Harvestright Freeze Dryer Hacks// Vacuum Sealing Mylar Bags, Anti Siphon Hose, EZ Oil Filter

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

These HARVESTRIGHT HACKS were all game changers for me! Stay tuned for more HACKS coming in HACKS Vol. 2 OH YEAH......Don't forget to drop by the NEW STORE www.freezedryingsupplies.com for MYLAR, OXYGEN ABSORBERS, TRAY STACKERS, REUSABLE TRAY LINERS, MERCH and more added all the time!

[@nicklepackage5]

The color of the oil in this video isn’t blue. Why aren’t you using the dairyland oil in your premier pump?

[@BlankSlate1111]

@@nicklepackage5 he has a video on that subject, dairyland oil will destroy the newer pumps

[@NickFrom1228]

For the anti-siphon trick. Its easier than that. Just have your water hose come off the table and thats it. Don't have it go down to the bucket. The water comes out, drips down into the bucket. Done.

[@melodyreeder9762]

Drill a hole to fit the house snuggling at the top of the bucket. Inn doing so the hose won't fall into the water that is in the bucket

[@susanking2160]

Why not just empty the water from your bucket after each load?

[@Mrmoose-yn6lw]

@@susanking2160that’s what I do

[@RhodeToPrepping]

Thanks for that close up view of the disconnect of the shelves.

[@TonyGarrett-p1c]

I emailed Harvest Right suggesting they install a vacuum breaker on the outlet of the drain valve. Simply consisting of a brass "T" fitting, with one tube going down to the catch bucket and one tube going straight up a few inches. The lady wrote "Thanks! I'll send that along!".

[@kaydub3872]

Great video! Sealing the ball jars and the green leaf icon are super helpful tips, thanks!!

[@jeffkirkwold]

Another hack idea...Say I want to freeze dry ground beef and use in making camping meal kits. Simmer ground beef in water (just over top of meat by an inch or so) with salt for an hour or two. Cool on countertop then refrigerate entire pot with beef and water in it. When tallow on top hardens, remove off top and prepare for storage and reuse. Then drain/strain beefy water from remaining beef and save as a mild broth for cooking. Then freeze dry meat. Better than the old method of rinsing the beef after browning? Better reuse of all parts of the beef for sure.

[@donkappel4906]

Not sure if you've done this before or if you'd find it too time consuming but I empty my oil into a cleaned out nut container, that Costco sells. The top is smaller than the container so if you empty the oil into the nut container, let it settle for several hours the water settles to the bottom. When you pour the oil into the Britta filter you can see the water bubble that falls into the corner of the container then you can pour almost all of the oil out without pouring the water into the Britta. Then I freeze that last bit of oil, that has the water...

[@geoffreyreed7356]

I’ve used a canning jar attachment with hand pump to vacuum seal Ball jars. This really is a game changer. Not only quicker and easier for Ball jars, but I also found that you can vacuum seal almost ANY jar that has “pop” lid with a rubberized seal (spaghetti sauce, etc). The canning jar attachment won’t fit properly over those ‘recycled’ jars....but with this method in the HR vacuum chamber, it works like a charm! The pop lid may or my not shrink while vacuum is running, but as soon as valve opens to let air in, they "POP" down and seal as tight as ball jars.

[@karenpowers2654]

i so need all the information you have shared . i’m so nervous about getting a freeze dryer since i or my husband are not mechanical- but i believe we can do it after watching you

[@cindykq8086]

Do you feel comfortable not putting O2 absorbers in the "vacuumed" mylar bags? Also, instead of toilet paper, how about tightly packed batting (the stuff that goes in quilts)? Finally, how much oil gets trapped in the toilet paper?

[@kathyburson8191]

I just use the Britta filter. Works fine not as messy

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

Those Harvest Right Oil filter containers are junk!

[@jerrysmith372]

Thanks Brian - good tips for the newbies. So far I've only sucked water up once - about 2 years ago. I don't have much call to seal Mason jars but I have done it for a few of my things. That's a neat trick with the bag - I'll have to try it now just for fun. Hey - BTW. I'm going to be retiring soon - not quite what I had in mind though. At age 63 my company is eliminating my position after 29 years with them. My plans were to work another 3 years - a bit of a personal SHTF. I may be eating some of my FD stored foods before too long. I just have to trust God and his plan. It will work out.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Well, that may be a blessing in disguise. You get to enjoy life a little earlier than planned.

