The Most Honest Freeze Dryer Review

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

To get your own Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, use my link below 👇 affiliates.harvestright.com/2579.html

[@JaneDoe42011]

Oh my gosh! I have that same vacuum sealer & remember when I bought it it said it did wide mouth jars. Well I couldn't make it fit until I saw this video. I had no idea the bottom part comes off so that it will fit a wide mouth. YAY! Thank you so much!!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I figured it out by accident when the thing fell off, lol!

[@mnp870]

I believe Vacuum seeker is different than freeze dryer.

[@ladonnawoodley5279]

I'm a new subscriber; this was the first of your videos that I have watched and it was one of the most informative videos I've watched in a long time...and I watch a whole lot of BoodTube. Great job young lady!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks so much for the sub and those kind words 😊

[@pappytron]

One benefit to freeze-drying, that is seldom mentioned, is the ability to freeze dry previously canned foods. It doesn't matter if they are store bought or home canned, as the get a few years on them, and you wish to rotate stock, those items can be freeze dried, further extend their usefulness. It also gives you an option to experiment with different food items, to see if the end product is actually something you might like to have, without having to go through the whole gardening/canning experience. I freeze liquids in my lids (using the tray as the lid) and then put the frozen liquids back into the trays for the actual freeze drying. Oh...and 1 more important tip...If you decide you want to freeze dry the big jars of sliced Jalapenos, or something like that, and then grind the into powder form...DO NOT SMELL the powder...unless you REALLY want to hate life. Trust me...

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Oh my. I’ll definitely not do that. Thanks for the great tips

[@sayit-sayit]

I love the comment section because of people like you! Thanks for the excellent comment 👍☺️

[@dburton7929]

Why would anyone freeze dry food that came out of a can. Canned food has essentially no nutritional value whatsoever, due to the extreme heat used in the canning process. I just understand what is gained by freeze drying food that garbage from the get go?

[@dburton7929]

You admit that you are not mechanically inclined, but you criticize the manual that explains how to assemble the machine. Interesting? Further more, why would you make recommendations not to follow the instructions written by the manufacturer? There is a perfectly logical reason, why things are assembled in the order recommended.

[@cduemig1]

We did that once in our blender. It never smelled the same. Nothing like making a milkshake and it smells like hot peppers!

[@lotus....]

One reason we got one is due to possible hurricanes & floods. When we lived on the LA Coast, we flooded out due to H Rita. Flood water will ruin canned stuff and is gross. Those lids also rust quickly in humid climates. If you have stuff freeze dried, double bagged and put in a 5gal bucket with a gamma lid, stuff will be cleaner if shtf and that is your only food source. We had no electric for 2 wks, no restaurants open, no cedit cards could be used, no gas could be pumped..yada yada..Luckily we were prepared w cash, gas, and a generator. However, we did have to eat MREs for a good week and they were so full of salt/sodium I could taste it for another week lol.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I didn’t even think about that but you are so right. I went through 2 weeks without electricity once and having freeze dried foods would have been awesome. It was MISERABLE 😩

[@Francesca-pb3hh]

We have had our freeze dryer for over three years. With the price of eggs, meat, fruits and veggies being affordable three years ago we processed as much as possible. Now we can not afford those items. If we had to do it over again we would not have bought the freeze dryer. We bought two oil free pumps, one only lasted less than a year. We have gardens and plant everything including herbs. We have switched to a dehydrator and found that the herbs come out nice and crisp and dry. Plus we don’t have to worry about the freeze dryer shutting off with the summer heat! Here is a tip that we did love to use the freeze dryer for. We bought rotisserie cooked chickens, removed skin, fat and bones and cubbed the chickens. The freeze dryer did a great job! Freezing first makes the process go quicker.

[@TRUTHbot3000]

Do you ground your garden with copper rods? I've been watching a bunch of stuff recently about it. It's very interesting and something I'm gonna give a shot in the spring.

