WATCH THIS BEFORE BUYING A FREEZE DRYER! Medium vs. Large Freeze Dryer

[@BigChefTy]

Drench or spray the apples in citrus soda (sprite, 7up, etc). The citric acid in the drink will keep them from browning without changing the flavor like lemon juice. You can use the soda for multiple batches because it doesn't matter if the soda is flat. I have done this for years for catering on buffets to keep apples on fruit trays from browning for hours.

[@xMrjamjam]

Could you use apple juice instead?

[@itechnwrite]

@@xMrjamjam - Citrus is the active ingredient in the soda that prevents color change.

[@whiskerssnickerslittlestic2215]

Honey mixed in water also works.👍🏻

[@janetdw]

Used to do that for my son to take apple wedges in his school lunch. Works great!

[@nobodynothing2594]

Lemon water & also vitC powder works great too.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡DON'T FORGET THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LARGE AND THE MEDIUM: THE LARGE REQUIRES A DEDICATED 20 AMP CIRCUIT and A NEMA STYLE OUTLET!!!!!!!!⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ If you are wondering whether you should purchase a medium or large Harvestright Freeze Dryer, this should help!

[@ragusaf]

Why dont you try to do single item, same amount in both dryers... so 10 pounds of fresh xx in both.. and see what the time to finish ? If the large takes longer then maybe its not worth it.

[@schandler4958]

I am looking at the smallest version due to the weight of the dryers.

[@joshuamews6602]

Other factors to concider that he has already shown on other vids, is that the large has a special plug designed to pull more amps. So that's another cost to get installed in the house.

[@ragusaf]

If the Large is not faster for same amount same item (compared to Medium), then that would prove that its inefficient. If its faster then Large may be better. Lets go!

[@lindsaym.9784]

Great Video, I couldn't help but want to calculate the energy cost / the total ounces of food processed to figure out the energy cost per ounce of food. Granted this will vary by type of food ie. grapes. For your variety batch, the Large came out to $0.0188 per ounce, and Medium $0.0245 per ounce.

[@mrs.roboto839]

Wow thanks for letting us know

[@rebekahreid4993]

This is perfect timing... I was second guessing ordering a large (that I get next week) and now I am convinced. The price and dry times differences are small compared to the capacity. Thanks for confirming I made the right decision!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Perfect! I think you made the right choice.

[@marthaadams8326]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity so glad to hear that. Even though, I sometimes wish mine would hold more, it is just me and I have mine in the back BR, so easy to watch it and keep track.

[@theapplesfoodforestfarmacy1233]

An absolutely beautiful presentation. Thank you 🙏 so much. We will be purchasing the large unit through your provided link.

[@cammiebeierle6111]

It seems like almost a break even or at least not the difference it seems. You can run more cycles through the medium. For every 4 cycles with the large, you can get 5 cycles with the medium. 4 cycles with the large takes 188 hours. 4 cycles with the medium takes 144 hours. That's 44 hours difference which is more than enough time to run a 36 hour cycle. Thank you so much for doing this comparison!! I'm going to be satisfied with my medium.

[@dustbustr91]

as long as your willing to do the extra work and are always around as soon as its done to start the next one!

[@cindyrobinette2274]

I have been thinking about buying one. I now think it might be a must thing. Thank you

[@marthaadams8326]

The oil less pump is worth every penny. I am elderly and disabled and everything about the freeze dryer is easy (much easier than canning) EXCEPT the pump oil - I have my old pump if anyone wants to offer for it.

[@d.o.t.collector4728]

You seriously mite want to think about holding onto your old pump. Several people have mentioned that the oil less pump needs to be sent back to the company every 2-4 years to have work done on it at a cost of $350+, and there's the shipping of the heavy pump of $65+ depending on where you live. Without another pump you could be down for a few weeks while being fixed. Just a thought for you to think about.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I would have to add a dedicated outlet for the large. I don't remember you mentioning that the large takes a different power outlet and breaker. That is an important consideration.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I covered it in my last video, but forgot to mention it in this one🤔 Thanks for reminding me and everyone reading👍

[@HighlanderMikeGolf]

Another awesome review! My Premier Pump arrived after a 4 1/2 month delay. In my first batch after using the oilless pump for a year. Very impressed with the Premier Pump so far. Way quieter vs the oilless pump. What’s your thoughts on just changing the oil vs filtering and reusing the oil. I was thinking the cost of oil changes might be a little more up front, but might extend the life of the pump by using new vs filtered oil. Also $13 every 20-30 batches isn’t too expensive when you break it down. Love to hear your thoughts.