[@crazydee1955]

My company did the same to me at 57 after 23 years of faithful service. Jerks.

[@CheZfrmdaWestWisc]

glad to hear you had stores of food for that

[@jamesederer3565]

Stay safe jerry.

[@patiencekates5975]

Outstanding! My freeze dryer came with a oil filter canister that looks just like the brita filter.

[@gigihenderson8567]

Harvest Right used to provide a rudimentary oil filter. Not sure when they switched, but the one the provide now is probably a Brita with an oil instead of a water filter, lol. When watching these remember to look at when they were published. Things change over time.

[@leslieisthebossofyou1090]

Just got my freeze dryer. I’m SO excited to use it! I’m glad you talked about the anti-siphon thing. I’m doing that today too!

[@sv3931]

I just received mine. I too am very excited to get started!

[@mikeswildoutdoors7279]

I used a 3 gal plastic bucket, drilled a hole at the very top to push the hose through, just keep an eye on it to make sure the liquid doesn't reach the tube opening.

[@aduchene6091]

Just ordered my Medium tonight.... getting over the price...but it is needed for my garden. Thanks for your videos.

[@redmanrm1]

I ordered this 2 weeks ago. I’m so ready for it to arrive. Could be up to 10 weeks on backorder. I guess I have time to watch all your videos

[@emileegood6160]

Watched the avocado tornado like 5 times. That is so cool.

[@cyrilagnew7651]

Glad I found you, just purchased thr large freeze dryer.....great videos

[@momsmushroomsjodyfoster5786]

Britta is the best water/oil filter I've found

[@SamRosario-g2e]

If your burger meat tends to come out dry and gritty try beating an egg and add it to the burger meat with one or two tablespoons of breadcrumbs, knead real well as you would a meatloaf, prepare your Patty and throw it on the grill or fry it in the pan. This is just an idea, I I've never tried this with rehydrated burger meat but when I'm making meatloaf I want to bring my meatloaf together and so I use egg and breadcrumbs to marry them together. It does not change the taste much and I think it's worth a try

[@annwithaplan9766]

Good tips. We've never had that suction thing happen, probably because we don't let the hose sit in the water. Also, I tracked down the company who actually makes those pumps and the rep said you don't have to change the oil until it starts looking cloudy.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

😇love that pump

[@annwithaplan9766]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity - Me too. I did some research on it before deciding. It's a high end pump, typically used for industrial use/air conditioners, etc.

[@leonpowell4681]

I have 2 suggestions one on the bag vacuuming and one on the filter! The bag will do much better if you sandwich the bag between 2 pieces of cardboard secured with Velcro. As far as the filter goes purchase 2 pitchers slightly smaller than a toilet paper roll, drill holes in one in the bottom, of the top pitcher then plug the hole in the paper roll and insert it deep into the top pitcher, place that on the lower one it will do a fantastic job and last a long time, I have been doing it that way sense 2015 and have done 1000s of loads, I still have the original JB pump that came with my machine!

[@lorigarringer5848]

Also FYI you can buy the Brittany pitchers all day long at thrift store for under $5

[@rrsavage6544]

Your tips and tricks are wonderful. Thanks so much!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Happy to help!

[@saileencruileen2163]

fun watching your smart brain at work!! :) thx for tips

[@DS-ps6il]

I ALWAYS learn something from you! Awesome info, and as always, thank you!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You are welcome. Hope its helpful

[@sv3931]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity No one mentions the oil filter that comes with the unit; is it ineffective?

[@Kat21776]

Love your video's, they are all helpful to me. Thank you!

[@Thisisit120]

Have you tried using the round cotton cosmetic pads for the filter? A lot easier to put in the Britta and works excellent.

[@loistreadway6737]

I freeze dried some pork steak cut in little squares sealed it in a jar with oxygen absorbers a week later on a couple of the pieces I can see white stuff on it does that mean it's molded and no good

[@lindigriffith6698]

@@loistreadway6737 it may be fat? did you figure it out?

[@UpNorthOfThe49th]

So happy you used my tip on the Vacuum seal jars without having to disconnect the pump. I didn't know about the mylar bag trick though. Thank you and your welcome ;) BTW if your oil does look like it has a lot of moisture in it. You can freeze dry it.

[@TheoGottwald]

Did you ever try a normal coffee-filter instead?

