Harvest Right Freezer Dryer - Setting up and First Use

[@kimskluckers5665]

I enjoyed watching the children taste test and so politely helping the baby. 🥰

[@erswnn]

Yeah, that was a very nice thing to see, these kids are getting raised right.

[@MarleneG.Christensen-xj2gv]

I agree sweet kids ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dropleckk4404]

It’s nice to see good people like you who have shared your information with us recieve a freeze dryer. For us, it’s not the cost that prevents us from the purhase but the question of how long it will last. Where we live, there are no avenues for repair and we are no mechanically adept. Also, the one we like is heavy and we are getting up in years. Hope you get many years of happiness from the unit. Enjoy!

[@rosejacobs4745]

Freeze dryers are pretty cool but they are definitely never ever going to be in my budget and I guess I've been prepping so long without one I'm not really interested in getting it but I do like to watch other people's videos about them. I am pretty sure they won't work with our off grid power either but they are still really cool. I hope you enjoy making all kinds of good things!

[@rosejacobs4745]

Everyone's situation is different. In my case, the way we produce food and live, and the fact I have been doing this so long, I have enough for my whole family for quite a few years plus we are almost self sufficient anyway. I spend less than $1000 a year on groceries. Plus, via a gleaning group I am in, I have been given so much freeze dried food I don't really need to make anymore, and everything else I can use my working pantry for that I rotate through. The freeze dried stuff I have is in number 10 cans and sealed and lasts 25 ish years. It's my true emergency stuff. Everything else I dehydrate on solar with a homemade dehydrator I built myself and I will rotate through in 3 years anyway. The way I have everything set up, I can rotate through everything and still have enough for years so I just can't justify the cost of a whole other thing that costs more than what I spend over 5 years of groceries. Plus, we would have to either be grid tied or modify our power set up which would incur another cost. Technically I have the money to buy one, but don't feel it's cost effective for me so it's not in my budget. I couldn't justify the cost. Now all that said, that's me personally. We are all different. For some people, a freeze dryer is the perfect thing and will help them immensely. What I do definitely won't work for some others, and vice versa.

[@dottiea.2186]

@@jimrockford6951 you spent wisely 👍🇺🇸

[@TheRealBatCave]

If u get 1 during say a spring sale or something u can get a small for a pretty good price if ur prepping that much just don't buy any preps for a couple months then use have the money for 1 a small now comes with a 4 tray rack 2 sour really getting a medium for the same price, maybe 2 grand

[@margaretbedwell3211]

What a blessing to be given such an expensive piece of equipment. The kids are sure enjoying the fruit this way. Good luck with all your products and if you have extra jars, you can also put your freeze dried foods in them. Have a Blessed day.

[@GoshenPrepping]

Thanks so much Margaret. It is such a blessing!

[@janieceokpobiri3163]

I got mine today!!!!! My preps are going to the next level!!!!

[@scottd114]

The silicon tray mats work well for fruits and vegetables. Also, you can do multiple layers of fruit and veggies if you use parchment paper in between layers.

[@jsanterre9246]

Harvest right company should hire you ! You explain much better Than their booklet 😊

[@GoshenPrepping]

Thank you!

[@Jean2235177]

Ooh! Fun! We've contemplated getting one for the family x our two girls. We talked about having one start seedlings, the other raise food, then we freeze dry and package. Other expenses for this year put the kibosh on it. Great setup directions. Clear and concise. I'm so excited for y'all!

[@GoshenPrepping]

Thanks Jean! We love it!

[@theimperfectpantry5936]

I love my Harvest Right. I’ve learned a few things since March that might help you. I keep my oxygen absorbers in a canning jar. They self seal and stay good. If you freeze the food first it will go much quicker.

[@Inthekitchenwithsharon]

I’m running my test right now thank you for this info! I am so excited to get started I have been canning for about 30 years but now that I can freeze dry for longer shelf life! I got a med 5 tray for $2600 and if that is too much for some ppl I would suggest keeping an eye on marketplace I have seen them used for much less ♥️♥️♥️

[@erswnn]

I just bought, yesterday, a four tray, brand new, for $1700. My best friend has had a five tray for over a year now so I have the benefit of experience for free. He started with our apples and eggs, shared 1/2 with us. We also raise meat birds, chickens and turkeys. so between the four of us in two couples we're going to over double our output. Another friend grows the best raspberries and grapes this side of heaven. My wife and I have been preppers..not tin foil hat but ya know, dodo occurs...for years so canning was our thing but this takes us to a new level. A homestead in the woods, a house heated with wood, dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys...for a few months and granddaughters, 4.5, 2.5 and .5 years old. I love this life!!

