Harvest Right Freeze Drier Hints and Tips #1

[@marcuspadfield7972]

This Should be used by harvest right to show people theree machines , instead of someody in a fake kitchen showing you strawberries in a bowl.....Anybody who is learning to freeze dry should watch this........Well done mate.

[@meemafields5791]

They make it looks soooo easy. 😂

[@isabelladavis1363]

I completely agree … not wait until there are expensive issues !

[@roncameron7461]

Phil, I truly appreciate your channel and your methods of approach on freeze-drying and testing. Thanks so much! Someday it'd be fun to meet you.

[@monicaricher8248]

Thank you for teaching me this. Love it. 😊

[@monicaricher8248]

Thank you for teaching me this. Love it. I wondered if there was a way you could pause the machine. I have a large. Can I do that with the large?

[@rnsanders7834]

Excellent! Thanks for going to such lengths to inform us "newbies" in so many ways! Saved me HOURS/DAYS/MONTHS in figuring things out for myself! Blessings to you for your time and effort!! and the hours of videoing and editing!!!

[@Philat4800feet]

Thank you

[@jordidog1000]

Ive been watching both Phil and Retired at 40. Fabulous info Gentleman! Thank you for your efforts!

[@shelialittle5102]

I should get my FD next week. I thank you so much for the helpful tips. All of your knowledge hopefully will help me not make a lot of mistakes!

[@Philat4800feet]

Go forth and freeze dry the world

[@reneewehrung5577]

I have just started freeze drying. I have had everyone of these issues. Thank you for the time and effort you put in to these videos. I found all my answers right here in one place. I will keep watching.

[@Philat4800feet]

Glad to help

[@Thisisit120]

This was such a well done video with so much needed information that I subscribe. Thank you sir.

[@Philat4800feet]

Thank you

[@LeChef1943]

Keith By far the most useful information i have seen to date on freeze drying. I am eagerly awaiting the delivery of my Harvest Right. and am researching as much technical data I can. You are the first person to weigh before and after the freeze drying process, a step that i have already planned to implement. A now retired chef by trade, this will be a welcome addition to my cooking studio. Thank you.!!

[@nlenz2001]

FYI- I just bought a Medium Harvest Right and it says in the book, "Do not use Dairyland oil." But no explanation. Great info you have!

[@Philat4800feet]

For the same reason they would disqualify Dairyland, they would have to disqualify their own oil. You would need to compare the SDS (MSDS) sheets side by side. The best oil to use is Black Gold which should also be recommended in the owner's manual. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4GtYqaamMpjhK8

[@lizard2425]

Brilliant! Thanks for all the tips, especially on how to pause and stir. 👍

[@Philat4800feet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@reneturnbow7628]

Thank you, thank you, I just got mine and had to save a long time to afford it and want to take care of it properly. Thank you again.

[@lobodo988]

wow that was JAMPACKED with good stuff to watch. NEW SUB, I'll be back to re-watch when my Medium is delivered!! I liked your idea of freezing your meat cubes in a 7" wide 'sheet of meat'. I would have spread them all out, not touching, and then hope like hell I had the right amount for a tray. Your way makes quick work of getting the right number of frozen cubes onto the tray.

[@Philat4800feet]

I've had better success with thinner meats than with thick

[@ILkaterlyn]

@@Philat4800feet some of us are going for dog bite-size chunks of raw meat.

[@isabelladavis1363]

Great ideas to help extend the life of your freeze dryer much appreciated… stay blessed

[@ILkaterlyn]

In all my years of watching youtubes to learn, I AM MOST GRATEFUL TO _YOU_!!!!

[@Philat4800feet]

Kind words

[@LaveeRun316]

The best Freeze dryer Tips video I have seen. Thank you so much Sir!