[@UpNorthOfThe49th]

@@TheoGottwald Yes thank you I have and you still get a bit of moisture

[@TheoGottwald]

@@UpNorthOfThe49th ok i thought you will only want remove the dirt, the moisture is another topic. In such case of course you may need to do something else. Some people freezdry the oil as you may know.

[@sonamtshering1975]

Sir I'm from india and I'm a tibetan. I love ur show. Frankly speakin I've gotta do more than what I've been doin. I'm well aware of everything since the nets here.....the only problem is that I'm 39

[@drizzt109]

Just a thought. With the oxygen absorbers you don’t necessarily have to have a crazy good vacuum on the mylar bags if you want. I know they can make tiny detailing suction attachments for certain vacuums I wonder if doing your trick to cut the corner off and then stick a freshly cleaned detailing attachment (only used for this purpose) into the hole slightly, turning the vacuum on and then impulse sealing that tiny corner would be just as effective as doing the entire chamber of the harvest right. Because on the walk from the freeze dryer to the sealer and unbending the fold is going to let air in anyway. This way you probably actually have more of a vacuum. I don’t have a freeze dryer yet to test this theory

[@imbrium06]

1. cool name, good character. 2. I agree. I have cut the corner of mylar and used the foodsaver accessory attachment to vac air out. Now I have a nifty plastic attachment for jars too. So I put my FD food into mason jars, put the plastic cap on, plug in the foodsaver retractable accessory cord and it sucks the air out. Id rather burn out my foodsaver than add extra hours onto my harvest right. I filled 13 tough totes with mylar FD food and baking stables, now I am in the process of filling over 300 mason jars w everything from sour cream, corn, peaches, to taco soup and chilli. Another 4 months and I should have 1 years worth of food for the 6 in my family

[@steringp1434]

@@imbrium06 I wouldn't worry about adding extra hours to the FD. Watch the video again and you will see (at 04:00) that you only have to run the vacuum about 2 minutes.

[@TonyGarrett-p1c]

Cool vid. I think I'm going to construct one of those single-jar vacuum sealer chambers that you can make from PVC pipe and end caps. There are many KZbins that show how to build them. For mine though I am going to experiment with connecting to the drain hose of my freeze-drier as the source of vacuum. I would of course have to run the pump manually for a while, via the test menu, to bring down the pressure in the vacuum/freezing chamber. Then open the drain valve to draw the air out of the PVC vacuum sealer. I should be able to hear the rush of air stop, indicating that the vacuum is balanced between the two vessels. Then shut off the drain valve to conserve the vacuum in the machine, and pull the clear, plastic drain tube off of the vac. sealer to seal the jar inside. The vacuum chamber of the freeze-dryer would be a huge reserve of vacuum, so could run through jars one at a time fairly quickly. I imagine that the drain hose should be able to stand up to the 14.7 lbs. or so of absolute pressure exerted on it by the atmosphere. I think this method would create more vacuum than the Food Saver attachments; I've seen a KZbin or two showing how that system can only pull about 22" of vacuum. Adequate I suppose, but I like the idea of greater air pressure being exerted on the lid of the jar.

[@tlflora]

Please! tell me how this worked for you and more instructions :)

[@TonyGarrett-p1c]

@@tlflora I will. I have not tried it yet; lately I've been just using one of those inexpensive vacuum chambers for about 100 bucks, that comes with its own vacuum pump. They are normally used to remove air bubbles from paint, I believe. This gadget has a nice, stainless steel pot that will hold a few quart jars.

[@tlflora]

love the ingenuity! thanks and good luck with the project.@@TonyGarrett-p1c

[@curtiscramer5864]

a hack I saw on an other Chanel for liquids. put the liquids in a ziplock bag and freeze it . Then take the bag off and put the frozen liquid on the freezer tray and all set to freeze dry.

[@llifrench]

Brita pitchers are easy to find at second-hand stores for $2-$4.

[@kimbucha1]

If i go passed 1:20 it is SOO hard to pull the lids off so I think that time is sufficient. I also did gallon jars and going over 1:20 leaves the jars close to imploding. The lids are now concave and I will have to puncture them in order to open them

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Yes, 120 may be extreme now, especially with the newer machines. Things have changed in the last few years. (This video is officially old)

[@usmctattooboy]

Can't wait to get my freez dryer saving up for it now

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Nice!

[@rinab4405]

I JUST paid mine off yesterday!!!! I'm like a sponge at this point learning all I can before it comes in! I have 3 kids in college and am SO EXCITED to be able to feed them from far away! HAHAHA!!