[@sandradelvecchio6894]

Yes I bought a large today, and now have to have our electrician come out. Luckily he’s available soon.

[@melindamorrison1]

My power is run off of solar energy. I'm curious to know how much draw it would be on my power ?

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

@@melindamorrison1 My power is solar too and I have the medium. I don't use it in the winter because there isn't long enough days to fully charge the batteries and run the freeze dryer. But I just ran it today and I think the top draw I saw altogether was 2.3 kW. I don't have the set up for the large.

[@Tolvor]

Late to the game here but looking the numbers with the power usage being on par because RA40 did not have a meter on it and the food was NOT the same in both units. Roughly the medium vs large, the med can do 24 batches to 19 on the large in the same time roughly. The tray based on his measurements are 517.50 Sq Medium unit inches vs 905 Large Unit, large has 42.28% more area or as RA40 says 1.75x larger or 517.50 sq inches x 24 batches Medium unit vs 905 x 19 batches Large, or 12420 Sq inches of food vs 17195 Sq inches of food or Large Unit will produce 27.76% more volume in same time as Medium Unit. Normal Cost: $3395 v $4095, lg is 17.09% more expensive than the medium. Unit cost on food is $3395/12420 = .2733 vs 4095/17195=.2381 this will obviously go down but for a base ratio the large unit is 12.88% less expensive per unit than the medium unit, with power consumption being equal and if he used the same food with the times posted the large unit is the way to go here if you want efficiency. I suspect if he did say all apples in both unit these number would be dramatically more in favor of the large unit that they are showing here. Large will be able to out perform the Medium all the way around as it should be.

[@onemoredoll5791]

How would this break down now with the medium freeze dryer having an additional tray? Would that make them equal? My kwh cost is double the rest of the country where I live 😒. Trying to justify.

[@tiffanyjones377]

Thank you for doing this comparison. I appreciate your videos as I look more into freeze drying. I heard about Harvest Right years ago, but never could get the husband on board. Now with the current world, he is giving me a thumbs up.

[@benman1407]

so lucky tiffany.

[@tGtg24689]

Awesome. Same with my husband. Finally on board.

[@andrewvillavicencio8496]

Great information, thank you. I am l leaning towards Large but need to factor in the additional cost of adding a direct 20 Amp circuit.

[@rachka8655]

Thank you so much for your videos. I have been looking into purchasing one. I love that you objectively give specific thoughts on each unit . To purchase a freeze dryer is an investment. The info that you provide helps educate my family on what is the best possible unit to purchase for our family. What a blessing that you provide. Thank you again.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Glad to help

[@4zooflorida]

I am considering starting a layaway for the medium freeze-dryer. (Some of us can’t buy one outright). Realistically, I probably couldn’t fill the trays in the large, except during harvest, so it would often run partially filled. I appreciate the information you are putting out there, it helps me feel more confident about my decision. The plug does make a difference, too.

[@susancolby6607]

Believe me you WILL FILL it up.... I wish there was an XXX LRG. JUST 1 gallon of milk fills up ALL 5 trays on the LARGE. there is always cheese, sour cream, milk, left overs, frozen veggies or fruit, that you can add if you HAPPEN to have a little space left. Ive had my LARGE for years and I have NEVER run a partially filled load.

[@shanataylor9349]

Layaway? They have that

[@penniewetzel]

I just bought a large because everything I've heard is that you buy as big as you can afford. But, I too am wondering how much I will be able to put in after the harvest is done. Might have to start doing jobs for people who want to prep and Pay me to do their work.....

[@melanieedge3943]

We have the large ones at work with the oil pumps. I bought the small one oiless for my personal use at home. Can’t wait for it to arrive!