[@tonyhilophotovideo4879]

I have a medium 4 tray since 9-3-22. I waited 3 months for it, and during that time I read, researched, watch YT videos. They sent the wrong machine so I waited longer, kept learning, and downloaded the HR manual and read it several times. Thankfully on YT I ran across the School Reports fellow where I learned about weighing. I am now a member of 4 Facebook FDing groups, and amazed with the lack of experience. Even more I get concerning when some folks do YT videos about their FDer because they are excited and want to share, but before they know much about it. I've chosen my method of proving food is dry by the weigh method. In your video you state something about when "the machine tells you that the food is dry" and then you suggest you weigh and dry for another 2 hours to make sure. Here is the problem -- the machine NEVER tells anyone the food is dry. The process gets you close but the machine does not know for sure. Many new folks see the words "Process Complete" pop up on the display when the extra dry time runs down, and they think this is the machine saying that the process is complete. Nope... The only reason you see that the first time is because the extra dry time set has run down. The factory default for extra dry time is 2 hours, so when it runs down, and you see "Process Complete" many think this is the machine saying the food is done. Nope. But this is the impression you are giving new people. Someone might have changed that default to 8 hours or 10 hours or the max of 24 hours. When those hours run down, "Process Complete" appears on the display, the machine starts beeping, the software turns the pump off and the heating pads stop coming on. But this does not mean the food is done. Close, but the user has to prove this. You weigh your trays before you put them in the FDer. Great. I also do that, not to help in reconstituting, but I like to put the heaviest trays in the middle. I have my extra dry time set to 24 hours. When this phase arrives, based on my busy schedule, and when the mTor is at least 200 or below, perhaps 3-4-5 hours in, I pause the process and weigh the trays in grams. Then I go another 4-5-6 hours and weigh again. If no weight change, I store. If there is a change in weight, then I go another 4-5 hours. I do more long term storage, so I can't take a chance on remaining moisture. And like some who I feel waste their time, I don't seal my food into jars and wait it out a while to make sure I did the drying correctly. I don't trust the machine to know. It is me, the user, who must prove full dryness. If I weigh several times and the weight stops changing, then that's proof the food is dry. Lastly, if there are seeds, even after the weight stops dropping, I go another 8-10 hours. The only thing that can cause a problem after the food has sufficient moisture removed is being too slow at storing or in using the HR sealer (which I don't use anymore). One thing I do now is to pour the contents of a tray into a gallon slide ziplock plastic baggie, press the air out, and zip it. Now I don't have to rush and worry about the food getting moist again. Then when I have my jars or mylar bags ready, I cut a top corner off the baggie and funnel the food into a jar or mylar. With liquids like eggs or milk, with it scraped into a baggie, I crumble it with my hands and then finish off with a rolling pin, then into jars or mylar. I gave up on the HR sealer and bought a crimp sealer off Amazon. Very much easier, more trustworthy, and a game changer. Thanks, Tony

[@berlygirl123]

Everything you mentioned from losing freezer space to not being able to cook for two people really hit home with me! Loved your video. Thanks for posting!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephaniemcguire]

Been looking at this freeze dryer. Watched several videos about it. Yours is way awesome. I loved you videoed setting it up and running the bread cycle thing. No one else even mentionef that. I meam they showed how to use it well, but wow, you give me more confidence about setting it up. Thanks so much.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

If I could do it, anyone could 😂 I’m not very handy but it was pretty straightforward.

[@constructor5008]

I love this video!! Thank you! Great that you give your experience while showing how to start it up

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SmokyRibsBBQ]

I'm in south Mississippi and my door sweats too. It's only because of the cold door and gasket being exposed to room temperatures. If it were pulling air through the gasket, you would be having vacuum problems but that wasn't the case.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

We are pretty hot and humid down here so that makes sense.

[@ladystarfire1284]

Some people use a fan. It prefers a room around 75 degrees or cooler. Great video. I just got mine, too.

[@lynnthomas7753]

​@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Can you please post the information for the added seal around the opening? I also have condensation on the gasket and front door. I've looked at so many different types and none look like they'd work. Thanks very much. Thanks very much.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@lynnthomas7753it’s called backer rod. I got mine from Home Depot. It looks like a thin foam tube

[@sherridigiovanni42]

Backer Rod is under $10.00​@HomegrownFloridaZ9a

[@farmyourbackyard2023]

here for the freeze dryer info. Thanks for going through the set up so detailed. I know this is an older video and your first one on freeze dryer, but here's a suggestion. Get a thick waterproof tablecloth to throw over the bed linens when you are using it as a table. Smart set up.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’ve changed it up since then. I just walk the trays to my kitchen now. I might get a different table in the future.

[@sarajorandolph57]

Thank you for this video. I am in Central Florida and have had the same concerns about the garage as you. This really is helpful.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it helped

[@dion_gee]

Thanks Petrina this was such a super helpful video! I’m more interested in freeze drying as a hobby over anything else and you answered so many questions I couldn’t find the answer to elsewhere! 😊

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad it was helpful!

