacuum sealing, in itself, does not replace the standard canning process. The difference is that standard canning involves a hot water bath meant to kill harmful bacteria making canned sauces, fruits, and vegetables safe to store in your pantry. On the other hand, vacuum sealing, alone, does not involve the hot water bath. Therefore, we recommend only vacuum-sealing shelf-stable foods to keep them from becoming stale, rancid, or tasteless.

Shelf Stable Dry Foods: Baking goods, grains, seeds, coffee beans, dry beans, cereal, chips, seasonings, nuts, cereal, snack sticks, etc.

Shelf Stable Liquid: Yes, you can package liquids in mason jars! Some shelf-stable liquids include oils or apple cider vinegar.

That being said, you could also consider storing vacuum-sealed mason jars in your fridge to use for purposes similar to canisters.

Do We Carry Alternative Options to Seal Larger Size Jars?

If you require space to seal 16 oz – 64 oz Mason jars, then we carry just the product for you! The Vac100 Chamber Accessory (3-gallon) seals 1-2 Mason jars up to 64 oz (½ gallon) simultaneously in addition to performing functions such as expedited brining, marinating, and more!

Click here to learn more about the JVR Vac100.

How to Vacuum Seal these Products Using the Vac110 Chamber Vacuum Sealer?

Overview of Vac110 Chamber Vacuum Sealer Control Panel

Stop: Stops any cycle (vacuum sealer or cooling cycle) and exits out of these cycles simultaneously.

Settings: Cycles through vacuum time, seal time, and cool time.

Increase/Decrease: Adjusts any of the cycle times when inside of Settings.

How To Adjust Vacuum, Seal, and Cool Cycle Times?

To access all cycle times hit “SETTINGS” one time. You should see the LED near VACUUM on the control panel. Now, hit “INCREASE” or “DECREASE” to adjust the VACUUM cycle time.

To access the next cycle time, simply hit “SETTINGS” two more times to bypass the GAS cycle and enter the SEALING cycle. Gas is put on every control panel because of the gas option potential, but all of the units do not have a gas option installed. (We do not sell a gas flush option on the Vac110. Only models above the Vac110 have this option.) Now, hit “INCREASE” or “DECREASE” to adjust the VACUUM cycle time.

Select “SETTINGS” one more time to access the COOLING cycle time.

Prep the Mason Jars

The chamber inside the Vac110 is slightly uneven so some factors should be considered for effectiveness of the seal.

Step 1: Set the mouth lids evenly and firmly over the mouth of the selected quantity of Mason jars.

Step 2: Screw the band on ONE thread of each jar in order to keep the mouth lid in place. If the band is too tight, then the sealing process will be altered.

Step 3: Place jars upright in the center of the chamber.

How to Begin the Sealing Process Once You Have Programmed your unit and Prepped your Mason Jars

Easy! Close lid of the chamber and the process will begin automatically.

How Can You Check the Effectiveness of the Seal?

Following sealing, a dimple should form on the top of the mouth lid. This shows the process has created an airtight seal. You can further confirm a fully sealed mouth lid by attempting to lift lid or tip the can upside down.

What if the Vacuum Sealing Process Does Not Activate a Seal?

If no dimple forms, this suggests you have a failed seal. Feel free to then repeat the process after confirming the mouth lid is on evenly over the mouth of the jar. Please do bear in mind that mouth lids can distort after a vacuum sealing in a Vac110 chamber vacuum sealer. If you suspect distortion, we suggest getting a new lid.

There you have it – yet another use the Vac110 can provide to make life a little simpler and more efficient in just a couple easy steps!

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A very common question for us to receive is: “How do I set up my retort bar assembly for my Vac110?”

Today, we will answer that question simply!