[@dustbustr91]

your comparison approach in videos is stellar. really helps make a decision

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

glad to help!

[@folsterfarms]

Thank you for the breakdown! So the large dryer, even though it took longer, is less per ounce, hence less per pound, than the medium dryer

[@BackonTrailasia]

Finally somebody with the big dryer. Congrats. I have needed something to compare with for so long. Graphics is different in your display. Maybe I need mine updated. I just ran a batch of tomato soup. 6013 gram total. Reduced to 556 gram. That is the biggest reduction I have ever seen but it also took me 61 hours. With your 47 on mixed fruit I think 61 hours for soup is right. Thanks for the comparison.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You got it!

[@janacox3686]

I have a few questions I'm hoping Retired at 40 or anyone else might be able to answer: I'm trying to decide between small and medium. Is large batch with medium and thus fewer needed cycles enough of an energy savings to justify medium over small? I'm also trying to decide between PREMIER PUMP and OIL LESS PUMP. Many say oil less is the way to go, but I saw one review on youtube where the guy basically said you have to blow out the oil less every 5 cycles to avoid damage, which of course would nullify most of the benefit of getting it vs. the premier. Also, said that the company was (at least a year ago) backed up because everyone was sending those in for repair, leading one to believe the oil less is not maintenance free and indeed so expensive to fix you might as well go with a cheaper pump up front. Of course I have no idea who is telling the truth. I can't go to Harvest Right, because they'll just try to sell more expensive every time. Also, hear that all of these pumps are VERY temperature sensitive. They have to be in surrounding air of no higher than 72 deg F to avoid damage. That seems really off to me, but thought I'd ask. Related question...living in UT with large swings in cold to hot temperature in my garage (where I'd like to put it), how would this impact the drier life, efficiency, mechanics, etc? Heard somewhere that at least on medium and large units you have to plug in to a dedicated circuit. Is that true? Can you just plug into normal outlet without blowing your fuse box?

[@Grayson4life]

I just watched a fellas you tube where he addressed that and his was in a barn and did fine and Harvast Right said it would be fine. I’m sorry I cannot remember who that was. I’ll look but if I lose your comment that’s why o didn’t reply

[@Grayson4life]

Living Tradition Homestead. The one where they are giving away a Harvest Right Freeze dryer

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

Anxiously awaiting the large unit. Setting up a cottage business to process and sell cat and dog food at our Farmers Market.

[@LivingWaterEternal]

Suspend blankets above out of camera will help elongate bounce. Great vid. Thanks.

[@stillquestioning...6458]

We just got our medium size a couple days ago. We have raspberries and blueberries in there right now going through the process. Awesome review!!! Thank you for this.

[@terrymorris7518]

GREAT Videos! I just ordered the medium through your affiliate link. I'm appalled at the price increases on commercial Freeze dried food. Looking forward to the fun of freeze drying and food storage.

[@stevecrapo507]

Brian what % moisture are you looking for with your moisture meter? What are the tolerances for freeze dried food? I just purchased a large and want to make sure I am doing it right

[@deliber8cre8tor]

Great question... I hope he replies... I'd like to know that too....

[@ME-rv1pw]

Pretty sure if it detects anything it’s not dry enough

[@benman1407]

did u ever figure it out, Steve?

[@stevecrapo507]

@@benman1407 yah well I found that it better not show any moisture reading at all

[@paulgibson9465]

This is from HR on energy usage for large and medium machines: "Our medium freeze dryers use a standard 110 volt outlet. At peak, the medium freeze dryer draws about 12.5 amps, but on the average about 7 to 9 amps (990-1210 watts) of power per hour. A dedicated 15 amp circuit is recommended. Our large freeze dryer requires a 120 volt outlet. At peak, the large freeze dryer draws about 17.3 amps, but on the average about 13 to 15 amps (1800-1920 watts) of power per hour. A dedicated 20 amp circuit is recommended. You will get approximately 70% more capacity in a large freeze dryer."

[@randywoodard9701]

Could you do a video on the best food (most successful) you have freeze dried. I would also enjoy one on best freeze dried daily snacks. Thak you!

