DON'T BUY a SMALL HARVESTRIGHT FREEZE DRYER! ---Unless You Want to Save Money
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- Опубліковано 2 жов 2024
- Don't buy a small harvestright freeze dryer! That's what I would have said BEFORE the "Pro" model Harvestright freeze dryers were available. Now that all models have an additional tray and many improvements, the small harvestright freeze dryer makes sense for the majority of new freeze dryers. The cost is lower, the machine runs quieter, and the footprint of the freeze dryer can fit in the smallest of workspaces. With the added tray on the small, it can now do close to the same capacity as the previous model medium and costs several hundred dollars less. Before now, I had no desire to own a small freeze dryer, but now have added one to my freeze dryer "collection." Watch this video to the end to find out all the changes that have been made and the many benefits of owning a small Harvestright freeze dryer.
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Thank you for posting about the small Freeze Dryer. After 2 years I finally ordered one and it arrived today. FedEx was great and the guy even was nice enough to place inside my garage. Knowing it was about 100lb encouraged me that I would be able to bring it indoors. I’m a single women and despite being able to get help some things I prefer that everyone doesn’t know my business especially related to food storage. I watched videos on using a hand dolly and how to strap items on. So I was able to get it from the garage inside with no problem then tackle going down 10 steps 😅 which went well too. I ran into a problem when a ramp I thought I could use was too short and then I wondered how to lift it about 3+ feet since it was too heavy for me and the instructions said don’t use the door. Then I had an 💡 use my air mattress- I have 2. So I stacked the two mattresses on top of each other and pushed them up against the stand where I wanted my FD. I inflated the top one and the FD made a dip in the mattress where it was literally cradling it- but I still held it to be safe . Then I inflated the bottom mattress while continually holding the FD. Suddenly the mattress was level with the stand and I just slid the FD over. Now onto the bread test! 😊
Nice work!
OMG! Your headline scared me! I received my Small Pro model two days ago, after much thought and UA-cam viewing. I did the bread run and just finished a load of previously frozen chicken breasts I was super surprised to have that load only take 14 hours, with an extra 3 hour dry time. I am very excited to have saved $500 - I can buy more accessories! I am going to try freeze drying brownies next. Thanks for all your videos.
That's great to hear!
I know, terrible title to video, I almost didn't watch thinking to avoid the little ones, and pricing me out for now. 😂
It's been five months since you produced this video. Do you still recommend the small? Does harvest right sponsor you in anyway?
I am 68 years old on Social Security, and have been considering one of these machines for five years . this small one is very tempting but I need honesty about it. Thank you.
I appreciate the tip on the industrial pump versus the oil free pump. I have been in the thinking process of getting one of these for about the past 5 years. Everytime I start getting serious about it, the decision on what pump to get slows me down again.
I'll solve your problem. Buy the premier oiled pump. The oil less runs hot, it's loud and requires a rebuild after 2-3k hours. It will also cost you an extra $1500
@@live.life.simple. Finally bought one with your affiliate link. Thank you for all the information in your videos.
@live.life.simple. it's loud? It states that it is supposed to be quitter from other pumps
Have a small Harvest Right freeze drier - love it 💕
You need to change the title 😂. I thought you were talking against it. Glad I listened. Thanks for all the info you give to us
That's the attention grabber!
Your headline scared me - my new Harvest Right freeze dryer - size small - just arrived today. And yes I am surprised at how small it is. BUT - I'm totally new to freeze drying and I got it on sale - I just want to be able to make enough food for myself and my doggo, plus I already do have a lot of large kitchen appliances, so I think the small is going to be perfect. Thank you for your insights - I have a lot to learn! 😊🐕
It's click bait
I wouldn’t put the vacuum pump next to the outtake, I put the pump securely underneath. If you put a thermometer next to the outtake you’ll see the temperature difference. Also give multiple freeze dryers space to vent. Add some fans at the points where heat is produced, you’ll get a better functioning machine with less problems. If gfci outlet are installed, your large machines will trip… plan for space and temperature with these machines when getting proper outlets installed. In the winter, multiple machines will warm the room. Summer time the machines will need a somewhat sealed insulated room with a legit cooling system like a “Mitsubishi mini split” or a consistently cooled basement. Keep in mind the XL machine weighs about 400 pounds, this is not easy to move downstairs. A 500 lb. + Capacity Hydraulic Table Cart from home depot or harbor freight for example, will help move this system into easy areas of a house. Get the electrician out first before purchasing the HR machine, you will not be able to test it out obviously until the outlet runs properly. Make sure seals are tight and oil is filled to spec…because these are not fun machines to return, with restocking fees and work involved in taking it back to your store. 👍
I'm looking to buy a Harvestright freeze dryer and this review is very helpful...but now I'm debating whether or not to get the new small or medium version! Thanks for this video!