[@rinab4405]

Save your pennies, they DEFINITELY add up!!! It just takes a minute!! You can do it! Set yourself an order date!!!

[@smoothsailingheatingcoolin8816]

We always pull a vacuum to between 500-750 in HVAC work. Below 1000 microns we start the dehydration process to make sure excess moisture is pulled out of the system. Above that micron level, depending on location, it will leave some moisture in the system. In this case, product. Just coming from an HVAC tech geek.

[@blue65nova]

Great videos! Thank you for all your advice through your video series. It's been very helpful.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Good to hear and thanks for your support

[@dorotadoherty6383]

My husband swears by using an air shim(air wedge) pillow to place under the front of the unit during defrost so that the water drains out the back hose, rather then the front.

[@jdsbees3257]

You mean like the little inflatable wedges, like a auto body shop uses? Great idea!

[@mikemeinders6717]

Hey buddy thanks for the tips it's nice to know these keep up the great work.

[@traceybaucom5755]

I was just thinking about buying a counter top vacuum sealer. This may just save me hundreds if I can do it right. I'm always concerned about food safety and how to know for sure that the food is safe and dry in the bags! Any other tips would be great. Thanks so much.

[@jbeard3390]

a vacuum sealer and mason jar attachment would run right around 100$ but they are faster at sealing individual jars, not sure how much time would be saved if any being able to do multiple.

[@denisecampbell1735]

You can get just a jar sealer (lid attachments and small hand held pump) at Amazon for around $25. Then you can reseal individual jars right after opening a jar and removing the amount of product that you want to use.

[@kaydub3872]

As far as the food being fully dry, it becomes quite noticeable after it is sealed in a bag- if it isn't fully dry you will see the food change color darker as the moisture balances in the sealed bag. You probably figured this out in the last 2 years, but for anyone else.

[@nomad211d]

Nice!!! Love it. Thank you so much. Love your channel.

[@2000freefuel]

the mail order catalog JC Whitney used to sell an oil filter housing for TP paper filters

[@TonyGarrett-p1c]

Ha! I remember those. Guess we're dating ourselves. ;^)

[@bossymodo]

I have the slightly older software but I have been going into customize and vacuum test for a long time to seal ball jars. I also have never had the issue of sucking water into my dryer because I cut the drain tube short and it drains into a garbage can. The garbage can has a sump pump so the water never gets high enough for the tube to be in the water. The mylar bag trick seems pretty cool I will have to try it.

[@jerrysmith372]

Ya - sucking water back up is a mistake most people will do at least once. Been there, done that.😂😂😂

[@Debtfreehomesteaders]

Excellent video. Wonderful content shared here. I cannot wait to start utilizing these tips with my harvestright freeze dryer. Thank you! -Will

[@robbiproffitt]

How do I follow this guy.?

[@johnsmith-dm2tq]

Their is also a tool that goes over ball jars that works with a vac sealer that allows this to happen. I saw a lady use a break bleeder to seal jars as well.

[@b_jewlz]

Hey I was curious You mentioned having an oilless pump for your freeze dryer but that you're back to using oil. Is that because you're using two different machines now or did you find a reason to stick with the oil pumps?

[@HoneyBee-ez3ej]

Found out u have to send in the oil less pump every 10k Hrs and it will cost u 375 to have it rebuilt. Save the money and go w the premium oil pump.

[@jonhopkins2648]

10k hours is about 1x a year

[@genghischuan4886]

@@jonhopkins2648 yeah you can but a new oil pump for that and they last much longer than that so its not worth the money

[@CheZfrmdaWestWisc]

maybe another hack could be putting the right amount of new oil in the bottom of the filter container before first fill and marking the level then once it's gone through the filter medium I imagine some is left behind each time so you would be able to see that and add to restore the amount before returning to the machine

[@paulm9072]

Brita filter? f@#ING GENIOUS!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

👍 you got it!

[@truthbetold2611]

You're a gem!!

[@ironstrader]

So on the ball jars another hack is to put a very small hole in the lid and cover it with electrical tape ...this works like a one way valve and you can take the tape off to let air back into jars, so then you don't bent the lid opening jars. it it might work with the marlar bags as well I have yet to try it

[@BrianBetron]

THUMBS UP: thanks for getting a microphone, your audio is much better with it.

