Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Reviews

Owning a Harvest Right freeze dryer has been an incredible experience. While my unit arrived with a minor issue, I was thoroughly impressed with how well Harvest Right handled it—their technical support team is top-notch and truly stands behind their product.

The freeze dryer itself is built with high-quality components and features an updated software interface. I highly recommend the optional app for remote monitoring and control—it's a game-changer.

Some must-have accessories include the silicone mats, which make cleanup quick and easy, and the tray lids, which are perfect for covering trays and stacking them in the freezer before drying. These additions make the process smoother and more efficient from start to finish.

I’m also amazed by the unit's capacity, especially for liquids. Each tray held nearly a half gallon, allowing us to freeze dry about 2.5 gallons of milk in one batch!

If you're serious about food preservation, do yourself a favor and invest in a Harvest Right. It’s a unique and worthwhile addition to any kitchen.

My neighbor and I purchased the large freeze dryer at the same time, they arrived a few days apart. Hers worked perfectly but I had a few problems. The first freeze dryer worked for the bread run and then I ran strawberries. The next run after that the compressor stopped working. I got in contact with the tech rep and after sending videos, pictures, etc. we sent it back and they sent me a brand new one.

The new one made it through the bread test and then the compressor failed again, I reached out to the same tech Chet Sampson and he did an excellent job of staying on top of the problem and replaced the second freeze dryer.

The third freeze dryer arrived and Yes, I was extremely hesitant to get excited about it. I felt it was my fault but the technical representative Chet Sampson called and checked in to make sure all was going well and reassured me that it wasn't my fault. I have ran 4 batches now in my freeze dryer and things are going well. I believe we have a winner now!

I highly recommend this company for their salesman (Brent Johnson), technical Support (Chet Sampson) and the way Harvest Right does stand behind their product, the freeze dryer is American Made and I am proud to own one.

I worked for 10+ years for a local manufacturer and they believed American Made was the Best. They also stood behind their slogan that Failure was Not an option.

I believe in Harvest Right Products and Highly Recommend their Large Freeze Dryer!

We received our Harvest Right freeze dryer just a couple of weeks ago. The instructions and communication from the company about shipping and receipt were extremely thorough and detailed, up to a literal unboxing video to watch before it arrives.

We contacted customer support twice already, and had very good experiences. The door didn’t appear to seal properly when first delivered, so we contacted customer support. They sent very helpful instructions on adjusting the door hinge. The second was when the bread batch wouldn’t complete, even after more than two days. We had a great experience with detailed steps and sending photos for review. Reseating the plug on the back of the rack did the trick, and we’ve put up our first finished batch!

The system is very simple and user-friendly, and even allows a degree of customization. We’re about to try the candy setting, which my granddaughters will find very gratifying.

got my freeze dryer couple months ago and I'm obsessed. It's been running 24/7 since I got it. Having so much fun with it, freeze drying everything in sight, I'm trying to save money for the future by stocking up as well for camping and for motorhome traveling and the apocalypse. I made a few mistakes

along the way so make sure you watch videos on how to care for it, and use it properly. I wasn't defrosting it between uses (didn't know )so I had build up ice and it stopped working properly. Got a hold of customer service and they are freaking amazing, Chet The repair guy worked with me on the phone. Sent me videos talked me through what to do and we figured out what I was doing wrong. He was sending me email information, videos, calls backs to see how everything was going follow-ups so their serviced is amazing. I absolutely recommend getting one. It takes a while for each batch to get done and for impatient people like me, I hate waiting but it's so fun and worth it. So easy to set up and clean. Just make sure you click the cords back together tightly That was one of my problems. You have to click it in tight. Buy it, buy it? Buy it? Yes it's expensive but it's worth.

The Harvest Right freeze dryer stands out as one of the most popular and accessible options for small-scale, at-home lyophilization. After extended use, this unit demonstrates a solid mix of engineering quality, ease of operation, and thoughtful design, although there are a few notable compromises in terms of component quality and support.

Pros:

• High-Quality Vacuum Pump: The included vacuum pump delivers strong, consistent negative pressure essential for the sublimation process. Vacuum levels stabilize quickly and remain within spec throughout batch cycles, ensuring reliable drying without requiring constant oversight.