Glad it was helpful!
Do you know whether the new mediums and extra larges are also quieter and smaller than their previous models? I also notice that the height of the shelves in your medium are quite a bit taller than the new small. Do you stack things higher up on the trays due to that extra space or is it kind of wasted space?
The $500 cheaper is tempting but we are moving out on a rural homestead in about a year and a half and will be growing the majority of our food. We will have a couple of chest freezers and have a dehydrator too, but I'm wondering whether we'll wish we'd spent the extra $500 for the medium even though there are only two of us. When the harvest comes in there's such a glut of food to process! I also think about the possibility of making money by selling freeze dried product. Since we're retiring but want to stay active and financially robust, this is something to think about as well. Of course one always yearns for "the biggest and the best," but as we're going through our house of the past 30 years and I see all the "biggest and best" stuff that are crammed in my basement and weren't used as much as I'd assumed, I can't help but think it's time to stop being run by that and go with a small. If I go berserk and use it like crazy then it will become obvious that I need to upgrade to a larger model.
Decisions, decisions... Your thoughts and others' are appreciated. Thanks!
I tried to get a small, but inventory was backed up everywhere. I ended up getting a newer medium and am glad I did. The downside is that it is a bigger footprint and difficult to elevate to a platform with one person.
I'd consider buying two of them, will have to watch some of your other reviews
Thank you for covering the pro model.
I have a video coming soon that will cover all sizes of the pro model
This video has helped me a lot. I have been on the fence for 2 weeks about buying one of these. Now I know I want one. Thank you for this video
Also, don't order online. Call on the phone and ask for a dinged model if you don't mind not being able to choose a color. I saved 300 on a medium that way
Great! Glad to help and welcome to freeze drying!
Where do you get the cart you have for the small freeze dryer?
We JUST ordered the small a few days ago. So glad to hear about how much quieter they now are. That said, can it stay in the kitchen, run and still not be a bother while watching TV [or whatever else] or would you recommend in a downstairs area that people are constantly using? Thanks!
Depends on alot of things. Unlike a dishwasher or clothes dryer this runs for days sometimes with no break. The constant sound is more bothersome than the noise level for me. May be a different experience for others. I put mine in a far away room and I never know it's there.
@@live.life.simple. That makes sense. I set up an area in the basement for it when it arrives [which is out of earshot of everyone.] Thank you for the reply!
Excellent for sure, Thank you much!1
All I can say is that I live in Ottawa, Canada and I bought a XL model and it is wonderful. I wish we could toggle between Fahrenheit and Celsius as here in Canada Fahrenheit doesn’t speak to me . I have to convert to get the readings. The machine is efficient and I had no problems with the delivery. Harvest Right did a good job.
That's great to hear. I can see that it's frustrating not having Celsius. Have you checked all of the settings? I thought I saw that option at one point
Is there a lot of maintenance and upkeep costs for the XL? i wonder how long they last
Not just Canada. Only one country in the world uses unscientific measurements.
Finally buying the small one I live in a condo so I don't have a lot of room to put a giant appliance but with the reduced size having the increased capacity I think it'll fit my life just fine. I usually overcook and the idea of putting my leftovers onto a freeze drying try sticking it in the freezer and then when I have a set of full freeze drying and trays sticking those into the freeze dryer just sounds doable.
This makes me sad I didn't wait to buy my small Harvest Right. Mine is gathering dust in storage because it was too big and noisy for my apartment. I did go use it where it's stored until it wouldn't pull a vacuum. I got tired of running the test with good results and setting it up for a cycle only to return the next day to the alarm beeping instead of freeze dried food.
We were having a vacuum issue and went through all the fixes and found that it was the release valve. Very inexpensive and easy to replace. You might try that. Glad to see they have changed that part. Hopefully you will be able to use your investment again.
You could always sell it and get the small😅
In most cases, a vacuum error is a simple fix. I have a video starting with easiest fix to most difficult. Most are fixed with the first few troubleshooting fixes
for me even big is to small. XL is next.