[@marshadonaldson8645]

What a great video! I haven't purchased mine yet, but I'm so glad to observe the process. I just wish they were more affordable!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful! They are a bit too expensive. Hopefully they come down as they gain popularity

[@marilynearl6887]

I think one plus you will get also during hurricane season when electric often goes out it would be great for that

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I didn’t think about that. That’s a good idea. 👍

[@Rob_65]

We just bought one of these mainly to prepare freeze dried meals for our hiking trips. To test it out, we just put some random stuff in that we had lying around. Some banana, water melon and mushrooms. They all came out great. The water melon should have needed some extra drying time. It is still a bit tacky in some places but the dry parts are funny treats. After drying there is only 60 grams left of a 1 kg batch of melon so it is no surprise that this is a very sweet foamy candy style treat with an intense melon taste. This may be one of my favorite sweets to give to the kids 😋 Oh boy, this is gonna be my favorite toy of the year. Can't wait to rob the local food market of a lot of those cheap 'fresh now, gone tomorrow' bags of fruit.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Fruit is my favorite thing to freeze dry so far. That and eggs. They turn out great.

[@marypat7196]

First time watching….that was an excellent tutorial. You explained everything very well. Good luck with your new freeze dryer.. I’m giving it consideration. New subscriber here, by the way.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks so much for the sub. I’m glad you enjoyed the video 💚

[@judygillespie3242]

This has been a valuable video for me. Thank you for taking the time to record.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrijaarapovic5654]

Thank you very much for sharing so much information on setting and running a freeze dryer and as well sharing your thoughts like ROI and motivation - all this has been really valuable for me as I am in the process of gathering information, figuring out what benefits would be there for me, and at what effort. Thank you very much, you have really done a great job 👏 Greetings from Austria 😊

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful 💚

[@s9josh778]

Wow, that lived up to the title and then some. subscribed.

[@lovelighttheotherside1251]

Being someone who lives in Canada, these machines are hugely expensive, I have watched every thing you can possibly watch about freeze drying. I’m not getting this machine to make candy with it. I’m truly getting it for health reasons. I have digestive problems and with the cost of food being so expensive, food suppliers and business are hiding additives, preservatives and chemicals in our food to make us think we are actually getting value for our money when we’re not. The additives and crap they are using makes us believe we are full when we eat it, adding more and more and cutting out the nutrients, this is causing digestive problems with me and people like me. However, I don’t want to sell candy with my machine but it will recoup some of the cost for me since the machine cost 5000 here. For me I’m dammed if I do and dammed if I don’t. I have to know what’s in my food not a bunch of chemicals I can’t pronounce

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I totally agree with you. Real food is hard to come by these days so preserving it yourself seems like the best way to know exactly what’s in the food we eat.

[@lovelighttheotherside1251]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a absolutely

[@melissajones5829]

Could you go in with a family member and split the cost?

[@ibelieve722]

Thanks for your video. I've had a freeze dryer for 2+ weeks and haven't run it yet coz I too was feeling intimidated. I've got the walmart bread and now I'm going to do it this week. I was thinking during your video that you could use a folding table...stash it under the bed when not needed. 🤣🤣🤣

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I totally need a folding table in there. Great idea!

[@TrixieJFerguson]

I’ve had mine for over a month and have not even plugged mine in yet.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@TrixieJFerguson be careful because once you get started it will quickly become addicting.

[@ronpowell4993]

Thinking about getting into freeze drying. Like you I don’t care for texture of canned products. This was one of the most honest vids I’ve seen yet! I’m now a new subscriber! Thanks!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m so glad it was helpful. Thanks for the sub 💚

[@kellyl8332]

I have just ordered my dryer. I am very excited to get it & get going. This was a great video, very helpful.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful!

[@steadfastselectionsrenee5869]

I have seen a good point for you for your powders. It is recommended to put either a piece of paper towel or a cupcake liner at the top of the jar so when you vacuum seal powders you don’t get any powder in your vacuum sealer. Makes sense to me. I assume just for when the powder is nearing the top of the jar. I am glad I found your channel! What part of FL are you in? We are near Jacksonville, FL. I have subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That is a great tip. I’ve been using the paper towel trick and it works! I’m about an hour north of Tampa in Spring Hill. Thanks for the sub!

[@jenniewolford1631]

I know a homesteader that had that problem, she used and old pressure canner ring to seal that gap, worked prefect!!!

[@tesshomestead8019]

Awesome video thank you I’ll be getting my harvest right freeze dryer in a week 🙏🙏 . I can’t wait . Same one you have . I watched your video very closely on how to hook it all up lol . Guess we’ll have to get use to the loud noise . It’ll be ok . GODBLESS sweetie

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I think you will love it!

