Freeze Drying 101: Understanding the Cost of Using a Freeze Dryer

[@1870s]

We've posted quite a few videos in the past, on freeze drying various items. The most common question get asked is "Ok that looks great, but how much it cost in electricity to run a cycle?" Today, we'll do an experiment while freeze drying some eggs, and see just how much it costs to run a cycle. Here in Michigan, electricity costs on average about 19 cents per kWh (per 1000 watts used). If you want to lookup what it's like where you live, see this site: www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/data/averageenergyprices_selectedareas_table.htm Note: The eggs were not pre-frozen prior to starting the cycle. We also lost an unknown amount of time due to not closing the door properly when we started the cycle. So our experiment is a "worst case" scenario for sure. For links to meters the can be used to measure the amount of electricity something uses, see this link: amzn.to/3Kndofj If you're interesting in purchasing, or learning more check out this link: 🍃 HARVEST Right Freeze Dryers: affiliates.harvestright.com/1182.html

[@gelwood99]

Kevin and Sarah from Living Traditions did a video several years ago about the cost and it is very affordable especially if you compare it to buying 2, 4oz. bags of freeze-dried fruit of any kind and you could have 4 full trays of the same fruit for the cost of 4oz. WIN-WIN to me and makes the cost easier to swallow which is what is holding my husband back from the purchase. Freeing up freezer space, and eliminating food waste, instead of canning certain foods, freeze-dried would be much better for quality too!

[@chief270202]

I have a large, and it runs 24/7 my electric bill went up 53 dollars a month. I'm not even going to go into how much the food costs lol. But I'm sure you know what I mean. Also I noticed you didn't have the pad in. That helps too

[@spockmcoyissmart961]

Hi, I have a medium HR FD, I place 18 eggs per tray. I put empty trays in my upright deep freezer, I have the silicon liners, then I use my hand beater with the single whisk attachment. I whisk the eggs, then pour onto cold trays in the freezer. I freeze solid, then place in my FD. I let it run, then add about 8 hrs to the cycle. (usually I'm going to be at work, or elsewhere so I want a cushion when I get home) I scrape the dried egg pieces into my food processor, and turn into a powder in less than 60 seconds. Each time I do this, I get 6 pints per FD run; I vacuum down to seal. 72 eggs per run; [4 trays &18 eggs tray] / 6 pints = 12 eggs per pint jar

[@gregb7875]

After freeze drying I pulse the eggs in my food processor to powder them. Makes measuring more accurate when rehydrating and uses less jars for storage!

[@evelynharms3151]

I appreciate that you're willing to find answers for your viewers.

[@aknudsen30]

Our chickens stopped laying in November. By the time we ran out of fresh eggs, it was the beginning of December. We then used FD eggs for my family of 6 until the chickens started laying again at the end of January. They worked out perfectly. Great for baking and cooking up some scrambled eggs.

[@kathy3178]

Thank you for sharing. Definitely want to buy one in the future. This past summer, we had very little money coming in, having canned food on the shelf helped us to stretch those tight dollars even further. I am all about preservation when you can.

[@AdventureFreak86]

I really appreciate showing the failures. Thats something you just dont see on other outlets. Worse case scenario happens. Subscribed and liked. Keep up the great wok.

[@carlenevasseur]

I could see in the video that the door wasn't closed good enough. I was shouting close the door but of course you couldn't hear me. LOL I was hoping you would catch it. At least we now know how much it cost to run the FD machine. Thanks for sharing.

[@a.francis6801]

I LOVE my freeze dryer! It is just another level of food preservation that I love. My favorite food out of a freeze dryer are peaches (although pizza...non-rehydrated...is a tasty and craveable snack). I do a ton of veggies and leftovers. It is so handy. Thank you for the video! It is lovely to see y'all together again!

[@dartagnantaft5918]

I do a lot of eggs and veggies also. You gotta try watermelon, it's almost to sweet, but really good.

