When the batch finishes, the screen will say ‘Process Complete.’ The freeze dryer will stay on this screen with the freezing component running unit you are able to come to the machine.

The freeze stays on so that the ice that has formed around the chamber walls does not melt and rehydrate your food. The freeze dryer will sit like this, maintaining your freeze dried food, for days if necessary.

You don’t need to be there right when the batch finishes.

If the chamber is really cold when you get to the machine, you can click the ‘warm trays’ button which will warm your trays back to room temperature.

If you want to check to see if your food is fully freeze dried, simply open the drain valve, open the door and check the food. If it is not fully dry, you can click ‘add more dry time’ and select the amount of time you would like to add.

Be sure to close the drain valve and the door tightly again upon resuming otherwise the drying will not be able to continue.