[@jewelz6506]

Thanks for the easy set up video.. I just found your site.. I have had a Harvest right freeze dryer for many years now and ...yes... shame on me... have never used it. I am fixing to change that now, only thing is, I have an older style pump so the fittings are a little different, no worries though... I just opened it up today so its all brand new, even though the freeze dryer has been setting in a spare room for years just waiting for me.. I know, I know... I am sufficiently ashamed at my procrastination. Your site has encouraged me and got me more excited to get this going. I have been slowly building an emergency pantry with affordable backpackers size foods, now I will really do the right thing and get my Harvest Right working for me. I look forward to more videos. Thanks for the kick in the butt. :)

[@fuzzawuzz]

Thank you for the demonstration. I bought mine almost a year ago but we haven't set it up yet because we are currently in a camper while we build our house. About 5 more weeks to go! Thanks for your helpful videos.

[@GoshenPrepping]

So exciting!

[@sherriegreenwood9313]

Love watching the kids enjoy this. Thank you, hope you have great success with this.

[@GoshenPrepping]

Thank you so much!

[@Tjensen999]

I am so glad you guys were able to get one! They are a total game-changer!! 🥰

[@lisabibby6274]

Congratulations on the new freeze dryer, we got ours around the new year, it has been in use almost daily and it is definitely worth it. We used HarvestRights layaway option as they are expensive.Happy freeze drying to you and your family.

[@GoshenPrepping]

That's great Lisa. What's your favorite thing to freeze dry?

[@lisabibby6274]

@@GoshenPrepping We have been doing a lot of meats,eggs, cheese then we started ramping up the fruits and vegetables as we like to make our own meals. But if I had to pick a favorite it would be homemade meatballs.

[@blueraven2345]

Really appreciate you showing the set up. What happened to the bread run and my big question is, how do you know it is as dry as it needs to be for Long term storage ?

[@kimskluckers5665]

I am so happy for your family. Thank you for showing us step by step the entire set up. That was very helpful.

[@2012spacetraveler]

Well, not sure if you know but as a general rule you keep the oil level at 1/2 - works a little better and does not mist as much - The other thing you want to do and keep the door open a bit when not using it, it avoids orders building up. I have he same size dryer, 18 eggs per tray - they come out awesome and nicely fit into a 2L/ half gallon mason - The other thing you may like to do is cheese, it also comes out awesome. The another thing to get a bang for your buck - frozen fruit from Costco - If you do blue berries and pineapple you just let them thaw in the bag then drain off the juice and they come out great. Ive been doing a lot of bananas, another one that is great. Enjoy

[@GoshenPrepping]

That's great! Thanks for the tips. Also, about the milk, eggs, and cheese, thank you. They are coming up on things we want to try. I like the fruit idea too! Thanks so much!

[@TheRealBatCave]

​@GoshenPrepping whats ur times/settings for things like beef/chicken?

[@mister-action1]

you should add a moisture meter to make sure the product is completely dry. I check my batches snd have found sometimes items are not completely dry. I wish I would have purchased a medium freeze dryer.

[@JCisSAVIOR]

We just bought the harvest right freeze dryer with the oil free pump and we cannot see any instruction on the second valve on the side. It says it's the exhaust which has a cover. We do not know to keep it covered or take the cap off. It does not say that we see. Can you tell us what to do? Thank You

[@MaMa-st2eg]

We have used ours for about a year and it's a game changer as we are able to cook and preserve meals. We have purchased silicone pads for inside. Makes things easier and easier clean up. We have paid off our original investment when we look at the purchase price of the foods we have processed. Our local grocery store runs specials buy one get one for a penny.

[@GoshenPrepping]

I'm glad you mentioned the silicone pads. Sounds like they are worth the purchase?

[@MaMa-st2eg]

@@GoshenPrepping Absolutely, nothing sticks and clean up is made easy.

