Gaggenau Vacuuming Drawer
Models: DV 461, DVP 221, DV 061
Important Safety Information
Read these instructions carefully. Only then will you be able to operate your appliance safely and correctly. Retain the instruction manual and installation instructions for future use or for subsequent owners.
Check the appliance for damage after unpacking it. Do not connect the appliance if it has been damaged in transport.
This appliance is intended for domestic use and the household environment only. Only use the appliance to vacuum food in suitable vacuuming bags and vacuuming containers, and to heat-seal film.
Only operate this appliance in enclosed rooms.
This appliance may be used by children over the age of 8 years old and by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or by persons with a lack of experience or knowledge if they are supervised or are instructed by a person responsible for their safety how to use the appliance safely and have understood the associated hazards.
Children must not play with, on, or around the appliance. Children must not clean the appliance or carry out general maintenance unless they are at least 15 years old and are being supervised.
Keep children below the age of 8 years old at a safe distance from the appliance and power cable.
This appliance is intended for use up to a maximum height of 4000 metres above sea level.
⚠️ Risk of burns!
The sealing bar in the vacuuming chamber becomes extremely hot if the appliance is used frequently and there are long heat-sealing times. Never touch the hot sealing bar. Keep children away from the appliance.
Risks and Causes of Damage
Risks
- Risk of electric shock! Do not use high-pressure cleaners or steam cleaners. A defective appliance can cause electric shock. Incorrect repairs are dangerous.
- Risk of fire! The sealing bar becomes extremely hot. Combustible vapours may ignite. Do not vacuum combustible liquids or store combustible materials in the appliance.
- Risk of injury! Small cracks in the glass lid may cause it to implode. The chamber and lid deform under vacuum. Ensure containers do not touch the lid. Hard containers and indeformable food must not exceed 80 mm in height. Misuse can lead to injury; do not insert hoses into body cavities or vacuum living animals.
Causes of Damage
Caution! Check the appliance for damage before each use, paying attention to the glass lid. Do not operate if damaged. Open and close the glass lid slowly. Do not place objects on the lid or use it as a work surface. Pull the drawer out fully for use and close it completely when not in use. Ensure no debris is in the chamber before closing the lid. Ensure seals are not damaged by sharp objects and are correctly positioned and clean. Do not operate with a defective seal. Observe cleaning instructions.
In case of a power failure, the vacuum remains. Do not force the lid open; wait for power restoration. Do not vacuum food in its original packaging after opening. Use only suitable vacuuming bags.
In a vacuum, liquids boil at low temperatures, producing vapour. Ensure food has a low initial temperature (1-8°C). Never vacuum liquids at maximum level; level 2 is recommended. Monitor the process; bubbles are normal. Heat-seal the bag as bubbles increase. You can also vacuum liquids in suitable containers (level 3).
Environmental Protection
Dispose of packaging in an environmentally-friendly manner. This appliance is labelled according to the European Directive 2012/19/EU concerning waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
Getting to Know Your Appliance
How Your Vacuuming Drawer Works
Air is pumped out of the chamber and bag, creating a high vacuum. Higher vacuuming levels reduce air and increase the pressure difference. When the selected level is reached, the sealing bar presses against the silicone column on the glass lid, heat-sealing the bag. After a short cooling time, air returns to the chamber, causing the bag to contract and enclose the food. The lid then opens.
Vacuuming levels 1 to 3 create different vacuum degrees. Container vacuuming uses lower degrees, better suited for specific foods. The appliance automatically detects the mode when the external vacuuming adapter is attached.
Vacuuming Levels
1 | 2 | 3 | |
Vacuuming in the bag | 80% | 95% | 99% |
Vacuuming containers and bottles | 50% | 75% | 90% |
Structure of the Vacuuming Drawer
Diagram Description: 1. Glass lid, 2. Stainless steel vacuum-sealing compartment, 3. Air outlet, 4. Sealing bar, 5. Bag clamp.
Control Panel
Symbol | Explanation |
1 ? | Switch on/off |
2 ⬆️ | Select vacuum-sealing level |
3 ➡️ | Select heat-sealing time |
4 ▶️ | Start vacuum-sealing process |
Stop: Cancel vacuum-sealing process | |
5 ✔️ | Dry the pump |
? | Note: Refer to the fault table |
Opening and Closing
For DV461: A protrusion at the bottom serves as a handle.