Your Vac110 Chamber Vacuum Sealer has the capability for many functions such as vacuum sealing chamber pouches and glass jars as it is automatically paired with the standard seal bar. However, with the addition of the retort bar assembly, those options are widely expanded. Imagine having the alternative to save space from using cans and jars for your poultry or pet food packaging and replacing them with airtight retort pouches that produce the same, if not better, results for storing your canned foods. In addition, instead of using a can opener to open the metal cans, you simply use the tear notch on the retort pouch and voila!

About Retort Canning

How does the retort pouch production differ from the chamber vacuum pouches that makes this retort pouch revolutionary? A retort canning pouch is a sterilizable flexible pouch constructed with a mix of various layers of thin metal foils and plastics. This retort pouch design allows it to withstand temperatures and pressures used during the food packaging process that can replace using the traditional industrial canning methods.

The process for retort food canning removes all air from within the pouch following sterilization by heating to a temperature of about 250° for around 50 minutes. The retort bar then seals off the pouch once the sterilization and full air removal has taken place and your sealed pouch is now ready to store safely away!

The following information covers common uses of the retort bar, steps to install your retort bar, approaches to identifying the differences between the standard seal bar and the retort bar, seal and cooling times recommended for your mylar or retort pouches, and finally, methods to ensure proper seal integrity.

COMMON USES OF THE RETORT BAR ASSEMBLY

NOTE: The retort bar is not meant to seal chamber vacuum pouches!

The retort bar assembly is an 11.0″ bar with a heat strip size of 3.5mm. These features provide additional options for your food packaging process because it is capable of high pressure and heat used to seal heavy mil flexible retort pouches including mylar and retort pouches.

Common uses for the retort seal bar among our customers include sealing:

Retort canning pouches (e.g. for various types of food packaging such as raw materials or shelf stable goods)

Mylar pouches

Coffee bags

HOW TO IDENTIFY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE STANDARD SEAL BAR AND RETORT BAR ASSEMBLY

Three easy processes are used to identify the differences between the standard seal bar and the retort bar.

1. Heat Strip Size

The heat strip is the black metal strip that runs along the whole bar. The Standard Seal Bar is a flat, 6 mm strip while the retort bar is a concave shape, 3.5 mm strip that provides the pressure

This difference can be identified by simply sliding your finger across each heat strip. If the heat strip is flat, then it is a standard seal bar. If you feel a hill or ridge along the heat strip, then it will be a retort bar.

2. Width of Bar

Look down the end of each bar. The retort bar appears narrower while the standard seal bar is wider (6 mm).

3. Label

The standard seal bar does NOT have a label. The retort bar always has a label located at the center of the bar labeled “RETORT”.

RECOMMENDED CYCLE TIMES

When considering using the retort bar in place of your standard seal bar for the retort packaging process, specific processing times are recommended depending on what retort pouches are used. We will review these specifics with the mylar pouches and retort canning pouches.

Note: Mylar retort pouches are not sold by JVR Industries, but are provided through Pleasant Grove Farms at topmylar.com. The seal integrity of a mylar retort bag has been tested in-house and has been found to be exceptional. 

Recommended Seal and Cooling Times for Mylar Retort Pouches:

Seal Time: 2.4 sec.

Cooling time: 5.0 sec.

Recommended Seal and Cooling Times for a Retort Pouch:

Seal time: 2.8 sec.

Cooling time: 6.0 sec

How to Ensure Seal Integrity Following the Sealing Process

Four methods should be practiced during the sealing process to ensure exceptional seal integrity that will provide you with safe packaging for storage.

1. MOUTH FOLD – Fold over the pouch mouth leaving about 2-4 inches of clearance to avoid residue in the seal area from moist products.

2. PREVENT WRINKLES – Lay pouch flat across the retort bar assembly, checking that the mouth is inserted entirely in the bag clips. If sealing a low profile product, then place filler plates below to fill the void.

3. INSPECT WELD – Check that the entire mouth of the package shows a perfectly continuous crosshatch pattern. Small blemishes should not be a concern, though you can check the strength of the potentially compromised area using the resistance test.