[@BucktownLady66]

It really does not pull a lot of electric, that is something I was surprised of 🙂 You can use the tray lids as pans too!! I got the same HR machine as you do an I LOVE it! There is more space between on the 4 tray but I have not found the space between to be a huge issue. I also ordered the pad insert for the front. I 100% of the time use parchment paper on every run. The banana after it is dry you can powder it when finished. I do freeze dry eggs about 60 at a time and powder them

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

OMG 😱 Cinnamon apples sound so good!

[@tinal7573]

Great video. Laughed when you ate the last one and said.... it tastes just like a strawberry, pretty surprising. :)

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

🤣🤣🤣 True

[@Moonchilling]

I’ve read that putting the trays into the freezer before putting into the machine helps.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yes it makes things run faster.

[@SteveMohr-yz1du]

Had a house fire a couple years back. Two large freezers and five small chest freezers thawed after they yanked the power. About $10000 (yes, that much) was lost. As someone who grew up hungry the thought of that event haunts me to this day. Most everything could have been freeze dried. Instead it was a great waste.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That is heartbreaking. I’m sorry that happened.

[@takforalt]

Excellent video. Subscribed. What size freeze dryer did you buy? It looks like the right size for me, Thank you..

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for the sub! It’s a medium size harvest right.

[@takforalt]

thanks again. @@HomegrownFloridaZ9a

[@dorcasbockelman2392]

I purchased the medium-sized harvest Right freeze dryer I agree they could do a little better on their instructions but still not too bad. Thankfully my harvest Right has ran smoothly and I have really enjoyed the things that I freeze dried. It is a large purchase for most people. I hope they will do better with their customer service in the future.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Agreed. I have had a great experience too and I love my machine so much

[@pamelacorkran8172]

There are little leveler you can buy that helps the water go to the back instead of dripping in the front mine did that

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Great idea. I’ll look into that

[@caryreprogle6445]

I live in Indiana and have the same fogging on the door. I have my machine in an enclosed breezeway which is about half windows, it gets very warm, I have fans blowing through the bottom of the machine and another on the pump trying to help cool both, if you force that backer rod between the gasket and machine it may set the gasket out to far, I some times don't always get a good seal just by closing the door, I have a small plastic prybar (made for auto molding repair) which I use to adjust the gasket with the door closed and latched.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for the tip. The backer ended up working for me but that’s a good idea too

[@terrieyandall9401]

Great walk through.

[@usamom]

Great job. I bought my HR a year ago for the same reasons as you. I also live in hot, humid climate and use a towel to catch the drips. Can you please ask your husband what and where he purchased the "tube?' And how to install it? Many thanks.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Here you go. It’s called backer rod foam 3/8. Pull the round rubber gasket off and stuff the backer rod between the gap in the machine and the metal ring. Then add the rubber gasket back. Hope that helps - amzn.to/46ZY3t4

[@jenniferbuette773]

So helpful. Enjoyed thank you!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EvaSimmons-w3b]

Mine arrives very soon!! Cannot wait, although I am anxious …. Will it be damaged and I don’t notice, will driver be impatient as I attempt to see if okay, will it work, can I learn how to use lol. Those type things, however very excited too! Nice review!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I felt the same way. The delivery driver said he delivers 15 a week so he was totally used to it. He even was helping me inspect it. No rush at all. FB has a great group called Retired at 40s FREEZE DRYING GROUP. I learned so much from it. Awesome group. But my best advice is start with something easy like fruit or veggies. Let the machine do its thing. Then let it dry extra time like 4-6 more hours. Works each time.

[@EvaSimmons-w3b]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a thank you! I will take your advice and thank you for the info on the FB group!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

My pleasure 💚

[@Lushuana]

hello what where the fruit yield results, i mean what was the weight of the initial fresh fruit and what was the weight of the freeze dried fruit?? does it weight less?? probably this could be a good way to take food in camping trips when you want to travel lighter

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I don’t normally weigh before hand but I did once and it reduced by almost half but I think that will be different depending on the type of food. It’s definitely much lighter.

[@Squishymarshmellow80082]

Yes! Roi calculations!

[@ridingvenus]

15:27 I go with bird feeding for lots of my waste…it’s less available to undesirable/accessible bugs & things like mice. I go with chickens..ducks etc but also to my wild birds.

[@susanwinthrop1893]

I received mine today. I'm in Fort Myers, i appreciate your post.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I hope you enjoy it

[@mistycarter9809]

Congrats! On the future list for us. ❤

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s a lot of fun. I’m running pineapple right now.

