Oxygen absorbers can be used to protect packaged foods and organic compounds against spoilage, mold growth, color change, and loss of nutrition.
The technology behind modern freeze dryers stems from commercial preservation techniques now adapted for home use. As food security and self-sufficiency concerns grow, many households are turning to home freeze dryers as a superior alternative to canning, dehydrating, or freezing.
But, if the lack of maintenance appeals to you more than the extra cash in your pocket, the investment in the oil-free option might seem justifiable.
I also keep an extensive vegetable garden that keeps the freeze dryer and dehydrator running almost constantly. When not in the garden or the kitchen preserving the harvest, you will find me hanging out with my German Shepherd.
Regarding vacuum pumps, the Premier (oil) pump is much quieter than the oil free pumps. I have to listen closely to know my Premier is running. And I can buy two oil type pumps for the cost of one oil free pump.
Unlike conventional drying methods that often compromise flavor and nutritional value, the freeze-drying process preserves up to 97% of the food's original nutrients while extending shelf life by decades when properly stored.
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.
That’s the decibel equivalent of a running dishwasher compared to a running refrigerator. The oil change frequency also increased from 5 batches to 20 batches, making the already minimal maintenance even easier.
Whether your electrical wiring is up to the job – The larger freeze dryers consume quite a bit of electricity and require a 220 volt plug. If you have an older house or live in an old apartment building it may not have one. Also, freeze dryers can draw as much as 16 or 17 amps at their peak consumption.
Growing a ton of fruits and veggies in our garden is rewarding, but we often have gluts of certain produce that means we can’t eat everything before it spoils.
Every owners manual has at least a few pages dedicated to the machine operation, and it’s worth the time to go through them. I often skip over instructions myself, but there is so much going on with these website machines that it is worth the small time investment to familiarize yourself in the manual.
These are listed as source references. Please visit the manufacturer’s website directly if you are looking for a specific model’s manual to make sure you have the correct and most current copy.
Vacuum pumps and other moving parts in freeze dryers require regular lubrication. Accessory kits containing the appropriate oils and lubricants are essential for maintaining these critical components and preventing wear and tear.
Preserve your garden and homestead harvest with a freeze dryer, or stock your pantry to prepare for emergencies. Use one to freeze dry candy or dog food- the uses you can explore are unlimited, or you can even make a small business around it.