FAQ's
Which freeze dryer is right for me?
Small Freeze Dryer:- Capacity of each batch is a 6 to 10 lbs. of fresh food
- In a year, one can freeze dry up to 1,800 lbs. or more of food
Medium Freeze Dryer:- Capacity of each batch is 10 to 15 lbs. of fresh food
- In a year, one can easily freeze dry up to 3,000 lbs. of food
Large Freeze Dryer:- Capacity of each batch is 18 to 27 lbs. of fresh food
- In a year, one can easily freeze dry up to 5,000 lbs. of food
X-Large Freeze Dryer:- Capacity of each batch is around 40 to 50 lbs. of fresh food
- In a year, one can easily freeze dry up to 10,000 lbs. of food
How does the freeze dryer work?
The entire process is automatic.
1. Raw or cooked foods are placed in the freeze dryer where they are frozen to between -20 degrees and -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Once frozen, the freeze dryer creates a vacuum in the food chamber.
3. As the food is gradually warmed, the water turns to vapor and evaporates out of the food (sublimation).
4. When dry, the freeze dryer notifies the user that the process is complete by sounding an audible beep.
5. You can then remove the freeze dried food from the dryer and place it in vacuum-sealed containers that are moisture and oxygen proof (preferably a mylar pouch or a can) to ensure freshness until opened.
6. When water is added to the food, it regains its original fresh flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance!
What size are the freeze dryers and how much do they weigh?
Small Exterior Dimensions: 16.5" W x 18.5" D x 25" H Dimensions (without door and vacuum fitting): 16.5" W x 18.5" D x 26.8" H Color: 91 lbs. Stainless: 98 lbs.
Medium Exterior Dimensions: 18" W x 21.25" D x 28.5" H Dimensions (without door and vacuum fitting): 18" W x 21.25" D x 29" H Color: 119 lbs. Stainless: 127 lbs.
Large Exterior Dimensions: 20.25 " W x 23.75" D x 30.75" H Dimensions (without door and vacuum fitting): 20.25" W x 23.75" D x 31.3" H Color: 143 lbs. Stainless: 150 lbs.
X-Large Exterior Dimensions: 23.25 " W x 33.7" D x 35.6" H Dimensions (without door and vacuum fitting): 23.25" W x 33.7" D x 35.6" H Color: N/A, Stainless: 258
What type of food can be freeze dried?
You truly can freeze-dry almost anything. All kinds of fruits, vegetables and meats taste wonderful when freeze dried. That includes things like tomatoes, apples, bananas, strawberries, peaches, green beans, peppers, onions, potatoes, spinach, shrimp, pork, beef, turkey and even ice cream.
Your favorite meals that include meat may be easily freeze dried. Foods like lasagna, rice dishes, cheese macaroni, chili, beef stew, chicken a la king, casseroles, shrimp, lobster, pulled pork, pasta sauces or scrambled eggs are perfect for this process.
You will find that it is a delight to experiment with different foods and meals in your freeze dryer. A great way to start is by picking meals that are already favorites in your home.
How much food can be freeze dried with each batch?
Small
6-10 lbs. of fresh food will fit in our small freeze dryer. It is not uncommon for customers to freeze dry up to 1,800 lbs. of fresh food in just 1 year. Tray space= 434 sq. inches
Medium
10-15 pounds of fresh food will fit in our medium size freeze dryer. It is not uncommon for customers to freeze dry up to 3,000 lbs. of fresh food in just 1 year. Tray space= 675 sq. inches
Large
18-27 pounds of fresh food will fit in our large freeze dryer. It is not uncommon for customers to freeze dry up to 5,000 lbs. of fresh food in just 1 year. Tray space= 1,107 sq. inches
X-Large
40-50 pounds of fresh food will fit in our X-Large freeze dryer. It is not uncommon for customers to freeze dry up to up to 10,000 pounds of fresh food in just 1 year. Tray space= 2,251 sq. inches
How long does it take to freeze dry each batch?
A batch of candy typically takes about two hours to complete. And most other foods (fruits, vegetables, meats, meals, dairy) take between 13 hours and 35 hours. Food type and quantity will affect the freeze-dry cycle. Things like meat, peas and corn dry quickly, while pineapple and watermelon can take longer. The thickness of the food slices will affect the cycle time too.
Most importantly, your machine senses when the food is ready (alerting you with a beep) so you don’t have to guess when to stop the freeze-dry cycle.
Is it OK to freeze things prior to placing in the freeze dryer?
Yes! It is a great idea to put frozen products into your freeze dryer. Your machine will accept pre-frozen foods and cool them even further, to as low as -40 degrees F.
What components make up a freeze dryer?
The freeze dryer unit itself along with a high-quality vacuum pump.
What maintenance is required for a freeze dryer?
The freeze dryer itself requires little to no maintenance. However, all freeze dryers come with a high-quality vacuum pump, which requires some maintenance, mainly replacing oil every 20 to 30 batches.