[@a.francis6801]

@@dartagnantaft5918 I did some this past summer. My kids LOVE watermelon but it was too sweet for me. I, admittedly, am not much of a fruit person but I AM a fan of freeze dried peaches, pears, and apples. I also mixed orange juice with gelatin, let it set, cut it, froze it solid, and then stuck it in the freeze dryer. My kids LOVE it (and so do I) plus Vitamin C without an orange juice explosion in my machine is a win win. =)

[@stephaniecochran987]

Welcome back home Rachel! Prayers are still being prayed.❤

[@andrewhammill6148]

Hey guys - Living Traditions Homestead did an electrical usage test about a year ago and shared their results. But I think they closed the door all the way. LOL. Anyway, I think they ran around $2.47 for the entire process or something around there.

[@Angela_Alaimo]

I watched that video, too, and I'm pretty sure you are spot on with their cost. Obvs every state will have different rates

[@Mrs.J.D.B]

​@@Angela_Alaimo that is a very good point that I have never actually considered when listening to videos on the cost of using certain appliances. I live in Canada so it's probably quite different here since most of the videos I seem to watch are from Americans.

[@thearmy88ify]

I dont understand why people are obsessed with the cost. The real benefit is being able to preserve your own homegrown food, without canning and it lasts forever with almost no flavor loss.

[@cynthiahumphrey1718]

Our chickens have been supplying us with lots of eggs. The first time I did eggs in the freeze dryer I didn’t close the door all the way either! 😮. Since then I close the door properly and it’s wonderful. I generally freeze dry 18 eggs per tray and I don’t prefreeze because I don’t have freezer space. It takes about 24 hours. Great to have on hand. It actually makes a really nice gift. 😊

[@kzink3496]

Love my medium freeze dryer! Have been running it non-stop since the day we got it a few months ago. So glad we purchased it so that we have another method of food preservation. Will continue to can and dehydrate when it makes sense for each food item but we've been really enjoying the process (and have put in a few batches of various treats 'just because' lol). BTW I comfortably fit 18 large eggs per tray in mine and pre-freeze.

[@moegirl76]

My husband and I were just wondering this very thing last night! Thanks for coming through with another great video.

[@maracorley8762]

I love our freeze dryer! We freeze dry our extra eggs also. I recently learned from Phil at 4800 ft that if you use added salt 1tsp per cup, it rehydrates without lumps. I’m going to have to try it out.

[@christinebodkins1655]

Love the honesty y’all share of your lives !!!! ❤ My girls weren’t giving eggs for a few weeks in Va but I have been able to share a few with my favorite people again and feel so blessed to feed my family of five ❤

[@dorriwaldera3081]

I was able to fit 18 eggs per tray for a total of 6 dozen in my medium FDer. I ended up with 4 quarts of powdered eggs. Getting ready to do another batch since my chickens are still laying like crazy! I also have 6 dozen eggs water glassed. The freeze dried eggs take up a lot less space and less chance of one breaking and going bad, so I am thinking a better option. Thanks for sharing!

[@homesteadwithhannah]

My freeze dryer is getting delivered this week! Thanks again for the tips and guidance on all things freeze drying! I so missed seeing you two together :)

[@joescott3393]

Great video and very informative. I saw another video exactly like this years ago so I went to find it. Living Traditions Homestead did this same thing about 2 years ago. Their results were the same. At that time (2 years ago) in southern Missouri electricity was 10 cents per kilowatt hour. They freeze dried Cooked Rabbit meat, cooked pork patties, cooked taco meat and scrambled eggs. The freeze dying took 26.5 hours for not frozen food and used 13.99 Kwh of power for a total useage of $1.40. As they pointed out you know exactly where the freeze dried food came from when you do it yourself. If you like food that tastes like fresh but will keep for 25 years or more a person cannot beat the freeze dryer. God Bless Joe Scott Muddy Dog Ranch

[@xperiencesaecm]

This freeze dryer is amazing. Thanks for posting the hard cost. And just a tip for those interested - they have silicone mats you can order that lay in the tray and that will make cleanup with the eggs a little smoother. Smile

[@buckonono7996]

Another great video! I really enjoy your channel and that both you and Todd work together on whatever project is at hand. One tip for you: I have found that flexible cutting boards make excellent funnels and they fit any size jar or bag.