[@Philat4800feet]

Thanks- More to come

[@PitMom86]

I cut a pool noodle slice and fitted it around the opening but i like the zip tie idea

[@Thisisit120]

I am new to the freeze drying world. I wish you or somebody would show from start to end how to run a batch of food. And show how to add drying time to finish the cycle. I have not a clue how to do that and I hear people talking about that all the time. And any other timing alterations that people do. I hope you consider doing a video for these particular problems.

[@d.o.t.collector4728]

Here's a link to a excellent channel all about freeze drying. There's also a Facebook group with a great community of freeze dryers that can and will help you out with anything you need. Hope this helps you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gabUdn2EmNp9p6s

[@MsTazChristi]

Thank you so much for all the great tips. One month into my journey with a large...loving every minute.

[@ThePatrick42044]

I bought a large one just earlier today in the next county over. There's a lot I'm not understanding. Guess I'll be doing a lot of research before actually using it...

[@MsTazChristi]

@@ThePatrick42044 there are several great YT channels for tips and tricks...good luck!

[@wendyjapp2218]

thanks for all the tips! Delivery says FD is to be delivered tomorrow! I've been binge watching everybody! (I'm nervous I'm going to mess up something)

[@marindastedman9108]

This is so helpful. I am 6months into freeze drying.Thank you so much.

[@Philat4800feet]

Glad it was helpful

[@denisehammons779]

Just received my FD, and these tips and hints are great! Thank you for sharing your knowledge..

[@bc24roxy4]

Wow you this was great!! I was going to buy another set of trays..not now. Thanks so much for sharing your information

[@TerryFrenchy]

Thank you Phil for your video and tips.

[@marthaadams8326]

Very useful. I can't level my older F.D. so, I have to have the front legs higher. The inside drain cord is very loose as you mentioned and sometimes, it closes off the water running out. I bought a nice little waterer with a spout - it is kitchen size, not garden size. So, I put the trays in the f.d. and then pour the water in - or now I put it in the freezer and pour it in and then when frozen, I can easily move it into the f.d.

[@ohwhatelse]

good tip on the waterer. i've started imagining how to fill the trays & get them in the freezer without spilling it all. silly me. i'd have never thought of the herb waterer. thanx. just don't know how that would work for eggs, lol.

[@alicejohnson9080]

@@ohwhatelse how about one of those silicone cups that RoseRed Homestead uses in her YT.

[@AMoore-qm7gf]

It would wonderful, if there would be a way of emailing you. It seems like you are just the person I should speak to for the issues I’m having with my freeze dryer. Thank you for your time in putting this video together.

[@Philat4800feet]

What's the issue?

[@philw7174]

Great tips, thanks Phil.

[@methemonkeyking]

Thank you for all your tips. Thanks for sharing.

[@Philat4800feet]

You are so welcome!

[@AKatawazi2]

I learned so many tricks from this, thank you for sharing. They do make a digital moisture sensor, the MMD4E which makes testing for dryness idiot proof and fast.

[@sura2047]

Great video! Excellent tips, thank you!

[@davidjohnson6329]

You answered questions I had from day one. Thanks

[@DrewanNicholson]

Love the details you give, extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@Lewisusa11]

There is a material you can get at auto parts stores for lining the edge of a hole through metal like firewalls etc

[@timothysauder8222]

You did a great job of giving people the tips.

[@Philat4800feet]

Thank you!

[@kimr5841]

Great help for a newby. We just got our machine yesterday.

[@Philat4800feet]

Go forth and freeze dry

[@cherylsmith9380]

This is such a great tutorial. I will adopt some things from here. I was wondering if you had wrapped the bottom half of the tray holder with some kind of aluminum??

[@Philat4800feet]

This will be in my next video. Wrapping the trays really helps. I'm in my 28th test. I need a few more results, and a peer review, before I'm done.

[@PS-ut5ct]

just bought a freeze dryer so this was very helpful. thank you

[@Philat4800feet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nancyplank1651]

Awesome job Phil!! Thank you!

