20 Most Recent Rival VS230 Seal A Meal Vacuum Food Sealer - Page 2 Questions & Answers

I think that you have the same problem that I have. The protective tape over the heating element [a strip in my case] has a hole in it and allows the element to come in direct contact with the bag. Also, the heating strip had a kink in it was was no longer flat. I carefully cleaned the heating strip and flattened it out as best I can. I have ordered some tape from : http://www.ebay.com/itm/170848027703?item=170848027703&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME:X:AAQ:MOTORS:1123&vxp=mtr to replace the defective one. A simple job.

Did the clip break that holds the sealing nozzle in place? If so, use a chopstick to hold the lock and seal unit in place. I place a little scotch tape on the chopstick, place it all the way across the sealing nozzle. You may have to really press on the lid to shut it, but it works. If it's not the clip, maybe you have a blocked hole or the sealing unit needs cleaned out really well. Good luck!

Mine broke too.. I contacted Seal-a-meal, and for my machine, they don't make replacement parts anymore. BUT, here's what I did and it works great. I place a chopstick across the length of the lock and seal nozzle...I use a little scotch-tape to hold it in place.. When you shut the lid, it applies enough pressure to the nozzle, to start pulling air out of the bags. I do have to lean or push down hard on the lid, to get it to lock into place, before sealing, but the chopstick works wonderful...I am not going to buy a whole new seal-a-meal when this works so terrific. In fact, I just seal-a-mealed 8 bags of beans this afternoon. Try it before you go out and buy another machine.

Try placing a folded paper towel in the bag between the item and the area of the seal
The towel will absorb the liquid allowing the bag to seal but keeping the liquid in the bag

Place a folded paper towel at the top of the bag between the meat and where it will seal.
It will absorb the blood and allow the bag to seal

place the end of the roll just past the wire heating element into the sealer and press and hold the lid closed until the cycle finishes. (I usually do this twice in a slightly different place). Remove the roll and cut the plastic back far enough into the roll for the bag you are going to fill. Leave enough space to seal the bag after you have filled it. Seal the filled bag according to the instructions.

Bag will not seal

• Check that there aren't any gaps, folds, wrinkles or holes in pre-sealed edges.

• Moisture of foods with high liquid content will prevent the bag from

sealing properly. Cut bag open and wipe top inside of bag and reseal.

• Make sure you've placed the bag in the proper place. When making a

bag from a roll, make sure end of cut piece is on Sealing Strip, NOT over

Lower Sealing Gasket or in Drip Tray.

• Make sure you give the appliance time to cool down. Wait at least 20
seconds between seals.

If all the above have been verified and the machine will still not pull a vacuum, you will need to replace the upper and lower gaskets.

I thought I had the same problem. Kept reading the instruction manual to try to figure out what I was doing wrong or thought a fuse was blown or something (there wasn't even a light to show that it was getting power). It did end up working though when I pressed on the ribs on the lid with some force and held it for a second or two. It didn't work when I pressed down on the lid on the sides - only when I pressed directly on the ribs. It really surprised me when it lit up, but there you have it.

Is it working at all or just no vacuum. Try blowing thru the device. I have used water to get mine going before thru the plastic hose coupling.

Question edited for clarity, correct order. Unlikely to get just the handle. You might find someone to 3D Print one though. https://www.google.com/search?q=Rival+CZF625+Deep+Fryer+replacement+basket .

You can purchase a new top for your 20Qt Rival Roaster Oven Model #r0220 from a variety of online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and other home goods websites. You can also find parts in physical stores like Walmart, Lowe's and Home Depot.