Setting up a Harvestright Pro Model Freeze Dryer From Start to Finish

[@carolynsinyard5215]

I get to start my bread run today and I am so excited. I am a visual learner and your video has removed all of my worries on how to freeze dry for the first time. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us. Have a blessed day.

[@jaymob2748]

I’m doing my first bread run also. And I’m staring at it like did I do this right lol

[@CandisAnderson-o6z]

We are newbies! My husband and I have watched many videos and though some were helpful, this was by far the best one. Thank you so much!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Livetoeat171]

This is the absolute best video I have found so far. I've gone through about five or six, but you did leave out one important item. The bucket must be about a 5 gallon bucket, or at least tall enough that when you put the hose in it, it does not go to the bottom where the water would be accumulating and the hose cannot be put close to the water, or it will suck it back up into the chamber.

[@MamaLee5]

I have had my Harvest Right for over a month but scared to set it up!😅 Going to watch this again and then do a step by step. Thanks for the tutorial because the one the company provided sucks. Need real people like you who actually use the product to feel comfortable with getting started.❤

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Glad to help and you've got this!

[@MamaLee5]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity To be honest, I am afraid it will blow a fuse. It’s the medium that doesn’t require a dedicated line but still😬 I am a renter and I don’t want to give my landlord one more thing to worry about. Is this irrational?

[@nettiew4267]

Have you used it yet?

[@MamaLee5]

@@nettiew4267Yes! I am here watching this video because my 3rd batch was a little odd at the end. Otherwise I am about to do a 4th batch. The oil pump really needs to be down low because it gets hot! Added a fan (in addition to my central air) to my laundry room to keep the machine cooler. Now I am looking for great ideas on what to do to preserve foods for the future because I am using what I freeze dried.

[@janinemahery7397]

very helpful thank you, running my first "real" batch now. I didn't remember the steps for checking the food and resetting more time. THANK YOU again

[@paulapulse3172]

Wondering where you got your stand for your large freeze dryer.

[@tammiemonahan9644]

I'm so excited! Added to my watchlist for this morning. I have the medium size that I purchased 2 1/2 years ago and NEVER used yet (not even the bread test), and I'm sure I need to get new oil... I've been so scared as not having time to read the directions and being afraid that I'll miss a step. This is going to be so helpful ... unless it is nothing like the medium LOL. And I'm so glad that I waited until it was way outside of it's warranty to even do the bread test ... NOT! I'll go back through your videos to see if you have any others like this, specifially for Medium sized, because I really want to get it up and running. Thank you!

[@johnf8877]

You should have received enough oil to fill your pump twice. You will have issues that you have to work through.

[@tammiemonahan9644]

@@johnf8877 I have never put oil in the pump. It's still in the container. Pump had never come out of the box yet. It's just that my oil has been in a shed that was in an area that the outside temps were over 100 for months for a few years. Didn't know if I should just get new or if it would be ok.

[@johnf8877]

@@tammiemonahan9644 You should be ok as long as the bottle is still sealed. The pump will be about 140 when in operation. The enemy is water in the oil. Pour it into a glass container and see if there is separation. If you don't see water you should be good. Of course, oil isn't that expensive and being new to this, you might want to get some new stuff for your own piece of mind being that you have waited this long already.

[@zuritasworld]

@@tammiemonahan9644 you should be fine as long as the oil was never opened.

[@love_4_life865]

Oh my goodness! I thought I was the only one! I bought mine a year ago and it’s still in the box bc I’m so intimidated and overwhelmed that I’m going to set it up wrong! Plus it’s heavy so I’m still trying to decide the right spot to set it up. We were thinking to setup in our detached garage but we can’t keep a close eye on it. Just hoping it’s not too noisy for our thin walls but we just gotta do it and this video has encouraged us!

[@moniquekilmer7618]

Wonderful walk through! I want a freeze dryer and was a little nervous about it and running it. Not anymore ❤

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You can do it!

[@cherylynkerley8452]

Thank you for this video....I will watch it a few times to absorb the information. Thank you for not wasting my time with a bunch of useless chatter like some videos do.

[@missyvoigts6410]

Hugely helpful! Thank you so much!

[@juneo5795]

Getting mine Friday! Thank you for all the instructions. Can't wait to use it!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Hope you enjoy it! Happy freeze drying!