[@lorenbush8876]

Thanks Phil I needed the how to pause the freeze dryer, I put 1/2 gallon on milk by weight in each tray and it is taking way longer than I thought it should, there are few places in it that are still hard so I chopped it up a little. the other tips will come in handy as well. I had already leveled my freeze dryer and rack so I can do liquids but I froze my milk in the trays all the way to the brim of the trays or close so I apparently did not need to . Thanks

[@Philat4800feet]

To "pause" the FD, Open the valve, wait 2-3 seconds and turn off the pump by using the rear toggle switch. Pull out the bottom tray and set aside. Pull out the next tray, rotate it 180 degrees, and put it in the bottom slot. Rotate all other trays. Take the bottom tray and place it in the top slot. Close the door, close the valve, and turn on the pump. I do this about every 8 hours.

[@lorenbush8876]

@@Philat4800feet I know I watched your video, I was thanking you for the video and info in it. do need to know do I ned to take the vacuum down to 500 mTorr to vacuum seal mason jars with FD food in them and will the new Mason jars handle the pressure, I know your jars did but I don't know if you have older jars that are heavier or what, a lot of companies have cheapened a lot of things that use to be much heavier and durable and I don't know if they did the jars or not. Thanks again

[@jimginnyohio]

Great tips and hints!

[@RightOnTarget1]

Very nice tips!! I’m anxiously waiting for my FD. I love the fan idea and defrost procedure. Wrt to checking the status of drying, I have a FLIR attachment for my iPhone I think should do a good job spotting remaining cold spots. I look forward to trying it.

[@davidfarm8095]

They make rubber grommets that you can actually put in there to help the hose from rubbing against the metal. It used in electrical applications for that purpose.

[@Philat4800feet]

That would work

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

Excellent ideas!! Thank you.

[@kimmididwhat]

All 5 of mine have had the 2 middle trays as the warmest.

[@BellofattoBrews]

You have 5 freeze dryers?

[@clarey3631]

@@BellofattoBrews i think she meant trays

[@lindacarlos883]

I’ve seen corner stackers that allow some space saving.

[@clarey3631]

also i’m very excited thank you for the tips you are very helpful !

[@justintime6346]

Thanks for the tips!

[@mariamorris475]

Wow!! I learned a whole lot. Thank you so much I look forward to more posts

[@Philat4800feet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariamorris475]

I wanted to add that after watching your video today I leveled my machine and also leveled the tray holder, I quick defrosted with a fan, and I also folded my Mylar bags the way you showed on video, and put food onto tray the way you did. Since my FD was still cold the freezing time went from 11 hours down to 3 1/2 which is amazing. Again thank you and I look forward to more videos. mm

[@ItsNotAsBadAsYouThink]

Thank you so much, such valuable information!! You're the first to show how to pause the machine, among other things. My question is: what is the maximum time I can pause the process for? Will it be possible to pause it overnight? I ordered a medium, waiting for delivery in a month or more, and I'm worried the noise might bother the neighbors (I'm in a city)

[@Philat4800feet]

Pausing for more than 15 minutes may trigger an inadequate vacuum warning. There are sound absorbing materials you could use to reduce the sound.

[@XaYaZaZa]

@Iris Lavy You shouldn't worry lol, it's not that loud. The new pump that comes with the machine is very quiet, not like this video. My fan to cool it extra well, makes more noise than the machine and pump does.

[@peggye.5454]

Excellent info - thanks!

[@Philat4800feet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RoyLappe]

I really enjoy your videos. I am fairly new to freeze-drying. Get so much information from you. You said pecans and walnuts can be freeze-dried. Once done can you vacuum seal and store in totes or should they be frozen?

[@Philat4800feet]

I bag them in mylar with an O2 absorber

[@RoyLappe]

So they don't have to be put in the freezer for the long term like a lot of people say.

