While the initial cost might seem steep, keep in mind the long-term savings and the value of preserved food. It’s an investment in self-sufficiency and food storage security. You can read my full cost analysis of the Harvest Right freeze dryer here.
How much space you have for the dryer and food storage – As we discussed briefly above, you may have to get creative when it comes to where you put your freeze dryer.
While various sealing systems can be used, vacuum sealers or heat sealers are often preferred for freeze-dried products. These systems help remove air and create an airtight seal, which is crucial for maintaining the quality and shelf life of freeze-dried items.
Choosing between an oil-free pump and a premier oil pump for our Harvest Right freeze dryer was a tough decision at the time. But with the benefit of hindsight and having operated both, we would absolutely choose the premier oil pump if we had a do-over.
Freeze dried food regains its former look and texture – When dehydrated food is rehydrated it typically does not return to its former appearance, nor does it regain its former texture.
Pelo late-night or mid-workday dashes to the garage to empty the freeze dryer and package up our food. A lesson we learned the hard way when our first batch of food finished in the middle of the night!
With a freeze dryer you can prepare your own healthy meals at home and freeze dry them for future use. Pelo more compromising your dietary principles for convenience.
As soon as we opened the package we could feel how flimsy the bags were compared to those provided by Harvest Right and were not convinced they would exclude the oxygen as required for long term storage.
Whether your electrical wiring is up to the job – The larger freeze dryers consume quite a bit of electricity and require a 220 volt plug. If you have an older house or live in an old apartment building it may not have one. Also, freeze dryers can draw as much as 16 or 17 amps at their peak consumption.
Speaking with the owners of smaller companies to resolve issues can be nice, but it’s not a viable long-term strategy if you plan on running your equipment for decades.
Unknown Product History: You often don’t know how the unit was used or if it’s in good working condition.
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Harvest Right doubled (at least) capacity and added a tray to every model when they upgraded to ‘Home Pro’ models a few years ago.
The Know More dehydrator features a digital thermostat and timer, giving you complete control over the drying process. The transparent door and trays make it easy to monitor the progress of your food without having to open the machine, ensuring that your snacks are dried to perfection.