[@stephaniezufelt2999]

where do you get the wonderful stainless steel table to put the dryer on?

[@fargoloomis3569]

In the user manual it recommends using moist slices of bread for the first cycle and throw them away. Why do you feel that’s not necessary as shown in your video?

[@HardBoiledGregADV]

Thanks! I did read through the manual, but this video helped clarify some things to help get me started.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Glad it helped!

[@claudiamartindelcampo8667]

I just purchased my freeze dryer , but I’m in Mexico and I’m pretty unsure about how to use it And set it up But your video in very handy 😊

[@heartwork8318]

So glad I found your channel! Now I am ready to get going!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Welcome aboard!

[@stephankaiser780]

The best thank u

[@TakingCareOfBusinss6430]

Finally had someone help me move mine from the garage to my office. The hose is very short and doesn’t go all the way into the bucket. So do I have to elevate the bucket?

[@pepsiholic]

this was very helpful my concern was the i could not afford this but with the layaway now i can thank you

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Great to hear!

[@Jonixariel]

Thank you!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You're welcome!

[@allenbartlett3567]

how often should you clean your tray tack and the seal and chamber

[@navymark101]

Thank you for returning my email and also for sharing your knowledge with us. I will be ordering some accessories from you soon. Navy Mark...

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You got it! Thanks for your support and Happy Freeze Drying

[@lynneswan9963]

Thank you for the great video. Very informative. I am ordering my new freeze dryer tomorrow. Where are the carts from that you have your freeze dryers sitting on? Thanks.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

This will take you to all of my preferred products Happy Freeze Drying! beacons.ai/thefreezedryingcommunity

[@nyxcin1]

​@@thefreezedryingcommunity I couldn't find any carts on that site. I want to get it before I buy the freeze dryer.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

@@nyxcin1 I have owned these: amzn.to/411sjEm amzn.to/3CE0KqN double check the sizes on these

[@joyitasaha8712]

thanks! newbie here, my new freeze dryer was delivered today. but when i pulled out the drain hose from the machine, i see water inside the hose. is this typical? or does this mean I received a used machine marketed as brand new?

[@thelieinbelieve6594]

So i ordered the oilless vacuum pump. You recommended against it. Is there anything wrong with it? Should i cancel it and just get the regular one? Or is it just a matter of price savings? Let me know. I put it on their layaway program so i think there's time to change it if you think one is better than the other. Thanks

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

They run hot, run louder and require a rebuild after 2000-3000 hours of use

[@SallyDuckworth]

Great video - I have an XL and its on the floor - is that going to be a problem for draining afterwatfs - I have all my trays of food ready to go and I would hate to throw them away but I cant lift it on my own - can I run it in the floor once and buy a stand for future use - trouble is its very heavy! Love to know.. Thanks

[@Just.one.opinion]

Put your food in the freezer and wait. The drain has to flow down. If the hose is in the water it can sucks the water back up in the machine.

[@CaptShitacular]

@Live.Life.Simple. You have to wait for 24 hours before the first batch, but what about the tests? Can you do the tests, or should you wait to do that as well?

[@CJ-vg6nd]

You are awesome ❤... Thanks for the tips.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You are so welcome!

[@brianamble4289]

Can you set your pump on a shelf below the freeze dryer on a cart?

[@Lukethebeast101]

Yes.

[@7icetube425]

if there is a vacuum freezing, is there also vacuum drying in this tool ?

[@janicerowberry7966]

I pushed no defrost before I should have can I go back and turn defrost on ?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You can advance the cycles by pressing the leaf on the touchscreen

[@addison752]

When the freeze dryer finishes its cycle how long can it sit in there? If I’m at work it could potentially be in there for a max of 12 hours after completion is that ok?

[@TT_rx8]

Hello. I just watched this video. I am hoping to purchase my first freeze dryer but I am slightly anxious! Firstly I didn't understand what the defrost step meant at the end of the cycle - is that necessary? In your video you opened the valve and then opened the door - at what stage and why is there a defrost option / warm tray etc needed for? Sorry for the stupid question, it was slightly confusing! Also is the timer automatic for whatever the type of food is or is that something I will need to somehow trial and error? I hope to find a video where you have freeze dried something and then see how you have packaged and how to re heat also. Would really appreciate your help on this! Thank you

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Defrost is necessary after the process. During the process, the water from your food will stick to the sides of the vac chamber in the form of ice. Before doing your next batch the ice will need to be melted (defrosted).

