Freeze drying and storing food in an airtight container with an oxygen absorber will preserve it up to 25 years.
We had a bench set up ready in our garage, but needed to get a dedicated power outlet installed after delivery.
Vacuum pump quality significantly impacts both performance and maintenance requirements. Look for systems with oil-free or easy-maintenance vacuum pumps that achieve the deep vacuum necessary for efficient sublimation while requiring minimal intervention.
As an authorized dealer, we provide comprehensive support throughout your freeze-drying journey. From selecting the right model for your needs to expert technical guidance, our team ensures you get the most from your investment.
Freeze drying removes all but 2% of the water in food through a two-stage process that begins with flash freezing (1). If you think a dehydrator would be a better option for you, check out our article on best dehydrators.
Check the device capacity. Freeze drying a single batch of food takes time, so if you plan to use your machine frequently or use it to process large batches of food items, a higher capacity model speeds up the process.
By carefully selecting and utilizing the appropriate freeze dryer accessories, users can significantly enhance their preservation capabilities.
Freeze dryer accessories are designed to complement and improve the functionality of freeze-drying units. These additional components can help users achieve better results, increase efficiency, and expand the range of items that can be preserved.
It sits just shy of 31 inches tall, is just over 20 inches wide and nearly 24 inches deep. So it’s not exactly a countertop unit. Still, if you have a large kitchen or utility room where you can set it up, you will be glad you have it.
There are two main types of freeze dryers on the market today: freeze dryer machines for home use and freeze dryer machines for industrial use. As one might expect, home freeze dryers are much more affordable versions of the industrial kind, but they are mostly intended for freeze drying foods, rather than non-edible substances.
Every owners manual has at least a few pages dedicated to the machine operation, and it’s worth the time to go through them. I often skip over instructions myself, but there is so much going on with these machines that it is worth the small time investment to familiarize yourself in the manual.
In addition to trays, vacuum pumps, and website sealing systems, oxygen absorbers play a critical role in preserving the quality of freeze-dried products. These packets contain iron powder that reacts with oxygen to reduce oxygen levels inside sealed packaging.
Most of the maintenance on a freeze dryer involves the vacuum pump, especially if it is an oil-based pump. You’ll typically need to change the oil every 4-20 uses but your manual will let you know.
It is always a relief when something this hefty arrives without a scratch – especially when you are shelling out thousands of dollars!