Freeze dryer machines have revolutionized food preservation by employing advanced sublimation techniques. By efficiently removing moisture while maintaining food’s structure, they play a critical role in extending shelf life.
When it comes to food preservation and emergency preparedness, freeze drying is a game-changer in my opinion. Not only does it preserve food for up to 25 years, but it also helps retain flavor, nutrients, and texture.
As home freeze drying machines become increasingly popular, preserving food at home is becoming easier and more efficient than ever.
Top 3 Best Freeze Dryer Machines for Home Use
When it comes to home freeze dryer machines, there is one clear stand out on the market. HARVESTRIGHT Freeze dryer machines are the top choice, but they are not cheap.
That being said, at the time of writing this article the company offers a layaway plan making it more affordable for everyone. These heavy duty freeze dryers are made with high-quality materials and components that can withstand years of use and they come with a limited 3 year warranty.
Plus, they are easy to operate, with user-friendly controls and intuitive interfaces that make freeze drying food a breeze. Again, they are expensive, but they are built to last and are a great investment for anyone committed to food preservation.
| Top Picks | Best For | Food Capacity |
| HARVESTRIGHT Freeze Dryer | Overall best freeze dryer machine | 1,450 lbs per year (8-13 lbs per batch) |
| HARVESTRIGHT Freeze Dryer | Best freeze dryer for small spaces | 840 lbs of per year (4-7 lbs per batch) |
| HARVESTRIGHT Large Freeze Dryer | Best freeze dryer for large families | 2,500 lbs per year (15-123lbs per batch) |
1.HARVESTRIGHT Freeze Dryer Medium Freeze Dryer
The medium-sized HARVESTRIGHT machine is great for families or individuals who want to preserve larger quantities of food. It can process up to 8-13 pounds of food per batch and freeze dry up to 312 gallons in a year.
It’s only a bit bigger than the small version of the freeze dryer and comes with 4 trays. So, it’s still compact and will fit your countertop. (Dimensions: 19″W x 25″D x 29″H) 112lbs.
Pros
- Compact size
- Includes a detachable vacuum pump
- 110-volt outlet
Cons
- Might need a 20 amp circuit (recommended)
- Heavy (112lbs)
- Expensive
2. HARVESTRIGHT Freeze Dryer Small Freeze Dryer
HARVESTRIGHT’s Small Freeze Dryer is the perfect freeze dryer machine for home use. Its slim build also ensures it can fit into any kitchen without taking up too much space.
This freeze dryer is ideal for those with a small family or who wish to make smaller batches. It also has three trays and can process up to 4-7 pounds per batch – making it an ideal choice for limited households. (Dimensions: 17.4″W x2 1.5″ D x 26.8″H) 61lbs.
Pros
- Compact size won’t take up much kitchen space
- Includes a detachable vacuum pump
- 110-volt outlet
Cons
- Expensive
3. HARVESTRIGHT Freeze Dryer Large Freeze Dryer
The Large HARVESTRIGHT Freeze Dryer is a must-have for those who need to store and preserve food for a larger household. Its capacity makes it ideal for preserving large quantities of your favorite dishes.
It can process up to 15-23 pounds of food per batch and freeze dry 546 gallons of food in a year. (Dimensions: 21.3″W x 27.5″D x 31.3″H) 138lbs.
Pros
- Includes a detachable vacuum pump
- Heavy (138lbs.)
- Five trays per batch capacity
Cons
- 110-volt outlet (20 amp circuit required)
- Expensive
What Are Freeze Dryers
Freeze dryers are machines used to preserve food for long-term storage. They can preserve fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, herbs, and spices.
How Does a Freeze Dryer Machine Work?
Freeze dryers work by dehydrating food through the process of sublimation. This removes all the moisture from food or other items you want to preserve.
- First, you put the food in the machine, then the machine freezes it.
- Next, the machine uses a special process called sublimation to remove all the ice crystals from the food. This process takes several hours, even a day, depending on how much food you put in the machine.
- Once the process is complete, you can store the freeze dried food in mylar bags or jars.
Choosing the Right Home Freeze Dryer
Here are some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a home freeze dryers:
Size
Consider the space in your home when choosing a freeze dryer machine. The size must align with available space for optimal operation and convenience.
The freeze dryer should fit easily into your kitchen. Measure the space you have available before deciding on the size of the freeze dryer machine.
Capacity
Contemplate the volume of food you intend to preserve. A suitable capacity ensures your dehydration needs are consistently met.
If you have a large family or plan to store a lot of food, you will need a machine with a larger capacity. HARVESTRIGHT for example, offers freeze dryers with sizes ranging from small to extra large. Decide how much food you’ll be freeze drying before making your choice.