[@ohwhatelse]

@@RoyLappe .. if you are careful to seal out all the air possible, include your oxy absorbers in the mylar bags, & make sure your bags are well sealed (without creases in the sealed area) then they should keep indefinitely without freezing, as long as they aren't stored in a hot area.... but it's light, air, & moisture that spoils food. microbes & germs, etc. need those to survive. i have frozen nuts in baggies for yrs & they're still good, though.

[@melissacheek6566]

So many great tips. Glad I watched

[@bachirsabri9662]

I am writing to inquire about the type of vacuum pump used in your facilities. Understanding the specifics of the vacuum pump technology employed in your operations is very important to us. We would be highly appreciative if you could provide us with this information.

[@Philat4800feet]

Facilities? It's just my home. The vacuum pump I use is the Premier pump from Harvest Right.

[@sherrymilen1346]

Great Tips! Thanks!

[@sumacmt]

Very detailed and informative

[@jecrpalier]

I found leak in mine. Very typical and spotted it right away.

[@briarpalek9254]

Also I have noticed that the drain tube inside the cabinet has a natural low spot so the tube will still have water in it even when you no longer have any water dripping once you have "drained" the system. I have to manipulate the tube to raise that low spot slightly higher than the valve momentarily so as to empty the tube completely. Once I have a pause in operations of the unit I will open the cabinet in the back and remedy this flaw, but it will be a while since we are running this puppy fairly constant with back to back loads. I totally agree with your observation that the drain valve set-up is an example of poorly thought out engineering. Additionally, I am not too impressed with the hardware they use to fasten the door to the hinge mechanism, there is a lot of room for improvement there especially since it is such a critical component for the proper functioning of this amazing product.

[@Philat4800feet]

I would say it's a common problem with a start-up business. I have wondered if they have a quality process program to address these issues.

[@juhlrayne69]

Excellent video...thank you!

[@valef7004]

Thank you!! Great information.

[@Philat4800feet]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tynyleaf3081]

That there looksmlike some stolen crates there Phil....Good info

[@Philat4800feet]

Mea Culpa. I have since purchased a cart.

[@ohwhatelse]

LOL. don't you know you can buy those crates? yup...

[@Philat4800feet]

@@ohwhatelse I finally got a cart from Home Depot. Milk crates are filled with onions.

[@Grannie7420]

This is the second HR video of yours that I be watched. You do a great job! On my drain bucket, my son drilled a hole on the side at top for me, that way the water can’t suck back in. I’ve had my HR for almost to years I think, but I haven’t used it much😢it’s at my son’s house in his shop (I’m there every day watching grandkids) it’s not very Convenient . It will be coming home soon to the laundry room. With all that said I have my pump under the dryer, is that ok ? I’m looking forward to using it.

[@Philat4800feet]

Pump location should be on the same level or lower just in case the pump check valve has a problem. The hole in the drain line is a good idea.

[@ohwhatelse]

the robinair brand is very clear oil. i got 4 gals. from amazon at $25. gal. pretty good buy, i think. & i'm set for life!. LOL

[@Philat4800feet]

Good price

[@Gonesquirrely]

I enjoy watching your videos Phil, I noticed you do a lot of raw meat in the freeze dryer, my question to you is, do you clean the hose with anything after a process. my concern is with bacteria. I haven’t done any raw meat yet because I can’t seem to find an answer. Keep up the great videos!

[@Philat4800feet]

Good question. The answer is no. I really haven't thought about it. I had to think about this one. The water from freeze drying would need to carry with it particulates of the raw meat, or other product. Warmth would be needed to incubation for several days. Some bacteria can live in a vacuum. Not all bacteria is bad. I clean my chamber with isopropyl alcohol. It wouldn't be that hard to pour some down the rear drain. I should thank you for this tip.

[@Gonesquirrely]

@@Philat4800feet Thank you for the tip!

[@JoanWakefield]

If a person could build a table/cabinet for the freeze dryer, would it be advisable to put the vaccine pump at least as high or higher than where the vacuum hose comes out of the freeze dryer unit?