[@MoovinOnEstateSales]

QUESTION TO ANYONE WHO KNOWS: Has anyone had any jars not seal with they use this method? I like to store in canning jars because I have so many and they can't puncture, but every time we do so we get a jar or two that just will not seal no matter how many times we try. I'm a canning/preserving instructor so I know that my jars are clean, chip free and my flats/lids are in pristine condition - would love to hear from anyone who has had this issue and figured out the cause. TIA!

[@denisecampbell1735]

Not every lid will work. Try a different lid. Most of the time every jar will seal but once in a while, you get a failure. I just change out the lid, make sure there are no cracks around the top edge of the glass jar, and I’m good to go.

[@nancymweasel6561]

Maybe develop a rack system to have a 2nd layer of jars to vacuum seal jars.

[@Jdake801]

Lay tray on top of the jars, the ring prevents pressure from smashing down the flat lid. Double up jars. 👍

[@ianteeley519]

I'm confused about the part at 4:39 about the water getting sucked into the machine? When would that happen? I'm in the process of buying mine and don't have one yet, but could you explain that further? Thank you

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

If you leave the water from the last cycles defrost it will get sucked up through the straw when you let air back into the chamber

[@mariamorris475]

Awesome, thank you

[@michelleschang1844]

Can you do the same vacuum procedures on jars that are not 2 piece lids... like an olive jar?

[@michelleschang1844]

Answer is yes. Yes it works.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

yep. i forgot to mention that in the video. I had an olive jar set out to use in the video and i forgot to add it in. Thanks for mentioning that.

[@pamhellman4979]

I want to freeze dry some large flowers which will require me taking out the shelves. Do I use the same program is when the shelves are in the unit or do I need a different Setting? Thanks. I enjoy your channel.

[@monicaricher8248]

Thank you so much.

[@chefevilee9566]

So many questions!!! How does that Y thing that I will be buying from you exactly work? So you let the air back in the chamber every time you are finished freeze drying correct? So you’re supposed to remove your hose from the bucket before you do that? People have forgot to do that and that’s where the problem comes in? Also that powdered avocado. You just did a video not too long ago on trying to reconstitute an avocado. It was terrible. Why do you have that avocado powdered? Can you reconstitute it into guacamole? Or no you just sprinkle it on top of foods?

[@danerasmussen6468]

The most vague demonstration in history of the world regarding the Y smh

[@TheRanchNetwork]

Luv it! Great hacks! Thanks y’all 😊🙏

[@ClickinChicken]

heck the company should make a vacuum sealing attachment to put in chamber. I bet they are! One stop shop.

[@HebronGrandpa]

Why did you go from the oil less pump to the one you have now?

[@SamRosario-g2e]

Have you ever tried rehydrating your fish or meat in a steamer? I would think that instead of having to soak your meat or fish, steaming would bring back hydration in a lower more moderate and perhaps even manageable rate

[@kelly1038]

Great video

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Much appreciated, thanks for watching!

[@paulhathaway6292]

Good stuff!

[@sohodt1]

Is it true that you have to keep the pump in a room 72 degrees or cooler or else the pump will not function well enough to maintain pumping correctly? Another video said that.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

I had not heard that before. I see he hasn’t replied with an answer. Have you found the answer about the room temperature? I have not purchased yet but that is crucial to where I live.

[@conrad7904]

this is so cool thank you

[@vickiegossett7214]

Thank you

[@anthonyaraujo2826]

I also use my chamber vac to seal Ball jars. Only problem is they don't fit upright in the chamber vac, so can't use it to seal non-FD stuff (like liquids). But works exactly the same: loosely tightened lid, lie it down in chamber vac, 30 secs, BOOM! sealed!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

cool! How much does a chamber vac sell for? How big is it?

[@anthonyaraujo2826]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity about $300-$400

[@fionmor4893]

wow awesome

[@rickssmokehouse4211]

Ty brother. Awesome advice. God bless

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

My pleasure. Hope its helpful

[@rickssmokehouse4211]

Always helpful Y’all are the main reason I want one of these units.

[@sstevenson9293]

So, do I have to defrost my machine before using it to seal? And if I do, how can I keep my food from rehydrating too much between defrost time, and sealing time?

