Vacuum coffee storage is the ultimate storage solution for both freshly roasted coffee beans, and ground coffee. Once the air is removed from the vacuum valve jars, there is no more oxygen left to degrade the the coffees natural oils and aromas. These vacuum jars come complete with interchangable vacuum pump, or as seperate refills - which are sold without a pump. These VacuVin Coffee Saver vacuum valve containers are very well built units, and preserve coffee much longer than non-vacuum storage methods. Made from thick polycarbonate, which is shatter resistent. The polycarbonate is smoke colored to block UV rays that are harmful to coffees. The design is simple: a polycarbonate container to hold the beans, a lid to seal it, and a pump to pump the air out of the jar. The lid seals tightly up against the top of the jar with a rugged siliconized gasket. The underside of the lid has a plastic filter covering that should be left in place to prevent food or coffee being sucked up into the pump. The mechanism that maintains the vacuum is a one-way valve, the valve opens when air is sucked through, but seals tight when after pumping. The vacuum is so tight, its not possible to remove the lid without relieving the pressure. To relieve pressure from the jar, simply push the valve to the side, and the lid comes off. All parts are removable for easy cleaning, all parts are dishwasher safe. Additional storage units are sold seperately, starter units can be purchased complete with pump and jar. Vacuum coffee storage is the ultimate storage solution for both freshly roasted coffee beans, and ground coffee. Once the air is removed from the jars, there is no more oxygen left to degrade the the coffees natural oils and aromas. These vacuum jars come complete with interchangable vacuum pump, or as seperate refills - which are sold without a pump. Consider these units before you got out and spend your money on a cheesy battery operated coffee vacuum jar.... These jars only take a few strokes of the pump to obtain vacuum, you will help to save the environment, get a little exercise in the meantime, and save yourself countless trips to the store for batteries!