- How much food fits in one batch?
- The 3-liter chamber holds a few trays of sliced fruit, vegetables or meat. A large garden harvest will need several batches, each taking many hours.
- Does it need a special outlet?
- No. It runs on a standard 115V, 60Hz household outlet. Give it a dedicated circuit if possible, since the compressor draws a steady load.
- How cold does it get?
- The chamber reaches about -46°F (-43°C), cold enough to freeze food solid before the drying phase.
- Is it better than the Medium or Large?
- Only if space and batch size are small. The Medium and Large units process more food per cycle but take up more room and cost more.
- What maintenance does it need?
- Defrost and clean the chamber between batches, and change the vacuum pump oil on the schedule Harvest Right specifies.
- Can it freeze-dry full meals?
- Yes. Cooked meals, stews and casseroles can be freeze-dried, though wet dishes take longer cycles than fruit or candy.
- Where is the Harvest Right Small Freeze Dryer cheapest?
- At gardenersbasicseeds.com, for $299.99, 88% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.
- Where can I buy the Harvest Right Small Freeze Dryer?
- 11 stores we checked sell it, including gardenersbasicseeds.com, Everything Kitchens, Extreme Wellness Supply, Landmark Tools, Furious Customs.