For DVP221: Press the center of the drawer to open or close. It springs out slightly when opened, allowing easy removal.
Accessories
Included Accessories
- Raised vacuuming platform: Used as a surface for flat food in containers. It opens to reveal the external vacuuming adapter, bottle plugs, bottle plug adapter, and vacuum hose.
- External vacuuming adaptor: Attaches to the air outlet to vacuum containers or bottles.
- Plug for vacuuming bottles: Attaches to bottle caps for vacuuming and sealing.
Special Accessories
Special accessories can be ordered from after-sales service or your specialist retailer:
Accessories | Specialist Retailer Order Number | After-Sales Service Order Number |
Vacuuming bag 180 x 280 mm (100 pcs) | BA080670 | 00578813 |
Vacuuming bag 240 x 350 mm (100 pcs) | BA080680 | 00578814 |
Use accessories only as specified. The manufacturer is not liable for incorrect accessory use.
Operating the Appliance
Switching On and Off
Touch the ? symbol to switch the appliance on or off. The appliance automatically switches off after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Vacuuming in the Bag
Vacuum food in a suitable bag to preserve it longer, marinate it, or prepare it for sous-vide cooking.
Suitable Vacuuming Bags
Use original vacuuming bags suitable for temperatures from -40°C to 100°C, usable for low-temperature storage and cooking. Optimum heat-sealing is level 2. Bags are microwave-safe (pierce first). Use only food-suitable bags. Heat-sealing time depends on material; level 1 for thin bags, level 2 or higher for thicker bags. The maximum bag width is 240 mm.
Filling the Bag
Position food items side-by-side. Ensure the bag edge is clean and dry for a perfect seal. Fold the edge about 3 cm before filling, then unfold it. Note the date and contents on the bag for tracking.
Proceed as Follows
- Open the glass lid.
- Place the vacuuming bag in the compartment and secure with the bag clamp. Ensure food is at a low initial temperature (1-8°C), the air outlet is clear, and the bag is centered on the sealing bar.
- Touch ⬆️ to select the vacuum level.
- Touch ➡️ to select the heat-sealing time.
- Close the glass lid firmly.
- Touch ▶️ to start the vacuuming process.
The vacuuming process begins, with indicators pulsating. The sealing process follows. The chamber ventilates with an acoustic signal, and the bag can be removed.
⚠️ Risk of burns!
The sealing bar gets very hot. Keep children away.
Notes
The process may take up to 2 minutes at the highest vacuum level. Check the heat-sealing seam after vacuuming; adjust level if it comes apart or deforms. If vacuuming multiple bags consecutively, the sealing bar heats up; select a lower heat-sealing time or allow the appliance to cool for about 2 minutes between processes.
Heat-Sealing in Good Time
Use this function for delicate food, packing it air-tight without compressing it. Touch ✔️ during vacuuming to end the process and heat-seal the bag. The appliance requires a specific vacuum degree for sealing.
Cancelling the Vacuuming Process
Touch ❌ during vacuuming to cancel prematurely. The bag will not be heat-sealed; the lid opens slightly, and the chamber ventilates.
Vacuuming in the Container
Vacuum food in a suitable container to preserve it longer.
Suitable Vacuuming Containers
Use only containers suitable for vacuuming food. The included vacuum hose has a 3 mm inner diameter; an adapter may be needed for your container.
Proceed as Follows
- Open the glass lid.
- Plug the vacuuming adaptor into the air outlet.
- Secure the hose to the vacuuming adaptor and the container.
- Touch ⬆️ to select the vacuum level.
- Touch ▶️ to start the vacuuming process.
The vacuuming process starts, with indicators pulsating. The vacuuming levels stop pulsating when the target is reached, indicated by a light and acoustic signal. Detach the hose.
Cancelling the Vacuuming Process
During the vacuuming process, touch ❌ to cancel prematurely. You can then detach the hose.
Carrying Out the Drying Program
The drying function removes moisture from the vacuum pump system, especially when vacuuming liquids or moist food.
If the ✔️ symbol lights up white, a drying program is recommended. If it lights up red, you must perform a drying program.
Proceed as follows:
- Close the glass lid firmly.
- Touch ✔️.
The drying program starts (5-20 minutes), with the ✔️ symbol pulsating orange. You can close the drawer during the program. The chamber ventilates with an acoustic signal upon completion.
