Frequently Asked Questions : Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealing System

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bags System?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bags System is an innovative product designed to improve freezer storage.   It includes a unique hand-held Vacuum Sealer that removes air from the patent pending Vacuum Freezer Bags.  Storing food with the Handi-Vac System helps to preserve the texture and appearance of fresh foods by virtually eliminating freezer burn.
 
How do the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bags work?
The hand-held Reynolds Vacuum Sealer works with the patent pending Zipper Closure and Air Valve on the Vacuum Freezer Bags.  Once air is removed, the Bag forms a tight seal around the food.  This system virtually eliminates freezer burn during freezer storage.
 
Is the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bag System easy to use?
Yes, there are just a few, very intuitive steps.

1. Just fill and seal Vacuum Freezer Bag as you would any zipper bag.
2. Place the Bag flat on the counter making sure there is no food above the Maximum Fill Line or under the Air Valve.
3. Press Vacuum Sealer Tip flat against Air Valve.
4. Press the ON Button to remove air from Bag. Release ON Button when Bag becomes tight around food.
5. Freeze food immediately.

 
How does the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bags System compare to conventional countertop vacuum sealer units on the market?
Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealers and Vacuum Freezer Bags are more user-friendly and economical than conventional countertop vacuum sealer units. Reynolds Handi-Vac System is comparable in performance, but “freezes out” the competition in several areas including:

• Price – Reynolds Handi-Vac System is priced at under $10, compared to at least double the cost for conventional countertop vacuum sealers.
• Performance – Reynolds Handi-Vac System typically vacuum seals most foods in 6 to 13 seconds.
• Convenience – The Reynolds Handi-Vac System is convenient to use, store and clean. The hand-held Handi-Vac Sealer is easy to operate with one hand.  It takes up less counter and storage space than conventional countertop units. The Sealer can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and the Filter Chamber is easy to remove and wash with warm soapy water.  The Vacuum Freezer Bags are pre-made, so you don’t have the extra step of measuring and cutting plastic sheets like with many countertop units.
• Ease of use – Years of research, design and development went in to making the Reynolds Handi-Vac System intuitive, ergonomic and easy to operate with one hand.
• Vacuum Freezer Bags - The Vacuum Freezer Bags are pre-made and resealable, making it easy to remove just part of the contents and reseal the remaining contents.

 
Why is Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ System less expensive than conventional counter top sealers?
Reynolds dedicated years of research, development and design to creating an innovative, high-performance, convenient and cost-effective system to vacuum seal foods for the freezer.
 
How are Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags different from other freezer bags?
Other freezer bags have no effective means to remove the air that may lead to freezer burn.  Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Freezer Bags have a patent pending Zipper Closure and Air Valve that work with the Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealer to remove air and form a tight seal around the food.
 
What sizes of Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags are available?
Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags are available in cartons of 14 Quart size bags and 9 Gallon size bags.
 
Where can I buy the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™  System?
The Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bags System is available at major Grocery and Mass retailers.
 
How much does Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ System cost?
Suggested retail price is $9.99 for the Reynolds® Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealer Starter Kit that includes 1 Vacuum Sealer and 3 Quart Size Vacuum Freezer Bags.  The cost is $3.29 for cartons of 14 Quart Size Bags or 9 Gallon Size Bags.
 
How long does it take to seal a Reynolds® Handi-Vac Vacuum Freezer Bag?
It typically takes 6 to 13 seconds.  This may vary with Bag content.
 
Can I vacuum seal liquids with the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bags?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Freezer Bags are not recommended for storing liquids or liquid based foods like soup, stews, or sauces.  The Bags work great for freezing meats coated with dry seasoning rubs.
 
Can I reseal Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Freezer Bags are resealable so you can remove part of the original contents and reseal the Bags.  Remember to follow food safety practices and place the Bag back in the freezer before the original contents defrost.  Once all original contents are used, discard Bag.
 
Can I reuse Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Freezer Bags are not recommended for reuse.  Do not place new foods in a bag once it is used.  If juices or bits of food are trapped inside the Textured Layer, the bag can not be cleaned for reuse.  For food safety reasons, discard Bags once all original contents are removed.
 
Can I use Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags in the microwave?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Freezer Bags are suitable for microwave defrosting using the defrost (30% power) setting.  Open Zipper 1” to vent.  Place Bag on a microwave-safe dish before placing in microwave.   After defrosting, handle with care as Bag and contents may be hot.
 
What are the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer bags made of?
Polyethylene.  All materials used in the Handi-Vac Vacuum Freezer Bags are fully compliant with FDA regulations for direct food contact.
 
Are the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags Kosher?
Yes
 
Do Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags contain any gluten, wheat, peanuts, fish, milk, or other common allergens?
No
 
Is there any PTFE, Teflon, PFOA used in Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Freezer Bags?
No
 
How long will the batteries last in the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer?
Typical battery life is 100 bag evacuations but can vary based on Bag contents and usage patterns.   Install six new AA alkaline batteries when needed.
 
What do I do if I have a question about the product?
Most questions are answered in the carton insert.  If you still have questions after reviewing the insert, visit reynoldskitchens.com or call Reynolds Consumer Response at 1-800-433-2244 9:00 am - 4:30 pm.  The product comes with a Limited 30-day satisfaction guarantee with original cash register receipt.
 
What is Freezer Burn?
"Freezer burn" is a condition which occurs when moisture evaporates from the surface of foods in the freezer and causes the food to dry out and become discolored. While freezer burn does not affect food safety, it does reduce food quality.  Freezer burned spots can be cut away before or after cooking.   If a food is heavily freezer-burned, it may be desirable to discard it.  Air removal, moisture-vapor-resistant packaging, a tight seal and appropriate storage time and temperature help prevent freezer burn.  Storage with the Reynolds® Handi-Vac™ Vacuum Sealer and Vacuum Freezer Bags System helps protect your food from freezer burn by virtually eliminating freezer burn. Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealer and Bags provide “A Fresh Way to Freeze.™ ”
 
How long can I store foods in the Freezer?
USDA Recommended maximum storage times for foods frozen and held at 0° F. are listed under the Food Storage tab.