[@shirleyhagan9002]

Well done video. I was thinking about buying a freeze dryer. I was wondering about the cover that you can put on it before you close the lid. (I have seen harvest right use it) Would that have helped with the condensation that you were having? Your husband was pretty smart to figure that out!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yes, it probably would. I think they call that a pillow. They no longer come with the new machines but I’ve heard you can buy them separately now.

[@rosehemlow1339]

I’m with you on the reasons for buying the FD. I don’t like the texture of some canned food just like you. It’s been an experience that I am enjoying.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’m really enjoying testing out new things. I haven’t found anything that I don’t like yet.

[@HAL-2023]

How much was your whole set up?

[@debmcl37]

That is so cool. I have thought about it many times but I am not sure I would use it. I am curious to watch how you put it to use!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I have so many plans. I’ll keep you updated 💚

[@jenniewolford1631]

oh heck! i would love to have a freeze dryer! my broth instead of having to dehydrate liquid for days

[@ttw8749]

We are considering a freeze dryer for the exact same reason you mentioned. I have really tried to learn and understand pressure canning, but I have to say I am not super happy with the results. I don't love the flavor. Also, I love the idea of taking the freeze dried food in my motorhome!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Freeze dried food is so perfect for camping. We love it. So light weight too

[@Scatial]

Yes, please calculate the financial aspect for us! I've seen claims that it's cost-effective, but that's comparing it to purchasing freeze-dried food, which is too expensive to be a realistic option LOL. Also, people who intend to use it to offset rising prices don't take into account the value lost by not putting that money into an investment account or the possibility that food costs will level off and even decline sometimes. What if you put thousands of dollars into food storage expenses and you have a crisis that you end up borrowing on your credit card for? What if food costs level off, but electricity costs skyrocket? Still, I'd love to have one some day, if the price drops by half. I have to prepare all my food from scratch, because of sensitivities to food additives, so I dream about having a stock of ready to eat dishes on hand. Thanks for all the effort you put into this channel.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Absolutely. I’ve had it for almost a year now so I’ve really gotten to know how to use it. I’ll be sure to do a return on investment video soon

[@constructor5008]

One question: you said you needed to allow it to defrost. Can't you run a second one just immediately after the first? Thank you

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

No, you have to allow it to defrost fully. There is a defrost setting that speeds it up or you can just let it defrost naturally

[@mnp870]

I understand there is also a vacuum seal selection the machine. You can put in several jars at the same time.

[@hazelbellefarm476]

Thank you for the review. I’ve been saving my Pennie’s and I’ve heard so many horror stories lately too. I’ve been afraid to spend the money.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You are so welcome! I heard those too and I’m so glad my experience has been really good. I just pulled pineapples out a couple hours ago. Now those are addicting.

[@handle2468]

You would be right to be skeptical. As a FD owner I wish I’d looked in to all the fix it videos to realise how much can go wrong

[@blueraven2345]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@leashamcqueen3460]

Very good informative, thanks

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ladonnawoodley5279]

All the reasons you listed for getting a HRFD are the same as mine down to the cream and buttermilk...those where the first two things I processed (other than the bread) and mine requires a towel also. I didn't know that the first go round; and unfortunately, my owners manual was lying there and got wet; the pages stuck together...not good. Oh, and some candy does expand...a lot so take care. I love mine even though it is loud.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Haha. They certainly are very loud but I’m in love with mine too!

[@dianapagan8991]

Hi, congratulations. But i'm curious of how much electricity does it consume. I'm scare of the electric bill.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

This was a concern for me too. I did some research and the machine averages between 9-11 amps per hour. Usually mine runs for 24 hours or so and then off for 24 so I use it about 15 days a month. Depending on what your cost per kilowatt from your electric company is (mine is 13 cents per hours) I’m estimating about $75-90 extra each month. Once I get my first bill, I’ll have a better idea if my estimate is accurate or not. I suspect it will be less but I’ll keep you updated.

[@dianapagan8991]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a thank so much. You my need to look into solar.

[@sewpretty13]

Love this video. We bought our FD about 2 years ago. I love it. We do eat Paleo plus and it has helped. I do love rosemary especially if the herbs freeze dried. Not sure if I've mastered the basil freeze drying yet although I have tried. My grandkids absolutely love the Freeze dried bananas and I can't keep up with them! The strawberries take me forever. We did put our FD out in the garage mainly because of the amount of noise and heat it puts out. Trying to keep it cool out there. I love your videos.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@sewpretty13Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Mine does heat up a bit too but our spare room is the coldest room in the house 🥶

[@marcfruchtman9473]

Thanks for the video. I notice that you were able to remove the "Shelves" inside the dryer. Is there some good reason why they don't sell shelves that are larger, but cut the same shape as the dryer so that they can fit more food?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s because the inside drum collects a ring of ice. If the food is too close to the wall of the drum, it won’t dry properly. You can definitely fill the trays more than I did and it ends up holding a lot. About 2.5lbs of food per tray so 12lbs of food total per run.