[@bonnenaturel6688]

When the medium size freeze was delivered to my garage on a pallet, when I went to unpack it, there was no bottom of the cardboard box it came it. I reported this to Harvest Right, they said they would do a service order to investigate and then I never heard from them again. It is still unpacked because as I am watching these videos many people put it in the garage, where it was delivered to. I painfully moved it on a long piece of cardboard an inch at a time into my house. So now I have to move it back into the garage. Sheesh. I planned to put it on my dryer next to my washer but if it releases so much heat I may not want that in my house. Any comments regarding it releasing a lot of heat? Thanks.

[@ryanvega7420]

I think they all come like that that’s how I got mine too

[@katburtney7610]

I've only had mine a short while, but yes, it releases quite a bit of heat. I have mine in the basement...works great there.

[@shh1702]

Can you tell me the difference between the Gen 3 Freeze Dryer and the Pro Model Freeze Dryer?

[@Free-Thinker]

What about using a moisture meter?

[@anitadubner6848]

One more question.. I hope to be freeze-drying weekly. can I unplug the unit between those times, or will I loose the initial setting for my pump?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

There is a small battery behind the screen that keeps the settings and things even when it's unplugged

[@angielewellen9742]

Have you or are you gonna do a video on this?😊

[@franchescaacts529]

we have an older model, my only complaint is how hot the older pumps get. (And they are noisy) Do the new Pro models run much cooler?

[@tammiemonahan9644]

I'm limited on outlets where I'm going to be setting up my FD. I know it needs it's own outlet to run with nothing else, but I can have something else on the outlet, but just not ON while the FD is running, right? Like my dehydrator or my crockpot.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

If you don't have anything that will turn on periodically, you will achieve the same effect.

[@galeluby3471]

i need a smaller heat sealer than the one i got from harvest right to reseal my freeze dried mylar bags to use when we are traveling on the road this winter. what do you recommend? i dont mind doing half a seal at a time. Ive seen people use hair curling irons, thnx gale

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Yes, they make a hair straightener style that is handheld

[@victorialw1]

Hello. I'm wondering if you have any suggestions. I received my large fd a little over a year ago, but my husband was working out of state and couldn't help me set it up until now. When I took the premier pump out of the box, it had oil all over it and some still in it. They had put oil in it before shipping, and the drain valve was open. I was reading the manual, and it says that I had to clean the filter if the pump is tipped. Well, it obviously did during shipping. I'm wondering if I got a used pump. My purchase was for everything brand new. Anyway, I followed the instructions for cleaning the filter from a video. I had to several times, because it was so full of oil and still feels a little oily and now the metal inside is rusted. I'm afraid to use it. I haven't plugged the pump or the FD in yet, so I don't even know if either one of them are even working. My question is, do you think it would be safe to use that filter or should I try to find a new one? Do they even replace those?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Not sure how to advise you on this without seeing it. I would definitely make sure the internals are clean and the pump has fresh oil in it. I am assuming the pump is out of warranty at this point so I would just try to use it and see if it functional. I wish you the best!

[@victorialw1]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity Thank you for your input. I called HR, and they are sending me a whole new demister. They don't sell just the filters. It's out of stock right now though. They told me that they don't ship the pumps with oil already in them, so I guess I just imagined it. 😂 They dodged my big question though. I'm still afraid to use the pump. It was covered in oil, and although I tried to wipe off as much as possible, it still has some in the nooks and crannies. I'm worried it may catch fire when the pump gets hot. I guess I will find out. Thank you again.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

@@victorialw1 I don't think it will catch fire. Once the oil gets hot, it will thin and be easier to wipe or clean off. Good luck and happy freeze drying!

[@AnneMorrison-s6g]

Mthe defrost? Is that after you have removed the trays?? And are done drying?…right??