[@GoshenPrepping]

Thank you! I know my next purchase!

[@arleethataylor2696]

Thank you for sharing. Great details

[@akbt2]

Question - how much water is drained when you run the defrost? Thanks!!

[@tinakeel8726]

Exciting news! ❤️😎

[@JeffeysMom]

I would love to have one however I will never be able to afford it and I live in a small 12 x 32 cabin. I am glad to see you guys finally got one though.

[@MrJoseSoplar]

Thanks for a great video and look forward to more!

[@oliviahohm3155]

The baby’s face!!! Awe!❤

[@leopardwoman38]

Great video! Great idea about using a cart! Thank you! 😀👍👏🏼💕🇺🇸

[@CookingwithCatLover0330]

I freeze my food but not always my pans. I find that most times it is 24 hours for a complete cycle. Ours is an older model. I don't adjust the times. I just put the food in and go. I got my impulse sealer on Amazon, same with the Mylar and O2. Don't use the food saver bags. I did that at first and we lost a lot of food. One camping trip we made a pulled pork soup that was "stale" tasting. It wasn't bad where we got sick. It tasted nasty. :/ Glad you have one. Try Weber cooked pineapple don't hydrate, pizza- don't hydrate, skittles! I was going to make some and sent to Naomi. She will LOVE them!

[@GoshenPrepping]

We actually just tried a batch of Skittles and the family loves them! Thanks for the comment!

[@dianaholmes1930]

Do use release pressure before going into extra drying timme

[@shellylong3715]

Where did you get the cart? I have mine on a table and it is not what I want. Thanks for all you do!

[@GoshenPrepping]

The cart was purchased from Costco Online: www.costco.com/seville-classics-stainless-steel-kitchen-cart.product.100640644.html

[@shawnb27]

@Goshenprepping hey just wanted to pass along that there have been issues when double sealing the bags in the same spot because it weakens the structure of the bag. Had to do this for work and we were all double sealing it and had to stop upon this discovery.

[@melissmich23]

How loud/noisy is a freeze dryer? Is it too loud to have in the basement? What about smells from what you are drying? I'm wondering if I ever got one where I could put it...garage? basement?

[@maverickplays620]

I put the oil in my pump, it was one small bottle but the oil gauge didn't move at all, should I put more oil? I am not sure. please suggest.

[@NewYorkJennifer]

I haven't wanted to spend the money, but lately I've been thinking about all of the canning I've done and how it could get old before I get to it. Can you comment on the idea of taking your home canned goods and freeze drying them? It would be using a lot of energy per unit of food, but might be worth it?

[@GoshenPrepping]

I agree with that statement/question. We love canning and of course, it does take energy (money) as well. However, the price of the freeze dryer, plus the energy (money) is more. Clearly it's more, but it's all what you want to do. There are certain items that don't can very well - like leftovers. The freeze dryer can do more for you and is more versatile. I think that some people might be in a position where a freeze dryer can take them to a new level in prepping.

[@NewYorkJennifer]

I'm not sure if you answered my queztion, I probably worded it wrong. What I actually meant is, I have a lot of home canned meats and stews and garden produce. I don't care about the veg, really, as it was grown for "free" (not really, but you know what I mean), but the meat amounts to a lot of money. If I never used it very fast and it degraded very much, I'd feel like it was a real waste, and have to eat an inferior product down the road anyway. So it occurred to me if I could start with canning from, say, 2019, 2020, and freeze dry that, that I could have a product in ten years that would still be good. I love to can, but I've been stocking so much the last few years that I'm afraid I'm not using it fast enough.

[@GoshenPrepping]

I see... Yes, that is certainly an option. We haven't canned meat yet, but everyone I've spoken with says its super easy and works well. More so, it doesn't matter if the meat is raw or prepared. In fact, you can make a whole meal, already prepared, and then freeze dry it. Personally, I don't know how long meat will last when canned. I assume it will last for maybe 5 years tops? However, freeze dried, I don't think has an expiration.

[@spiralcross18]

Where did you find your cart?

[@ShutterEmotions123]

I just ordered the medium freeze dryer and Harvest right said it uses a standard 110 volt outlet without having a designated outlet installed. Did you have to have to install a specialty outlet? Thanks!