[@marcfruchtman9473]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9aThanks!

[@micheleallaire2039]

How do you take air from mason jar?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I use a mason jar vacuum sealer.

[@catherinethecarnivorern8333]

I saw someone use something type of padding inside the glass, not sure if that’s available on the website but she was given hers by the company to review.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I’ve seen those too. They are little pillows. I don’t think Harvest Right are selling them anymore or maybe they are through another site. I’m not sure.

[@catherinethecarnivorern8333]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a yes!

[@nccgolden3626]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a i would love video of what n how hubby installed. Tnx again

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

Man I reallly really wanted one of these

[@catherinethecarnivorern8333]

Oh I want one!!!!! I think that’s awesome!!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s been running nonstop since I got it 😂

[@catherinethecarnivorern8333]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a mine would be too lol!

[@lesliemelby7633]

Your video was awesome. Can't wait to dig into your channel. Be well.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Welcome aboard!

[@ApiaryManager]

Other videos I have seen show a black cushion that fits just inside the door. This prevents the condensation on the door. Didn't you get one in your box?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

No. I think they stopped providing those.

[@sebitroncycling]

Thats so funny you mentioned about cooking too much food. I had a feeling i was italian too bevause of my cooking habits. After i took my 23and me it confirmed our italian heritage. So at least now i know im not alone

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Haha! That’s too funny

[@JJ-em4qq]

Where do you purchase the vacuum sealer on mason jar

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I got mine from Amazon. There should be a link to my Amazon store in the video description

[@nccgolden3626]

Thanks. I’ve been wanting to a H Freeze dryer for a few years now. Im glad i waited bc now they have increased shelves. Did y look at other freeze dryers before purchasing? Would love to hear about your research into your choice if you did. Look forward to to updates if your experience in this new journey. BTW have you heard of Sue Becker if not what she shares will blow your mind! Channel Bread Beckers. Highly recommend. Blessings

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I did do a lot of research and there are cheaper ones but I liked the customer support and warranty of the HR brand. Also, it’s the most popular so there is so much more info from their community to help with everything you can think of. I’ll definitely check her out!

[@jimtallmon5258]

I bought one then I/we are off the grid and don’t get the power to run it. So I have to run a generator for 30-60 hours at a time, or redo the solar system. 😕

[@VeritasOmniaVinculaVincit]

I got my freeze dryer because I got tired of wasting leftovers and fruits and veggies from the garden. I freeze dry all leftovers or food that I might not get to eat before it would need to go in the trash or be composted. It's also fun to freeze dry candy for friends and family.

[@VeritasOmniaVinculaVincit]

I also freeze dry canned food that is about to expire, so I don't waste those either.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I experienced this in the garden this year. Now that I have the freeze dryer not a single thing went to waste.

[@VeritasOmniaVinculaVincit]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Excellent appliance to have, I really enjoy your videos thank you for making them. 🤗

[@patwinkeller9254]

I have had my freeze dryer for about two years. If I had it to do over again, I would not buy the freeze dryer again. If you are trying to stock up a pantry, you really need a lot of space to store you freeze dried food. Plus the taste and texture are not really the same as before freeze drying. I agree some canned foods do taste overcooked or metallic. But you can buy a lot of good quality freeze dried foods for the price of the freeze dryer. We also so get a lot of warnings about the temperature living here in Texas. We have to use fans to attempt to cool down the freeze dryer pump even in our air conditioned house. I’m planting a lot of tomatoes this year so maybe if we get a good garden yield, I will fall in love with my freeze dryer. But honestly I doubt it.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I can understand your perspective. I’ve saved so much of my garden harvest using the freeze dryer and it has been so good to not lose anything to waste. I haven’t tried whole meals yet but I’m looking forward to that for our camping trips.

[@themorelans3515]

Best to use a moisture meter that way you don't use more energy than you need to

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Do you have one you recommend?

