Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Reviews

Trusting that Harvest Right was a genuine supplier of the domestic-size Freeze Dryer was quite a challenge for us here in Australia. To establish this trust, we turned to YouTube and accessed several professionally presented videos. These videos showcased the quality product Harvest Right was supplying and made us confident that we could use it either for establishing a small business or for our personal use (which is ultimately what we are now doing).

We’ve recently installed the medium Harvest Right Freeze Dryer in our small 2-bedroom apartment kitchen. After completing the setup process and running our first batch of bread (as recommended), all went well. Yesterday, we cooked our first batch of freeze-dried meals and are looking forward to freeze drying and packaging them so at this stage we are excited to continue this procedure into the future.

Throughout our inquiries and dealings with Harvest Fresh, we’ve received first-class service, and we’re confident that this will continue. The packaging of the products, shipped to us in a solid crate container along with the freeze dryer, was of top quality and style. We enjoyed discovering what each box contained and were very grateful for the surprise gift that was included. Keep up the good quality of products and service Harvest Right. Meanwhile we are happy to share our experience with others who may be interested in a similar purchase. Regards Dianne & Bill

Pros:

+ A very cool/hot tool to preserve food!

+ Customer service has been outstanding!

+ Great way to not waste food.

+ Great way to save room in the freezer.

+ Looking forward to long term use.

Cons:

- It may take a while to recoup the cost.

- It may take a while to learn the ropes of packaging.

Overall, I'm happy to have this food preserving tool in our home to use and have confidence in Harvest Right to help me if/when I need help.

We bought our Harvest Right Medium freeze dryer in 2020 and have had a lot of fun with it. We've also had a few problems which the company helps with when you pay a $45 fee. The customer help (when we paid the fee) was excellent, though putting the freeze dryer back together after fixing/replacing parts ourselves was quite difficult.  If you have child-sized hands it might be easier to get all the screws in place, and you need a special bit and a flexible extension to use a drill to remove and replace screws. 

We bought the oil-free pump, which was very convenient, since I didn't want to have to change the oil each time, but it does have vacuum issues over time and reportedly doesn’t hold up as well as the properly maintained Premium Industrial Pump. 

Over many batches we have freeze dried: tomato sauce, soups, cooked meat, eggs (raw and cooked), candy, lots of fruit, dairy products, and main dishes (like casseroles, spaghetti).  All of that has turned out well.

Ran into an issue with an intermittent temperature sensor. I called tech support and was immediately scheduled with Tech Support: Adam. He had me pull the log files and found an error at 3:00AM. Adam had me check all connections and plug and unplug the main tray connection. Adam had me follow up with a water test and scheduled a follow up appointment. The tests all passed after reviewing the log files on that water test. He had me go ahead and test food again followed up a couple days later all tests past. Adam was really on it and was very thorough. You couldn't ask for better support.

Harvest Right Medium 5 tray

(which we named Frost Vader).

We purchased our Medium 5 Tray Black freeze drier with premier pump

direct from Harvest Right on 2/12/24

WE LOVE IT

I knew nothing about freeze drying foods or food preservation prior to our purchase, but thankfully to a very intuitive menu on the machine and lots of information being shared among YouTube videos, we were up and running in no time. We are currently on our 16th batch inside of 3 months.

I can see how this machine can be a valuable addition for anyone looking for food preservation and meal preparation.

We were stuck on which size to buy, for us (a family of 3 and 1 dog) we choose a medium, which we have no regrets on the size. (but be sure to order extra trays)

Our primary use was to freeze dry homemade dog food – and then any of our food next, but we are having so much fun experimenting with what can go in the freeze drier it seems like its running all the time and we are constantly asking ourselves - Do you think that will freeze dry well? I could see us adding another Medium to our current set up in the future.

The process from ordering to delivery and set-up could not have been simpler. We are extremely happy with our decision to buy a Harvest Right Freeze Drier. If you are on the fence – Do It! You won’t regret it.

I've had a vacuum issue and called technical support. After weeks of following the experts recommendations I still had no result. I had to find the solution on YouTube and after I fixed it, now I have a freezing issue. Back to Youtube, because now they are charging 45$ to speak to technical support.

I was so excited to receive my large freeze dryer but was nervous as it is a lot of money to invest…

I was nervous about getting a defective one, because I read reviews of having to pay to get it shipped back etc.

