Make sure you follow these instructions to safely use your KitchenAid Glass Containers, while preserving their quality.
How to use the vacuum pump?
Frequently asked questions
Before first use
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What do I need to do before first using my storage container?
Remove all packaging materials and labels. Recycling information is available on the cardboard packaging. We advise that you wash with hot, soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly or place in the dishwasher before use.
Vacuum function
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How can I vacuum seal my KitchenAid container properly?Place the vacuum pump on the round air valve and pull the pump up and down until you feel sufficient resistance.
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How do I know my container has been vacuum sealed properly?When you feel you can no longer pull the pump, and you won’t be able to remove the lid/cover without releasing the pressure valve.
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How much longer is my food preserved due to the vacuum sealing/ how long will it stay fresh?This really depends on the type of food and where it’s being stored (fridge, freezer or pantry). We would recommend you look for tell tail signs to confirm if the food is preserved e.g. what does it look like, how does it smell and feels? And always follow general guidelines for specific foods particularly meat, poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs.
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Why does food stay longer fresh in a vacuumized container?Most food stays fresher longer in a vacuumized container. This is because the air is sucked out of the container and that slows down the process of oxidation which deteriorates the quality and safety of food.
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What happens to the freshness time if I open a storage container (regularly)?We’d recommend only opening the vacuum container when necessary, the freshness of your food will decrease if you open the container regularly.
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Is there any food I'd better not vacuum store?
The containers are great to store lots of different types of food, but there are some types of produce you should avoid keeping in any vacuumized container.
- You must allow freshly cooked food time to cool down to room temperature before vacuum sealing – it’s not safe to vacuum seal freshly cooked hot foods. Vacuum sealing hot foods creates the perfect environment for bacterial to grow.
- While it is ok to vacuum seal hard cheeses like tasty or parmesan, soft cheeses like brie or camembert may actually mould faster in a vacuum than in regular air.
- Don’t store raw bananas in a vacuum container, because of the natural riping process, bananas may actually decay faster under a vacuum seal.
- Mushrooms contain high levels of moisture, and vacuum sealing can make them spoil quicker due to the lack of airflow
- When you vacuum seal apples, they must be sliced with a small bit of lemon juice on the slices to prevent them from browning.
- Raw onions, garlic, cabbage and lettuce all emit gases that can compromise the vacuum seal and affect the flavour of other foods stored in the same container. It's much better to store these items in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
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How do I know if the vacuum is still sufficient? Can I repeat the vacuum process if necessary?To find out if the vacuum seal on your container is still sufficient, there is a simple test you can do. If the container is vacuumized properly you will see the lid is slightly bent into the container and it will feel firm. If the container isn't sealed properly anymore, you can vacuumize the container again.
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Can I safely store my food in the containers?Yes, the KitchenAid storage collection is specifically designed for food storage.
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Can the container be put in a preheated oven directly from the freezer?It's better to put your glass container (without the lid, plastic inserts and silicone parts) from the freezer into the oven when you start preheating your oven. This way, the container will gradually adapt to the heat. Please remember, only the borosilicate glass part is oven-safe, so make sure you remove the lid, plastic inserts and silicone parts before you put it in the oven.
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How can I remove the vacuum seal of my container?Pull the air valve towards you, this will release the vacuum. You may hear a slight hissing sound as air rushes into the container, indicating the vacuum seal has been released. You can now remove the lid.
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How do I use the vacuum sealing function on the container?
- Always wait for hot food to cool down to room temperature before vacuuming the container.
- Use the pump to seal your container to help preserve your food longer. Place the vacuum pump on the round air valve and pull the pump up and down until you feel sufficient resistance. The container has been sealed properly when you can feel you can no longer pull the pump and you cannot remove the lid without releasing the pressure.
- The specially designed container lid also serves as a vacuum seal indicator. If the lid is sunken, a vacuum exists inside the container. If the lid is slightly raised, the vacuum should be refreshed. It’s recommended that you check the vacuum from time to time, particularly when storing food long term.
- To open a vacuumed container, carefully move the silicone valve in the centre of the lid so air can flow in and the vacuum escapes, allowing you to open the container. Only open the vacuum container when necessary, the freshness of your food will decrease when you open the container regularly.
- How long you can preserve food inside the vacuum container will be determined by several factors such as: type of food, freshness of the food before preserving (or vacuumizing), proper sealing and conserving of the container and storage location (fridge, freezer or pantry).
While in use
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Is my glass container oven safe?Yes, the glass container is oven safe up to 230°C but do not put the lid, plastic inserts and silicone parts into the oven. Always remember to use potholders or oven mitts when handling hot containers.
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Is my container microwave safe?The glass container is microwave safe but you must remove the lid, plastic inserts and silicone parts before putting into the microwave.
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Why is my lid not microwave safe?The quick temperature rise can make the lid change shape and deform.
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Are the containers airtight? Are the containers leakproof?Yes, the containers are airtight and leakproof.
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Can the containers be used without the vacuum pump?The storage containers can be used with or without the vacuum pump.
Caring and cleaning
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How can I clean my storage container?All storage containers are dishwasher safe (including silicon parts, plastic inserts and lid).
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Can my food container discolour?The lid of the container can discolour when used together with some strong pigmented food like turmeric, beetroot or tomato-based sauces.
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What is borosilicate glass?Borosilicate glass is a type of glass that is made to withstand high temperatures. Its ability to handle heat, cold and sudden changes in temperature makes ideal for kitchen containers. It’s made with silica and boron trioxide and this combination makes the glass much stronger and more durable than regular glass. It is shockproof but not breakproof.
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Can I store my container in the fridge and/or freezer?Yes, you can store your containers in the fridge and all types of domestic freezers.
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How long is the warranty on the containers?There is a three-year warranty on the containers. So in the unlikely event you find your product is faulty, it may be replaced. Please ensure to keep your receipt when you redeem your container as a proof of purchase.
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How do I clean the silicone seal?To clean the silicone seal, carefully pull it downwards off the housing of the vacuum pump and clean it with water and detergent.
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How should I store my glass containers?Containers should be cleaned and stored in a dry space indoors.
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How do I use the vacuum sealing function on the container?
- Always wait for hot food to cool down to room temperature before vacuuming the container.
- Use the pump to seal your container to help preserve your food longer. Place the vacuum pump on the round air valve and pull the pump up and down until you feel sufficient resistance. The container has been sealed properly when you can feel you can no longer pull the pump and you cannot remove the lid without releasing the pressure.
- The specially designed container lid also serves as a vacuum seal indicator. If the lid is sunken, a vacuum exists inside the container. If the lid is slightly raised, the vacuum should be refreshed. It’s recommended that you check the vacuum from time to time, particularly when storing food long term.
- To open a vacuumed container, carefully move the silicone valve in the centre of the lid so air can flow in and the vacuum escapes, allowing you to open the container. Only open the vacuum container when necessary, the freshness of your food will decrease when you open the container regularly.
- How long you can preserve food inside the vacuum container will be determined by several factors such as: type of food, freshness of the food before preserving (or vacuumizing), proper sealing and conserving of the container and storage location (fridge, freezer or pantry).