Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Reviews

When we were initially looking into buying a Harvest Right freeze dryer, it was difficult to justify the cost. But after owning one for a few years now, there’s no doubt it was worth every penny. We’ve lost count of the number of batches we’ve run, and aside from a couple of issues that were resolved by customer support, it’s been running perfectly.

The machine is very sturdy and well built, something that is not too common these days. There have been a number of software updates since we’ve owned it, making the freeze dry process more effective and efficient, as well as adding brand new capabilities, like candy mode.

We’ve had a couple issues, but customer support has been outstanding. The first issue was the screen flickering and the latch not working properly. I was able to set a time to talk with a customer service agent and replacement parts were sent out along with installation videos. The second issue was an oil leak on the premier pump which I bought as an upgrade. The problem developed 6 months after the 1 year warranty expired, which was very disappointing. But, customer support has been extremely helpful in troubleshooting the problem and finding a solution.

Freeze drying has become part of our household routine. We fill trays up during the week and add to a chest freezer. When we have enough trays (5), we run the batch.

We freeze dry mainly for 3 reasons: convenience, sweets, and long term food storage.

Freeze drying ingredients we use frequently is amazingly convenient. No rush trip to the grocery store, no wilted old basil - everything is fresh, ready to use and shelf stable! Examples are fresh basil (whole leaves), sliced green onions, ginger root chunks, diced onion, orange zest, etc. We also have a lot of chickens that produce a lot of eggs. When we have too many eggs to use in a timely manner, we scramble and freeze dry the excess raw eggs for use in any future recipe that calls for eggs (and the freeze dried eggs are shelf stable for many years). Also, we occasionally freeze dry leftovers instead of freezing them.

A freeze dryer is an amazing sweets machine. We freeze dry ice cream sandwiches, skittles, caramels, gummies, and a variety of other candies. I personally like the freeze dried version of all these sweets over the original version.

We freeze dry a large variety of food for long term food storage. Rice, veggies, fruit, noodles, taco meat, chicken, even steak.

I am very happy with our Harvest Right freeze dryer and would recommend it to anyone interested in freeze drying!

Where do I start. I developed a problem with my small unit freeze dryer. I wanted a small cuz I'm 72 years old, it's pretty much me in the household and I wanted to have something I could maneuver myself if I had to........plus I'm figuring the food I'm putting up will leave a nice legacy to my kids/grandkids plus the unit itself. So, as everyone knows, this is a busy time of year for those of us who are vegetable gardeners. I've chosen to pretty much freeze dry all my produce that I can rather than canning it. It lasts longer and is much simpler. However, my unit would not switch over to the drying mode......said I had a Mid Batch error or something like that and I needed to see #3 on the trouble shooting section. To make a long story shorter......I ended up calling customer service tech support. We first got disconnected which kinda left me in question. But Charles called me back and we ended up making the system work again! I was sooo excited to get started finishing the okra trays that I had tried to freeze dry when I got the error. BUT (and this has nothing to do with the customer service rep) when I started the system again it first started of with the freezing process (which it was already frozen cuz I had to save it to run later after I fixed the unit). I was thinkin the freeze cycle wouldn't take too long. When I went back downstairs to check on it's progress, there was a message saying that it needed more freezing?????? So I let that run its course.....about an hour. Then I was right there when it was time to change over to the drying process. It changed back to it needed more freezing!!!!!????? The pump was also smoking. Right before the unit had the "Mid Batch Failure" it was time for me to change the oil and clean the filter on the motor........which I did. Now I'm thinkin I did something wrong when cleaning the filter on the motor (was my first time doing it) so as it stands of present, I'm going to try checking the filter to see if it's okay. If it is.....I'll be calling Charles again! Lol. Be ready Charles! And thank you for all your help from the first fix.

If I could do 1/2 stars, I’d give them 4.5 stars. Most people don’t write reviews unless they are complaining. I’ve had some issues with my machine, but Harvest Right has made them right each time. I’m really glad that I purchased my Medium FDer. I even wish I had another one! Most of the issues that I’ve seen with HR freeze dryers seem to be just needing updates. Which is faster and easier than dealing with service. Only wish that the timely issue of getting those updates were easier and quicker. I really do love my machine!

This machine exceeded my expectations in many ways; it is a solid machine made from sturdy steel, and although it requires caution and careful setup, it was easy to put together. It came with three booklets of instructions that were easy to follow. The pump has been upgraded to premium. I followed the instructions and was able to successfully freeze dry the bread test batch. Best of all there are so many helpful videos on YouTube that are important to watch besides reading the instruction booklets. I love how helpful customer service is even if I just have simple questions about a specific freeze-drying process. I highly recommend this product.

