Removing water quickly is very important because the longer a harvested plant or compound retains water, the higher the chance it has of spoiling, losing nutrition, and losing potency.

The entire process is automated using highly intelligent built-in sensors that know exactly when the food is properly freeze dried. Just press start and the freeze dryer will beep when finished.

It’s always best to buy directly from the manufacturer, and many companies list their products online to view, although not all list prices online.

Then I hit the Ice edge with a large flat blade screwdriver and the entire sheet comes loose in one piece. I may try the gun again using your technique.

We have two freezers in the garage as well. All of these machines generate heat and humidity. Our FDer front regularly sweats up an storm and water drips off the door and from around the entire chamber perimeter down the front of the unit. It got so bad that I taped a plastic shield above the display to route the water around it. You can see the water on the door and on the stainless steel front past the 4 screws on the unit.

Of course, if someone used a larger can, say a #10, that is bigger than the top of the container that surrounds the filter and captures the oil, then the "disk" wouldn't be needed at all. In that case, an AN8 fitting might work -- or maybe there are longer ones out there somewhere.

Buying a freeze dryer in person gives you a better sense of how big it is, while you can also get hands-on advice from the professionals working at the store.

Back from our trip I turned the unit on and to my dismay found that the display was missing the middle two lines.

Don’t buy freeze dryers from companies that lack certifications or a valid history of quality assurance.

Karla Abreu says: 2 years ago I just think pressure canning is the easiest way to preserve food and know it is totally sterile. And it is relatively easy

Ready more info to shop for a Harvest Right freeze-dryer? I use and recommend the medium-sized unit. Click here to shop for current promotions and sale prices.

5 Posted September 16, 2015 Thanks dsheidt. I was afraid that the AN8 fittings I could find might not be long enough to provide the space needed so that the oil could flow over the top of the filter, especially given my "disk" method of holding up the can.

Before you know it, you’ll be storing food and experiencing the many joys that cooking has to offer.

And once you have resolved your issue I hope you will stay around and talk to us all about what you have been drying in your machine, etc.