4. RESISTANCE TEST – Tug at the mouth of the pouch to check for complete adhesion following sealing. A solid weld/seal has taken place if you are unable to rip apart the seal.

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“…Vac110 is a powerhouse machine, while the Vac310s boast extreme production output.”

Today, we are going to cover a hot topic: “What chamber vacuum machine is better for my packaging needs? The JVR Vac110 or Vac310?”

Today in the Vac110 and Vac310 comparison, we will cover every little specification and subtle difference between the two vacuum packaging units to ensure you are selecting the right unit for your scenario. To determine the best vacuum sealer that fits your needs, review some important differences and similarities between these units below.

Power vs Production: Vac110 and Vac310 Comparison

Unlike most vacuum sealers, the JVR Vac110 and Vac310s stand apart from the competition. They may be tabletop units, but they certainly deliver speed, durability, and efficiency. The Vac110 is a powerhouse machine, while the Vac310s boast extreme production output. While both chamber vacuum sealers are capable of vacuum sealing a variety of food items, they deliver different benefits to users.

Vac110

The Vac110 is considered a powerhouse chamber vacuum machine because the vacuum pump has a flow rate of eight cubic meters per hour. A third of horsepower makes this unit quick and powerful. To put these figures into perspective, it takes just under 30 seconds for 99% of the air in the chamber to be evacuated. If efficiency and speed are most important to you, this unit will certainly deliver and make vacuum-sealing bags a breeze. This vacuum sealer is perfect for home use while still promoting high-frequency packaging.

Vac310

The Vac310 (1 Bar) and Vac 310 (2 Bar) vacuum sealers have a vacuum pump flow rate of 20 cubic meters per hour, in addition to 1.25  horsepower. These extremely powerful units can evacuate 99% of the air in the chamber in under 20 seconds. If high product output is essential to you, the Vac310s will most definitely deliver.

Transportability: Vac110 and Vac310 Comparison

The Vac110 weighs 77 pounds, and the Vac310 (1 Bar) and Vac310 (2 Bar) each weigh 145 pounds. All three chamber vacuum sealers cannot be easily moved or transported at such a heavy weight. However, the great news is, we sell a stainless-steel cart that can hold the Vac110 making transportability a breeze. The bottom shelf of the cart can be used to store replacement parts and is a great place for vacuum bag storage. However, the Vac310s would certainly require more than one person to move or transport.

Unit Specifications: Vac110 and Vac310 Comparison

Retort Capability: Vac110 and Vac310 Comparison

Retort capable refers to the ability of a seal bar assembly to seal up to 7mil mylar bags or retort pouches.

Self-Serviceability

The Vac110 has a hinging body mechanism so you can easily access the internal components of the machine. The Vac310s have a removable back panel to access important machine components. Therefore, both machines are self-serviceable. But the Vac110 has easier access.  

Similarities

All three units have durable stainless-steel bodies and reinforced stainless-steel chambers. The body construction on both units also makes them easy to clean. The Vac110 and Vac310s run on 110-volt power. Looking for a chamber vacuum sealer that provides a tight seal, and eliminates freezer burn? Any one of these chamber vacuum sealers will exceed your expectations.

Chamber Vacuum Sealing Bags

Looking to buy vacuum seal bags? Our variety of VacPouch bags are compatible with both the JVR Vac110 and Vac310 vacuum sealers! Click here to learn more about what types of VacSupplies we carry.

Increase the Life Span of Food and Product

Chamber vacuum pouches that are durable and strong are now available to be used at home. These industrial strength bags will help keep your vacuum-sealed food fresh longer than traditional packaging, making it an extremely cost-effective alternative to embossed vacuum sealer style bags. Prevent freezer burn and achieve an airtight seal with our chamber vacuum pouches. Great to use for meal planning, and storing your deer meat, fish, or soups. Simply place your product into a vacuum sealer bag to prevent food waste.

