Quick answer

To infuse oil or vinegar with the MX2 Infuser, combine your chosen flavorings and liquid in a vacuum-sealable bag or container, select the preset infusion program, and let the vacuum cycle pull flavor into the liquid. Always refrigerate oil infusions and use them within a few days to avoid bacterial growth.

Why vacuum infusion beats the waiting game

Traditional oil and vinegar infusions can take days or weeks as flavors slowly diffuse into the liquid. The MX2 Infuser uses vacuum pressure to accelerate that process, so you can create a batch of herb-infused oil or garlic vinegar in a fraction of the time. This is especially useful when you need a quick finishing oil for a dish or a last-minute vinaigrette.

However, speed does not eliminate safety concerns. Oil is an oxygen-free environment that can support the growth of harmful bacteria, particularly when fresh ingredients like garlic or herbs are involved. Vinegar is more acidic and generally safer, but it still benefits from refrigeration. The MX2 Infuser’s vacuum cycle does not sterilize; it only infuses. Treat all infusions as perishable.

Choosing the right ingredients and containers

For oil infusions, use dried herbs and spices rather than fresh ones to reduce moisture and spoilage risk. If you want to use fresh garlic or herbs, consider a brief blanching or drying step, but note that the MX2 Infuser’s manual does not provide specific safety guidelines for fresh ingredients—so err on the side of caution. For vinegar, fresh ingredients are more acceptable because the acid inhibits many bacteria, but refrigeration is still recommended.

Use vacuum-sealable bags or the included containers that are compatible with the MX2 Infuser. The device is preset for flavor infusion and extraction, so you do not need to adjust settings for different liquids, but always ensure the container is properly sealed to maintain the vacuum.

Step-by-step: infusing oil and vinegar with the MX2 Infuser

  1. Prepare your ingredients: For oil: use dried herbs, spices, or citrus zest. For vinegar: use fresh or dried herbs, garlic, or fruit. Measure ingredients according to your recipe; a general ratio is 1 part flavoring to 4 parts liquid by volume, but adjust to taste. Avoid using fresh garlic or herbs in oil unless you plan to refrigerate and consume within 2 days.
  2. Combine liquid and flavorings in a vacuum bag or container: Place the flavorings in a vacuum-sealable bag or MX2-compatible container, then pour in the oil or vinegar. Ensure the liquid does not exceed the fill line if using a container. Seal according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Double-check that the bag or container is completely sealed; a poor seal will prevent proper vacuum infusion.
  3. Select the infusion preset: Turn on the MX2 Infuser and select the preset for flavor infusion and extraction. The device will run a vacuum cycle designed to pull air from the container and draw flavor into the liquid. Do not open the lid or bag during the cycle. If the cycle seems to finish too quickly, check for leaks or improper sealing before running again.
  4. Let the infusion rest: After the cycle completes, leave the sealed container in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For stronger flavor, you can repeat the vacuum cycle once more or let it rest longer (up to 24 hours for vinegar). Taste after 30 minutes; if flavor is too weak, run another cycle rather than adding more flavoring.
  5. Strain and store: Strain the infusion through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solids. Transfer to a clean glass bottle or jar. Label with the date and store oil infusions in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; vinegar infusions can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Discard any infusion that smells off, looks cloudy, or develops mold—do not taste to check.

Product facts

  • the MX2™ Infuser: The MX2 Infuser arrives preset for flavor infusion and extraction, marination, sous vide packaging, and food preservation. You can start infusing immediately without programming custom cycles, saving time and reducing guesswork.

    the MX2™ Infuser

    the MX2™ Infuser

  • the MX2™ Infuser: Users can store up to 24 customizable vacuum programs. If you develop a favorite infusion recipe, you can save it for repeatable results with future batches.