[@janinemahery7397]

I've been tinking about getting one in fact I did purchase one a couple years ago then freaked out and canceled the order and paid the cancelation fee. the things that made me freak were, 1. are we going to like the food when rehydrated or snacking on? I'm stillnot sure because I've purchased commercial freeze dried foods and didn't like them, I also purchased freeze dried strawberries but haven't rehydrated them so maybe I'll try that, 2. where to put it in my home to actually use it, I have a split level home where the living space only has 2 bedrooms and the downstairs finished basement is our business, a craft room and a hobby room, the craft room has a lot of space but it's directly under OUR bedroom, I'm concerned I would hear it running all night and the extra bedroom is right next to our room upstairs so still concerned I would hear it all night, is your extra room on the other side of your home and do you hear it running all night?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s definitely loud but more similar to a washer or dryer running. My spare room is on the other side of the house so I can’t hear it at all. If I’m in the next room with the bedroom door closed, it’s very faint. Like a soft hum. Harvest right does have a return policy you might want to take a look at. I believe there is a charge but it’s something to consider.

[@vonniemerriam974]

I saw you reset the initial freeze back to 0F. Do yourself a major favor and go back into settings and lower that to -20F. The reason many people are horrified to find some liquid items, especially dairy or sweet liquids, "explode" inside the chamber when the vacuum pump kicks on is be cause it didn't get cold enough to freeze solidly. The best way to prevent that is to simply lower the freeze temp to -20 which is even colder than your household freezer can get. Sometimes, even pre-frozen liquids can do that for that very reason. My Medium Harvest Right is going right now with 2 trays of ratatouille and 2 of cream cheese I was gifted. I personally feel it is much more cost effective for one or two people than for a huge household. Enjoy your journey into freeze drying!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Great tip. Thanks so much

[@taflinfisher3153]

I was under the impression they required a 220v plug in. Can they run on regular household current?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That’s the Large and XL. The medium and small run off a regular outlet.

[@conniebranham-b9x]

Information was great.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Thanks for watching 💚

[@Crazy.Sheller]

Yummy freeze dried strawberries are delicious

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

So good 😋

[@patriciavallandingham4729]

what is the weight of your freeze dryer, can you lift it by yourself?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I cannot. Mine weighs about 120lbs. My husband and I used a dolly to move it inside and we both lifted it up to its table.

[@cindywoods4645]

Congrats, very cool. I'm jealous . Let me know when you start a freeze drying business wink wink. Stay dry we are in for a wet weekend.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s crazy how much rain we have been getting! The good news is I haven’t had to water for 2 weeks

[@cindywoods4645]

Agreed, the bad news is I just discovered a wet spot on my new ceiling! Wha wha. Roofer coming Monday. I'm praying for minimal rain. Something always needs maintenance at the holidays.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@cindywoods4645isn’t that the truth. Hopefully it’s a minor problem and not a bigger one 🤞

[@beeguyNE]

So pretty much an infomercial for Harvest Right Freeze Dryer...Cool....I have repaired quite a few of these....most people in my area use them for skittles candies and other candies. It's crazy how much money they make from those candies! These machines are crazy expensive, but people are telling me they make their money back in a few months! Crazy!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That would be pretty crazy but those candies are pretty expensive so it’s possible. I’ve been thinking of calculating the ROI but I’m fairly certain it would take a very long time to make your money back on it. It took me awhile to move forward with purchasing one because of that but we ended up getting it for other reasons rather than just ROI.

[@debralabarge614]

Do they break down excessively? Why are you being called to repair them? Not trying to be mean. Need to know all aspects

[@chriscanavos2275]

@

[@chriscanavos2275]

@@debralabarge614from my personal experience with my Harvest Right freeze drier I can tell you that it has issues regularly almost to the point where its not usable.

[@beeguyNE]

We are a factory authorized repair center for their products. They do not break down excessively, there are just a lot of people who own them, and on occasion they break down, just like any appliance. @@debralabarge614

[@kimmididwhat]

*** You do not condition in FD’ing. *** That’s only used for dehydrating. Your food needs to be 💯 BONE Dry prior to packaging up. I think people get cindysed with the 24 hr upside down jar test to see if the fruit or veggie is bone dry ( never do this with meat, poultry, fish or dairy. It’s very dangerous.) When you’re doing the 24 hr test, you place in a mason jar upside down because the moisture will rise to the top ( which is the bottom) and you can visually see it. This test should not take longer than 24 hrs. At that time, you would put back in the FD’r to finish if you detect moisture. This is not the same as “Conditioning” as in Dehydrating terms. Conditioning in dehydrating is spreading the moisture left over into all parts of the food so as to not have overly moist pieces. Dehydrated food has a lot more moisture in it and that is the reason that it only keeps 2 years at the most. Please be very careful not to practice this with FD’d food as you can end up with Botulism in your food due to the moisture and the low oxygen environment. *** You need to be testing all of the food not just some of it, ( if you’re not comfortable with testing with your hands, eyes) because it does no good to test some of the food and bag it all if the untested part has moisture in it. 😃💕

[@jesuslovesyou9178]

Helpful!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Glad it helped!