[@changesinlatitudebelize3432]

Love your videos. So informative. Would you elaborate on the watt meter settings, readings and usage please pretty please. Also a tutorial on customized setting on HR for higher and lower temps and when one might need them... Can you open HR during "drying" to re-arrange food?

[@KumiOriFarm]

Hi Brian, I am wondering how the comparison would turn out with prefrozen foods without the grapes. If the medium can do a lot more cycles in a year it could make the annual output closer to even perhaps tilting the preference towards the medium.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I agree. I will keep making videos and keep y'all updated!

[@reneebrown2968]

It would make sense to me to preference your foods to speed up the process especially in the large unit.

[@arandomperson2345]

Thanks for the comparison! Any chance you could make another video comparing the total cycle time and power consumption of the large vs medium, using the same volume of food in both? (ie, not putting more food in the large)? Being off grid, cycle time and power consumption are important factors, and the information on the website is contradictory.

[@valeria2930]

Wonderful. I didn't see this video before i bought mine. I went ahead and got the large. Since I'm using it in my startup.

[@JaneDoe42011]

Have you considered doing this video again with the XL size?

[@daven953]

First vid of your's I've watched. A very comprehensive comparison. Something I have been wondering for a while now. Still not ready to buy one yet. But looking forward to perusing your other vids for real reasons to buy one and get started at it. Thanks.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Sure thing. Let me know if you have questions or concerns

[@jerrysmith372]

Great video Brian. Indeed the large, in my opinion is the best value over all. As you know, I've had my large and oil less pump since Dec 2018 and run it almost 24/7. Factor in all the costs when comparing to commercial freeze dried foods, and the HR will pay for itself in less than a year. I have no regrets buying the large dryer. Best prepping tool I own. Thanks again - I watch every video you put out. Catch you on MeWe. 😎

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Now that i have one, I wished i would have gone for the large 3 years ago! Better late than never. Hopefully, this video will help others from making that mistake.

[@mimiashford5544]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity It's not really a mistake for some of us who are alone or just a couple & don't need masses of stored food nor have the time to be processing 24/7. We got the medium bc it's compact, does enough food for us (and to have some extra should someone be in need) when we have the time to devote to processing foods. The cost was also an issue, (which included the sales tax) & would have made the large almost $900 more in our area. Additionally, the dedicated circuit would have been an issue for us & the medium just plugs into a regular outlet. This was important to us. We are very happy w the medium & grateful that this technology is even available now to the general public as it really does help w/ being more efficient in having food storage PLUS, the most important thing to us, we know EXACTLY what's in the food we're drying & saving.

[@deborahbailey5320]

Very informative, Thank you.

[@ctbrodie]

I wish you could have briefly touched on the issue of the large one needing its own dedicated 20 amp circuit. I know it needs an electrician to come take care of that but what does that cost and how much of a hassle is that to get done?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I did leave that out of this video. The expense will depend on lots of factors. If you have an older home or don't have room in your panel, I'm not sure that it's worth doing. I would just go for a medium and not mess with running the dedicated 20 amp.

[@shandysgarden]

Buying one in 2 weeks!!! You got me off the fence. Im going LARGE

[@markmoffitt4699]

Simply a great channel strong work!

[@DentureDEP0T]

We just ordered the large stainless through your link. I hope you get a nice kick back, you deserve it. Great video’s! I do have one question. Will setting it up in a garage that frequently get very warm, have a negative effect on the performance?

[@susananderson1071]

How much do they weigh? How difficult is changing the oil with each pump?

[@trina8350]

I wouldn’t get the oil free pump. It costs a lot to have it maintained. It isn’t plug in and forget it. You still need to do maintenance with it continually. When the seals go you have to send it in for a cost of $375 USD to have the seal replaced.

[@pokerstar81]

If you were to be buying your first unit im thinking medium would you even consider the large the price jumps alot I think I'd rather put that towards the oil free pump.

[@thegeekconservative6593]

I've been working for a while now on getting the small, really wish I could find more videos on that size but there isn't much out there. All I can possibly afford is a small and it's a huge stretch at that.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I would recommend saving or waiting and going for the medium.