Well.. I received a defective one. lol

Dylan with harvest right customer service was nothing short of amazing through the entire process guiding me through troubleshooting with patience to sending me a new one and arranging the shipment back of the old one.

The new one I received I have done two batches already and it is AMAZING.

So worth it!!

My son absolutely loves the fruit (11 months) and it’s nice to have healthy options for him. My husband also loves it… and it took me months to convince him because of the price.

IT IS SO WORTH IT!!

Harvest Right Medium Stainless Steel Freeze Dryer – I first learned about freeze dryers about 3 yrs ago from a YouTube homesteader couple’s video. It was quite a surprise to see their whole video as marketing on the Harvest Right website. I knew they were legit and not actors for sure.

After a long wait for various reasons, ‘Shirley’s Dream’ became a reality upon arrival. (I chuckled to be able to name my unit.)

I could not be more pleased. The company reps, the unit, and the finished product exceeded all my expectations. The first “bread” run went without a hitch – no vacuum leaks and reasonable drying time. My next ‘run’ was all fruit. I had my 50+ yr old son try some and his comment was “It’s like candy!” He loved it all – so did I. I would highly recommend these units for long-term (and short-term) food preservation, especially in these times. I purchased the oil-free pump so as not to need to purchase oil, change the oil frequently and dispose of old oil.

I am looking forward to this summer in Canada preserving my organic garden produce.

From the moment I embarked on the journey of using the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, it was clear that this was not just an appliance; it was a game-changer for home food preservation. The Harvest Right Freeze Dryer brings the innovative technology of freeze-drying into the comfort of your home, allowing you to extend the shelf life of your favorite foods, from fruits and vegetables to full gourmet meals, and even delightful desserts.

What sets the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer apart is its remarkable ease of use. The intuitive design and user-friendly interface mean that even those new to the concept of freeze-drying can start preserving their foods right away. It's as simple as placing your food items into the freeze dryer, hitting start, and letting the machine do its magic. The process retains the nutrition, shape, color, and taste, making it a superior method to traditional dehydrating or canning.

The efficiency of the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer cannot be overstated. It operates quietly in the background, and the energy consumption is surprisingly low, considering the heavy-duty preservation work it's performing. This makes it an economical choice for those looking to save on food waste and reduce their grocery bills by buying in bulk and preserving.

One of the most exciting aspects of owning a Harvest Right Freeze Dryer is the incredible shelf life it offers—foods can last up to 25 years without losing their flavor or nutritional value. This not only provides peace of mind in terms of food security but also opens up a world of possibilities for home cooks, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Imagine enjoying your summer harvest in the depths of winter or creating ready-to-eat meals for camping trips that are both lightweight and delicious.

The quality of the food preserved is nothing short of astounding. Fruits and vegetables retain their crispness and flavor, making them perfect for healthy snacks or rehydrating for cooking. Meats and fish preserve their texture and taste, offering a fantastic way to store bulk purchases or leftovers. Even dairy products and fully cooked meals come out beautifully, ready to be rehydrated to their original state.

In conclusion, the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer is a must-have for anyone serious about food preservation. Its combination of ease of use, efficiency, and the quality of the preserved foods makes it an invaluable addition to any kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned prepper, an avid gardener, or simply looking to reduce food waste, the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer offers a versatile and reliable solution that will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.

I have been a Harvest Right customer since 2017, starting with 2 medium freeze dryers. Since, I've purchased 4 large scientific machines and now 4 XL Pros; realizing I didn't need the scientific machines.

I am so pleased with the XL Pro machines - they are work horses!

I am able to process 16x more product in these 4 machines than the 4 large machines. The newer vacuum pumps are much easier to maintain.

As with any company in extreme growth, there has been pain points but the employees of Harvest Right always give it their best, working with customers in both sales needs and trouble shooting support. I highly recommend purchasing Harvest Right machines!

I recently began using Harvest Right freeze dryers. It’s been An interesting journey so far. There’s definitely a learning curve . But once you get past that, it’s like smooth sailing . I love the way fruits and veggies taste after freeze drying . It’s been a game changer in my business . Oh my customers, love it as well!!!

I have an Extra Large Harvest Right machine and LOVE IT!

I had the pleasure of working with Brad Cox at Harvest Right when I thought I had a problem with my machine.

