Maintenance includes replacing vacuum pump oil if not using an oil-free pump. Then, there’s ongoing storage costs for mylar bags and oxygen absorbers.
Beyond remote service, warranty service is also important since the entire machines are costly and difficult to ship. Blue Alpine has an online store with plenty of replacement parts available for DIY repairs at reasonable cost.
At the heart of any freeze-drying operation are the trays and shelves that hold the items being processed. These accessories come in various sizes and materials, each suited to different types of products and freeze dryer models.
Em excesso Trays: Trays usually vary by brand and model size, but if you get a whole set of extras you can prep and freeze while the freeze dryer is running for a more efficient process.
By using our Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, we save money and get to use our garden’s excess produce. This means we have managed to build a reliable food reserve, knowing exactly what’s in each meal.
How do I rehydrate freeze-dried food? Most freeze-dried foods can be rehydrated by adding water. The amount and time needed vary depending on the food type.
As you can see, the capacity more or less doubles with each model but the cost does not. The larger models use more energy to process the larger batches of food as well, so don’t neglect energy costs when you compare these as that impacts efficiency as we discussed earlier.
I’ve worked a lot of electronics over the years, including working for the feds in electrical and electronics. Looking inside the unit, it’s obvious Harvest Right put a lot of effort into insuring trouble shooting and repairing their dryers would be as easy as it could be for people who know little about electronic and mechanical repairs.
Note: Warranty does not cover the logistical costs of repair, such as the fees needed to send products to Harvest Right or have technical supp ort conduct an on-sitio inspection. Likewise, misuse or neglect are not covered by the warranty.
Removing the moisture from your food is only one step in assuring it will be there for you months, years website or even decades down the line.
Even canned foods do not retain their original texture and flavor. In each case their water content is to blame. Freeze dried food retains only 2% of its water. When stored properly, it should retain its taste for decades and will probably taste better than plain MRE’s.
In addition to trays, vacuum pumps, and sealing systems, oxygen absorbers play a critical role in preserving the quality of freeze-dried products. These packets contain iron powder that reacts with oxygen to reduce oxygen levels inside sealed packaging.
These advancements make the freeze-drying process more accessible for regular household use rather than just occasional preservation projects.
If you are going trekking, or hunting in the deep woods, you need to be mindful of every ounce of weight you are carrying. The Em excesso weight of dehydrated or canned food can be a deal breaker.