[@thegeekconservative6593]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity I respect you and your opinions, but I'm not In a situation where I feel like I can get away with spending the extra. I wish I could save for the medium, I have 5 kids, if I save that much money something will come up that I will have to spend it on, like car repairs or some other unforseen thing. The small is the best I think I can do any time for the foreseeable future and I feel like it's that or nothing.

[@thegeekconservative6593]

@@TheOfficialArthurMorgan wow dude

[@kkwms]

I live in an apartment. Could you do a review on a small Harvest Right? I think I could fit a machine in my clothes closet but, in addition to other specifications, I'm wondering about the decibel level. Would the noise level be so high, making it difficult to go about a normal day in the apartment? Or, would the noise level be manageable....say, about the same as a washing machine or dishwasher? Thank you. Love your videos.

[@R3LI2UI]

Thank you Brian for your content. My wife and I recently retired and are expecting our brand new large dryer to show up today; very excited! After watching the first couple of videos I've subscribed and am looking forward to learning a great deal as we go through the experience together

[@rickssmokehouse4211]

As always brother, great content, great info. Thanks for yr time. God bless

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Very welcome, much appreciated

[@joannesmith6819]

Thank you so much for the comparison!! I've been wanting a freeze dryer for years and wanted to know the practical differences between the two. Helpful! I'll subscribe and join you on mewe 😊

[@donaldmackarous6249]

Thank you for your great videos, please let me know where I can buy these tray stack corners (green), Kind regards.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Www.freezedryingsupplies.com

[@AI5HV]

I was going to mention that you need a dedicated 20 AMP circuit for the large unit. Most people probably don't feel comfortable doing this themselves and would require and electrician to make this happen.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Very true

[@MsAjax409]

The higher efficiency of the large is noteworthy. Freeze drying 75% more food does not take 75% more energy or 75% more time.

[@mikegreb9766]

Love your channel, just signed up for your Facebook group, will use your affiliate link in fall when ready to order. Now that I buttered you up here is my question. What about electrical needs? It is my understanding tht the medium requires standard 110 plug (dedicated is prefered) where the large requires a special 110 plug.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Large and xl require a dedicated 20 amp circuit. The plug needed is a nema 5-20. We appreciate your support

[@dennisknott9347]

I’m curious if the power consumption is the same throughout the whole cycle or if there are times when it peaks. I ask because we live off grid and can make most of the suns power during the day but would be relying on our batteries or generator once the sun goes down. Would be great to be able to time the cycle accordingly.

[@victoriabell4436]

Something I haven't seen mentioned. If I don't remove the food immediately at the cycle end, the machine refreezes the food, which is great for convenience, however, in my Illinois humid summers, when I remove frozen food, humidity immediately condenses on it. This is easily avoided by turning on the tray heaters for half an hour before removing the food. On my older HR, all I do is hit 'more dry time' and set it for half an hour. When I remove the food, it's warm and humidity doesn't condense onto it.

[@davidschwartz2398]

I wish you completed your cost analysis by providing the cost per pound of finished food for your example. I realize that this figure will change based upon initial moisture content of the food.

[@markjohnson9402]

Hey man great videos ! Does pre freezing in a freezer, reduce time in the freeze dryer, thanks

[@Pria7722]

Hello sir तुमचे व्हिडिओ खूप छान असतात. I live in India.. tell me how can I get freeze dryer.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

affiliates.harvestright.com/416.html

[@SandraHenslee]

Thanks for your comparisons and testing. We are learning a lot! Could you tell me where you got your cart for the new Large dryer? We are waiting for ours and looking for a cart that isn't super large.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Mine is from Harbor Freight. Lots of folks have had good luck with the Uline carts as well.

[@smithlotravels364]

I AM A NEW OWNER ! TWO quick questions, Have anyone ever run a cycle without all the trays full? Then do you keep the empty tray in ? Also I know the cushion isnt necessary for the newer model, but what kind of fabric is it made out of? Kind of like a nylon ?

