Foodsaver broke!

[sherry7]

I'm having a pity party for myself. I keep my Foodsaver on a basement shelf when I'm not using it. Last night, I had DS go down and bring it upstairs for me. When I set it on the counter, the top of it was jammed down. I wiggled it around, but it wouldn't dislodge. After a few minutes, I plugged it in and it started up. After that I was able to open it up. But, it won't vacuum anymore. It will still do a manual heat seal though.

DS didn't drop it, but he did carry it upside down. I'm not sure if that would cause anything to break or not. I'm so sad, mainly because I splurged on the Professional model and paid $299 for it. I never even used it a lot, just a few times a month. I've had it for a few years, so it's definitely not under warranty anymore.

An magical tips on fixing it? Or, any recommendation on a good deal on a new one? I have a Sam's membership, and I know they carry one there. I
never bothered looking at it though.

 

[LoriKutchey]

Is it still under warranty? Do you have a troubleshooting page in your manual? I don't think holding it upside down would hurt it. They are pretty sturdy. If you don't have the manual anymore I think they have the manuals online then you could look and see if they have a troubleshooting page and hopefully you could find an answer. Hopefully if would be something as simple as a new gasket?? You can order parts online also.

 

[bonoriffic]

My foodsaver broke after 2 years. I brought it back to Costco where I purchased it and they gave us a new one, after the slight difference in price from what we paid. I didn't have the box, so I wasn't really thinking they would take it back but they did.

 

[SamSam]

I've had my foodsaver for several years...love it! A couple of times it wouldn't vacumn and I took a toothpick and prodded around in the vacumn hole...worked both times.

I use my foodsaver a lot and I know that at some point it's going to quit on me, but for now I'm good!

 

[mom2t]

Mine was less than a year old. I called foodsaver and they replaced it because there had been alot of trouble with that model. Try calling them. I bought the first 1 at Kohls with an extra coupon and it was also on sale.

 

[ShariVT]

I just bought a new one from qvc. I used the heck out of my old one and the motor finally went after about 10 years. I love my new one and wouldn't be with out one.

 

[Swimalie]

I've had mine for about 7 years. After 4 years it started clogging up. Now it won't work but will seal the canisters so we've kept it.

 

[LUVMYTINK]

I've had my Professional since '02 and it's starting to slowly die ( I can still get it to seal and vacuum (sometimes after picking up one side and let it drop on the counter)), to the point I bought a smaller back up just in case it decides to finally drop dead in the middle of sealing.

 

[sherry7]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I read elsewhere that the rubber gaskets might be going bad. Considering it's several years old, this makes sense. Anyway, it said to remove the gasket, soak in water, and replace. If the machine works then, you know it's the gaskets that have deteriorated with age or use. You can buy new gaskets for just a few dollars from the Food Saver website.

I haven't gotten a chance to try it out yet, but will later this weekend. I'll let you guys know how it works. Cross your fingers for me!

 

[SamSam]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I read elsewhere that the rubber gaskets might be going bad. Considering it's several years old, this makes sense. Anyway, it said to remove the gasket, soak in water, and replace. If the machine works then, you know it's the gaskets that have deteriorated with age or use. You can buy new gaskets for just a few dollars from the Food Saver website.

I haven't gotten a chance to try it out yet, but will later this weekend. I'll let you guys know how it works. Cross your fingers for me!

Nice to know, I'll keep that in mind if I have a problem again.