Note: A single drying cycle may not be sufficient. If symbols remain red/orange, moisture is still present. Wait until the ✔️ symbol is no longer lit and restart the drying process.
Applications
Vacuum for Sous-Vide Cooking
Prepare food for sous-vide cooking (low temperatures, 50-95°C, steam/water bath). Heat-seal food in a special air-tight, heat-resistant bag.
⚠️ Health Risk!
Sous-vide cooking involves low temperatures. Follow these hygiene instructions:
- Use only high-quality, fresh food.
- Wash and disinfect hands; use disposable gloves or tongs.
- Handle critical foods (poultry, eggs, fish) with extra care.
- Rinse and/or peel fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
- Keep work surfaces and chopping boards clean; use separate boards for different foods.
- Maintain the cold chain; interrupt only briefly for preparation, then return food to the refrigerator.
- Food is for immediate consumption only after cooking; do not store or reheat.
Vacuuming Bags
Use enclosed vacuuming bags for sous-vide. Do not use original packaging for cooking. Position food side-by-side in the bag.
Vacuuming
Use the highest vacuum level for even heat transfer. Check bag integrity before cooking: no/little air, sealed seam, no holes. Meat/fish should not be pressed together. Vegetables/desserts should be flat. If in doubt, re-bag. Vacuum food at most one day before cooking to prevent gas escape or texture changes.
Vacuum-Sealing Glass Bottles
Vacuum and reseal bottles, such as cooking oil bottles.
- Plug the vacuuming adaptor into the air outlet, pointing vertically upwards.
- Secure the bottle cap, push the bottle adaptor onto it.
- Secure the hose to the adaptor and bottle.
- Touch ⬆️ to select a vacuum-sealing level. Notes: Always use the lowest level for bottles. Do not vacuum carbonated liquids.
- Touch ▶️ to start the vacuum-sealing process.
The process starts, indicators pulsate. Levels stop pulsating when the target is reached, indicated by light and signal. Detach hose and adaptor.
Fast Marinating and Flavouring
Quickly flavour or marinate food. Vacuuming opens cell pores, allowing marinade to absorb faster for a more intensive taste.
Storage and Transport
Extend food storage life due to the low-oxygen environment. Reduces freezer burn. Re-seal jams and sauces in glass containers. Notes: Ensure glass containers are no taller than 80 mm to avoid damaging the lid. Use robust screw-top jars, tightened hand-tight. Check seal integrity (inward curve, difficult to open). Store odorous foods (cheese, fish, garlic) without smell transfer. Sealed bags/containers are ideal for transporting liquids.
Recommended Settings
Vacuumed food stays fresh longer; higher vacuum levels preserve quality. The following table provides recommended vacuuming levels and preparation tips.
Notes
- Use only fresh food; check quality before vacuuming.
- Vacuum cold food (ideally 1-8°C).
- Start at the lowest recommended vacuuming level.
- Check food quality after storage; do not use dubious quality food.
Food | Recommended Vacuuming Levels | Special Instructions |
Food stored at room temperature (20°C to 23°C) | ||
Baked goods | 1, 2, 3 | Store in a dark place |
Dried baked items/biscuits | 1 | |
Tea/coffee | 1, 2, 3 | Store in a dark place |
Rice/pasta | 2 | Vacuum in a container |
Flour/semolina | 1 | |
Nuts without shell | 3 | |
Dried fruits | 3 | |
Crackers/chips | 1, 2 | Vacuum in a container |
Fresh food (frozen -18°C to -16°C or refrigerated 3°C to 7°C) | ||
Fish | 3 | Vacuum in a container |
Poultry | 3 | Peel and blanch beforehand |
Meat | 3 | |
Whole sausage | 3 | Vacuum in a container |
Sliced sausage | 3 | Vacuum in a container |
Hard cheese | 3 | Vacuum in a container |
Soft cheese | 2 | |
Vegetables | 2 | |
Washed green salad | 2 | Vacuum in a container |
Herbs | 1, 2 | Vacuum in a container |
Fruit (hard) | 3 | |
Fruit (soft) | 2 | Pre-frosting recommended* |
*Pre-frost food on a plate for approx. 1 hour to preserve structure.