A 7 tray xl should suit you
Always wanted a (more) compact freeze dryer, but can't justify the price for how much I'd actually use is it. Hopefully tech will make them more compact/cheaper for the average consumer
don't. The cost of running it is really high. Worst of all is the awful customer service. They do not fix any problems that may occur. Worst experience ever.
Can you provide a comparison chart on watts used during the vacuum/freeze cycle for all models. Energy is a prime concern to all owners
This small looks perfect for me! Now I really want one.
You mentioned you prefer the oil pump .vs the oil less pump. Could you give more info on that. Doing research for future purchase.
The oil less is expensive, loud and runs hot. Worst of all, it requires an entire rebuild by harbestright at 2000-3000 hours
@@live.life.simple. I just found your other video doing the comparison. Thanks for the information. I appreciate your channel and have subscribed.
What are the dimensions of the table that the small dryer sits on and the brand name?
Love my Harvest Right ... we have a Large, but there are some many reasons why a small would be nice. The extra capacity is interesting.
I have an older 3 tray small version that runs on a single 15A circuit, I'm pretty happy with it and wouldn't even want a 4th tray most of the time since that would complicate how much meat I have to cook and in what cooking vessels. That new 4 tray small one should be more than enough for most people/small families if you run it every single day. I went with a small one for its lower power consumption and so I wouldn't have to rig a 20A circuit. Now I'm happy that if I have to move the sucker, its still feasible as I start to get older.
I like the size! I’d almost rather get two smalls!
For me, it will be helpful for testing recipes!
i have had the large for 5 years...i agree i would rather have 2 smalls
I have the small and I love it. You can use any 15 amp receptacle to run it not having 20.amp one by one. Remember, you have to pick it up and move that heavy thing too.
If you send suggestions to HR … maybe go to rails not actual fixed cells so you could load alternate rows and allow for expansion of candy??? Dummies might overload the trays but at their own risk
That's a good idea. 👍
Why do these things need to run on a computer... why do they need to rely on updates ...
That part makes me uneasy
Does anyone know what this thing does to your electric bill?
The main moving part is the vacuum pump, maybe $1 or so a day in elctricity.
@@michaelwright1602 thanks for the reply! That's not bad at all. Think I'm jumping in and buying one
@@InfinitelyGratefulMine will be here in a few minutes, found it on sale at Tractor Supply... Already brainstorming on what to freeze dry.
I loved my small. We focused on oops meat and it was located in a conditioned area, so time was not a factor. We freeze dried so much in one year we ended up selling ours. Didn’t see any reason keeping it when we have so, so, so much freeze dried food.
good for one or two people like me😮
With the new small having the extra tray I don't see the need to buy the medium size unit for just one extra tray. the size difference between the 2 units is extreme for just one extra tray my opinion we also own a older medium size unit. The new small hold just as much.
They need technicians in Canada......that's one reason why I haven't bought it. No one around to fix it if something goes wrong.
Outside of the US, the next biggest market is probably Canada. That might be next for them
I am so glad I wondered into your channel by pure chance and what a Gift!
I am watching from Liverpool UK and would like to purchase the small black Freezer Dryer you emphasised on, because mine would be for home use only so, where should I even start🙆🏾♀️…
What are the prices like etc and where can I buy the freeze-drying book…
Please give me as much information as you possibly can to get me started and spread the word to my friends and family. It would be a dream during this time of my retirement.
Thank you.
Susan Smith
Hi, you can find pricing on the freeze dryers at affiliates.harvestright.com/416.html
We sell the handbook, cookbooks and lots of freeze drying acessories at www.freezedryingsupplies.com
HAPPY FREEZE DRYING!
Ordering one today. Using your link appreciate the information
Much appreciated. Glad to help
Thank you for the information! Two questions, which I plan on researching more immediately, does the medium have all of the same upgrades in materials, etc.? Do you know about sales in Canada? Thank you!
What is the rough percentage of nutritional value loss with this machine?
Food retains more than 90 percent of nutrients and vitamins
Thank you! this was so helpful to see. I will purchase a small!
i just recieved my Small freeze dryer about 4 days ago and the only issue I have noticed is the space in between trays. For example I put in some caramel apple pops the other day and when they were done I could not pull the trays out because the pops expanded up and out so much that it was almost impossible to get the pops out with out damaging them. Other then that it has been great. If anyone else has experienced the same issue let me know.
Candy may be an issue, but for most foods it will keep folks from over loading
I probably wouldn't get one of the Pro models if my primary freeze drying purpose was to do candy. Not enough room for the expansion.