[@aliasfred]

How much did your electric bill go up per month, if you use your dryer at least four times per month?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I thought I would see a noticeable difference but I didn’t. Maybe $10 a month but it depends on how expensive your electric is.

[@highwayhydroponics5823]

How is air going to come out a crack if it is under vacuum?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

The condensation actually occurs while it’s freezing. Once the vacuum kicks on and the trays warm, the condensation drips off and the door is clear after that.

[@boonmsgt]

Im not sure about getting into all that. 😂 I have a hard enough time getting veggies picked. BTW I have my garlic planted last sunday. It has been only a week and i thing i see sprouts already. I have never grown it before but looks like a grayish sprout barely protruding from soil. You said yours are sprouting aleady. Can you do a short or something showing what they look like. I have no idea 😂

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Absolutely! I’ll get a short up showing it. They grow fast so within a couple days you will be sure. They kind of look like blades of grass.

[@reneewewer]

i wonder what would happen if you used some type of flavoring in the water, and then rehydrated something? like... infusing the fruits with another flavor or something. like.... strawberry water infused into bananas?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That is a fun idea. You are a mad scientist. Love it

[@reneewewer]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9ahahaha. Maybe I’ll find a video of someone who has tried it 😂 And then one day I might be able to convince my financial advisor to let me buy one 😂😂

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@reneewewer you’ve definitely inspired me to try it

[@reneewewer]

⁠ lol ill def be watching for that video and hit up a friend I made on the internet if they have tried it too

[@jenniewolford1631]

Harvest right needs to fix that issue, they use to send a cover that went over the front then shut the door guess they are not including that anymore, maybe they should

[@hasaboeltigani6737]

How many pure g/lbs one tray will give for like: banana and strawberry?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

You can fit 2lbs of food in each tray of the medium freeze dryer.

[@gmwwc]

You feel for cold spots with the flat of your palm on the bottom of the tray. The door is going to be cold. A cold surface like glass, plastic, your cold beer can, what ever, is goign to condense moisture from the air which is never 100% dry. We just position a kitchen trash can to catch the drips.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That's a great trick for catching drips. It makes me wonder if there is a way to make a tray insert that catches any drips. I'll have to do some experimenting!

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

For us the ROI is offsetting the ever increasing price, decreasing availability of food paired with the shelf stable nature of freeze dried food. There is no worry if the power goes out. I’d freak if a freeze filled with food spoiled. Two years down the road and it’s still a good investment

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Good point!

[@themorelans3515]

Also retired at 40 has great content for freeze dryer beginners!

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

I started watching his recently. I’m getting a ton of new ideas. Thanks for the suggestion

[@kenashton32]

What size is that?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It’s a medium

[@kenashton32]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I’m looking at ordering a small or medium. Not sure which yet.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@kenashton32the medium is almost too big for the two of us but it’s great during garden harvest time

[@KitchenFairy61]

I'm running the bread in my new Harvest Right now.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That’s so exciting!

[@10xshooters]

I've read some horror stories on Facebook about Harvest Right Freeze Dryers. Machine problems and customer support problems

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

It is a shame to hear about those issues, I am lucky to have not encountered any so far.

[@JaneDoe42011]

The reason I'm buying one is because I'm single. I love to cook & do all the time but I end up wasting probably 75% of everything. It will be nice to be able to freeze dry individual meals so I don't throw away so much food.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

That’s a great reason!

[@cindyosburn9748]

The condensation may be happening because its humid in your house. not escaping from inside

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

True. I’m in Florida so that makes sense

[@cindyosburn9748]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a I am norther, in Iowa. I have tomatoes whole frozen, I want to freeze dry them. I dont have my machine yet. Its ordered. Any tips on how I can take from the freezer and make them dryable?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

@@cindyosburn9748I think your best options are to either defrost them and chop them up into small dice then refreeze or make into sauce or salsa and freeze dry that in its final cooked state.

[@frankenstein3163]

Does a freezdryer use more electricity that a dehydrator ?

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

Yes it does. It’s similar to a refrigerator

[@frankenstein3163]

@@HomegrownFloridaZ9a Cool. that's better than I thought it would be TY :)

[@stan4d1969]

Guest room was nice and quiet for the visiting family... but they did report bed crumbs in the bed.

[@HomegrownFloridaZ9a]

😂😂😂

[@PatsyMellen]

The rubber seal wasn’t as easy to take off or fix to seal to freeze dry.