Tons of Applications

Sealing any solid or liquid product with a vacuum sealer machine, these bags were created to freeze and refrigerate! Preserve food and increase shelf life to decrease food waste. Additionally, these pouches can withstand being boiled for up to 20 minutes, allowing you to place them directly in boiling water. The heat resistance of the bag makes it great for sous vide cooking as well as for storage applications.

Find Your Ideal Unit

More than just a good vacuum sealer, the Vac110, Vac310 (1 Bar), and Vac310 (2 Bar) are powerful, long-lasting, and efficient vacuum sealers that will exceed your expectations.

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“The Vac100 is a convenience-featured vacuum sealer, while the Vac110 is the powerhouse of the two.”

A very common question for us to receive is: “Which chamber vacuum sealer is best for my packaging needs? The JVR Vac100 or Vac110?”

Today, we will answer that question!

To determine the best vacuum sealer that fits your needs, look at some important similarities and differences between these units.

Convenience vs Power

The Vac100 is a convenience-featured vacuum sealer, while the Vac110 is the powerhouse of the two. While both chamber vacuum sealers are capable of vacuum sealing a variety of food items, they deliver different benefits to users.

Vac100 Convenience Features

Unlike most vacuum sealers, there are ten available programs to set on the Vac100 chamber sealer, in addition to a preset cleanup program.

Cleanup Program

If you seal liquids, products with high moisture content, or operate the machine in a high-humidity environment, water can enter through the vacuum port and mix with the oil in the vacuum pump. At this point, running the cleanup program helps bring the pump to a high temperature, thus expelling moisture out of the pump. 

Programs

The remaining programs can be set to specific vacuum, seal, and cool times. That means you can have presets for each different product you’re sealing. P0 can be set to seal tomahawks in 5 mil VacPouch, and P1 can be set to seal soups in your 3 mil chamber vacuum pouches. These programs help you get product vacuum sealed at a much more efficient pace.

Skip Function

The skip button on the control panel serves a few important purposes. For instance, if you’re vacuum sealing soups, and during the vacuum time you notice the product begins boiling in the chamber pouches, simply press the skip function to move to sealing time. This can help prevent boilovers and messes in the chamber of the unit.

Additionally, the skip function is essential when trying to hone in on the vacuum time of different products. For example, if you’re unsure what to set the vacuum time at for a product, simply set the vacuum time as high as you want and run a cycle. When you see that all the air has evacuated, take note of the time it took to reach that point, then hit the skip button to move on to the seal and cool cycles. Now you know how to set the vacuum time for the next cycle, making the sealing process even more efficient.

Transportability

The Vac100 weighs 52 pounds, while the Vac110 weighs 77 pounds. With that being said, the Vac100 does have transport handles on the sides, making it easy to move the machine. We do sell a stainless-steel cart that can hold either the Vac100 or Vac110, making transportability even easier. The bottom shelf of the cart can be used to store replacement parts and is a great place for vacuum bag storage. Click here to learn more.  

Unit Specifications

User Interface: Control Panel

Lid Materials

Lid Chamber Gasket Location

More Similarities

The Vac100 and Vac110 both are easy to self-service with hinging body mechanisms. This feature allows for ease of access and replacement of each individual component. Backed with unmatched customer service and free technical support of 50+ years experience. Making both these units very unique in their time.

Both chamber vacuum sealers are retort capable and have a stainless-steel body that’s extremely durable. The body construction on both units also makes them easy to clean. Looking for a chamber vacuum sealer that provides a tight seal, and eliminates both food waste and freezer burn? Either one of these chamber vacuum sealers will exceed your expectations.

Commercial Equipment

Looking for commercial chamber vacuum sealers? JVR Industries sells a variety of commercial packaging equipment. Check out the JVR Vac310, Vac410, and Vac610 in our very own line of units, the JVR VacSeries!

We also sell a variety of vacuum packaging equipment and processing equipment. Learn more here.

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