[@MrsShinnjo]

Subscribed!!! My husband and I bought a new home. We have never had the space to do projects like this. But now we have the space. So I’m doing research and this helped me out soooo much thank you! I’ll be following for more videos! I’m going to go look now! ❤

[@rhondal7590]

I have been watching so many of the homesteaders use these, I wish I could afford to get one. I live in the city and I am new and starting what I call a City stead LOL. we are doing gardens here at my home and my sisters home, and going to get chickens as well because I guess we can have them so yay. I love watching you guys and I learn so much. I too am in zone 5

[@michellecollins4974]

I am actually significantly more concerned about ongoing maintenance cost and parts availability. Thanks

[@sherrellloyst1296]

I am beyond excited, I have been pining for a freeze dryer for a couple of years but they were way out of my price range. Turns out a couple days ago I discovered that my cousin bought one last august and it is still in the box. She is selling it and she agreed to sell it to me woo hoo. I get it today now all I need is a dedicated 20 amp circuit to plug it into. I can barely contain myself lol I am telling you because I watch you all the time and you would understand my excitement lol and I could not hold it in any longer

[@1870s]

That's awesome, we're running ours back-to-back all weekend right now.

[@jimdeesiders]

We love your channel. We do eggs 18 eggs per tray. I put the trays in freezer before putting in the vitamix egg mixture. Freeze and then put in freeze dryer. Yes and we make mistakes with ours too. It is in the house and the dogs let us know when it starts beping. I like your set up better winter, its keeps the house warmer and summer it makes the house hotter.

[@nebraskaprairieladyprepper3422]

Hey thanks for doing this video! I appreciate it so much. FD eggs will be worth the time and money. We've been thrilled with our FD so far.

[@trinityriverhomestead]

That's really cool about that kill a watt meter! One day I hope to have a freeze drier but for now, we've got other things to work on. My chickens aren't laying yet but excited to see what colors we end up with.

[@robingirven4570]

I’m loving my freeze dryer! It’s not too much to run a load. I’m enjoying it soooo much. I started with eggs and have moved on from there. A lot of veg powders. I add spinach powder in almost everything meat, burgers and meatloaf. I just whisk my eggs. I don’t blend them.

[@marilyncapehart663]

Thanks Todd & Rachel 2-21-2023❤😊

[@crossbucklehomestead2908]

We purchased a freeze drier after watching some of your videos (not the only reason, but they were very educational!). I have had success with fruit, herbs, sauces, and soups but seem to have an issue with anything meat related. We have tried chili, bolognese, venison stew, and a pork recipe and everything comes out tasting and smelling rancid. We store them in mylar with an oxygen absorber and the meal appeared 100% and super light weight when we packaged them. I dont see many others with this complaint so I absolutely must be doing something wrong. If you or your community have any tips so I dont end up wasting food, that would be so appreciated!

[@deaniebeanie4416]

This answers a lot of questions I've had, thank you so much 😀

[@8EACRESHOMESTEAD]

Perfect way to save up the surplus of eggs. 🤓 I love using our freeze dryer! Cherry tomatoes, cheese sticks (sliced thin), AND avocados makes the perfect trail mix! Enjoyed seeing both of you!

[@cindynielson4231]

This was very interesting and informative. I wish I had the space for a freeze dryer. I'm surprised at the actual low cost. TFS 👍

[@lindakline3618]

I always crack eggs into a small dish to make sure you don't get a bad egg in the batch, I put 18 eggs into each tray, nice video.

[@brianczuhai8909]

Yeah. Bad ones. Plus, different colored ones. Any difference on them? Last I heard the hens have been on strike.

[@snoqvalley]

Thank you for this. I've always been concerned about my perceived expense freeze drying.

