Best Freeze Dryers for Home Use

So, is a freeze dryer the same as a dehydrator? The simple answer is no. A food dehydrator removes moisture from food by subjecting it to low heat for a long period of time, which causes the moisture to evaporate. A freeze dryer lowers the temperature of food in a built-in storage chamber, causing it to flash freeze. Then the appliance reduces the pressure in the chamber, which draws out the moisture.

Freeze drying food is an effective way to store it indefinitely. One of the main advantages of a freeze dryer over a food dehydrator is that you can use a freeze dryer to preserve foods that can’t be placed in a dehydrator, such as eggs or dairy products. Freeze-dried meals and stacks can come in handy during inclement weather, or any time travelling to a grocery store is difficult. Plus, freeze drying is a great way to prevent large quantities of food from spoiling, which is great for the home gardener during harvest time. Many culinary enthusiasts also enjoy using freeze driers to create artistic dish presentations.

There are two main types of freeze dryers on the market today: freeze dryer machines for home use and freeze dryer machines for industrial use. As one might expect, home freeze dryers are much more affordable versions of the industrial kind, but they are mostly intended for freeze drying foods, rather than non-edible substances. Before purchasing a freeze dryer machine, check the manufacturer’s specifications to see what types of foods can be used in it.

An at-home freeze dryer is a major investment, so you’ll want to be sure to find a model that suits your needs. Here are some important points to consider when shopping around. 

• Check the device capacity. Freeze drying a single batch of food takes time, so if you plan to use your machine frequently or use it to process large batches of food items, a higher capacity model speeds up the process. 
• Check the warranty. A freeze dryer machine contains of a lot of specialized parts that can wear out over time. Check to see what technical support the manufacturer offers, as well as how expensive replacements parts are and whether they’re covered by warranty before making an investment.  
• Check the control options and the display panel. The easier your freeze dryer is to use, the more likely you are to use it regularly. 
• Understand what type of food pretreatment is required to use the machine. To ensure the freeze-drying process is successful, you’ll need to know how to prepare food. 
• See if there’s a tutorial video of any model you’re considering online before purchasing so you’ll have an idea of what it’s like to use it. Ask yourself practical questions. Can you easily process entire meals in one cycle? Or is it best to process different types of foods separately? Do you understand how to load the food trays? 
• Check to see how much room your machine will take up. Do you have enough counter space, or will you have to store it after each use? Even some smaller machines can be heavy, so moving a freeze dryer often may not be practical, especially if you live alone and don’t have a helper. 
• Determine how much noise your machine will make during operation. If the machine is loud, it will be much more noticeable if you live in a small home or apartment.

Here’s a general overview of what you’ll need to do to freeze dry a batch of food. Although the directions for each machine may vary greatly, this should give you an idea of what to expect. However, be sure to defer to the manufacturer for exact instructions for your model.

1. Prepare the food for freeze drying. This may involve washing, cooking or blanching some items, peeling and chopping fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces, or portioning food into individual serving sizes.
2. Load the prepared food onto the trays according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to line the trays with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Avoid overcrowding trays. 
3. Select the correct time and settings and run the machine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
4. Store freeze-dried food properly. Although freeze drying will increase the shelf life of foods, certain types will still spoil or develop an unpleasant flavor after a certain amount of time. Also, vacuum sealing food after it has been freeze dried is always a good option. However, once you’ve opened a package of freeze-dried food, you may need to reseal it to ensure longevity. Do your research and check your instruction manual for complete storage details. 
5. Follow the appropriate serving instructions. Some freeze-dried foods can be eaten right out of the storage container while others need to be soaked or reconstituted with water before consuming.

Every freeze dryer machine will come with its own maintenance instructions per the manufacturer. Typically, all freeze dryers will need to be cleaned after each use. Plus, the vacuum pump or other parts may require servicing after so many hours of usage. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications on your machine to be sure you understand what maintenance is needed to keep it running safely and efficiently.

• A home freeze dryer is a major investment, but it can be beneficial for certain individuals.
• All freeze dryers require maintenance. Be sure you understand what type of cleaning and upkeep is required before purchasing a particular machine.
• Freeze dryers are rather heavy appliances and take up space. Make sure you have room for one before buying it.  
• It’s important to understand how to properly prepare, freeze dry and store foods to ensure they’re safe to eat and their flavor is preserved.

Here’re some of the typical questions consumers have about freeze dryers.

To determine if purchasing a freeze dryer is the right decision for you, consider the price, how often you will use it and how much money it may save you in the first couple of years. 

Yes, if you invest in a home freeze-drying machine, you can freeze dry food yourself.

Although the amount of electricity a freezer dryer uses depends on a variety of factors, an average estimate is between 9 and 11 amps for every hour of use.

The price of a new freeze dryer can vary greatly depending on the brand and the included features. Average prices range somewhere between $2,000 and $4,000.