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Defrost will be the last thing you do in the cycle. You can air defrost or use the machine to speed up the process

[@jennifernapihaa5410]

Can you give some feedback or information about how much energy it uses after a cycle of freeze drying for the medium size?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

expect $2-3 for most cycles

[@Urectumspectram1]

Regarding storage of food, once completely dry, can I throw it in a food grade 5 gallon bucket with oxygen absorbers and safely assume it will be fine for a few years? I don’t plan on testing the full 25 years

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

It would still allow in oxygen, be exposed to moisture and allow some light in

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Has anyone here tried to freeze dry fruit cocktail?? It was something we used to get in the Army with the old MREs. Was a favorite of everyone….figures that’s why they stopped making it. Can’t have the troops being happy now can we??

[@HannahH-zw5rp]

Lmao I laughed out loud reading that ofc the troops couldn’t be happy they might not want to kill themselves that way can’t have that can we

[@navymark101]

I was going to email you a question however I feel it might help others by asking it here. I make a very good spaghetti sauce (tomato gravy) that includes olive oil, onions, minced garlic, salt and pepper, ground pork with Italian seasoning and I also buy store bought fresh meatballs (from Publix). I always make a double batch. Can I freeze dry that or do I have to make the recipe more basic... Thanks for everything, Navy Mark...

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Depends on who you ask. I reduce or eliminate as much oil or fat as possible; others say it's fine. I don't want to risk $1,000s in food and lots of hours to find out.

[@anitadubner6848]

Do you check the level of the oil as it starts up? Does it need to still be in the middle of the glass viewer?

[@cathynavarrette6568]

It should be just like the oil in your car. Before turned on while it is cold. That is when you measure the oil because it is settled.

[@Deb57C]

Do I turn on my vacuum pump and leave it on? Does the freeze dryer turn it on and off since it’s plugged into unit?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

the vacuum pump needs to be plugged into the machine and the vac pump turned to the on position. The freeze dryer will make the outlet active when it needs the pump turned on.

[@Maleezza]

Does the hinge on the door of your FD move up & down? Is it supposed to? TIA

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Yes its supposed to be movable

[@teresamoose6128]

What is the difference between a 4 tray and a 5 tray medium freeze dryer

[@patriciavallandingham4729]

what is the weight of the small FD

[@michaelirizarry5037]

is it ok to have the freeze dryer on a rolling cart?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Yes, it's fine

[@cheryldonohue8619]

Do you defrost after you remove the trays or while they are still in there

[@troyjohnston1700]

After the batch is fine remove trays and then defrost.

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

Run your batch, put a bucket under the drain hose, open the vac valve, open the door, remove the trays and run the defrost cycle

[@cheryldonohue8619]

@@troyjohnston1700 thank you

[@cheryldonohue8619]

@@OvcharkaShepherd thank you

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You will want to remove your freeze dried food and then defrost👍

[@jenna.w.9041]

Asking the same question others have asked, but I don’t see an answer to: Where did you get your stand for your large freeze dryer? What do you think of having that on the same stand with locking wheels?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

The stainless table I use is from Amazon amzn.to/48oXryy

[@debbiedesigns]

I have added most of the bottle of vacuum pump oil, and I still have NO oil level showing in my window. Suggestions? Thank you!!

[@debbiedesigns]

Never mind--solved my own problem. Thanks! 🙂

[@tims6296]

What size table do you use for the pro xl?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Here's the one I use on Amazon amzn.to/48oXryy

[@monicaririe4209]

I heard to not put it on a metal cart because it will stay to hot and take longer to cool, it this true?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I suppose the metal may hold a small amount of heat, but I wouldn't think it would make a noticeable difference

[@rsilva9750]

I just done this step by step as the first time operating the new machine which it turn on fine and when I pressed the start button the whole machine shut down and now it doesn’t turn on no power or whatsoever.The pump never made any noise either not a good experience for a first timer does anyone had the same issue ?

[@lindacherry5008]

turned my unit on after vacation and the screen has factory setup. what does this mean?

[@jdhiv4]

No bread run? And I had a "bad" rack that kept smelling really bad as per adhesives not being fully cured. I can't be the only one... you've had a few of these. Thoughts?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Do what you feel comfortable with, there is not a right and wrong here. I just typically thoroughly clean and sanitize, others find it useful to do a bread run

[@jdhiv4]

Thank you for the reply but you really didn't address my question. I wonder how many times out of all your freeze dryers that there was some kind of bad smell that didn't get taken care of by that first sacrificial bread run.

