Galaxy Equipment User Manual
External Vacuum Packaging Machines
Models: 177GVME12SS, 177GVME16SS
Please read the manual thoroughly prior to equipment set-up, operation and maintenance.
Safety Tips
- Read this manual carefully before use.
- DO NOT use on or near a heat source.
- DO NOT immerse any part of the unit in water.
- Unplug unit when not in use.
- DO NOT pull the cord when unplugging the unit.
- DO NOT operate if plug or cord is damaged.
- DO NOT operate if unit is damaged or malfunctions.
- Only use unit for intended use.
- DO NOT allow children to use unit.
- Only use a grounded outlet.
- DO NOT modify the plug in any way.
- DO NOT allow cord to drape over counter or tabletop.
- DO NOT use near burner or oven.
- Use caution when sealing hot items.
- DO NOT use outdoors.
Food Storage and Safety
Vacuum packaging with any model in the Galaxy line will yield unbelievable results. These machines remove up to 90% of the air from the package. This will help keep food fresher up to 5 times longer than under normal storage methods. You can store dry foods like pasta, cereal and flour, fresh meats like pork, chicken and beef, vegetables like carrots, potatoes and squash, or even frozen liquids like soups and drink mixes. The possibilities are endless.
Once packaged, there are a variety of unique methods to cook your stored food. You can cook the food traditionally or sous vide it for a tender and lush flavor.
Vegetables should always be blanched - cook until crispy and then submerge in cold water to stop the cooking process - to kill any enzymes that may cause out-gassing when vacuumed.
IMPORTANT: NEVER vacuum pack garlic, fungi (like mushrooms), or soft cheese (like Brie, Camembert, and Ricotta). A dangerous chemical reaction takes place when air is removed, causing them to be extremely dangerous if ingested.
| FOOD | TYPICAL STORAGE | VACUUM FRIDGE STORAGE | VACUUM FREEZER STORAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Beef & Veal | 1-2 Weeks | 1 Month | 1-3 Years |
| Ground Meat | 1-2 Weeks | 1 Month | 1 Year |
| Fresh Pork | 1 Week | 2-4 Weeks | 2-3 Years |
| Fresh Fish | 3-4 Days | 2 Weeks | 2 Years |
| Fresh Poultry | 1 Week | 2-4 Weeks | 2-3 Years |
| Smoked Meats | 2-4 Weeks | 6-12 Weeks | 3 Years |
| Fresh Produce (Blanched) | 1-2 Weeks | 2-4 Weeks | 2-3 Years |
| Fresh Fruits | 3-4 Days | 2 Weeks | 2-3 Years |
| Hard Cheeses | 2-4 Days | 6-12 Weeks | 6 Months |
| Sliced Deli Meats | 1-2 Weeks | 6-12 Weeks | Not Recommended |
| Fresh Pasta | 1 Week | 2-3 Weeks | 6 Months |
Features
The vacuum packaging machine features a built-in storage compartment for vacuum rolls and a cutter for convenient bag creation.
Key Components:
- Cutter
- Membrane switch
- Handle
- Lid
- Hose connect
- Seal foam
- Chamber seal gasket
- Vacuum Chamber
- Seal wire
- Electrical socket
Control Panel
The control panel allows for precise control over the vacuum sealing process. Key buttons include:
- Power/Stop (1): Turns the unit on/off and stops any active process.
- Start (2): Initiates automatic vacuum and seal, or marinate mode.
- Seal (3): Stops the vacuum cycle and seals the bag, or used for making custom bags.
- Pulse Vac (4): Allows manual control of the vacuum process for delicate items.
- Accy (5): Used for vacuuming canisters and other accessories without sealing.
- Impulse Seal (6): Seals bags without vacuuming.
- Set (7): Adjusts seal time or marinate time.
- Vac Level (8): Selects the desired vacuum degree or sets an adjustable level.
- Time Adjusting Buttons (9) ( $\Delta$ / $\nabla$ ): Increase or decrease seal/marinate time or vacuum degree.
- Digital Displayer (10): Shows real-time vacuum degree and settings.
- Indicator lights (11, 12): Indicate working process and vacuum degree.
Restore Factory Defaults: Connect power, press 'Power', then press ' $\Delta$ ' and ' $\nabla$ ' simultaneously for 3 seconds. A beep and 'rS' on the display indicate successful restoration.