[@dandydonslife9869]

Great hacks, what are your thoughts on the oilless pump?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I have owned them all and prefer the premier. The oil less is louder, puts out quite a bit of heat and needs rebuilt after 2000-3000 hours. Depending on your situation, that might be ok. For me, it was not

[@vibesista19]

Will the vacuum seal work with cooked food like using a pressure cooker? Please if someone knows this would be a major canning hack.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Yes. I have done apple sauce, spag sauce etc that was not freeze dried

[@juliagulia8626]

I don't think I would do this until it is actually tested by the body of master food preservationists who perform the foods safety tests. I don't have the name of the official group that does it, but you could call you local cooperative extension and ask them. At least if I am understanding your question correctly. You are trying to can using the Harvest Right as an alternative to pressure canner canning? I'd bet Harvest Right would say the same thing.

[@bc2.by.design]

No! Although pressure canning does result in a partial vacuum in the jar, the primary function of the vacuum is "just" to seal the lid. The preservation aspect of pressure canning comes from the very high heat (relative to water bath canning, that is), which is high enough to kill pathogens that water bath canning cannot. Now, with the food cooked thoroughly, held at temps similar to the canner, put into a very hot, sterile jar with hot sterile lid and then vacuumed ... isn't that the same thing? It seems like that should be so, but it's not. That's the rationale behind things like "oven canning", too. You CANNOT assure sterility this way. You have to assume that contamination is possible, no matter how clean and sterile your tools, equipment, environment, and process, which is why the final step in canning is processing for a known, tested length of time - at heat and under pressure in this case - takes place in a controlled microenvironment (the canner itself). The canner provides a much higher degree of assurance ... and even then, it's never 100%.

[@glorytogodhomestead3495]

No suck valve, is that in case you forget to pull your hose out of the water? I can see how that would be easily done otherwise you could just keep your hose above the waterline right? I’m new here and totally excited about your channel.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

The no suck fittings just allow air to escape through them instead of sucking water into the chamber

[@KristeneSchmitt]

Love the video. Can you make your website address clickable in the description?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Done!

[@MaN-pw1bn]

Just curious, I noticed that the oil free pump is incredibly expensive through harvest right - could you substitute this with a similar one that isn't as expensive?

[@pieterveenders9793]

Oil free pumps are incredibly expensive full stop. The only cheap pumps that can be pull a high vacuum, high enough for freeze drying, are rotary vane pumps, and other than a few (and expensive) exceptions rotary pumps always contain a lot of oil. Diaphragm, piston, and scroll pumps are all oil-free pumps. However diaphragm pumps are almost never capable of pulling a strong enough vacuum (

[@MaN-pw1bn]

@@pieterveenders9793 Amazing information, thanks! I went with the premium pump that requires oil at the advice of the Harvest rep.

[@pieterveenders9793]

@@MaN-pw1bn You're welcome, and I hope you're getting a lot of great use out of your setup!

[@kentcrossley8492]

How often are you changing the toilet paper roll in the filter?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

5-10 filters, sometimes less if the oil is really full of water and debris

[@Sultan-nikko47]

Nice

[@williammcclellan3497]

Where are the heaters located? And thank you for your time.

[@AlessioSangalli]

There is a digital display that indicates precise pressure: why not use that number instead of relying on the sound the pump makes?

[@CheZfrmdaWestWisc]

I was thinking the same thing if the pitch of the the motor changes ar the same pressure point each time then it would make since maybe it was consistent enough

[@sittingdoe]

sucking water back into the pump? why not just get a 5 gal bucket, so the hose doesn't reach the water, plus theres always emptying the bucket each session. After all, the water comes at the defrost time, so it shouldn't be hanging around for the next session, but thats just me. thanks for all the other hacks, always great to get wisdom.

[@MF-kf1vh]

I just got my Medium Freeze Dryer this week. I see in a few of your videos you have a "Door Pillow". Where can you get one ? I looked on your store and Harvest Right's and didn't see them. Thanks for the videos.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

HR stopped including them with freeze dryers. There is a lady on the FB group that sells them. Use the magnifying glass and search the keyword

[@mpugliano]

Great video!!!!!!!

[@kathikeith4101]

You mentioned the oil less pump. How did you like it?

[@daviddrapela1670]

Thank you so much for your reply..Where did you get the fan for you motor? I have taken freeze dryer apart and went to the sensing coil and dug all the epoxy out and resealed it. The people at Harvest right have been very responsive with sending USB back and forth trying to figure out the problem. I think I have it fixed now. My other friend just sent it back because it quit. Thanks for all your help

[@gregkral4467]

good tricks, thanks for sharing.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

My pleasure, hope they are helpful

[@caw2165]

Can this process be used with the mylar bags with the ziplock type closures .