[@dianaholmes1930]

Do use release pressure before going into extra drying

[@AZCanner]

Thank you for the demonstration.

[@t.r1629]

Be careful our Harvest Right was sent with the filter not tightened on which resulted in oil soaked pump. Super frustrating.

[@kayakbandits9894]

Just got mine and not enjoying it. We got seal problems after a minute figured out it’s a door issue (never mentioned) Thx for showing me how to put oil in the pump though… next let’s talk about… 😂

[@astatine0085]

So why don’t you vacuum out the air before you seal the Mylar?

[@meanjeand57]

Would love to have one but it will never be, :( my budget will never allow it. Great video, very happy for you all, and a bit jealous. LOL

[@patches1483]

We can't afford it either. We use the regular oven on low heat 100-150°. The trick is to keep items thin or small. "Riced" cauliflower and broccoli dry so much quicker the florets. Shredded carrot dries quicker than matchstick.

[@dolliestaley9222]

Shouldn't you pull the air out before sealing?

[@wandaeby6367]

Just to verify….the pump doesn’t have to be on the same level as the freeze dryer? I also got a cart and it’s a tight fit to have them both on the top portion of the cart.

[@rudyvega1710]

Pump can be on same level, just allow space between freeze dryer because pump get hot, I put my pump on shelf below .

[@astatine0085]

Can you drop the link for the fruit knife?

[@CCAnne]

I was so excited to have one since as you know there $4-6k and like with many others couldn’t run it as often as I expected due to the heat. My mom ended up taking it after going in 1/2 with me, and then having to get it back to the company it wouldn’t work as instructed in the heat it just was impossible. I know many people love there’s but for the price I wouldn’t buy it again waiting for it to be fixed / replaced is not fun.. probably won’t get it back in time. Happy your enjoying it and pray yours doing act up 💕🙏

[@RetireAbroadInvesting]

I watched a YT video of a guy the got on RECENTLY & the vacuum wouldn't work. He fought with Harvest to let him ship it back. I really want to get one but worry about problems with it. Like those folks who've received theirs this year. Living in an apt, the delivery concerns me. But I could maybe store the filled bags more easily than the Ball jars.

[@HeritageSoapCo]

I have a question about opening up the drain valve. I am confused on that. (I just got my Harvest Right but I have not used it yet) when the cycle is done, am I supposed to open up the drain valve them take out the food? I know you can do something to where it sucks the water back up into the machine and this would ruin the food. Please help me understand this. I don’t want to mess up anything

[@kmjdanes]

Does your electric bill skyrocket from over 12 hrs of use ? Just curious. Been wanting one of these to preserve our garden bounty every year.

[@richardschmidt2430]

Nice! :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@wandaseekins9737]

Oh my goodness! ❤️🤗 Amazing

[@tammymanuel9158]

It would be nice to have one, but not in these days. Way too much money. Not in the budget.

[@mommabeth9052]

Love my freeze dryer!

[@GoshenPrepping]

I can't wait to use it on a continuous basis!

[@ks45677]

When does the warm tray used?

[@DT-ww4gv]

Do not use that cart and set up. You will generate to much heat like that. That will make your batches take way longer. Heat is not good for your system. The pump puts off lots of heat. Humidity is also bad. The oil pump with that set up is just to close to the machine. You will want a little distance from the machine and some fans to cool the system down.

[@GoshenPrepping]

Thanks DT. Honestly, I had the pump up on top for demonstration purposes and how to connect it. It fits nicely in the basket below for regular use.

[@RetireAbroadInvesting]

I didn't know about the heat & spacing needed. I thought the cart was a good idea. 🤔 I'm outside of the Washington DC/Maryland area. Wondering if humidity would be an issue in the North East Side of the country??

[@kimskluckers5665]

So you are saying the metal table is not a good thing? I thought it looked like a nice set up. So a countertop is a better way to go? Can it still be on wheels?

[@fuzzawuzz]

So is a countertop better than a stainless steel cart? What do you have yours on? We bought ours almost a year ago but haven't set it up yet because we have been living in a camper while we build our house.

