# Atmovac Chamber Vacuum Packers and Sous-Vide Circulators > How to install, program, and maintain Atmovac chamber vacuum packers and sous-vide circulators, including oil care, cycle settings, and troubleshooting. How-to by Norpex. Published 2026-10-15, updated 2026-10-15. Canonical: https://norpex.ca/guides/atmovac-chamber-vacuum-packers-and-sous-vide ![Tabletop chamber vacuum packaging machine with an open lid](https://norpex.ca/m/75/44/75443adf8add4ff758554ef5691db3c9b3edc58a3383d4e12992f92977ef12ed.png) Pictured: [Atmovac – Premium Chamber Vacuum Machine](https://norpex.ca/product/atmovac-premium-chamber-vacuum-machine-2) This guide covers installation, oil and pump care, programming vacuum and seal cycles, sous-vide setup, cleaning, and troubleshooting for Atmovac chamber vacuum packers and sous-vide circulators. ## Key takeaways - New Diablo chamber machines ship without pump oil, and running the pump dry damages it. - On the Diablo 16, vacuum runs 5 to 90 seconds, seal 0 to 6 seconds and cool 0 to 10 seconds. - Keep water level between MIN and MAX on sous-vide circulators. - Change pump oil every 50 hours or every 6 months. - Contact the manufacturer’s authorized service network for repairs beyond routine maintenance. ## Installation and setup For Atmovac chamber vacuum packers such as the Diablo, Kaze, Arctic, and Chinook, place the machine on a level, stable surface with at least 4 inches (10 cm) clearance on all sides for ventilation, as stated in the Diablo 16 user manual. Keep the unit away from heat and steam sources like dishwashers or ranges. A qualified, licensed electrician must connect the machine to a properly grounded electrical supply according to local code. For the SV-310 circulator, the manual says to fix the unit to the container by turning its knob counterclockwise to open a gap, fitting it on the container and tightening the knob clockwise, then to add water so the level sits between the MIN and MAX marks. The SoftcookerXP operating instructions recommend adding 1/2 cup of vinegar per 40 litres of water to prevent scale buildup. ## Oil and pump care for chamber vacuum packers Atmovac chamber vacuum packers use oil-sealed vacuum pumps. The Diablo 16 manual warns that new machines are shipped without oil; operating the pump without oil will cause damage. With the pump stopped, remove the oil window, unscrew the fill cap and fill with the appropriate oil until the indicator reads 1/2 to 3/4 full, as the manual shows. Check the oil level weekly and top up if below half. Change the oil every 50 hours of operation or at least every 6 months, as recommended in the Diablo 16 manual. The Kaze user manual also describes how to run a pump cleaning program to maintain performance. The Diablo 16 manual also says to drain the pump oil before moving or shipping the machine. ## Programming a vacuum and seal cycle The control panel varies by model. On the Diablo 16, press SET to cycle through Vacuum, Seal, and Cool modes, then use the up and down arrows to adjust times. The manual specifies vacuum time from 5 to 90 seconds, seal time from 0 to 6 seconds, and cool time from 0 to 10 seconds. For the Kaze series, the user manual describes a more advanced control system with parameters such as Vacuum, Liquid Control (optional), Vacuum+ time, Seal, Red Meat (optional), and Soft Air. The video 'Atmovac - Kaze \| EURODIB' demonstrates the Kaze's sensor pressure control and liquid control technology. After setting the parameters, close the lid to start the cycle; the lid opens automatically when finished. The Chinook20 manual explains additional options like gas flushing and multi-cycle vacuum for specific applications. ## Sous-vide setup and use The SV-310 thermal immersion circulator has a temperature setting range of 5–95°C (41–203°F) and a timer from 5 minutes to 99 hours 59 minutes, according to its user manual. Press the TEMP/TIME button to switch between temperature and time settings, then use the + and – buttons to adjust. The SoftcookerXP offers 25 pre-set programs and a delayed start function, as detailed in its operating instructions. Always ensure the water level stays between the MIN and MAX marks on the unit. The SV-310 manual states that food must be vacuum packed before cooking. The SoftcookerXP manual advises that bags should not occupy more than 30% of the tank’s capacity to allow proper water circulation. After cooking, the unit beeps; press the stop button and remove the food. ## Cleaning and routine maintenance Unplug the machine before cleaning. The Diablo 16 manual says to clean with non-solvent detergents only and never use a pressure washer. Inspect the lid weekly, and if you see any damage, stop using the machine and contact your supplier for service. The Kaze manual provides instructions for replacing the sealing wire, silicone rubber, and lid gasket. For sous-vide circulators, the SV-310 manual recommends cleaning the unit after 20 uses or 100 working hours, and to use food-grade vinegar to remove scale. The SoftcookerXP manual says to change the water in the tank at least once a day to prevent deposits and algae. ## Troubleshooting common issues If the chamber vacuum packer displays error code E01, the Diablo 16 manual indicates the pressure switch did not close; ensure the lid is fully closed and locked, and check the gate control switch system. Error LP means power loss during operation; check the power supply and cord. For sous-vide units, the SoftcookerXP manual lists H2O when the water level is too low, and ERR when internal components overheat or temperature sensors differ. The Kaze manual includes a pump cleaning program in its maintenance chapter. For any error that persists, stop using the machine and contact the manufacturer’s authorized service network. ## Service and support The Diablo 16 manual says major servicing must be performed by qualified personnel, and recommends professional maintenance once every six months for a machine used more than 4 hours a day, or once a year below that. If the machine requires repairs beyond what is covered in the manual, contact the manufacturer’s authorized service network. For questions about a specific model, ask Norpex. ## Videos from the maker - [Atmovac - Kaze \| EURODIB](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awt3_WViDnA) (Eurodib) ## Common questions ### Do I need to add oil to a new Atmovac chamber vacuum packer? Yes. The Diablo 16 user manual states that new machines are shipped without oil. Fill the pump with the appropriate oil until the indicator reads 1/2 to 3/4 full before first use, and never open the fill port while the pump is running. ### How often should I change the vacuum pump oil? The Diablo 16 manual recommends changing the oil every 50 hours of operation or at least once every 6 months. Check the oil level weekly and top up if below half. ### What water level is safe for the SV-310 circulator? The SV-310 manual specifies that the water level must be between the MIN and MAX marks on the unit. After adding food, ensure the water remains above MIN and below MAX. ### Can I use any vacuum bags with Atmovac chamber machines? The Diablo 16 manual says to use a compatible chamber vacuum bag, leaving 1–2 inches of headspace. The bag edge must lie flat across the seal bar. For sous-vide, the SV-310 manual requires bags that can withstand temperatures up to 100°C (212°F). ### What should I do if my chamber vacuum packer shows an E01 error? According to the Diablo 16 manual, E01 means the pressure switch did not close during vacuum. Ensure the lid is fully closed and locked, and check the gate control switch system. If the error persists, contact the manufacturer’s authorized service network. ## Related guides - [Chamber vs External Vacuum Sealers: Which Does a Kitchen Need?](https://norpex.ca/guides/vacuum-sealer-guide) - [Butcher Equipment Guide: Grinders, Band Saws, Stuffers and More](https://norpex.ca/guides/butcher-equipment-guide) ## Shop the catalogue - [Vacuum Packaging](https://norpex.ca/products/vacuum-packaging-vacuum-packaging) - [Sous Vide](https://norpex.ca/products/sous-vide)