The vacuum pump comes equipped with an initial supply of oil. There are 2 to 3 cups of oil in a vacuum pump that need to be changed periodically (when it gets dirty) to keep a freeze dryer running efficiently. This is a simple process and requires little effort.
Each freeze dryer also includes a stand-alone oil filter (looks like a Brita filter). The filter cleans the oil and allows you to keep reusing your oil as if it were new. Reusing filtered oil is a great way to save money and be more eco-friendly.
What type of power do the freeze dryers Use? How much will it cost to run?
Harvest Right has taken every precaution to make this appliance run as affordably as possible.
Small and Medium
Our small and medium freeze dryers use a standard 110 volt outlet .
At peak, the freeze dryer draws about 13-15 amps, but on the average about 9 to 11 amps (990-1210 watts) of power per hour. A dedicated 15 amp circuit is required. Your freeze dryer will cost an estimated $1.25-$2.80 a batch, depending on power costs in your area.
Large
Our large freeze dryer requires a 110 volt (NEMA 5-15) outlet
At peak, the large freeze dryer draws, on average, about 13 amps (1500 watts) of power per hour. A dedicated 15 amp circuit is required. Your freeze dryer will cost an estimated $2.00-$3.00 a batch, depending on power costs in your area.
X-Large
Our x-large freeze dryer requires a 110 volt (NEMA 5-20) outlet
At peak, the x-large freeze dryer draws about 18 amps, but on the average about 15 amps (1700 watts) of power per hour. A dedicated 20 amp circuit is required. Your freeze dryer will cost an estimated $4.00 a batch, depending on power costs in your area.
How does the layaway program work?
WE'VE MADE IT EASY TO OWN A FREEZE DRYER
LAYAWAY YOUR FREEZE DRYER WITH 0% INTEREST
1. Lock in your sale price with a down payment ($250 minimum)*
2. Pay as much as you want, when you want
3. Receive 0% interest until paid in full. Your freeze dryer will ship after you've made your final payment.
*some restrictions may apply
Call to get started! 801-386-8960
Q: How does the layaway program work for purchasing a freeze dryer?
A: To use the layaway program, you make a $250 down payment to lock in your sale price. You can then pay as much as you want, whenever you want, with 0% interest.
Q: Will my freeze dryer ship once I start the layaway program?
A: No, your freeze dryer will ship after your final payment.
Q: Do I need to call to set up the layaway plan?
A: Yes, to access the layaway program, you will need to call one of our Sales Managers.
Q: Can I choose the color of my freeze dryer when using the layaway plan?
A: Due to availability, you cannot choose the color of your freeze dryer when you call to set up your layaway.
Q: Can I use the layaway plan when freeze dryers are on sale?
A: Yes, you can put a unit on layaway at the sale price, however, some promotions throughout the year are not available for layaway. Call for more info.
Q: What happens if I can no longer make payments on my layaway?
A: If you have been making payments and can no longer continue, we can cancel your order and issue a refund. There is a small fee to cancel your layaway: $20 or 3% admin/transaction fee, whichever is greater.
Q: Is there a time limit to how long I can have one on layaway?
A: No, there is not a time limit. However, the price you lock-in is good for one year from your start date. If the price of the freeze dryer increases during that time (and you haven't paid off your unit within the 12 month period), you will pay the higher price at payoff. However, if the price of your unit decreases (and you haven't paid off your unit within the 12 month period), we will adjust your price down to the lower price. Your one year timeline restarts with each price adjustment.
What type of warranty and tech support is offered?
3-Year Limited Warranty
All sales of Harvest Right Freeze Dryers are covered by this warranty.
How does the scientific freeze dryer work?
Harvest Right scientific freeze dryers are remarkable, and a perfect addition to any business or laboratory. Our scientific freeze dryer can be completely customized with your preferred processes. You can have multiple manageable profiles, each providing the ability to automatically power on and off the condensing unit and the vacuum pump in conjunction with ascending, controlled temperature and time settings.
Tips & Best Practices for Proper Usage
This guide brings together key recommendations from the Harvest Right Owner's Manual and product documentation to help you get the best results from your freeze dryer. Following these tips will protect your machine, extend its life, and ensure consistently high-quality freeze-dried food.
Setup & Placement
Proper placement of your freeze dryer is essential for safe, efficient operation.
- Place the freeze dryer on a stable, level surface at least 3 feet above the ground to allow the drain hose to drop vertically and drain properly.
- Do not box the unit into a corner or enclosed cabinet. It needs room on each side for airflow to prevent overheating of the pump, electronics, and refrigeration components.
- Ensure the side vents are unobstructed at all times. Dirty or blocked vents can clog the condenser coils, extending freezing time and reducing the life of the refrigeration system.
- The ideal operating temperature range is 50–75°F. Do not operate the unit when room temperature exceeds 105°F, as this will void the warranty.