[@JodyWagner-j3q]

Where can we get the moisture reader? And do you recommend the mats along with the tray covers?

[@mrpush2855]

Hi, Can you do a $per/oz of Finished food prepared? What I am after is the least amount of time per cycle, also for wear and tear on the unit and pump. I believe that larger machine should lose efficiency over the smaller as we saw with the much slower freeze times etc. So I would be interested to see a $/oz/cycle cost. Would have to measure the BEGINING weights, and end weights of just the food, then divide by the cycle time. I believe this should show the efficiency difference in the two machines.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Longer times would make sense because the large is doing 1.75x more food than the medium.

[@Ldybugsrus-Nadine]

You missed one of the biggest differences... The NEMA plug. For people who rent getting an outlet changed to accommodate may not be an option. I bought the medium last summer and partly because of cost but mostly because I didn't want someone in my house during the pandemic to change out an outlet.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You are right! I covered that in my previous video. Large Freeze dryer requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit with a 20 amp outlet. If you don't have one in your home, it needs to be run by an electrician which can be an unforeseen expense.

[@Countcho]

Great comment. I rent so Ill need to get the medium

[@47retta]

I am wondering if i should get a small one vs a medium, because prepping that much food at one time sounds exhausting. Also i live alone and don't have much energy.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

In my opinion, the small is a waste of money. Its just too small.

[@barbarabaker5067]

I think it matters how you load the trays. If they are piles close to each other it takes more time

[@eddienester4920]

What are those green stackers on trays and where do I get em. Love ur videos

[@DanVerellen-oe9eo]

My large freeze drier only freezes at the back of the chamber and the ice surrounds the upper and lower trays with ice and you can't get them out unless you thaw. ? Have you had this problem ever? Harvest right won't help Thanks Dan

[@astatine0085]

But you can also pre freeze trays to shorten that cycle

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You are correct 💯 %

[@astatine0085]

Does it matter how we set up the pump? You have yours up tall and I have mine down flat the way it came in the packing

[@herotaco]

Great video as usual! I don’t know if you’ll notice the same as I do with my Large FD but it seems like just about all of my cycles, regardless of what I’m drying, take north of 40 hours.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

So far, my medium size average is around 28 hrs. and the large is around 40.

[@lgriffiths1621]

Do you notice your new medium cycle times differing from your old medium? I’m running two mediums (trying to decide if I should upgrade to a large and sell my two 2017 models) and they run a long time to get things completely dry. On average 40 hours. Our electric bill is almost unbearable at this point.

[@makingawesome8730]

what if you put the same amount of food in both size freeze dryers would the cycle times be more or less the same? the main difference in time is the volume of water and thermal mass inside the chamber right? since they are running on the same pump specs?

[@miriambu8528]

Thank you so much, greetings from Germany

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

🖐

[@alanross2876]

Thanks for the video. Do you know approx how much weight of bananas you could do in the large machine and what the freeze dried weight would be?

[@katherinefiedler302]

Thank you so much for your informative videos! can you please tell me if the oil pumps put out oil & moisture vapor in the room, does it adhere to surfaces (walls & furniture) requiring regular degreasing?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

It does put moisture into the air, not sure about the oil vapor. I suppose some amount of oil is released with the water vapor? I have not noticed any layer of oil on anything in the 4 years i have been freeze drying

[@devinallensen6493]

Awesome video! I have a question. What are the dimensions where the feet are for the medium size. I have one on the way and I have a table that is 36”x22”. Thanks!

[@carolstrickland6979]

Thank you. I am just starting to think about getting one. Blessings

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

You are so welcome

[@columbiariveroutdoors3267]

subscribed! new fan! bell clicked

[@Martina1192]

What’s the moisture content supposed to be to be fully dry to store? 0%? What’s supposed to show on that moisture meter? Thanks!

[@judithzulu9337]

Hi Your videos are really helpful. I have decided to do a freez drying business. I am therefore writing a business plan. Apart from the freez drier, what else do i need?