My system is from 2016 and they have changed a lot since then. I had issues with the 2016 model and couldn’t get it to work and the JBL pump was a nightmare to maintain. My dryer was $4,000+. Now I have to spend $700 more to get it to work properly. This model is cheaper and superior to what I bought. I hope it works after I replace a lot of things. Wish the company would offer a buyback/tradein program if unhappy with how it works.

I received my large freeze dryer exactly when Harvest Right said it would be delivered. It was well protected during shipment and easy to setup. I have freeze dried many meats, vegetables, and fruits. The unit has worked flawlessly and have updated the firmware at least 3 times. These updates are easy to run. I would strongly recommend this freeze drier to anyone who wants to store food for long periods.

I had received my freeze dryer and had not been able to complete a cycle. I was very frustrated. I submitted a ticket for Harvest Right support. I was very pleased with the support I received from Brandon. Very courteous, and easy to understand his instructions (new to using freeze dryer) Due to circumstances on my end, I was not able to promptly install the fix; however, Brandon continued to keep in touch until I was able to report success on my end. I was extremely happy with the support i received. I'm having so much fun with my dryer!

Purchased a 4-tray HarvestRight freeze dryer on Aug. 31, 2023. Ran five loads through the machine without a problem. The next day, the screen froze and wouldn't let me proceed. Went to the HarvestRight website and went through the software update process. Nothing helped. Submitted a service ticket through the HarvestRight website. Two days later I called the support number. With some effective help from Josh and Marc, I installed the correct updates and the machine is running great!

One thing to note is that the type of flash drive you use to install the update matters!

I waited several years before breaking down and buying my freeze dryer. I am so glad I finally bought it. It has saved me so much money and food. It is easy to use, the food saved is amazing. I was sceptical at first as to how the food would tast but it tastes like I just bought it at the store the day before once rehydrated. With the cost of food climbing the question to ask yourself is how could you not buy a freeze dryer? I feel it has more than paid for itself in the year I have had mine.

Make sure you fill out the warranty card in the first 30 days of purchase or it voids the length of the warranty. If you forget, the machine is under warranty for the first year after the purchase date. Relief! There is a learning curve to this product if you are an average Joe, like me. Read instructions thoroughly and start the process. Customer service is great! they will help you the best they can. some of the customer care people are new but they will go the extra mile to help you.

We own two XL freeze dryers, one purchased in March 2023 when first released and the second purchased in August 2023. The first unit originally came with 6 trays but have been able to upgrade to 7 trays. The second unit came with 7 trays straight from Harvest Right. The first unit I have been thrilled with day one. The second one initially had a weird issue that was eventually traced to placement of the pump. The pumps on XL run hotter than the smaller units. Harvest Right tech support worked with me until we figured out that the issue was caused by the placement of the pump. Tech support worked with me to get the pump moved now the issue is gone and I am as happy with my second unit as I am with the first. I will get a third unit sometime in the future.

We have had our machine ovmbout 5 years, have freeze dried meals, fruits,veggies and even a Lil candy! We love our machine best decision we made years ago, we would highly recommend getting one if your on the fence about it just do it! I recently had an issue when I ordered the wrong trays...it took 4 phone calls and 3 different customer service reps to get it all fixed ,but they were patience and professional with me through it all! Thank you again Harvest Right!

The Basyes

I bought my large Harvest Right freeze drier in 2021. I love it! It hasn't any problems at all. I've upgraded it to candy mode. It is a good quality machine and made to last. I am extremely pleased with its quality. It is a work horse. The company stands behind its machine. I bought extra trays and other accessories for it. The people are friendly and professional. If you have questions they take time to answer them. I am glad I bought from Harvest Right. I highly recommend them for all your freeze drying needs!! They are a Quality Professional Company!!!

Vickie McIlroy

I got a medium HE freeze dryer. When it arrived I had some issues and the computer ended up being replaced. I was disappointed, but costumer service was great. They shipped the part and I replaced V it myself and got the machine running. If I could have done my first run as soon as it was delivered, it would be 5 starts.

I purchased my Medium size Freeze dryer from Harvest Right 2 years ago and I went with the oil less pump.

I have to say that I absolutely love it.... (when is working properly)...

About a year after my purchase the oil less pump failed, but since it was still under warranty, Harvest Right sent me a brand new one and everything was working just fine. A few months passed and I started having some vacuuming issues, especially after switching from software version 16 to the then new candy version. After working with an HR tech rep, the solution they provided was to go back and install again version 16 and I did and that is what I have been using since.

Every time there was a new software version, I would try it (Version 18, 24, 25, 25D), but I would get the same vacuuming issue /vacuuming loop where it goes from freezing to vacuum freezing over and over), so I would always go back to version 16.

Here we are another year later and after working with a few tech specialists, turns out that the pump is bad again and it needs to be replaced. Now is no longer covered under warranty so I will need to buy a new one. I have only run about 150 batches total in those 2 years.

One will think that after spending 1,400 dollars on a pump it will at least last a few years, but they seemed to be made to last for one year only.

