For quality, we spit our evaluation into two sections: manufacturing quality and service. Quality determines whether your machine will start up first try, stay running with proper maintenance routines for years, and how easily (and quickly) it is fixed if a component breaks.
Every can you put on the shelves is full of liquid, which accounts for most of its weight and the space it takes up. Freeze dried food takes up a fraction of the space of cans, and less space than dehydrated foods too.
Freeze dried food is often confused with dehydrated food. But the two are actually very different, both in how they are produced, and the quality and shelf life of the finished product. Freeze dried food typically lasts much longer and retains more of the food’s nutrient profile and taste.
We’ve presented quite a lot of information, but as always: if you have any questions let us know and we would be happy to help. We found the Harvest Right Home Pro Medium Freeze Dryer to be the best option given its value, effectiveness, capacity, profile, and durability.
Regarding vacuum pumps, the Premier (oil) pump is much quieter than the oil free pumps. I have to listen closely to know my Premier is running. And I can buy two oil type pumps for the cost of one oil free pump.
We’re always looking for new and better website equipment, so if you have a freeze dryer that you swear by let us know in the comments. We review most of our roundups annually, so we can always try to coordinate testing one before the next roundup and see if it makes the cut and beats out our top picks.
You can download the calculator in Excel format over on our Patreon page for free if you are a paid TruePrepper Patreon member, or for a low fee. We do update the calculator occasionally for updated costs, but the Excel download will give you total control over the formulas and all the cells.
The main benefits include retaining food flavors, handling food surpluses, and extending the shelf life of produce and eggs. It’s useful for preserving excess food for year-round consumption and building a long-term food reserve.
Trimleaf provides flexible financing through Humm for personal purchases and Tabit for businesses, making freeze dryers accessible to all budgets.
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All of our picks use similar pumps and all get down to -40 degrees to effectively freeze dry the food within a reasonable amount of time. Industrial freeze dryers can do this more quickly but are of higher capacity and are much larger.
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.
I enjoy digging into the details, like finding the break even point for pounds of food needed to process for the investment- or learning more about how they work by taking the freeze dryers apart.
Receive 0% interest until paid in full. Your freeze dryer will ship after you've made your final payment.