• Stainless Steel Construction: The primary chamber, shelves, and structural components are manufactured from high-grade stainless steel. This enhances durability, thermal conductivity, and corrosion resistance—key factors in repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

• User-Friendly Interface: The touchscreen controller is intuitive, offering automatic and custom cycle modes. Users can monitor vacuum levels, temperature, and process stages in real-time, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced operators.

• Ease of Maintenance: Routine maintenance is minimal. The oil-based pump does require periodic oil changes and filter cleanings, but these are straightforward. System diagnostics and firmware updates are also accessible via USB.

• Efficient Batch Processing: Batch cycle times are reasonable, typically ranging from 24–36 hours depending on product density and moisture content. The thermal profile is well-calibrated to avoid over-drying or case hardening, especially with proper pre-freezing.

Cons:

• Mobility Constraints: The unit is heavy and lacks integrated mobility solutions. At over 100 pounds (depending on model), relocation requires significant effort or a dedicated cart system.

• Inconsistent Internal Components: While the structure is robust, several electrical and PCB components appear to be budget-grade. Relay failures and display glitches have been reported within the first year of operation in some units.

• Short Warranty Period: For a product in this price category, the one-year limited warranty is underwhelming. Extended warranties are available but come at an additional cost.

• Paid Technical Support Post-Warranty: Once outside of the warranty window, users are required to pay for technical assistance, which is a downside for a machine with expected long-term use and a price tag in the multi-thousand-dollar range.

Conclusion:

The Harvest Right freeze dryer delivers professional-grade results for small-batch applications with a user-focused design and strong mechanical components. However, potential buyers should be aware of some of the cost-cutting in electronic components and the limited support structure. It's a highly capable machine, but not without its engineering compromises.

I love my Harvest Right freeze dryers! I started using a Large freeze dryer in Feb 2022 and loved it so much that I added the XL freeze dryer in May 2023. Both are running almost 24/7. Favorites are fruits (strawberries, mango, raspberries, bananas, pineapples and apples), vegetables (corn, mashed potatoes, peppers, onions and herbs) and meals (taco meat, soups, pasta dishes, sauces, and lasagna). We use the food for quick meals at home or work, camping trips to the mountains, canoe trips and gifts to family and friends.

Excellent customer service! The team members are very helpful in solving any problems I had. They were patient and very helpful. I would highly recommend investing in a Harvest Right freeze dryer!

Happy with the (replacement) unit. Very unhappy with customer service and online systems.

The first unit died during its fourth run. Compressor cut in and out repeatedly and did not cool. I tried to use the online form, which I eventually found does not allow punctuation in the text boxes. Really?

Never heard back from that submission. My wife found an online forum with someone who walked through the basics and then set us up with an appointment to talk to someone at HR.

They decided it needed to be replaced. Great. But due to seasonal road restrictions, we had to go to the FedEx depot to do that. When we got there, they didn't have paperwork for the return, as it had been sent to one person who was not working when I arrived. An hour on the phone and they could not fix it, so had to take the unit home and go back the next day.

Both units failed to register with the QR code, saying the CPU number, which it pulled from the QR code, was wrong.

So the unit if great. The service form is broken, customer service is difficult to obtain, follow through is iffy, and you can't register by QR code.

I bought this unit on February 28th 2025, and it's been a great asset for our homestead. We've used it mainly for dairy items (cheese, milk, yogurt), and also for eggs/vegetables. The food comes out tasting great! My kids are now begging for me to run skittles through...

The system is very easy to use as it's all automated. There is a learning curve on setting up the equipment and proper maintenance, but it's been easy with all the videos/customer service.

One issue we ran into was a dead pump. After our 5th batch, we couldn't get the pump to turn on. We did all the troubleshooting we knew of, so we called their Customer Service team who helped us determine the pump must have been faulty. Since we were within their 30-day purchase and warranty window, they sent us a new pump absolutely free of charge. I was expecting to have to pay for repairs but they took care of everything. Thanks to Roxana for being on top of the issue the whole way through!

My only "complaint" is that I wish I went with a bigger unit! The trays hold quite a bit, but having a 6th, deeper tray would've been really nice.