[@Philat4800feet]

There are pros and cons to this. First problem is the length of the hose, so your pump is on a short leash. You then have the discharge heat from the condenser, followed by micro food particulates from the freeze drier. The FD really should have a vacuum filter. There's a lot of heat from the pump as well. Here's what i came up with: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZS7p5iqrtqnm9k

[@terrim.602]

Love the tray holder build for your freezer. Did you add any rubber protectors at the saddle junction? Probability not necessary.

[@Philat4800feet]

Just powder coated

[@Rosalie-d6l]

Thank you!

[@JEPETT8967]

I just set my harvest rate machine back to be fixed and they told me the new machines don't have the padding that you put over. They actually got both machines with the padding on them and sent them back with no padding.

[@Sas_HeatherC]

what do you mean by paddings?

[@ohwhatelse]

you mean pillow? and they KEPT YOURS that you sent back??? i'd be demanding them back!!!!! i can't imagine how i'd send my fd back! how in heck do you get it packaged to send it back???

[@NorthDakotaSuperstar]

I bought a freeze dryer this week and Harvest Right names Dairyland as an oil they do not recommend for use with their freeze dryers.

[@Philat4800feet]

I'm working on a video that will shine some light on vacuum pump oil. Dairyland is a vacuum pump oil. I don't like it because of the dark blue dye. I like clear oils such as Black Gold. If you're looking for vacuum pump oils contact a local HVAC supply house near you.

[@leannmendoza3854]

Just a quick question, is the freeze dryer plugged into the same outlet that the fridge or freezer next to it is plugged into? I will need to place my freeze dryer next to my garage fridge and I'm wondering about plugging both into the same outlet. I also ordered a medium size freeze dryer. Also, does your garage get really hot in summer, and really cold in winter, and how does that affect the running of the freeze dryer? Thanks for a really great video!

[@Philat4800feet]

Q1- It comes down to amperage. I would guess your outlet is a 20 amp? Do you have, or can you borrow, a volt meter with a clamp probe? you will need to measure the amperage at your service panel. Measure the freeze first then your freezer and FD at the same time. Q2- If your garage gets hotter than 85 degrees it will trip a high heat message on your FD. If your garage gets to cold, around zero, your refrigerant oil will become cold and thick. See this: www.consumerreports.org/freezers/should-you-put-a-freezer-in-the-garage-a9079863564/#:~:text=And%20if%20your%20garage%20is,maintain%20the%20right%20interior%20temperature.

[@lindamhargett9479]

Helpful thank you. Where did you get the on off spigot for releasing the oil?

[@Philat4800feet]

Are you referring to the drain spigot on the vacuum pump? If so, it's part of the pump. Small spigots are available. I haven't size mine, but I would guess it's an 1/8" pipe thread.

[@5150norcal]

Has the water percentage theory continued to work as described? I was wondering if an item with the same percentage would dry faster if it were more porous than something that is more dense. Thank you for your videos.

[@Philat4800feet]

Porous foods tend to dry faster than dense food like steak.

[@snobud86]

Question about the placement of the vacuum hose being elevated. Could lowering the hose to create a P trap also prevent particulate contamination of the pump? Isn’t the next big concern with the pump the moisture so I see that you are testing different inline filters and I am looking forward to your video on the findings.

[@Philat4800feet]

Lowering could work. With my set-up, I can't lower it further than the base of my pump, so I raised it. The in-line filter results should be ready soon.

[@JustMe-mn4gr]

When pausing during "Final Dry," is there a reason you first open the drain valve to release pressure and second turn off the pump? Is it OK to turn the pump off first?

[@Philat4800feet]

If the pump is turned off first, and your back-flow valve isn't fully closed, there is a chance that the vacuum in the chamber could draw up some of the vacuum pump oil. That's why I try to relieve some of the vacuum first from the chamber.

