In any case, maybe it will help some newbie HR Freeze Dryer owners to answer some of the questions I once had.

I honestly think putting a thermometer inside the unit is an excellent idea. I sent the following note off to Harvest Right Support in an effort to gain a little better understanding of the process.

Ideal vacuum pressure and drying temperature is maintained for each material and preserves freshness and potency

Taking the time to be sure accurate air flow, drainage angle, and positioning of accessories such as drip pan can avoid mishaps, preserving you the two time and expense In the long term. A properly-executed set up is the initial step toward productive freeze drying adventures.

When it comes to Harvest Right, they have hundreds, or possibly even more stores (they keep popping up every day) and authorized resellers across the USA and Canada.

Walk-in coolers make it much easier to stash away food, as well as to easily grab out what you need. As with a commercial freezer, these commercial appliances have to be specially fitted for your kitchen space.

Despite whatever rumours may be circulating, appliance repairs do not always need to be frightening or outrageously costly endeavours. In fact, with skilled and hospitable technicians on your side – like the ones at Toronto Refrigeration – your fridge or freezer will be operating to the best of its abilities in due time.

I did have a vacuum hose fitting leak at the FDer port once. I had similar symptoms to yours. I found that the hose would slightly rotate even when the fitting was snug.

The differing vacuum levels during the system tests would be consistent with either a door seal leak or an drain valve leak.

Of course the bags were frozen right in to the mass of berries so it was quite a painful struggle to get the mess to the point where I could hack off slices of the berries to put on the trays.

Ready to shop for a Harvest Right freeze-dryer? I use and recommend the medium-sized unit. Click here to shop for current promotions and sale prices.

This product does not come standard with a new freeze dryer order. Current customers with an older model freeze dryer will need an adapter for the oil free vacuum pump. Harvest Right will provide the adapter free of charge.

Obviously things like ice cream and marshmallows you would want to let the freeze cycle run longer. When I'm ready to start the drying cycle, I open the door, remove the insulator, and check the temperature of the food on the trays with an infrared thermometer. As long as it's below -10F I start the dry cycle. A side note for TonyC, have you ever thought about attaching a mirror to each side of the tray rack to reflect the radiant heat back in to the trays? I've looked at some mirror finish stainless on ebay, and it looks like you could do it for about $40. Not sure if it's worth a try or not. I would think it would let you get more water out in a cycle because the radiant heat wouldn't be warming the ice on the chamber walls. get more info Just a thought.... Edited December 16, 2015 by Pipsqueak duplicate post (log)

Another option that can work well is teaming up with like-minded friends or family members to purchase a freeze dryer together.