[@gilbertelebouthillier605]

What dose manual advance may ruin batch & damage pump mean

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Just like it sounds

[@northsidedork_3043]

Has anyone extended the tube to release the pressure out of the system? I want to move the valve to the front of the machine but have no idea how

[@Maleezza]

I bought the Medium Harvest Right FD today. I bought it brand new & the screws on the bottom are rusted is that normal? It will rust my table it will sit on.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I have not seen that

[@Maleezza]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity I returned it. Exchanged it. Now I have a door that "does not seal" all the way around the black gasket. Any way to fix that? TIA

[@missyvoigts6410]

I was told not to put the pump right next to the unit. I was told to put it on the shelf below, so I did. I see that you have your pump right next to your unit. Is that OK?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I have done both and don't see a difference unless you are not allowing enough space for air flow

[@rfellis1302]

What size is the freeze dryer in this video? Medium?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

From left to right xl, medium, small

[@jennifersmith5682]

Stupid, stupid, newbie concern/question. So, we got our new HR Medium Pro last week. Took it out of the box, set it up (oil was added) and ran a full machine of strawberries the next morning. So... 1. did not let sit for the whole 24 hours (maybe 12 hours) 2. we did not run the bread test and 3. we plugged the pump into the wall instead of the FD. 4. big storm and power went out in the middle of the run (good grief). These are the mistakes we made we realized AFTER the fact. So my questions are... 1. after I move the power plug to the back of the machine today from the wall, any other modifications I should make? 2. are the strawberries good to eat? (they seem totally fine) 3. should I run the bread batch still? I feel like such an idiot, thanks for the help! (PS... I'll have the hubby read all the directions first next time)

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Strawberries should be fine, just refreeze and freeze dry. When you plug the pump.into the back, make sure the pump switch is turned "on". The bread run is not really necessary imo. You may want to clean the metal on the machine to remove any leftover stuff from manufacturing and germs and such.

[@MamaLee5]

I am not sure if anyone has an answer to this question but has anyone used an external battery with their harvest right? I live in Florida where we have daily thunderstorms. I was just running my first load and a lightning strike took out the power for a few seconds and interrupted the load. Fortunately it recalibrated and went back to it but what if the power hadn’t come back on? I’d hate to lose all that food investment. Anyone run into this?

[@kristiandoychev2449]

For an UPS to be able to support the freeze dryer I believe would be quite pricey.

[@cathynavarrette6568]

Will fudge freeze dry

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Most chocolate, high sugar and syrup textures will explode in the freeze dryer

[@charlesboyd2876]

i clicked your Harvestright link and it simply took me to their site. is that it or will they know if i bought a freeze dryer and that you referred me?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Yep. It will look the same but let them know we sent ya.

[@charlesboyd2876]

cool just bought an XL. Love your channel@@thefreezedryingcommunity

[@cathiburton8402]

I’ve poured half the oil in and I don’t see anything coming in the site Glass and I doing something wrong

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

It will take more than half the whole quart. Pour slowly. Once it reaches the sight glass, it will go up fast

[@rustydrake1828]

ur located in colorado?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

yep

[@MehdiBazzaz-ut4ob]

✋️

[@elainehaynes8028]

Do you sell parts my dryer is 10/years old need a vac cumin tube senor

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Hi, we don't sell parts, you would need to contact the manufacturer for those

[@littlenugs9942]

Is there a chance the company has some type of payment plan? The wife won't let me dish out 2500 -3500. Bucks for one.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

they have a layaway program

[@akriflesmatter5548]

Why do you have to let it set for 24 hours?

[@keithcoyne1284]

The refrigerant and oil in the compressor needs to settle in the freezing circuit before use. Simular to what you should do with a new freezer for the house.

[@trueSoldierInCHRIST]

All Praise All Honor All Glory to GOD LORD JESUS THE CHRIST GOD OUR FATHER I AM that I AM and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT 🔥❤️‍🔥🕊️

[@Paul-iu1om]

I see a lot of questions some not answered I have a lot myself before I buy one I know some questions might be crazy but I’m a newbie and never heard or seen one before here’s a stupid question what can this machine do and what or all things sorry I’m a dinosaur here lol