[@mamak1967]

Would using a vacuum sealer with the jar attachment work the same way without all the work? I usually just put an oxygen absorber in my ball jars without vacuum sealing them, but may try doing both now to guarantee freshness.

[@idahohoosier8989]

great vidio, thanks from frigid Idaho

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Bundle up and happy freeze drying

[@Abby-nm1gl]

Just ordered our medium freeze dryer with premier pump! While we wait, I'm trying to plan out how we will set it up in a spare room. Love the idea of using a cabinet base instead of cart....I've heard people talk about theirs warping/ melting after awhile. Was looking into soapstone as a countertop because of its ability to withstand the heat, etc. In your experience do you think this is necessary? What type of surface do have your machines on?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

mine is on a laminate counter from IKEA. The premier pump runs alot cooler than the others. You can also just run a small fan if you were concerned about heat.

[@anthonyaraujo2826]

Carts will definitely warp if they are not steel or something similar... I bought one from ULINE, supposedly "heavy-duty", but in about 3 months the freeze dryer had a definite sag on one side. Ended up moving it to a sturdy table.

[@Abby-nm1gl]

@@anthonyaraujo2826 I believe this is exactly what people were referring to. Thank you!

[@anthonyaraujo2826]

@@Abby-nm1gl Oh... and yeah... sturdy table, but nothing special (i.e. soapstone or other). Not sure how the table finish will hold up to heat, etc. But in my case it's an older table I have no intention of using for anything else.

[@jerrysmith372]

I built my work station from 2X4 and 1X4 with a 4X8X3/4 sheet of laminate from Home Depot - 48X32 top and lower shelf. 2 years old now with no sagging or warping. Holds my large black dryer with a good working space next to it. The oil less pump sits on the lower shelf with room to store all the accessories and drain pot. About $100 in materials and 4 hours time and another 2 hours to paint everything white. Pneumatic nail guns and power screwdrivers make quick work of assembly - I totally understand that most people don't have the tools or skills to build their own - but for those that do, this is what I did. A soapstone top is nice but an expense that isn't necessary when a laminate top will do nicely. I hope you enjoy your new dryer as much as I enjoy mine. Great machines and a great company. Best prepping tool I own and a very wise investment. Welcome to the freeze dryer community.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

I don’t have a HR yet but please help me to understand why you just don’t empty or switch out the bucket before opening the Valve to eliminate the risk of water being sucked back in?

[@evegreenification]

You rock.

[@zeckendreck]

what if i freez dry a used oxygen absorber ? is he like new after?

[@imbrium06]

you can also get a plastic attachment for a lifesaver vacuum sealer. You put the plastic cap over the jar, attach the accessory cord, and it sucks out all the air. Pull the plastic adapter off and you are good to go. Takes 30 seconds hands free per jar. Saves wear and tear on the freeze right

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Cool! sounds helpful

[@AC-kn4mx]

How do you make sure there isn't any moisture in your chamber before you vacuum seal jars or mylar bags? I vacuum sealed with the chamber empty to try and get any water out of the chamber, but there is still some moisture.

[@williambeckham4656]

Thanks for all the wonderful tips. I do have a question for you: I only use my freeze dryer occasionally and after 2 years my pump isn't pulling a vacuum like it used to, roughly 20 batches, so are there any rebuild kits for the pumps available?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

which pump do you have? JB is rebuildable and the premier is NAVAC, not sure what the standard brand is, but i am sure it is a well known pump maker.

[@williambeckham4656]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity I wish I could tell you but Harvest Right does not put a model number on the pump, or at least I don't see one. I bought my harvest right (3 shelf unit) about 2 years ago and it was the pump that came with it. I can send you pictures of the pump if you like or if it would help. I contacted Harvest Right and they only repair the oilless pump. It is almost like they only want to sell me another pump.

[@simontrangmar4537]

@@williambeckham4656 interesting tip .. thanks..i am starting to do my homework on buying a unit... prob a reason to go oil less pump option. Thanks for sharing

[@sittingdoe]

take it apart and clean it, its prob gotten gummed up from lack of use. there is a process. but you've prob fig it out since this was posted a year ago. youtube has the answers.

[@llifrench]

Can you please give information about the table holding the FD? Where to purchase?

[@bones549]

Now if I could just find one :)