[@Shanmammy]

I’ve decided on the medium but would like your advice. I’m 67 year young woman, who isn’t mechanical. Should I splurge for the no oil motor? I don’t know what’s best... thanks for all the info!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

The oil changes on the premier are few and far (every 20-25 cycles) between and doesn't require any tools and it's quiet. I have the current model oil less on order so i can't speak 100% to whether or not you should buy one. It would depend on if you can justify the cost difference.

[@Shanmammy]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity after watching your video on how to change the oil... duh! I think I can do that! I can’t imagine the oil less would be worth it. I’ll be interested to see what you think!

[@Tonia.lynn2411]

I was told you can stick them in the freezer for 2-3 hours and cuts back the time and energy used...

[@shadowmist1246]

Those time differences are significant. I wonder what the difference would be if you pre-freezed?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Medium times are always faster, but the large is processing almost twice the amount of food

[@shadowmist1246]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity With respect, that really wasn't my question as it was clear from your video: t:38:14 for the medium (less volume) to t:49:49 for the large (more volume). That was including the freezing so I was curious about the time difference if one were to pre-freeze. It would also improve the electrical efficiency difference as well. You may not have this info and that's ok. Thanks for the video.

[@fleebin2794]

Just can’t afford the large, so for me it was small bag medium. Medium won.

[@Sunshine-nr6qe]

Thank you for this...been trying to decide between the 2! I see you always have full trays.... is it ok to run with less than full trays or should you always fill the trays? (Not sure I would always fill the large except for garden harvest time)

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I just keep an extra set of trays and when we have leftovers, i put them in the deep freeze until I have a full batch.

[@neXtFriarTuck]

I would always prefer to run a full batch myself and have each time I run the FrzDryer. In my opinion its better to wait till you have a full batch than running a couple of small batches. Brian is right. If you always have something frozen waiting to be FrzDryed then you can always run a full batch. Its just a matter of planning couple of batches ahead.

[@flintstonegirl3372]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity I don't have a fd yet, but I'm about to get 1! I don't understand this comment. Do you put your left overs on a tray in the freezer (covered) or just put the left overs in a container until you have enough, then place it on the tray? Thanks for your help & your videos❤

[@ms.anonymousinformer242]

@@flintstonegirl3372 He bought additional trays, so they go in the freezer directly.

[@wisteria4981]

I used your affiliate link to buy one of these moisture meters but I’m not sure the number range I’m looking for on it to make sure my food will be considered dry. The options it mentions is wood or building materials so not sure about this. Could you please let me know the range I’m looking for to make sure my food is dry? Thank you in advance.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I no longer get use a moisture meter, I use a thermal camera. Only very expensive moisture meters are consistantly accurate.

[@Iamandthatiam]

Is there another better priced company on the market? Is premium pump the oil less one?

[@paulgibson9465]

Looking at purchasing a large for food storage and a small pet business. Currently, the premier pump is included for free. Do you still stand by the superior value and longevity of the large with premier pump over the medium and oil less? Also, any updates on the times and costs per oz/batch?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

If you are doing g this commercially you will want the large. As for the pump, the oil less required a rebuild after a period of time and is louder, the premier that I have is the first gen, built a little better than the ones now (in my opinion). My sister in law has the 2nd gen and has had 0 issues with it. As I see it, oiled motors are always going to last longer

[@paulgibson9465]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity thank you! That helps. Great content! I'll use your affiliate link and store to be sure.

[@BowWowPewPewCQ]

How can there be the same components inside when the large has a higher current draw?

[@richardstevens3461]

Where did you get the portal cover that prevents outside condensation on the 'glass'?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

There is a lady in our Facebook group by the name of Joanne Logan

[@janicerowberry7966]

where is the best place to set up a large HR and what kind of cart do you put it on ?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

I would recommend putting it in a basement or spare bedroom

[@glennda1939]

I have a medium Harvest Right freeze dryer which I've yet to use. I'm curious, you stuck various fruits to dry. Do different foods pick up different flavors, like bananas that taste like grapes etc?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

bananas can spread flavors to other foods but other than that, it's foods like onions, garlic and spicy things

[@glennda1939]

@Live.Life.Simple. thank you so much! So thankful to have found your channel.

