Maintenance includes replacing vacuum pump oil if not using an oil-free pump. Then, there’s ongoing storage costs for mylar bags and oxygen absorbers.
Having one of the most sophisticated food processing machines for preservation is something that anyone can benefit from. Many people with freeze dryers end up supporting their community with them or turn freeze-drying into a side hustle once they’ve filled their own pantry.
But, if the lack of maintenance appeals to you more than the extra cash in your pocket, the investment in the oil-free option might seem justifiable.
The Harvest Right Small can fit on a counter whereas the XL will need a dedicated spot. They also all come with external vacuum pumps that will need to be accounted for when you position the freeze-dryer.
How much space does a home freeze dryer require? Home freeze dryers typically have a footprint similar to a small chest freezer. Exact dimensions vary by model.
Freeze dried food reconstitutes quicker than dehydrated food – Most freeze dried foods need only a couple of minutes before they’re ready to eat.
Discover premium freeze dryers designed to preserve the flavor, nutrition, and texture of your favorite foods through the advanced process of lyophilization.
That’s the decibel equivalent of a running dishwasher compared to a running refrigerator. The oil change frequency also increased from 5 batches to 20 batches, making the already minimal maintenance even easier.
We were looking for a reliable way to extend the shelf life of our garden produce and eggs, without compromising quality. A freeze drying machine not only preserves flavor and nutrients but also greatly extends shelf life – by up to 25 years!
Freeze drying maintains nearly all of the nutritional value of fresh food. Other methods of preservation, such as canning and Shop Now dehydrating, use high temperatures that destroy much of the food value.
You may get a more personalized experience with a smaller company, but there is only one company that has been doing this for over 10 years, has a stellar BBB rating, and a dedicated service department.
With its powerful 600-watt motor and six stainless steel trays, this dehydrator can handle a wide variety of foods, from fruits and vegetables to meats and jerky.
It also doesn’t take very much time if the freeze dryer has ‘candy mode’ like our picks. Ranging between 30 minutes to 2 hours per batch makes it easy to process a lot of batches at once.
It is always a relief when something this hefty arrives without a scratch – especially when you are shelling out thousands of dollars!