- Operate in a cool, dry, and clean environment. Avoid high humidity environments and dusty or dirty areas that can clog internal components.
Drain Hose Management
- Always place the open end of the drain hose in a 5-gallon bucket, drain, or similar container to collect water removed during defrost.
- Never allow the drain hose to be submerged in water. Opening the drain valve while the hose is submerged will suck water back into the chamber and ruin your freeze-dried product.
- Ensure the drain valve is fully closed (handle perpendicular to the tube) before starting each batch. An open drain valve will cause a vacuum leak and can damage the pump.
- Regularly clean the drain line with a safe cleaning agent to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
Door Seal & Gasket
- Confirm a proper door seal before every batch. You should see a thin line in the middle of the gasket as it presses against the acrylic door when fully closed.
- Fully latch the door: Stage 1 latches the door, Stage 2 compresses it against the gasket. Turn the handle as far right as possible without applying excessive force.
- Clean the gasket regularly with warm water, allow it to fully air dry, then reinstall. Do not wipe dry with a cloth, as lint can prevent a good seal.
- Ensure the shelving unit does not overlap or interfere with the door gasket, as this will prevent a proper vacuum seal.
Loading Food Correctly
- Always spread food in a single, thin layer on the trays. Each piece needs to be in contact with the tray to dry properly.
- Fill trays completely, but do not stack or layer food, and do not let food exceed the rim height of the tray — especially high-moisture items like liquids.
- Never place food directly in the chamber without trays.
- Pre-freeze high-moisture foods in a fridge for up to 48 hours before loading to shorten the freeze cycle. Even when pre-freezing, always allow the food to go through the machine’s freeze cycle — do not skip it. Food must be frozen to the set temperature for the process to work correctly.
- Smaller batches produce more consistent results and are easier on the machine. Overloading extends batch times and increases wear on the vacuum pump.
- For foods with intact skin (blueberries, grapes), cut them in half or poke holes to allow moisture to escape during drying.
Running a Batch
- For most foods on version 6 software units, simply press START on the home screen. The freeze dryer will automatically manage all stages of the process.
- For custom batches on version 6 software units, navigate to the Custom Menu, configure your settings, and press Start from within that menu. The Start button on the home screen will not apply custom settings.
- Do not manually advance or skip main batch stages. The freeze drying process is fully automated. Skipping stages risks damaging food and equipment.
- Do not press END BATCH unless you intend to terminate the batch entirely and start over.
- When the batch is complete, remove trays while they are still warm to prevent condensation on your food. If trays have cooled, use the Warm Trays function before removal.
- Package freeze-dried food immediately after removal. Do not leave finished product exposed to air while still cold, as it will rapidly reabsorb moisture.
Defrosting
- Defrost between every food batch. The chamber must be completely free of ice and water before starting a new batch.
- Exception: In Candy Mode, consecutive batches can be run without defrosting between them using the Start New Candy Batch option on the finished screen.
- After defrosting, ensure the chamber and shelving unit are fully clean and dry before beginning the next batch.
- Do not defrost using a blow dryer or other external heating device. This can trigger the thermal cutoff resulting in batch errors.
Vacuum Pump Maintenance
- For oil pumps: Check the oil level and clarity regularly. Fill slightly above the 3/4 mark on the sight glass.
- For the Premier Oil Pump: change oil every 20–30 batches, or immediately if it turns cloudy or dirty.
- For the Standard Oil Pump: change and filter oil every 4–5 batches.
- Only use Harvest Right approved oil. Do not overfill as this can saturate the demister.
- Always keep the gas ballast switch open on the Premier Oil Pump. Running with it closed can cause excessive moisture to build up in the oil reducing the pump's efficiency and extending the time of the batches.
- If storing an oil pump, drain and refill it with fresh oil. Dirty oil left in a stored pump will corrode internal parts.
- Inspect the pump demister, vacuum hose, and condenser coils regularly, and clean them if needed, especially after periods of non-use.
Extended Non-Use & Storage
- Unplug the unit during extended periods of non-use.
- Empty the freeze dryer, wipe moisture from the interior, and leave the door open to prevent odor and mold.
- Drain the vacuum pump and refill with fresh oil before storing.
Quick Reference: DOs and DON’Ts
DOs
- Defrost between every food batch
- Fully dry the chamber after defrosting before starting a new batch
- Confirm a proper door seal before every batch
- Keep food in a single, thin layer on trays
- Package freeze-dried food quickly after removal
- Check vacuum pump oil level and clarity regularly
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit at all times
DON’Ts
- Don’t run consecutive batches without defrosting
- Don’t overload, stack, or double-layer trays
- Don’t manually advance batch stages
- Don’t leave finished product exposed to air while still cold
- Don’t operate the freeze dryer when room temperature exceeds 105°F
- Don’t submerge the drain hose in water
- Don’t use a blow dryer or heating device to defrost
- Don’t place the unit in a dishwasher or use abrasive cleaners