Ease of Use
Home freeze dryers should have user-friendly features. Look for freeze dryers with intuitive controls, clear instructions, and helpful features such as a timer or auto-shutoff.
Also, check the noise levels when selecting a freeze dryer machine. Some models can be very loud when running.
Temperature Regulation
Since freeze drying requires precise temperature regulation, choose a freeze dryer machine with accurate temperature control features. This will ensure that freeze dried foods maintain their quality and texture.
Quality
Look for a machine that is made with high-quality materials and has a solid performance. Also, check the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
HARVESTRIGHT offers a three-year limited warranty on its machines, which gives customers peace of mind knowing they can rely on their investment.
Price
Home freeze drying machines vary in their cost, depending on the size and features. It’s important to consider the features you need and how often you plan to use the freeze dryer before deciding.
Customer Support
Lastly, consider the customer support services provided by the manufacturer. If you have any questions or concerns about your freeze dryer machine, you should be able reach out to the manufacturer for assistance.
Benefits of Using Home Freeze Dryer Machines to Preserve Food
Extended Shelf-Life
Freeze dried food has an extended shelf life, which is significantly longer than other preservation methods. This means you can stock up on food for emergencies or extend the shelf life of your everyday groceries.
When food is freeze dried, all of the moisture is removed, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms. As a result, freeze dried food can last up to 25 years when stored properly.
Maintained Flavor and Nutrition
During freeze drying, the food is carefully preserved at a low temperature and under a vacuum. This nutritional preservation allows the food to retain its natural flavor, texture, and nutritional content, including important vitamins and minerals.
Unlike canned or dehydrated food, freeze dried food doesn’t lose its taste or texture over time. This means you can enjoy the same delicious and nutritious meals you love, even years later.
Versatility
With a freeze dryer machine, you can choose which foods to preserve, how much to preserve, and how to store them. You can freeze dry various foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and even entire meals. This allows you to create a stockpile of food that meets your specific dietary needs and preferences.
Convenience
A well-designed freeze dryer machine simplifies the preservation process. Once you have prepared your food for preservation, place it in the machine and let it work. There is no need to constantly check on the food or rotate it, as you would with other preservation methods.
Additionally, freeze dried food is lightweight and easy to store, making it ideal for camping trips, road trips, and other outdoor activities.
Cost Savings
By preserving seasonal produce, meats, and other foods, you can avoid paying higher prices for out-of-season or imported items.
Also, you can buy food in bulk when it is on sale or in season and then preserve it for later use. This can help reduce your overall food costs and allow you to stretch your budget further.
Effective Storage for Freeze-Dried Food
Some prefer vacuum sealing dried food as a storage option to remove the air and protect food. However, you can store freeze dried food in mason jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
If you order directly from HARVESTRIGHT they include a starter pack of 50 mylar bags, 50 oxygen absorbers, sealer and a guide to freeze drying so you have everything you need to start storing food.
Mason jars are the most popular option because they provide an easy way to check on the food without opening it. However, they take up too much space.
Vacuum-sealed bags help keep the food more secure, and mylar bags and oxygen absorbers create an airtight seal that locks in the freeze dried food’s freshness.
How Much is a Freeze Dryer Machine?
Freeze dryers can range in price depending on their size and features. The HARVESTRIGHT medium home freeze dryer costs around $2,895 at the time of this article. Larger commercial freeze dryers can cost more. There is also the cost of running the machine. The video below gives you a good idea of this additional cost.
H/T to @1870s for this video: Understanding The Cost Of Using A Freeze Dryer.
What Can You Freeze Dry?
You can freeze dry almost any food, including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, rice, pasta, soups and even meals. Focus on foods that don’t require additional cooking or seasoning.
How Long Does Freeze Dried Food Last?
As mentioned, freeze dried food can last up to 25 years without losing flavor or nutrition. Freeze drying also helps retain the colors and shapes of foods, which makes freeze dried food more attractive than canned or frozen items.
Key Takeaways of the Best Freeze Dryer Machines
Always follow safety precautions when freeze drying food and keep your freeze dryer in a cool, dry place. Doing so will help ensure your freeze dried food is as nutritious and delicious as possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bill Montgomery is the co-founder of Modern Day Prepping. He and his wife Angie have been dedicated to the self-reliant lifestyle since 2008. When he’s not working on the homestead, he enjoys tinkering with electronics and family movie nights with Angie and their two boys. To learn more about Bill, visit the About Us page.
If you want to know how to keep your family safe in the modern world, visit Privacy For Patriots, a sister site that Bill started to help fellow Patriots stay "off the radar" from bad actors and big tech.
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