Care and Cleaning
Clean the appliance only when switched off and the sealing bar has cooled. Ensure no water or liquid enters the compartment or air outlet. Do not spray the appliance with water. Do not use high-pressure or steam cleaners. Use only neutral cleaning agents like dish soap and water; avoid abrasive materials or alcohol-based cleaners. Clean with a damp cloth only. Do not use abrasive sponges or glass scrapers. Allow appliance and accessories to dry completely.
Sealing Bar
Remove film residue. Clean with a soft cloth; never use abrasive cleaners. Not dishwasher-safe.
Raised Vacuuming Platform
Rinse by hand. Not dishwasher-safe.
External Vacuuming Adaptor, Adaptor for Bottle Plugs and Plugs for Vacuuming Bottles
Rinse by hand. Not dishwasher-safe.
Vacuum Hose
Rinse by hand. Not dishwasher-safe.
Stainless Steel Vacuuming Chamber
Immediately remove limescale, grease, starch, and albumin (e.g., egg white) to prevent corrosion. Clean with water and dish soap, then dry with a soft cloth.
Plastic Control Panel
Do not use abrasive sponges or glass scrapers.
What to Do in the Event of a Fault
Faults often have simple explanations. Consult the table below before calling after-sales service. Note: Repairs must be carried out by qualified experts only.
Fault | Error | Causes | Possible Remedy |
The ❗ symbol appears after a few seconds. | Vacuum cannot be created properly. | Glass lid not closed properly. Seal on glass lid not fitted properly or defective. Seal on glass lid deformed. | Open and close lid again, pressing gently. Check seal, straighten if deformed. |
The ❗ symbol appears after 2 minutes of pump operation. | Vacuum build-up is slow. Selected vacuum level cannot be reached. | Lid on external vacuum-sealing container not closed properly. External vacuum-sealing connection not positioned correctly. Liquids boiling in chamber / chamber is wet. | Check container lid and connection. Vacuum only cold liquids. Wipe chamber dry. Heat-seal bag early if bubbles form. Select lower vacuum level. |
Vacuuming process will not start. The ✔️ symbol does not appear even though the lid is closed. | Appliance not detecting lid. | Door switch on glass lid missing or not detected. | Call after-sales service. |
Appliance operated several times in succession; vacuuming seems normal but bag is not heat-sealed. | Thermal switch on heat-sealing transformer triggered. | Allow appliance to cool for at least 10 minutes, then try again. Allow 2 minutes between operations. | |
Vacuuming process taking longer and longer. | Pump system has too much moisture. Pump system is extremely hot. | Appliance monitors progress. If too much liquid in pump oil, ❗ symbol appears; initiate drying. Allow appliance to cool. | Allow appliance to cool and try again. |
After drying procedure, appliance displays ❗ and ✔️ symbols. | One drying cycle was not sufficient. | Wait until ❗ symbol is no longer lit, then start another drying cycle. | |
Vacuum in plastic bag not retained. | Bag is defective. | Holes from sharp food parts (e.g., bones). | Check bag for damage. Use a different bag. Position sharp items carefully to avoid damaging the bag wall. |
Heat-sealed seam is defective. | Heat-sealing time unsuitable for bag material. Liquid, grease, or crumbs on seam. Bag has creases along seam. | Select different heat-sealing time. Ensure bag is dry, crease-free, and positioned correctly on sealing bar. Use a different bag. Fold bag edge by 3 cm before filling. | |
Lid cannot be opened. | Slight vacuum holding lid closed. | Do not use force or tools. Initiate vacuum-sealing and cancel immediately. Disconnect power, wait 30 seconds, restart. Touch ✔️ for more than 5 seconds for a system reset. |
After-Sales Service
Our after-sales service is available for repairs. We aim to find solutions to avoid unnecessary technician visits.
When calling, please provide the product number (E-Nr.) and production number (FD-Nr.) for correct advice. The rating plate on the appliance shows these numbers. You can note your appliance details and service phone number here.
E-Nr. | FD-Nr. |
After-sales service ? |
Please note that after-sales service visits are not free of charge, even during the warranty period. Contact details for all countries are in the enclosed customer service list.
To book an engineer visit and product advice:
- GB: 0344 892 8988 (Calls charged at local or mobile rate)
- IE: 01450 2655 (0.03€/min peak, 0.0088€/min off-peak)
- AU: 1300 368 339
- NZ: 09 477 0492
Trust the manufacturer's expertise for repairs carried out by trained technicians using original spare parts.