Turns out the machine was fine and it was just the demister on my pump. He knew his stuff, had great follow up,

HE LISTENED TO ME (Extra Kudo Points) and was very courteous. This customer service rep is a true asset to

Harvest Right.

I love this company, this brand and am looking forward to my next machine very soon.

Nothing but good things to say about my Medium Pro 5 tray Harvest Right Freeze Dryer! I wish I'd gotten started sooner...I'm 79 and always learning....and this miracle worker is saving my energy, reducing the physical work of canning/freezing, not to mention freeing up valuable freezer space, and reducing the number of canning jars on my shelves. I have quite a few jars of my bone broth that I'm going to freeze dry and when powdered....it will free up all that space where those jars were sitting! Maybe I'll store ice cream or candy in their place! This is so much fun, but admittedly a little frustrating too. It takes a while to accomplish complete dryness, and I'm in a hurry to get more done...patience isn't one of my best virtues but I'm learning. Very few things are on the "can not do" list while the "I can freeze dry that!", list is very long. Customer service can make or break a company and HR knows how to provide A+ service...even if you're only thinking about getting one, they welcome your questions! You are encouraged to call for any little thing you are concerned about, and when you do you are met with someone who is so patient, friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable. How often do you get that response? With HR, it is every single time. If you are concerned about food security in a seriously decomposing society, or saving money by not wasting food, or needing yet another freezer because you've run out of freezer space, or maybe looking for an income producing opportunity, look no farther than Harvest Right. Seriously, don't wait. Just do it.

I have be using my small 4 shelf Harvest Right freeze dryer since February. Most excellent design, functionality as well as form and fit. High quality ! Worth every penny.

Additionally I had to call the Service Tech several times because I had operational questions. Each time I was greeted with someone who was able to not only answer my questions, but was patient and kind.

A truly top notch product with superior service. What else could a customer ask for.

Thank you John T. and Harvest Right.

Brett

My husband and I had our eye on a medium Harvest Right Freeze dryer for over a year. Finally we made it happen this past Christmas 2023.

We had watched multiple YouTube videos, learning from others through their trials, errors and the process of getting used to the machine. I’ll be honest though,

I was still intimidated at first, but Harvest Right made it so easy and convenient. We are now able to save food long term we would have otherwise thrown out and wasted. It’s also added that additional method of preservation for our family to preserve food from our garden. We’re so glad that we made this purchase.

The Harvest Right Freeze Dryer is simple to use with an intuitive menu. Customer support is not outsourced and is prompt.

Freeze Drying is energy intensive but allows saving food with resorting to canning. We have solar power and tend to freeze dry on sunny days.

Properly freeze dried food when rehydrated, has the taste and textured of a freshly cooked meal. Saving meals is great for camping and emergencies. Not having to refrigerate is a blessing. Just about any food can be successfully freeze dried.

Hi I've been an owner a little over a month. I had great results. I love Elsa! My FD.

I had an issue with low vacuum. I called customer support and talked with Brook. She sent me to Landon.

I gotta tell you he was great. Stayed on the phone with me whilst I tried different things. He was very patient with this old woman.

Needless to say, he had me up and going. I just ran a flawless batch and I am again super happy, knowing I can have stable food storage. Push start and follow the instructions.

Thank you Landen and Harvest right for having great personnel like Brooke and Landon.

THE MACHINE

We bought our medium, four tray freeze dryer with the Premier vacuum pump October, 2021. Since then, we logged a few thousand hours of freeze drying time.

We never cease to be impressed with the results we get from our dryer. For example:

(1) Unlike using our high end dehydrator, the freeze dryer fully dries food, allowing storage for years longer.

(2) The freeze dryer dries food without destroying many of the qualities of the food (e.g., asparagus was a huge success in the freeze dryer, but a total disappointment in the dehydrator).

(3) Foods re-hydrate and are indistinguishable in appearance and taste, from frozen. Shrimp, for example.

(4) We live in farming country (orchards, row crops), so things that we would have had to pass up on before can be freeze dried for later use, without taking up valuable freezer space.

SERVICE

When I ran into a minor problem, early on, the Harvest Right agent who handled the problem was not only a pleasure to work with, he solved the problem quickly and efficiently.

In our situation, we did not experience any down time. That was because of Harvest Right’s policies, and it’s agent’s help.