[@TruckerDiary]

Great vid. My wife wanted to know how to freeze dry and I showed her this vid. Now she's hooked. I like to can to preserve. She wants to freeze dry. Happy equal. Cheers yall.

[@robin5382]

Love being able to freeze dry my eggs. Thank you for giving info to everyone.

[@sherriekemper1828]

Beautiful, bright orange yolks!

[@Meeminator603]

Hey Rachel, do glad to see you two back together. When is real it shines, and you guys are shiny. Did you ever remember where you picked up that measuring soon that's all in one? I think it's Japanese design, but can't find it on the interwebs. I am weirdly in love with the look and practicality of it! If you ever remember I'd love to know. Meanwhile, I'm sending all the good juju I have left over.

[@jonizabel1952]

Praying for you all as you prepare for and endure the incoming ice storm. 🙏

[@SquishyTheSlime]

I have a large Harvest Right and I can do a half gallon of liquid like milk per tray and also 36 eggs per tray! I have found that if I crack the eggs into a jar(36 in a half gallon), use the boat motor blender and then keep them in fridge over night before I pour into Arctic they work great. any foam from blending has settled and they actually pull away from the sides of the trays while freezing and don't crack. You get a nice dry block of eggs. I put them into a ziplock by tray and crush them up then store them. My load took almost 60(clock) hours. It was not frozen beforehand, just cold. I was able to do 180 eggs at a time though. Another great way to powder them in the jars is to use a meat chopper like you would use for cooking ground beef or sausage. You can pick them up at the 5 Quarter store!

[@rachelspring545]

I just purchased a medium Harvest Right today, I am excited to start using it..

[@KoniB.]

wow. Useful info BEFORE I decide. Thanks for the pre-work. Appreciated.

[@hillarywright7965]

Good to know. Thank you! I'm buying one now. Perfect timing.

[@marygrabill7127]

Hi Rachel and Todd, could we also vacuum seal the lids rather than oxygen absorbers?

[@hitchhikerfromanothergalaxy]

I also have a medium freezer dryer. I always pre-freeze those, 18 large eggs per tray. You just have to put the tray into the deep freezer then pour the eggs in, otherwise it can be a royal mess.

[@Tina-oq3di]

Hello from BC canada; this looks so cool. I made your instapot vanilla and its turned out great! I love watching your videos❤

[@debminder4420]

If you completely powder your eggs one dozen will fit in a pint jar. Thanks for the break down very helpful 🙂

[@MM-oc3sb]

Alot of people crush them in a zipper bag with a rolling pin - since they are raw you need to be careful when using a processor or blender because friction heat can build up quickly and start to cook them! My favorite way has been to put the chunks into a smoothie type jar and use a long bladed off-set spatula to hand crush into a fine powder. Works well and i can control how small I want the pieces. 😊

[@MootElm]

I love Todd’ s beard & Rachel’ s glasses. 🙂

[@monicasturm1955]

Hi guys I always seem to learn a lot when I watch your videos. This one's great. Thankyou for sharing 😊❤️❤️🙏

[@likahawk2730]

Where's the big blue funnel that we saw Todd using in one video? I ordered one for filling jars after seeing it on your channel. That huge funnel works so much better for dumping the contents of the trays into jars!

[@apreju7298]

Parchment paper on the trays helps 🙂 Great post. How is land Sabbath feeling?

[@elizaC3024]

We love our freeze dryer and make complete meals for travel.

[@cynthiamantooth1201]

You might save some steps up and down the stairs by bringing your eggs and Vita-Mix down to the basement and blending them there. Just a thought , . . . .

[@mommamoore]

thanks for sharing! I have wondered if this would be a good investment for our family

[@P3x774]

Hi there! Thank you for the video! Thinking of starting a freeze drying journey and had a question about the sheet pans you use. Are those stainless steel and if so, do you have link to them or can you tell me the brand? Greatly appreciate it and keep up the great videos!

