To choose the right trays, consider the size and model of your freeze dryer, the types of products you'll be drying, and the required capacity. Ensure the trays are compatible with your specific freeze dryer model and suited to the materials you plan to preserve.
Dehydrators operate at higher temperatures that can diminish nutrients and typically produce food with altered textures that doesn't fully rehydrate. However, dehydrators are less expensive and use less energy per batch.
Just a few years ago freeze dryers were only available commercially. As of 2025, there are now several brands and models of home freeze-dryers to consider.
Simply press start on the touch screen and the patented Smart Freeze™ technology senses when it’s done.
Freeze drying removes all but 2% of the water in food through a two-stage process that begins with flash freezing (1). If you think a dehydrator would be a better option for you, check out our article on best dehydrators.
The main drawback is the capacity here. The smallest capacity available paired with a respectable 7 CFM pump makes it one of the least efficient models.
The freeze dryer can be somewhat noisy and requires adequate space for operation. Ensure you have a designated area that can accommodate the appliance comfortably.
Customizable Processing: With manual and automatic modes, program up to 16 unique steps to tailor your drying recipes to perfection. Store your customized settings at the touch of a icient Design: The low-profile design facilitates easy loading, while the full stainless steel interior guarantees durability and ptable Tray System: Start with 5 electrically heated shelves and expand to a maximum of 9 shelves, providing flexibility for varying batch anced Vacuum Technology: Recommended for use with a scroll dry vacuum pump, ensuring low maintenance and quiet h-Quality Construction: The full stainless steel interior Shop Now and high-performance components ensure durability and hygiene, while the low-profile design makes loading a ranty: The Xiros Mikro is CE certified and comes with a 2-year commercial-grade warranty, providing peace of ket-Leading Ice Holding Capacity: Designed for larger batches or longer defrost intervals.
A home freeze dryer from Harvest Right allows you to preserve the food your family loves to eat. Freeze drying locks in both flavor and nutrition and can last for years, making freeze-dried food even better than fresh! A home freeze dryer is perfect for any lifestyle.
They are not small. So you cannot expect to just put it on the kitchen counter and forget about it. A lot of people put them on mobile carts and move them around as needed. But whatever the case, make sure your home can accommodate the freeze dryer you have in mind.
The delivery experience was smooth. The freeze dryer arrived on a sturdy wooden pallet with pelo damage to the boxes, the machine, or any accessories.
Whether you’re a homesteader preparing for winter, a small business owner looking to create more product offerings, or simply someone who values the convenience of long-term food storage, freeze-drying offers amazing benefits.
It’ll draw an average of 1080 W/hr while running, even with the much smaller batch sizes. Still, if you plan on using your freeze drying appliance occasionally or as a hobby, then this model will more than fit the bill.
We’ve got a great stash of organic, spray-free food we can trust because, let’s face it, even “organic” from the store isn’t always what it seems.