[@ohwhatelse]

if you turn the pump off before you open the drain valve for about 30 secs, there is a big chance of pulling food particles & or water into your pump!

[@bc24roxy4]

Can I ask how old your FD is? How long have you been doing the defrosting this way? Wonder why HR suggested these oils when they sell Robinair on their website. I don't have my FD yet but I ordered extra oil & silicone mats from HR to have on hand when it gets here. Sorry for all the questions I am vegging on FD videos trying to learn as much as I can

[@kadirogers2966]

Enjoyed your video! I wonder if you have suggesstions on freeze drying meat. It looks like you did it raw. How long do you expect it to keep? I have been discouraged from doing meat because people have said it only stays good for 6 months. What are your thoughts?

[@Philat4800feet]

Meat is easy, cooked or raw. Trim off extra fat. I slice it in 1/4" - 1/2" strips. Done lots of sloppy Joe meat for camping.

[@marthaadams8326]

I do raw for my G.S. dog and cooked for me and meat is so easy and is good (at least in my experience for a long time. Dehydrating does not last as long or long at all. I will rehydrate some deer or buffalo from a few years ago, but it looks find in the jar.

[@ohwhatelse]

one tip right off: don't do raw & cooked meat together, you could cross contaminate. look for "freeze drying meat" & "Reconstituting freeze dried meat". those would be on Retired at 40 Channel

[@wesleydlong6720]

Let the freeze drier do it's job!

[@pamdowless8490]

I am getting an inadequate vacuum reading. My freeze Dryer is new and used maybe 6 times! Errrr any ideas? Checked the normal problem solving in book

[@Philat4800feet]

I have a few videos on vacuum leaks. It can be frustrating. One step at a time.

[@RVingwithG]

GREAT TIPS NEW HERE ! ! !

[@Philat4800feet]

Thanks. It's a brave new world.

[@misskat3218]

Really helpful! Thanks! New sub here

[@Benniesden]

I am a new owner of HarvestRight freezer . in reading the material, The manual states "You should not use Dairyland oil as it does not work with this pump" it does not work with the Premier pump. If using Dairyland oil will it void the warranty . I have not set up the freezer yet as I am waiting for family to help set it on my table.

[@Philat4800feet]

In the early days of Harvest Right, Dairyland was all the rage. For some reason they don't want users to use it. I like Black Gold. It's easy to find. Check out HVAC suppliers.

[@Mary-vj5yn]

In your video, one tip was elevating the vacuum hose to keep particulates from going into the pump/oil.....is there then a build up of particulates in your dryer somewhere that need to be cleaned out at some point? If so, how is this done? Thank you..

[@Philat4800feet]

The particulates have to go somewhere, I prefer they not go into the pump. If they fall back into the chamber, they'll be removed when I wipe out and clean my chamber with isopropyl alcohol. If they remain in my hose, occasionally my hose gets removed for one reason or another, at that point they'll drop out. It wouldn't be a bad idea to make a preventative schedule to blow out my hose at the same time I clean the condenser. Good question.

[@Mary-vj5yn]

@@Philat4800feet Thank you for replying, I haven't yet received my unit so like many others I'm bingeing KZbin to learn as much as I can before it arrives.

[@JustMe-mn4gr]

Does the ice on yours build up only on the front 1/3 of the chamber? Wondering if that's a sign of a problem when it does.

[@Philat4800feet]

I usually have ice front to back.

[@RightOnTarget1]

I worry about the single little ball valve leaking. I’ve never seen a ball valve hold tight for too long. Small particles tend to score the sealing faces and you get leaks.

[@sheckyfeinstein]

Good job. Thanks.

[@Livetoeat171]

Why do you have a pillow behind the door. Isn't the black seal enough? I have a small, freeze dryer, and it never came with a pillow

[@Philat4800feet]

A long time ago HR had an insulated pillow (pad) that went behind the door. They no longer offer that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZWYaKh6Zsakg80

[@tS-ro1lm]

how cold should the medium drier get in freeze mode. Mine only gets down to low 20 degrees

[@Philat4800feet]

The options on the screen shows down to -20. I set mine to start at zero. If you're at 20, either your system is misreading the true temp or you have a problem. How dirty is your condenser coil?