[@Mila2012100]

Thank you for the information and great videos. Do you vacuum seal the jars?

[@1870s]

you can, sure. but if you put O2 absorbers in, it will seal them for you.

[@pamgordon9027]

Thanks for this video, I'm thinking about purchasing a freeze dryer. I know absolutely nothing. My favorite garden food is summer squash. If you freeze dry, how do you eat it later. Thanka

[@DebraKopera]

Thank you for sharing Saving to get a freeze dryer

[@osiyopeace4634]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Green-ishThumb]

Thank you for the information on the cost of using a freeze dryer. Even though you had to run it longer due to error, I still don't think it was too bad. I have been contemplating buying one, contemplating meaning talking hubby into it... so now I can have him watch your video. So I have a question totally unrelated to freeze drying costs. I noticed when you were cracking your eggs you had some brown and white ones. I will admit I don't know a whole lot about farm fresh eggs but I would like to have chickens, for eggs only. I have been buying pastured eggs for a while and they usually are always brown especially if I buy from the store and they always have little specs in them. Brown pieces of something. The white ones do not. I need some enlightenment please from someone who has brown eggs. Is this a normal thing or am I just a bad egg buyer??? 🙂

[@robinramsey1180]

My Brahma hens lay eggs with brown freckles on them. Completely normal!

[@cynthiafisher9907]

@donconB Are you talking about the shell of the egg or the egg liquid inside having specks?

[@pamschonfarber1041]

You guys look great love the blue & pink

[@likahawk2730]

I just filled my trays with eggs and put them in the freezer with plans to freeze dry them tomorrow!

[@janetchisolm-richard6225]

Glad to know that you don't have an egg shortage.

[@jillbritton2676]

I just. Ought a freeze dryer. It’s not here yet but this is really helpful info

[@judydrouhard2651]

Love my Harvestright. How often do you change out your oil?

[@LindaASJ]

.19, holy cow! We pay .13 but our last contract before we renewed in October was only .10.

[@Imjetta7]

I saw that you didn’t shut the door all the way, I was hoping it would seal. Dang. Even worst case scenario is cheaper than store bought.

[@ABlueDahlia]

I bought one recently and I did one run. It kinda worked, but I think I did it wrong. I've messaged Harvest Right about this and I haven't really understood their answer. When you power on the freeze dryer, do you also power on the pump? At what point do you cut the pump off? When you cut off the freeze dryer or am I completely wrong. Thank you for your time and expertise. Enjoyed the video!

[@a.francis6801]

Do you have the pump plugged into the back of your freeze dryer (FD)? It isn't supposed to be plugged into the wall. If your pump is plugged into the back of the FD, you don't need to worry about powering on or off the pump. It is done automatically by the FD depending on what cycle it is in. I hope that helped.

[@ABlueDahlia]

@@a.francis6801 That was it! lol Thank you!! I wondered what that outlet was for, but I thought maybe they were just being nice and giving an outlet! *cries in laughing shame*

[@sassyherbgardener7154]

Did yours not come with an instruction manual?

[@1870s]

Exactly this: Do you have the pump plugged into the back of your freeze dryer (FD)? It isn't supposed to be plugged into the wall. If your pump is plugged into the back of the FD, you don't need to worry about powering on or off the pump. It is done automatically by the FD depending on what cycle it is in. I hope that helped.

[@a.francis6801]

@@ABlueDahlia I am so glad that that fixed it for you! =) Enjoy your freeze drying!!!! It is fun.

[@MsQtrrider21]

What about the output? Does the machine put out moisture, heat, where’s the best place to set it up and use? Temperature of room, etc..

[@vaycrochet1445]

Always enjoy your videos in sharing A-Z I need to ask why Todd puts his nose in everything thats being canned or cooked?

[@vickiegossett7214]

I would say because they are a team!

[@tammybradshaw1644]

Just a random question about your Vita Mix. What one do you have and do you recommend it? Thanks

[@watermanone7567]

Good information, many thanks.

