Thank you for your patience while we contacted the vendor to obtain an answer to your question regarding this item. We were able to confirm that marinating times vary by the marinade being used and the type of meat being marinated or brined and not the unit itself. Therefore, there is no pre-set guideline. The amount of marinating or brining time is usually indicated in the particular recipe being used or determined by the user. This Instant Marinater does speed up the marinating or brining process and makes it more intense. It is estimated that the time for marinating and brining can be reduced by 40 – 50% or more by using the Instant Marinater.