[@samsmythe2207]

Could you have added shish kebab skewers between the overlay of the meat? To elevate them off of each other, to aid in drying?

[@Philat4800feet]

Skewers would help in an air space for drying but would hinder the transfer of heat. Perhaps if the meat was laid in a lattice pattern.

[@Philat4800feet]

Another thought. At 500Mtorr the vacuum is going to be so strong there won't be any "air" to vent. Any moisture will be turned to gas.

[@redbirdacreswi]

I know this is an older video but why go through all the extra steps to pause the dry cycle? I hit cancel, the pump stops, open the drain valve, and can open and check my food.

[@Philat4800feet]

Rotating the food just insures it dries faster and more even. not all shelves heat the same.

[@redbirdacreswi]

​@Philat4800feet yes but why go through the extra steps to open the valve, turn off the pump etc. If you hit cancel, the pump turns off

[@Philat4800feet]

If you hit cancel, you'll need to start the cycle over again. This procedure is performed several times during the freeze drying cycle.

[@redbirdacreswi]

@@Philat4800feet oh that's not the case on mine. I wait for it to go to extra dry time, hit cancel, and it allows me to add more dry time or go to a defrost

[@Philat4800feet]

I see. I rotate the trays during the drying mode, before it gets to the extra dry time.

[@lindanorris1651]

Where did you get the pad? Is it necessary? I didn’t get one.

[@Philat4800feet]

They no longer come with the machines kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZWYaKh6Zsakg80

[@Lornadoone72]

Dry helpful. Thank you

[@jmb-cm7mr]

I never shut my Pump off it shuts off automatically when the food is done

[@ohwhatelse]

you missed his point-- he's talking about testing the food before end of cycle, but could sometimes be bcz of an error msg. or whatever...

[@reneeubry9065]

Take a section of foam insulation and line the hole so it can’t chafe the line

[@Philat4800feet]

Good idea

[@nissimmalul]

Sir I was asking a question and I see youtube deleted it. Will this oil-free pump work with the harvest right? Rocker 810 Oil Free Vacuum Pump, 60 Liters/min

[@Philat4800feet]

I'm concerned that this pump is piston driven. The rated vacuum on this pump is 735 mmHG or 735 Torr. You need 500mTorr. 760 mmHg is one “standard” atmospheric pressure.

[@nissimmalul]

@@Philat4800feet Thank you sir. Is there any other 'oil free' pump you recommend, aside from the one harvest sells?

[@Philat4800feet]

@@nissimmalul This is a trick question...Any motor/pump needs to have something to reduce friction. In most cases it's oil or grease. Oil also helps remove heat. An oil-less pump sound good up front but has long term problems. The oil-less pump offered by HR requires a bearing change every few years. This can be costly. Something to think about.

[@Thisisit120]

Phil I have heard on another channel the guy said not to put more than two trays of liquid in the Freeze dryer eggs, milk whatever. But he didn’t go on to elaborate whether you put the other trays in with food or whatever. What is your thought on this?

[@Livetoeat171]

If you're afraid that The drain hose will be damaged If it rubs up against the edge of the hole, all the time, then stop moving around! I can turn my Spicket on and off without even moving it

[@Philat4800feet]

I would agree with you with newer units. Before the upgrade HR had a standard ball valve. After time the ball inside would rust making it difficult to turn and leak vacuum.

[@RightOnTarget1]

Can anyone tell me what size the fittings in the vacuum hose and vent ball valve are? They look like 1/2 inch NPT and 3/8 inch tubing on the vent line.

[@Philat4800feet]

Ball valve is a 3/8 FPT

[@RightOnTarget1]

@@Philat4800feet Thanks! That cheap little BV worries me.