We just purchased a second medium harvest rate, Freeze dryer. We will be spending three months in Alaska, and this will save us a lot of money to be able to pack our food in the camper. But I’m a little behind so I needed a second machine to get caught up. The first machine I bought was after a power loss to save food out of the freezer. We are hunters and our meat for the entire year is much safer freeze dried than it is in a freezer and reconstitutes beautifully.

It gets four stars because there is a learning curve. These are not a cheap toy. Luckily the harvest right techs are there to help.

Rocky start!

I bought my freeze dryer in October 2024. We kinda got off to a rocky start, to say the least! After the 3rd run, the FD failed. Somehow a lot of water mixed with the oil. We hadn't had it a month yet. I contacted customer service. I sent them all the info they requested and they determined it needed to go back for repairs. Since we just got it, I thought they should replace it with a new unit, but they didn't. It took almost 4 months to get it back! I now have my FD back and have done 3 runs. So far, so good. I did request that they reset my warranty, since they had it for so long. They agreed to do that

When my Harvest Right freeze dryer malfunctioned, I was initially worried about the hassle of warranty repairs. However, my experience with Harvest Right's customer service and repair process was nothing short of exemplary. From the outset, their support team was incredibly responsive and empathetic, guiding me through the necessary steps with patience and clarity.

The shipping process was seamless, and I appreciated the regular updates I received regarding the status of my repair. It's clear that Harvest Right values its customers and strives to minimize any inconvenience.

Upon receiving my freeze dryer back, I was genuinely astonished. It looked and functioned as if it were brand new. The repair work was meticulous, demonstrating a high level of expertise and attention to detail. This level of quality and care truly speaks to the company's commitment to standing behind its products.

Beyond the technical repair, the overall customer experience was outstanding. I felt valued as a customer, and the entire process was handled with professionalism and efficiency. In a market where customer service can often be lacking, Harvest Right has set a high standard.

While the initial breakdown was a temporary setback, the exceptional warranty service has solidified my confidence in Harvest Right. I wholeheartedly recommend their freeze dryers to anyone looking for a reliable product backed by a company that truly cares about its customers. Their dedication to quality and service is truly commendable, and I'm now even more satisfied with my Harvest Right purchase.

For 15 months this has been a wonderful unit. Today was the first day of a problem which appears to plague a few people out there.

After a successful use a couple of weeks ago and the unit sitting (unplugged when not in use), my wife turned on the unit and the LED screen only flashed white for a moment - and then went black. We tried unplugging and restarting a few times but it was clear that the issue was not going to self-resolve.

After calling in to customer service we found that this issue - if it was the LED display or board would have been out of warranty (3 months prior). While frustrated we continued down the path of repair possibilities with a TECH advisor (Oliver) in Utah.

Oliver was AMAZING! After having reviewed a video that we'd sent of the failed start up Oliver had ideas immediately - the first of which was a software corruption or error. He quickly emailed over software updates that I could easily place on a thumb drive (make sure a thumb drive handy in case you ever need to do something like this) - place in the USB port on the unit and power it up.

The unit responded by reinstalling the software and booted up perfectly (v5.5). I rebooted the machine 3 different times after that to confirm it was continuing to work and by the end of the call - things were good to go.

Thank you Oliver...thank you Harvest Right. I appreciate the great customer service on this and Oliver is a wonderful "face" for Harvest Right.

I’ve been using the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer for just over a year, and it’s revolutionized the way I preserve food. As someone who loves to have a variety of healthy, home-prepared foods on hand, this machine has been a total game changer.

First, the build quality is exceptional. It's sturdy and well-made, designed to handle frequent use. Setup was simple, and the user interface is intuitive—it's easy to get started right away. I love the fact that it can freeze-dry a wide variety of foods, from fruits and vegetables to meats and complete meals. The ability to make so many foods shelf stable has allowed me to save so much space in my fridge and freezer.

And though the initial price tag is high, over time it’s saving me a lot of money. (Egg shortage? – Pish posh! I’ve got a shelf full of dried, shelf-stable eggs from last year that are still at last year’s prices! )

One of my favorite things is the taste and texture of the foods. Unlike traditional dehydrators, freeze-drying preserves the flavor, color, and nutritional value of the food. When rehydrated, most freeze dried foods aren’t ‘just like fresh’, but it’s WAAAAYYY better than what I used to get from my dehydrator that always came out brown and shriveled. I've freeze-dried everything from strawberries to soups and stews. I’ve had a few clinkers, but there’s a lot of online ‘how to’s’ for virtually any food you’d want to try, and I haven’t had many flops.