Model Specifications
| Model | GVME12SS | GVME16SS |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | $15^{\prime\prime} \mathrm{W} \times 12^{\prime\prime} \mathrm{D} \times 6^{1 / 4}{ }^{\mathrm{H}} | $19^{\prime\prime} \mathrm{W} \times 12^{\prime\prime} \mathrm{D} \times 6^{1 / 4}{ }^{\mathrm{H}} |
| Material | Stainless Steel Body | Stainless Steel Body |
| Seal Bar | $12^{\prime\prime}$ Wide | $16^{\prime\prime}$ Wide |
| Roll Storage | up to $12^{\prime\prime} \times 50^{\prime} | up to $15^{1 / 2^{\prime\prime}} \times 50^{\prime} |
| Voltage | 120 V | 120 V |
| Wattage | 475 W | 550 W |
| Seal Time | 0-6 Seconds | 0-6 Seconds |
| Pump | Dual | Dual |
Operating Instructions
How to Make a Bag from a Roll
- Choose a roll no wider than 12" for GVME12SS or 15 1/2" for GVME16SS. Place the roll in the storage area, pull out the desired length, lay it over the cutter, and move the blade across for a clean cut.
- Lay the open end of the bag across the seal bar, ensuring it does not go past the edge of the seal pad.
- Close the lid firmly using the handle.
- Press 'Set' until the seal time light is illuminated, then use the arrows to set the seal time from 0-6 seconds.
- Press the 'Seal' button. The sequence is: Vacuum cycle begins, 'Seal' light comes on, cycle starts, vacuum cycle ends, Lid unlocks and lifts.
- Remove the bag and inspect the seal. A good seal is clear. Inadequate seals are spotty, incomplete, wrinkled, milky, or white. If inadequate, cut off the seal portion and restart the process.
- Use the built-in roll cutter to cut the bag on the opposite end of the seal to the desired length.
- Follow instructions below for Vacuum and Seal with Bags.
How to Vacuum Seal Bags
Note: For an instant seal, press the 'Seal' button.
- Press the 'Power' button and set your desired vacuum level and seal time using the 'Set' button.
- Place item(s) in a suitable sized vacuum bag (no wider than 12" for GVME12SS or 15 1/2" for GVME16SS), leaving at least 3 inches from the contents to the top of the bag for optimal vacuum sealing.
- Lay the open end of the bag across the seal bar, ensuring it does not go past the edge of the seal pad.
- Close the lid firmly using the handle.
- Press the 'Start' button to begin the process.
- Note: For fragile or easily crushed items, use the 'Pulse' button to manually control the vacuum process by repeatedly pressing it until the desired vacuum pressure is reached.
- If using the 'Pulse' button, press the 'Seal' button to manually seal the bag. Otherwise, the machine will automatically vacuum and then seal.
- After the Vacuum & Seal cycle, the lid unlocks and lifts. Remove the bag and inspect the seal. A good seal is clear. Inadequate seals are spotty, incomplete, wrinkled, milky, or white. If inadequate, cut off the seal portion and restart the process.
- Store contents normally. Perishable foods must be refrigerated or frozen to prevent spoilage.
How to Vacuum Seal Canisters
Note: Use containers designed for vacuum sealing. Place items in the canister, leaving at least 1" space from the food to the lid, ensuring the lid is dry and free of food particles. Do not overfill.
- Place the lid on the canister and turn the knob to the "Vacuum" position.
- Connect the accessory hose from the machine's Accessory Port to the port on the canister lid.
- Close the lid firmly using the handle.
- Press the 'Accy' button while simultaneously pressing the canister lid for 3-5 seconds.
- After the vacuum process, turn the canister lid knob to the "Lock" position. Remove the hose from the canister lid and machine. Wash the hose as necessary.
- Store the canister in the refrigerator or pantry, depending on the item. Do not freeze.
- To open the canister, twist the knob on the canister lid to the "Open" position.
Troubleshooting
Note: To maintain a longer lifetime, stop at least 20 seconds between each seal.
| ISSUE | REMEDY |
|---|---|
| Unit won't turn on | - Ensure the machine is properly plugged into a grounded outlet. - Check the power cord for tears, frays, or other damage. Do not use if damaged. |
| Not achieving a complete vacuum | - The edge of the bag must be across the seal bar and not extend past the chamber. Ensure no wrinkles in the bag and that it is inside the chamber. - Make sure the seal is complete and clear. If inadequate (spotty, incomplete, wrinkled, milky, or white), cut seal portion and restart. - Ensure both sealer and bag are clean, dry, and free of debris. Wipe the seal bar and inside of the bag and try again. |
| Bag loses vacuum after being sealed | - Check for sharp items (bones, stems, cloves) that can puncture bags. - Some fruits and vegetables release gases if not properly prepared. Blanch or freeze food before packaging. If in doubt about food quality, discard immediately. |
| Not vacuuming canisters properly | - Ensure the accessory hose is properly attached to the machine and canister. - Ensure the canister lid knob is turned to the "Vacuum" position. - Leave at least 1" of space between the lid and the food. - Check for damage to the canister and lid. If cracked, discard and use a new one. |
| Buttons not working | - In rare cases, buttons/programs may not work. Unplug the machine and plug it back in to reset programming. |