Yes we have a new version large and the caramel pops make a mess, even Werthers chews cut n half sometimes hit the top, the got thing is it cleans off the tray holder surprisingly easily
i am 65 no family. no money. at the price of even a small unit just is not worth it for me. some other company's sell them at far lower prices.
but will i even be alive in 15 years? will anybody? when my grand ma Moore passed we dumped lots of her home glass jared caned foods. age unknown. safe?
i would be money ahead to just buy premade freeze dried foods.
I had put in an order just the other day for a large freeze dryer. Partially because of your video and because of current circumstances I think the small one will be a better fit. Thank you for these consistent videos
You got it! Hope this helped
We just got a new large and like it a lot except to our disappointment it doesn’t “sense” when the batch is complete! They emailed us an software update but am having a hard time getting it to load. Also we ordered an extra set of trays($100) HOWEVER they sent us 5? so now we can’t have a complete batch pre frozen and ready to go?
You have to unzip the file. You can go to Harvestright support drop down and they have step by step instructions how to install
Johnson Richard Wilson Jeffrey Thompson Steven
I would love a small freeze dryer . Do they deliver to the uk.
I believe so. You may need give them a call for international orders
Thsnks for the i fo on what pump to get and the new updates i really want to buy one
I love my small Harvest Right. Only after a month of use, I want a bigger one for more production. Having so much fun freeze drying for my family…they love the fruit snacks! Thumbs up for the company, machine and the product it produces.
I have had the medium one for about 3 yrs now. Lately, I've been eating some of the meals and fruits I freeze dried 3 yrs ago. It stays at my daughter's because the old house I live in is only wired for 15 amps. I'm sure people will like the newer small version. Sounds nice.
@@annwithaplan9766 how does the 3 year old food taste and does it turn out like oatmeal texture when rehydrated? i'm thinking what meat would look like and taste after a few years.
Gonzalez Ruth Robinson Thomas Lopez Sarah
Freeze dryers energy cost is way out there and not saving money at all. Dehydrate.
What happens if you don't let that freeze dryer set for 24 hours when you first get it
There could be oil in the internals in places you don't want it
Does anyone know if this would work with candy?
What is the roi?
but you should have stated the weight. ( yes possable to change).
Why did you decide to go with the premier pump vs the oil less pump.
The oil less is expensive, runs hot and needs rebuilt after 3000 hours
How much oil is required for pump change in medium? (It's most affordable in my country and available, as other machines cost 33k for smallest ones, when HR is 19k medium).
Would this be good for making homemade dog food ?
That's what I made my last batch in. If you are making very large amounts, you may want a larger unit. The small will do about 20 cups per batch
Does anyone think I could freeze dry chopped cabbage to make into sauerkraut later?
I just made a batch turned out great
Can We Use This For Candy ?
yes!
Johnson Mary Moore Jennifer Moore Paul
Is it delivered to your door or by freight at the curb? I’ve wanted one for a while but don’t want it placed on the curb.
fed freight will schedule a delivery
100% affiliate vid.
Thank you for posting this. We (hubby getting there) are considering a freeze drier. Before finding this video we talked about the medium. Is it safe to assume with all the upgraded you stated on the small that the medium has all the same upgrades? Can the freeze drier be used in the garage, not heated, vs in the house? Can you tell me about how much operational costs for electricity is on small vs medium? Could this be run on solar?
Do they also have techs in Canada?
where do you get table?
These came with my space, but I have my XL sitting on a table from Amazon. They come in several sizes
1599.00 @ costco!!
We would like to convert to a new Medium, but HR doesn't "do" trade-ins.
I believe you can purchase the rack only
I contacted customer support and was told no, you cannot upgrade from the 3 tray shelf to the new 4 tray shelf. "Unfortunately, you can not upgrade a 3 tray shelf from a small freeze dryer to a 4 shelf from the PRO series." that was the exact response I received just today. @@live.life.simple.
I really wish you had said what the tare weight was, that has been a major concern for me, is how would I get it in my house and lift it onto a counter, I am in my 70's , I live alone .
Are u limited to the size tray u can use in the small freeze dryer? Or can u use any size tray that Harvest offers? TIA
Just the small size tray
@@live.life.simple. Thank you
Why is the door not closing properly without pulling the rubber ring out some?
This doesn't seem to be available in Canada, yet and HR website does not specify whether they ship to Canada or not.
