Freeze dryers are based on a scientific method called “Sublimation” where the solid state is converted directly into gas. Using this technique, freeze dryers can help preserve food effectively. As you are curious about freeze dryers, I can help you by providing answers to every possible query that pops into your head.
Freeze dryers can cost anywhere from $2100 to $15000. There are so many factors that affect the pricing, including material type, number of trays, size, technology, and if it is a home or commercial model.
Investing in a freeze dryer is a great idea to preserve food and avoid wastage. As we have unlimited stunning gadgets, but natural resources are scarce. So, let’s dig deeper into the whys and how’s of the freeze dryers before making a buying decision.
Why Are Freeze Dryers So Expensive?
The upfront cost of freeze dryers is too much for an average person, but the outputs it provides are worth the money. Here are some factors that put this sophisticated machinery in an expensive zone:
- As explained earlier, sublimation process requires fine-tuned machinery and a very strong vacuum to provide you with food that has a shelf life of literally decades. Freeze dryers work in a very civilized manner.
Firstly, the machine freezes the food so that all the water in it turns into ice. The freezing temperature ranges between -30°F to -60°F depending on the type of freeze dryer. After that, the pressure is reduced to a certain level. Finally, heat works on the frozen water to convert it into vapours directly. The quick changes in temperature and pressure help retain the cellular structure of food along with the nutrition. This level of vigilant processing of food is only possible with the help of a machine that is carefully designed. And, that’s the main reason behind the pricey tags. - Each part of a freeze dryer is expensive and the labour cost of assembling this machine is also high.
- When it comes to commercial freeze dryers, they are as expensive as glory because their functionality is more complicated than home freeze dryers.
Are Freeze Dryers Worth the Money?
Although the upfront cost of a freeze dryer is a lot, if you use it properly and portable food is your requirement, then this product is for you. Let’s check out some of the significant advantages and disadvantages of a freeze dryer to figure out if it’s worth the money:
| Disadvantages | Advantages |
| Frequent Oil changes | Better Preparation for Emergencies |
| Slow Process (Takes a day or maybe more to do one batch) | Healthier than Canning (nutritious and tasty) |
| Space Required (Not a compact machine) | Longer and Longer Shelf Life |
| Proper Ventilation is Required for Optimal Working | Ready to Go Food for Camping and Travelling |
| Mylar bags and air-tight containers are required to store freeze-dried food. | Make Pet Food at Home |
| You cannot freeze-dry every food item. | Can Be Quickly Rehydrated without Losing Texture, Shape, and Nutrition. |
| High Energy Demands and Costly Procedure ( power costs depend on the type of freeze dryer and the area you live in)
|
Lightweight Food and Compact Packing allow Easy Storage. (No refrigeration required). |
Freeze-dryer is not a necessity as you can survive just fine. But, if you are looking for longer shelf life and other benefits, then freeze dryers can make your life much easier.
What are the Best Freeze Dryers for at Home?
Although you can find so many options online, Harvest Right Freeze Dryers are the most popular option. Here are the best suggestions:
| Harvest Right Options: | Price Approximations to Date: (Subject to Change) |
| Home Freeze Dryer (small) 3 trays (7.75″ W x 14″ L x 0.75″ H) |
$2395 |
| Home Freeze Dryer (Medium) 4 trays (7.5″ W x 18″ L x 0.75″ H) |
$2895 |
| Home Freeze Dryer (Large)
5 trays (9″ W x 20.5″ x 0.75″ H) |
$3595 |
See all of Harvest Right Freeze Dryer options here on their website.
What’s the Difference Between a Home Freeze Dryer and a Pharmaceutical Freeze Dryer?
If you are confused between home freeze dryers and pharmaceutical freeze dryers, here is a quick list of differences between the two:
| Home Freeze Dryer | Pharmaceutical Freeze Dryer |
| Temperature Difference (minimum -40°C) | Temperature Difference (minimum -50°C to -105°C) |
| Made to work on food items | Specifically made to work on oils, herbs, compounds, and medicines. |
| Lesser trays and more space between trays | More trays and lesser space between trays |
| Cheaper – Small Home Freeze Dryer Costs $2395 | Little expensive – Small Pharmaceutical Freeze Dryer Costs $2895 |
| Smart sense of food and temperature requirements. | more sensors and controllers to maintain careful control of the drying process. |
What Are Some Popular Commercial Freeze Dryers?
Commercial freeze dryers work on the same principle of sublimation, but they have more space to do larger batches as the machines are so giant in size. They can reach a much lower temperature as compared to home freeze dryers, and have smarter sensors to maintain food quality.
Home freeze-dried batches are economical if we compare the prices with commercial products. You might be able to get 4-5 batches of freeze-dried chicken at home, and at the same price you buy only one pack from the market.
Commercial freeze dryers consume a lot of electricity increasing costs of the final products. But, home freeze dryers and pharmaceutical freeze dryers can also be used for commercial purposes (depending upon the usage). People can buy a number of machines to process various types of foods and herbs/oils at one time, but in different machines.
Is Preserving Food Becoming More Popular?
Yes! And, there are a number of factors contributing to food preservation including scarcity of natural resources, demand for portable food, longer shelf life convenience, reduction of food waste, etc.
Life is so fast and full of to-do lists that we usually end up having very little time to prepare and eat healthy food. This problem has a healthy solution which is food preservation. Nowadays, with the help of science and technology, we are able to preserve food without any harsh chemicals or compromising on the nutritional values.
Is Dehydrating Food More Affordable?
Yes! Dehydrating food is more affordable and we can dehydrate a number of food items in less time as compared to freeze dryers. The most prominent benefit of dehydrating is the cost effectiveness. Dehydrators are economical as compared to freeze dryers. Plus, there are some really inexpensive dehydrators available that anyone can afford as they only cost 30 – 60 bucks.
Read our article Is a Dehydrator the Same Thing as a Freeze Dryer to learn a lot more about food dehydrators.
Final Thoughts
Whether to buy a freeze dryer or not, and if yes then which one? All these things depend on your life requirements. Fortunately, we live in an era of advanced technology, and if your life can be made easier with smart devices, then why not!
If you have a family member who has a severe food allergy and you can invest into a freeze dryer, then why not.
If you are a mountain climber or love camping, freeze dryers can make your life so much more convenient.
If you want to start a small home based food business, freeze dryers will help you save time and effort, which means better profits in less time.
But, if you are already enjoying life and freeze dryers are not going to make a significant difference in your life, then you might want to ditch them.