I’ve also found a few hacks that make the process faster and easier, and Harvest Right customer support is outstanding—they’re responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about helping users get the best out of their machines.

Overall, I highly recommend the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer to anyone looking for a reliable, efficient way to preserve food for long-term storage or emergency preparedness. Whether you're a prepper, a homesteader, or just someone who loves to cook and save leftovers, this machine is an investment you won’t regret.

I bought my 5 tray Lg machine over 7 years ago and have used it every week 1 to 3 loads a week for 7 years.

Harvest Right has wonderful customer service and great service techs. When I needed parts or assistance with an issue HR was always happy to help.

They have always made improvements with new software updates and more robust parts and better pumps.

It has been the best investment for my long term food peps. Since Freeze drying food is the best method to preserve food it's also economical to do your own foods right at home.

It is infact the best machine you can buy. The newest software is amazingly simple to use. Now with WiFi and a phone app to monitor your loads. Also has a new dedicated candy mode.

I'll have and use my machine for many years to come.

I love this machine. I bought a large in addition to this medium.

Pros:

Easy to use.

Great UI.

Low power consumption.

Excellent capacity.

Tons of accessories

Massive online community.

Cons:

Heavier than it looks.

Build Quality varies.

Some models cannot use wifi.

Custom size trays.

Accessories are expensive.

All in all.... Get one.

I’ve been using my Harvest Right freeze dryer for a while now, and I can’t say enough about how fantastic it is. If you’re on the fence about getting one, let me tell you—it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to preserve food effortlessly and keep it fresh for years.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to use. I was a little intimidated at first, thinking freeze-drying might be some complicated process, but Harvest Right makes it so straightforward. You just prep your food—whether it’s fruits, veggies, meats, or even full meals—load it into the trays, pop them in, and press start. The machine does all the heavy lifting from there. The interface is intuitive, and it walks you through the steps, so even a beginner like me had no trouble figuring it out.

What really stands out is how well it works. The freeze-drying process locks in the flavor, texture, and nutrients of the food way better than canning or dehydrating ever could. I’ve done batches of strawberries, chicken, and even lasagna, and everything comes out tasting fresh when I rehydrate it—sometimes even months later. It’s honestly amazing to have that kind of quality at my fingertips.

Storing food long-term has never felt safer or easier. Once the food’s done, I just seal it up in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers, and it’s good to go for years—literally. No worrying about freezer burn or power outages ruining my stockpile. Plus, it’s lightweight and takes up way less space than jars or freezer bags, which is a huge bonus for organization.

The machine itself is solid, too. It’s built to last, and while it’s an investment upfront, the convenience and peace of mind it offers make it worth every penny. I love how low-maintenance it is—just a quick clean between batches, and it’s ready to roll again.

Overall, my Harvest Right freeze dryer has made food preservation a breeze. It’s user-friendly, delivers top-notch results, and gives me confidence that my food stash is safe and ready whenever I need it. If you’re into prepping, gardening, or just want to cut down on waste, this thing is an absolute must-have. Highly recommend!

This was the worst customer service experience I’ve received.

They shipped me the wrong item after waiting for a week. Call them told them the error and they said they would have someone call me back, never happened. Called again the next day, they said they needed a photo, so I send proof so they can verify their error. I again asked for a callback but from a supervisor this time to hopefully speed up their already slow shipping process.

And again they did not call me back. The next day I called and requested a supervisor, they could not get me one and had to call me back. Earnest a supervisor, eventually called back said they can’t help me. They said they already reordered it and if they reordered it to speed up the shipping it would just take longer and harvest right said they would not fix there mistake and cover the cost to express ship (little power cord cost nothing to ship).

This is the worst customer service I’ve experienced in a long time. I mean you spend $3000-4000 with a company and then order a replacement part and this is the treatment I get?! Horrible

When I upgrade this unit (which I plan to next year) I’ll be sure to shop around and find another company that offers something similar and that can offer a good customer service experience. I would avoid spending anymore of my money with this company.