[@leeannandrews932]

I so want a freeze dryer. It's on my wish list

[@janetlavoie2441]

Oh I really want one..hopefully someday

[@meganross]

How often do you change the oil in your pump? And what kind of oil do you use? That is the most expensive part in my opinion if you change the oil as often as they suggest.

[@kzink3496]

Premium pump only needs an oil change every 20 batches. Plus you filter the oil to re-use it. So the cost is not as much as you think.

[@lesliefischer6680]

Can you freeze dry separately the yolks and whites? I want to use eggs for custards and meringues and other things like royal icing. Etc. thanks!

[@1870s]

I'm sure that would be fine.

[@papasmurf9146]

What happens if you separate the whites from the yolks before freeze drying? I have a number of recipes that call for one or the other ...

[@emilyneal7888]

Do you find you use the freeze dried food a lot? I don’t know that I would.

[@dawnmarieperez4506]

How about freeze drying the liquid eggs in silicon ice trays to make it easier to collect and place into the jars for less spillage and waste? 🤷‍♀️

[@TeacherCarolina-y7m]

ow would you consume them afterwards? what can you cook with it and how?

[@MrSeebobski]

Hello I was wondering if the vacuum pump was hooked into the kilowatt as well?

[@1870s]

Yes they daisy chain together into a single plug

[@Joseph_Dredd]

Do you do "Water glassing" egg side as well as Freeze drying?

[@1870s]

We've tried it before, and failed. Suspected we had a cracked egg get mixed in or something. We have several videos on it posted.

[@Joseph_Dredd]

@@1870s Does "One" cracked egg ruin the whole batch? I've started small - a jar, 8 eggs, none of them floating...Will try to find your videos - are they in a series? :)

[@lindafoster8182]

I’m so sorry that happened to you. I saw that the handle wasn’t all the way turned but I don’t own one of the machine so I thought it was right.😢

[@hollyu48]

I have calculated that a 30 hr cycle costs close to2.50 to 2.80 depending on pre freezing to not

[@kimberlya9699]

Can you try freeze drying Worstishire sauce, and vinegar. (Sorry about the spelling)

[@jchai1343]

And is there any difference between freeze drying and dehydrating as a dehydrator is cheaper to buy but some say you have to be very careful with eggs ! And would they taste different then the freeze dried vs dehydrate??

[@narrowpathfarm]

Freeze dryer freezes and then dries so it stored food for 25years, and such a little chance of bacteria growing. Dehydrating uses heat to cook and doesn’t dry all the way, and only stores for a year or so

[@scottintexas]

Do you fd some raw and some cooked? Ever tried fd-ing a single raw or fried egg? Like creating a breakfast MRE?

[@bhoyt9577]

What about the cost of the oil change each time?

[@anneteildefonso3563]

Does freeze dried foods alter the taste? How long is the shelf life?

[@1870s]

Taste is generally unaltered, and shelf life is properly stored can be 25 years.

[@marilynweber7957]

can you show us to recipe for the alfredo???

[@greenlady43]

Your ladies are laying eggs this time of year? Here in Florida my friends are just now getting eggs regularly from their hens

[@1870s]

Yup, getting a couple dozen a week easy

[@srt4gurl]

LOL... I have eggs in my freeze dryer now.. I have a Large Freezer dryer and I have 2 dozen eggs per tray. you can probably add another half dozen to it. put im not pushing it.. as I prefreeze.... but im good with 24 on a tray.... My Hens havent stopped laying eggs. .since they have started laying... they will be a year old in May.

[@UpthePottingShed]

I'd absolutely love one but no budget for the initial cost at the moment.

[@joannawebb8683]

Could you bring the blender and eggs downstairs so you don't have to go up and down 4 times?

[@lisaemerson8061]

do you than seal the jars?

[@PatsyMellen]

At what point can you just open the door when it’s running?

[@aarifaamos]

Why don't you blend them to a powder to store more in the jars?

[@pamelapelech3249]

What a great idea