How do you feel about the extra trays? It seems like there isn't enough room now when you consider how much some candy expands. I just wonder if the narrow spaces will become an issue. Is this really an upgrade? Just noticed the comment right below me is wondering the same thing. Maybe a video discussing this would be helpful.
I think it's a great way to keep folks from overloading their trays. There may be a few candies that it will affect
our small only has 3 shelves and they look narrower; must have increased the small chamber size. We love our small
The trays are the same size, not sure if they changed rack width but unless you have an older machine, it should be close
@@live.life.simple. Bought it in Feb of this year
you can buy a new rack with 4 shelves for your old FD ezpz to change out!
Boy, these small units are nonexistent out here. I went with the Medium, found it at my local Tractor Supply for $2695, they are supposed to deliver it today... Finger's crossed, and it is the 5 tray, assuming it is the Pro Model.
You might have to order a dmall direct through Harvestright. The medium is the most common size, which is why you will find it at the big box stores.
Will they ever make an affordable high capacity model ? It would take years of constantly running one to build up a stockpile of food.
the XL does 40-50 lbs of food per cycle for less than $5000. You would have a years worth of food in a month
Yaaayyyy!!!! Welcome to the small club!!! 😃
🥳
how much money does this cost?
Pricing and specs can be found at
affiliates.harvestright.com/416.html
Nice to hear that Harvest Right now has service techs out there! I'll be seeing one shortly as my large machine has a slow refrigerant leak. One tip for those that hav the XL or Large machines, buy a set of medium and small trays for those batches that won't fill a large tray.
39 hours for a small batch of food is insane
Do you have to have all trays filled before you run a cycle? Also can you freeze dry different types of food in one batch i.e meat and fruit on different trays?
You can run a half load, it's not as efficient (for obvious reasons). You can also mix types of food, but certain foods will finish faster than others.
I was just looking at them, still on the fence..
Martin Maria Hernandez Kenneth Taylor Brian
Hello, I'm in Canada, found a dealer I can purchase from. Trying to decide on the small or medium. Is the small really much quieter than the medium. The other big difference I see is the electrical hook-up. I assume the medium also had upgrades from the old model to the pro.
All pro models have the new upgrades. Plugs will be the same in the US but Canada may be different.
Why is the medium 75 dollars
I have 2 smalls in my kitchen, the size was the reason as a single smaller batches work for me. Turn around time is quick on batches and I don't have to wait until I have enough full trays to process. I bought them a year apart, maybe now you will develop more items for smalls.
We will start working on lids soon, all other products are already available at www.freezedryingsupplies.com
What dose the oil do or what is the purpose for it?
How hot do these new small machines actually get?
I've read a lot of comments about the heat output.
Also, do you need a dedicated circuit for the small machine? TY
A small and medium can run on a standard 15 amp circuit, however if you have a dedicated circuit or one that does not have any thing else on it, that is preferred. The small does put out a fair amount of heat but air circulation is your friend.
Thank you so much for your reply! Also, we appreciate all the wonderful information you provide on your channel!
How many pounds raw weight of diced chicken or beef can the small freeze dryer process at a time?
20 cups, how ever many pounds you can get in that space
Where do I buy a small one there’s no links
I was looking at my customize button after I did the update. My initial freeze setting says OF. Should it be -10. Don’t know what OF means
0 degrees Fahrenheit
@@live.life.simple. thank you
What are the internal dimensions of the small tray for cutting parchment paper?
7 3/4 inches. I found that you can cut down a roll pretty cleanly with a table saw. Then it's just pull it off the roll and trim for length.
Can you have it in the garage? Or heat will affect the drying process?
high heat or extreme cold will affect the process. 70-80 degrees is ideal
Where do you buy a freeze dryer?
How much does it cost to run
Electric does it use
What table do you have to put your freeze dryer on?
Thanks for the very convincing video.
Here is the one my XL sits on amzn.to/3HXxb2v
@@live.life.simple. Thank you!!!
Recommending your channel and the small to friends who have been on the fence.
Excellent!
Nice little unit! I just have one suggestion:
I don't like the way the drain hose just hangs out of the machine like that. Why not take some sort of split (even if you have to make the split) rubber gasket -- inside fits around drain hose and outside fits inside the hole -- so that the drain hose is more stable.
I like that the vacuum hose is higher up.
We sell one as part of our upgrade kit www.freezedryingsupplies.com
It really should be a bulkhead fitting.