Now, a few years in, I had a processing failure (mid batch heater failure). In response, I performed common sense checks of things like wire and plug connections. Also, I relied on the abundant resources on line to test the heater relay to determine if the pads were heating.

Because the simple things checked out (e.g., the involved relay was working (PERHAPS intermittently) and trays warmed), a deeper dive into the system was needed.

I put to writing my findings, bit the bullet and submitted a ticket. As before, a Harvest Right agent was quick to respond and offer solutions I’m confident will get us back in the saddle.

In preparation of needed repairs, I pulled the back and top panel. Looking the machine over, I am impressed with how well thought out the design is. It's obvious the machine is a nice compromise between efficiency and practical. It appears no small amount of thought went into making it as easy as possible to track down and isolate problems. I’m reminded of the convenience of a console stereo from back in the day, BUT with benefit of system components that can be replaced. For example, dryer’s boards are well laid out, labeled and, relatively, accessible.

SIDE NOTE: I used my label maker to label wires according to the board labels, so can remove and re-install wires easily and with confidence (after checking my work five times ;).

Good job Harvest Right, and the agents, without whom nothing could be accomplished in its name.

Whether you're a homesteader, novice gardener, or someone that simply wants to no longer waste their food, this is a must have.

I opted for the small pro version, and though I will surely grab a larger version down the road, this small freeze dryer works wonders. Thr upgrades Harvest Right has implemented since its original design has made the ease of use a breeze, provided more space (in the small at least), and made everything much more enjoyable through each phase of the process.

The digital touch screen is beautiful, and now, with updated software, I have specified candy settings to have freeze dried candy in just two hours or less. My kids go crazy for freeze dried ice cream sandwiches, "skittles", and "starbursts" (all the healthy brand versions).

As someone who has a small farm, most notably with our chickens, you usually find yourself with too many eggs. No more letting them go to waste or dealing with "water-glassing" with buckets full of heavy water and eggs. Now, we freeze dry the seasoned raw (or cooked) eggs, leaving behind a shelf stable product that will last 30+ years (make sure to seal in food-safe Mylar bags with an oxygen absorber!). Simply amazing.

One thing that I would like to add, is how great the Harvest Right team is. I had what was more of a new user error moment, and started to think my system was malfunctioning or faulty, but after a quick call to Harvest Right, they walked me through what was normal and what wasn't, as well as a reminder to remain patient through the phases of freeze drying (pre-freeze, freezing, vacuum freezing, drying). I followed their instructions and I am as happy as can be with this machine. Long story short, they're amazing and you're only a call away to try and remedy an issue or concern with your freeze dryer.

I will update you all at the one year mark!

I purchased the medium Harvest Right Freeze Dryer from Tractor Supply in April 2023. My reason for this purchased was to not waste my plentiful garden harvest. I initially struggled to get the information I needed to fix minor issues I had in setting up and getting good results. I contacted Harvest Right initially and they helped me update my software to the current version in May 2023. Harvest Right does have a website, but it is not very user friendly. A lot of the videos I watched were for older models and not the model which I purchased. The set-up information that comes with the freezer dryer is simple, but not super helpful if you have any problems. Once I got things set up, I was able to successfully use my freeze dryer and had good results. In October 2023, I started having Additional Freeze Time Needed errors. There is no information anywhere on the Harvest Right website or anywhere else that addresses this issue. I was frustrated and didn’t get back to trying to resolve the problem until March 2024. I tried to figure it out myself and then finally contacted the company in April 2024 since it was still under warranty. I sent a couple of emails and then after a week, I received an email to verify my warranty information and then a 15-minute call was scheduled with a technician. The technician was very kind and patient with my frustration. He had me do some tests and then sent me some videos so I could try to determine where I may have small leaks that was causing the Additional Freeze Time Needed error (or vacuum error). I reviewed all these videos and then went and purchased the self-sealing silicone tape and silicone to try and fix this myself (no they don’t have anyone come out and help you – even when it is still under warranty). I then attempted to get the back panel off. Four of the screws were totally stripped and would not come off. When I called again, I was sent some additional videos on how to remove stripped screws, which were not helpful. My son, finally took a Dremel and made the hex crews, regular screws and we were able to get the back panel off. (I had to find a video online – because the one I was sent wasn’t for the model I had and the panel removal was totally different.) I was able to seal all leak points and get a good result. The technician did follow up with me until I was able to complete the needed fixes.