[@GoshenPrepping]

Everyone, DT was addressing the way I had the pump directly behind the freeze dryer. The dryer gets hot, but the pump gets very hot, changing the efficiency of the dryer. It wasn't about the metal cart, it was the way I had it arranged on the metal cart. DT is absolutely correct and as I mentioned, it was only for demonstration purposes. It's been changed since then.

[@debramerimee1242]

Where did you get your mobile cart? I have a med HR.

[@Gogrannygo55]

Wow!! What a blessing. Wish we could afford one but too expensive!! 🥲

[@maryquinn1496]

All the freezer I have seen has a round matt that goes over the opening of the machine hole was wondering if it came with one or you have to purchase it extra

[@GoshenPrepping]

I assume you have to purchase it extra because it didn't come with one.

[@lizchattin7016]

They no longer sell the pillow for the door. Folks were too inconsistent in the placement, so results varied. Instead they created a big beefy door ring-seal. No need for the pillow.

[@pauletterichards4755]

Majority of us can’t afford one of these equipments

[@patches1483]

You can dehydrate fruit and vegetables in the oven on low heat on a cookie sheet. Keep items thin. Shredded carrots vs matchstick. "Riced" broccoli and cauliflower vs florets. 100-150°f.

[@Fieldandfarm]

I just purchased and had delivered my Medium (Premium pump) FD from Harvest Right. My first batch would not Vacuum Freeze. Im wondering if it was the Black seal on the front of the machine. It had a lot of condensation during the freeze process also. Did you ever have this problem. I will do the functional test like you did.

[@justhereforthecomments628]

This is what I'm trying to troubleshoot right now with my new freeze dryer. Won't go into drying mode. Assuming user error at this point thats why I've come to good 'Ole KZbin for some answers. Trying the testing mode right now.

[@chrystalsummers7432]

Me too with my new one. Followed all the steps right.

[@mikebaker833]

How often do you have to put oil in the pump?

[@GoshenPrepping]

In the premium pump, it can go over 30 loads before replacing.

[@tree19007]

Question... every single time I make candy and seal in mylar bags, the candy is chewy and no longer crispy, it's like soggy and chewy but it is super crisp when I 1st take them out. I even did 24 hours for skittles, super crispy than the next day they are like stale or something. I don't get it. The only way they stay crispy or crunchy is in the fridge. Help please. Yes I did use candymode at 140, preheated for 6 minutes.

[@uleebosworth5221]

Thank you this helped a lot 😊😁

[@SLC259]

I'm asking my entire family to pitch in to help me pay for one of these beasts ❤

[@tinakeel8726]

Question: when you were talking about the plug in type, do you mean it goes into a 220 outlet like a washer/dryer?

[@GoshenPrepping]

Hi Tina. Not sure where I mentioned the plug in type. Either way, this is just a typical 110v outlet.

[@toddfriley9373]

The large machine takes a 110 volt but it’s a 20 amp not a 15 amp normal plug. One prong is normal and one is turned sideways. The medium is ok on regular outlet.

[@tinakeel8726]

@@toddfriley9373 thank you very much! I want a medium. 🍀💜☀️😎

[@GoshenPrepping]

Thank you Todd!

[@Jesusandcoffee3382]

@@toddfriley9373The small and medium machines can use a regular outlet. Harvest Right recommends a dedicated 20 amp outlet for large and extra large

[@toddfriley9373]

I thought you had to do bread through on the first run to remove any residue from the manufacture process?

[@GoshenPrepping]

We didn't see anything like that.

[@toddfriley9373]

@@GoshenPrepping probably no big deal. I just bought one and will be setting it up by next weekend. I’ve been following a Facebook group who have been extremely helpful.

[@sharoncollins1347]

do this run up your electric bill

[@dog-gone-it5944]

From everything I've heard it takes along time to get them. I know of a few people that have been waiting weeks and over a month. I'd be worried the SHTF before I'd get it. Can you tell us what the waiting period is to get this particular one?

[@GoshenPrepping]

I will have to check, but I think it was 6 or 8 weeks out?

[@dog-gone-it5944]

@@GoshenPrepping thanks!

[@lizchattin7016]

I got mine in 2 weeks. August 2023

[@sgtsoggy1791]

Had mine for four years. It's probably paid for itself. Love hate relationship with this machine. I think it's to late in the game to go this route. 3k worth of sugar, beans, rice, cans...... Would go a long way. If this is not the end of time, it might pay for itself. Good luck and God bless.

