Reynolds Handi-Vac : Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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

1. Just fill and seal Vacuum Food 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.

 
How does the Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Storage System compare to conventional countertop vacuum sealer units on the market?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealers and Vacuum Food Bags are more user-friendly and economical than conventional countertop vacuum sealer units. Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Storage System is comparable in performance, but beats the competition in several areas including:

• Performance – The Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Storage System typically vacuum seals most foods in 6 to 13 seconds.
• Convenience – The Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Storage 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 Food 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 Vacuum Food Storage System intuitive, ergonomic and easy to operate with one hand.
• Vacuum Food Bags - The Vacuum Food Bags are pre-made and resealable, making it easy to remove just part of the contents and reseal the remaining contents.

 
Why is The Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Storage 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.
 
How are Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Bags different from other food bags?
Other bags have no effective means to remove the air that may lead to spoilage.  Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Bags have a patented 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 Food Bags are available?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Bags are available in cartons of 14 Quart size bags and 9 Gallon size bags.
 
How long does it take to seal a Reynolds® Handi-Vac Vacuum Food 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 Food Bags?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food 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 Food Bags?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food 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 Food Bags?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food 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 Food Bags in the microwave?
Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food 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 Food bags made of?
Polyethylene.  All materials used in the Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Bags are fully compliant with FDA regulations for direct food contact.
 
Are the Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food Bags Kosher?
Yes
 
Do Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Food 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 Food 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 Food Storage System helps protect your food from freezer burn by virtually eliminating freezer burn.
 
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.