[@eyeswideopen5517]

The Large also requires a dedicated 20 amp circuit. 110volt. An extra expense if you have to pay an electrician to make that happen.

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

👍

[@lucindaboren2996]

What would have been the cost of the food it it just sat in the fridge. Which is would be for several days till eaten..... Or developed some pencillin on it and was wasted before it could all have been eaten.

[@JH-tj9jd]

Premier pump is currently only a $295 upgrade.

[@tdgreenbay]

I'm looking to purchase one of these... I'm looking at the large one... looking to preserve Various Food items... trying to learn to freeze dry ingredients mainly then put together the ingredients for meals ready to rehydrate... however my freeze dry plans to do alot of eggs

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Eggs do great!

[@tdgreenbay]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity I'm probably gonna get the freeze dryer and my Pressure canning stuff becuase I am planning on preserving alot of stuff in 2 years... I've like these freeze dryers since they came out and the layaway plan they got fits me great...

[@marthaadams8326]

@@tdgreenbay Don't forget dehydrating. Depending on where you live, you can hang dry a lot of things, but where I live now, won't work. But, dehydrators are easy and give you some good product (only issue for health is less nutrition is preserved than the freeze dryer) I use both all the time.

[@tdgreenbay]

@@marthaadams8326 dont wanna dehydrate anything

[@marthaadams8326]

@@tdgreenbay okay I do a lot of my hens eggs because getting close to maybe giving them to a neighbor. Lots of work due to wildlife. Mine are VERY safe, but some of the critters have managed to get in anyway.

[@AdmiralPreparedness]

I'm glad I purchased the medium with the premium pump. Now where to put it so I can start using it...... Definitely going to grab a hand meter from you. Thanks!!

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Right on!

[@GMperformanceOWNER]

Anyone know the size of the table space depth needed for the new medium? The size between the front/back legs.

[@BruceS42]

Given that the large requires a dedicated 20A circuit, it seems clear that it uses *way* more power than the medium. This implies that the main components, which are drawing the most power, are not the same between the medium and large. The big advantage of the large is that you can do more food at once, right? But if it takes a lot longer to run, that means fewer batches of food, so that seems to make it less attractive an option. I feel like there must be something else I'm missing here. With the large using so much more power, why can't it keep up with the medium despite the larger batch size?

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Large does twice what a medium does and cycle times are only slightly longer. I would imagine that the start up wattage is why it needs a dedicated 20. Once running, they are probably pretty close. They do use the same vacuum pump and heat pads. As far as the refrigeration, I'm not sure

[@BruceS42]

@@thefreezedryingcommunity The start-up...that's when it's working hardest to drop the temp? I guess the numbers just weren't making sense to me. But yes, a high peak power doesn't mean it's using a lot more on average. Using the same vacuum pump to empty a larger volume makes sense for it taking longer. It will be a while (probably) before this is any real concern to us, but I suspect we'd go with the "medium". Maybe have two, with batches offset, if that makes sense.

[@saritabetech9873]

Hi I love your video you have been helping me a lot My teenage daughter wants to buy a machine like this to start a business for candy do you know how long does it take to freeze dry candy ? Please 🙏🙏 If you have an email where I can ask you a few questions 😊😊

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

Two hours or less does most candy

[@ArchMedia01]

What moisture percentage should freeze dried foods be at to be considered done? thanks in advance

[@thefreezedryingcommunity]

0 percent

[@myfigfinnesse]

This is neat information. Thanks.

[@milagrosripski3805]

I have a few questions please when ever you can find time to answer. If you don't want to be up late at night to monitor this and the final cycle does end in the middle of the night? 1- Can time be added then? 2- Would the food sitting there be ruined until time is added? 3- How much time do you know you need to add? 4- Can adding more time than you probably should hurt the food or machine? 5- Will the large work on a dedicated 220 outlet? 6- I'd have to keep this in our shop or garage. Any advice on how to protect from possible dust, paint sprays etc. A- Build a cabinet with holes to vent or some sort of draping around unit. I'm leaning toward building cabinet with vent holes in back bottom. I'd certainly appreciate your response. Thank you.