[@GoshenPrepping]

Thank you!

[@rogerxxxxxxx]

With all those small kids, consider using some type of furniture anchor(s) for mitigating any tip hazards. Small kids enjoy climbing things when parents are not around, and large heavy objects can easily and quickly squash a small baby or child. (No joke, lived next to a family whom had a air compressor tip on a baby.) These freeze dryers are extremely heavy and large. Cannot believe they desire placing these on tables without using furniture anchors! Regardless of not being within earth quake hazard anymore, I screw three inch deck screws into all (or most) of my wall shelving, securing to a wall stud. For heavy objects on shelving, I'll secure each, the large object and shelving to a wall stud. This harvest right freeze dryer and Hally stainless table, I don't know what I'm going to do as of yet, as the legs are not near a wall stud, and the dryer has no anchor point. I'm considering steel rope, but need to learn to crimp the steel roping. Good luck.

[@michigandaffodil7561]

Wow, those foods look great, and fun to eat. Very interested in seeing more food dehydrating. I’ve heard they use a A LOT of electricity.

[@GoshenPrepping]

I haven't tested it myself, but one video I watched noted it took about $2 or so for a load.

[@michigandaffodil7561]

@@GoshenPrepping using it every other day is $30 a month. But, if one freeze dries the food that is the most expensive or the hardest to find, the cost of electricity would be worth it.

[@mister-action1]

bananas, apples, peppers, mushrooms and meat work the best. I have not had very good luck with zucchini.

[@starr8111]

Can you link to that mobile cart

[@GoshenPrepping]

Sure thing: www.costco.com/seville-classics-stainless-steel-kitchen-cart.product.100640644.html

[@deborahgreene1256]

Sorry, I won't be watching many of these videos. Gonna miss you. Maybe start another channel for your freeze drying. ❤🙏

[@GoshenPrepping]

I understand. We will be putting out at the most, one video a week about freeze drying.

[@deborahgreene1256]

@@GoshenPrepping oh, ok. I guess I 'm addicted to you guys. LOL. 👍❤🙏

[@GoshenPrepping]

Although I don't like to feed into peoples addictions, this one, I think, is acceptable! 🙄

[@TheRoadprincess]

@@deborahgreene1256Or you could vote by not watching a freeze dryer video?

[@suburbanprepper]

get the oil less pump

[@GoshenPrepping]

We would love to get it, but we will give the premium a good use first.

[@wpribble]

nice

[@user-tw8jf9eo9l]

Don't get the oil free pump. I spent $1500 on it and it lasted less than 2 dozen uses.

[@thomasbailey9820]

Once the lemons are freeze dried. Do you bring them back with tequila???

[@GoshenPrepping]

What else?

[@cacobarruvias5247]

Shoulda got the large :D

[@GoshenPrepping]

The large would have been awesome, but this is the one they offered

[@DeanaESayles]

WE LIVE ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND ALL THESE ITEMS AREN’T IN THE BUDGET PERIOD NOR ARE THOES EXPENSIVE SOLAR AND EMP ITEMS SO I GUESS WE JUST HAVE TO COUNT ON OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OF US THAT ARE IN THE SAME BOAT. THANK YOU

[@BruhMakesGlass]

Stop yelling. I got my harvest right from tractor supply. 3 year financing with 4% interest so i pay $80 a month for 36 months

[@debbiec6216]

*It looks pretty cool, but it's to expensive and not in my budget anytime soon* *Not counting the Prices of Everything goes up weekly* *Plus save $$$ for a Wedding next year* *Everything goes up in Price $$$$$* ! *Except for our Paychecks* !

[@JoseRuiz-vm8hr]

I understand the prepping part of getting ready for emergencies, if freeze dried food last at least 25 years. This Freezer makes no sense, why? because you work so hard to get your food storage in your home, spending so much money. But once the emergency happens, don't you think that hungry people will leave you alone? I am sure Marauders will constantly knock your door and if you don't answer, they will bring your door down. You could shoot them all until you run out of bullets or they get you first, unless you are Rambo! I don't think this freezer is worth $2800 plus tax!

[@garyhammond2213]

Go buy some freeze dried eggs or hamburger. Not cheap.