[@LeChef1943]

Hello Phil, I just freeze dried a batch of raspberries which completed during the night, when i awoke they had gone into freezing preservation mode. This rehydrates them so how do i package them now they have a moisture content again,Thanks

[@Philat4800feet]

It depends on what software version you have. If you have 5.0.12 or 5.0.13 you can go to the leaf icon and turn on Pressure freeze, Heater, and vacuum. This will place your FD in the same mode as Final Dry. Run this until your food feels dry and absent of cold spots. Once your load is done, go to the custom button and extend final dry to 12:00 or so. This will prevent the system from stopping during the night (unless you sleep till noon). To stop the machine in this mode you'll need to run the clock down to 0:00. If you have 4.1.26 or older press Start, Pre-frozen, Cancel. This should allow you to Add More Dry Time.

[@LeChef1943]

@@Philat4800feet Many Thanks Phil I shall check it out, i really appreciate your prompt reply and your technical knowledge, Sincerely Keith

[@jecrpalier]

He should have used the moisture meter that will let u know if it’s done. Blue light is fine up to 9-10% moisture. Most things u get super super dry will still be avout 3-6%

[@Philat4800feet]

Moisture meters will only sample the food between the two probes. Not the entire batch.

[@kimberlywilson9282]

When you start with the cold chamber do you still do the pre-freeze before you put the frozen food in?

[@Philat4800feet]

5.1.16 no longer ask if the food is frozen or not. You just press START. I always pre-freeze my food and I have a second set of trays, filled with food, ready to start a new load. With the new program, the vacuum pumps starts as soon as the chamber hits 0 or -20, So if your food is pre-frozen, you'll reach 0 or -20 faster.

[@kimberlywilson9282]

Okay, I’m still on the old program. I guess I should download the new program. Do you like the new program better? I want to try to pause it like you do. Will I still be able to do that with the new program?

[@Philat4800feet]

@@kimberlywilson9282 I like the new program. Less vacuum errors. No problem with pausing.

[@mariseladuncan7137]

I need information on how much time is each vegetable or meats I need the time, I am new with this dry freezer, I am in south Texas and is hot here so where do you all recommend me to set it up, also I need to know who much noice it makes, thank you

[@Philat4800feet]

There isn't a set rule on time. Each food has different levels of moisture. Let the machine do it's job. When the machine stops, check the food for dryness. If you have cold spots or ice crystals add more time. If you have a basement that's where I would set up. The machine noise is about 70 Db at 12". Try to place it in an area around 70-75 degrees. Have fun. That's the number one rule. Freeze dry some skittles.

[@mariseladuncan7137]

@@Philat4800feet thank you for taking the time to answer, I am new at this

[@ohwhatelse]

as for noise- i have my fd in the next room to my master BR & i barely hear the thing when i'm listening to tell if it's on!

[@tammyk6708]

When using trays can you put food on parchment paper and then (depending on thickness of food) put another or more layers of food/parchment?

[@Philat4800feet]

I wouldn't have food taller than the tray's sides. The thicker the food, the harder it will be for the water to sublimate. Adding "barriers" of parchment paper may hinder sublimation.

[@ohwhatelse]

if you cover your food it will add drying time...

[@clarey3631]

hi! i ordered a freeze dried yesterday and i was wondering what draining the oil does, can you reuse it a lot or only once?

[@Philat4800feet]

In the early years the vacuum pump would get a lot of water in the oil from condensation and pulling in water vapor from the freeze drier. The new vacuum pump don't do it as much. Micro food particulates will still be found in the oil. I change and filter my oil after every batch, it only takes a few minutes. HR, I believe, recommends changing and filtering the oil every 6-8 loads. The oil will sometimes get a yellow tint from oxidation- not to worry. Replace the oil when it gets cloudy.

[@clarey3631]

@@Philat4800feet thank you