HR rep told me they no longer work with that pump manufacturer, but that does not help me or change the fact that I am left with a second non-working pump.

Now my only option is to buy a new one. They did offer to a 10% discount and a 100-dollar credit towards a new pump if I write 7 reviews.

Lesson learned: DO NOT BUY the oil less pump.

I have a youtube channel and I do a lot freeze drying videos and thanks to the comments from viewers, I heard of many people having the same issues.

I really hope that Harvest Right pays more attention to the quality and reliability of the products they sell, choosing the right suppliers/manufacturers of the products they offer should be a top priority for Harvest Right. Especially now that they have competition as there are many other companies that offer Freeze Dryers like Blue Alphine.

Customer service was prompt with any questions I had about the freeze dryer. The only issue we had was sometimes the gasket gets pulled onto the machine too much, so pulling the gasket back a bit helped fixed a vacuum error we had. Otherwise the unit has worked great since we bought it a year ago (we're about 60 cycles in). Just watch lots of videos on tips and tricks to help.

We have the older (non pro) model which is quite loud, so we have it in its own space. And one thing is make sure you have good ventilation or airflow, we have it in a 12'*12' room, but need to keep the door open because the normal air return vent cannot keep up. But they thought of that too with a warning saying that the unit is getting too warm.

For many years I wanted a Freezer Dryer but could not justify the cost. Also the device was too large for my wants and was very noisy. Other family members owned them but it was not the right freezer for me. This summer I got interested again. The Harvest Right units were improved and the price was right. I purchased a new Harvest Right Small Pro Freezer (4 tray) on 8-29-23. I am pleased with the fit, finish and over all quality of the freezer. I followed all the directions for the "bread burn in" for the first use. The freeze dried bread was really powder dry. Other than this first run as directed with bread you should not plan to make freeze dried bread products.

That first trial took much longer than I expected. The next day I began freeze drying tomatoes that I cut to 3/4 inch thickness. This thickness did not exceed the depth of the tray. All 4 trays were pre-frozen prior to putting in the freeze dryer. As this was my first real freezer run I did not know what to expect. Even so it took more than twice as long as I expected and I was not happy. The tomatoes were certainly dry and actually tasted like I expected. However, I did know the process timing was off. That was not good. The displayed vacuum and operating temperature were proper.

I called Harvest Right to discuss my concerns. Following their instructions we determined I needed a software update. This process was a no Brainer. They sent me an email with the update and with maybe 10 minutes of work to load a thumb drive with the new software and then the Freezer did an automatic update from the thumb drive.

Now on average it is a little over 24 hours to complete the whole cycle. So now we use the Freeze Dryer ever day. As soon as one load is done we have pre-frozen trays with a new load ready to go in.

Produce from our garden keeps the machine full all the time. Please note in order to keep the process running efficiently we pre-freeze both the trays and all the food we will freeze dry. Next up? Astronaut ice cream will be a project very soon.

Previously I heard comments concerning how loud these machines and pumps were. This machine with the new vacuum pump is not loud at all. Not to my ears. I am very impressed with the quality and performance of this Small Pro Freezer Dryer. Yes, we would do it again.

Our experience with our Harvest Right freeze-dryer has been excellent; from ordering to delivery to support service.

Very easy to freeze-dry foods and clean.

Everyone has been professional, polite and knowledgeable.

We highly recommend Harvest Right to anyone looking for a freeze-dryer.

I have been waiting for years to buy a freeze dryer, my only regret is that I should’ve bought it when I first learned about this technology! We have had our freeze dryer for just over 2 weeks now. There is a learning curve, but it is a delicious one! I was worried that the oil pump would be a challenge, not so! (Somehow I did miss the info about having to defrost the FD after every batch. That takes some time and I found that having the machine defrost is worth it!) Also, I called customer service 3 times within 24 hours of setting up our FD. Best customer service! The men I spoke with were not only knowledgeable, but also patient.

After 78 loads in less than 9 months, we ran into a technical issue with our larger freeze dryer. After contacting Harvest Right customer support, we ran diagnostic testing over several weeks with different parts being sent (under warranty). Unfortunately we couldn’t resolve the issue “remotely” however, Harvest Right arranged for our freeze dryer to be picked up from a rural location and shipped back to their service department for repair. After just a couple short weeks we received the freeze dryer back. To our dismay, the freeze dryer had been damaged in shipping and we had to refuse delivery. I contacted Harvest Right and within two days they decided to send us a BRAND NEW freeze dryer. I cannot express my appreciation to Harvest Right and the awesome support staff enough.

We are back up and running preserving home-grown meat, fruit and vegetables. A significant investment however, we are on track to have the freeze dryer pay for itself in less than two years vs the high cost of grocery store purchases. Preserving our own food without being reliant on freezers is so comforting and knowing what is in (or not in) our food is extremely important to us.