Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Reviews

I purchased a large freeze dryer slightly over a year ago. It is very user friendly and fairly quiet. I would suggest you house the unit in a cool room, it does generate some heat and if the room gets too warm it will slow the process. It was a big investment for us and overall, I'm happy with it.

NOTE: Harvest Right does not offer an extended warranty, you only have 1 year. Harvest Right does not have tech's that come to you, your unit has to be boxed up and sent back to them. $$$

After about 6 months, my unit would not advance to the vacuum freezing mode. I was told it had a defective condensing line and a freon leak. It took 3 months to get my unit back. It worked for 4 months then I had the same problem, the unit had to be sent back a second time. It took just over a month to get my unit back and I have been assured it has been fixed.

Fingers crossed!

I purchased my medium sized Harvest Right Freeze Dryer in January 2024. Overall, I would rate my experience as of today around a 4-1/2 stars out of 5. So far it's been a bit of a learning curve. The directions aren't very good, especially when it comes to the freeze dryer's on/off switch and pump valve. There is a decent amount of online technical support videos, which have been proven more helpful than the actual owner's manual. I recently contacted customer service, as the door gasket wasn't sealed which caused water and ice buildup on the outside of the machine's door. The first agent I spoke with wasn't helpful, however; the second agent I spoke with was very helpful and sent me videos to help me fix the issue by adjusting the freeze dryer's door. Overall, I think it's a wonderful way to preserve food long-term and short-term, and will be a huge money saver. I also appreciate the fact that my family & I can freeze dry our own food from our garden and not have all of the extra preservatives. I'm looking forward to many years with my machine, and believe it's a great investment for people whom are looking into longer and healthier food storage to pass down to our next generations.

A buddy of mine and I had been discussing the pros and cons of owning a freeze dryer for a couple of years. After a wee dram or two of scotch we decided that we would both buy one. The following day I bought 2 medium freeze dryers (one for me and one for my buddy who sent money along to buy his). The only two freeze dryers in the state were 2 hours away so the adventure was on. I picked them up without a hitch and returned to base.

I set mine up immediately and did the “bread run” (first operation of the unit). All was really simple and went according to plan. Over the next 10 days I experimented with anything I could find that wasn’t high fat to get the hang of things. (By the way, freeze dried skittles are the bomb.) I couldn’t have been happier until about 12 days in I couldn’t get sufficient vacuum in the chamber for the process to work correctly.

Time for that moment everyone dreads…… call for tech support…. Without being put through hell on a rotten rail trying to speak to a real person fluent in the American form of English language, I found myself visiting with Landon. Landon walked me through some basic questions and then asked that I forward a usage log from the machine to him via email. The following day the mission had been accomplished and Landon was calling!

More testing and remedies were tried but nothing seemed to work over the next few days. (It’s important to point out I didn’t have to call and try to chase Landon down to get things moving. He was on top of the issue either emailing or calling me.)

Next step was in home service call handled through a vendor. That didn’t materialize at no fault of Landon or harvest right.

Left with no options Landon did the right thing, Landon cheerfully replaced the unit and has followed up just prior to me writing this to see that everything is satisfactory.

I am absolutely pleased with the level of service, professionalism, follow-up and accessibility. In a time where we are forced to converse with machines and “press 1 for English” it’s good to know that there are those out there who value my time.

Overall experience with our Medium size Freeze dryer is very positive with a few caveats.

1. We purchased our first unit around May 2021 and had a few issues with vacuum due to connections which we resolved by doing the work ourselves with the help of technical support and online videos.

2. We found that the oil-less pumps are fragile and prone to problems. We replaced it twice, first one under warranty and the second at our expense. We decided to purchase a premier oil type pump for the third pump and have not had any issues since then.

3. We feel that customer service should be more proactive in communicating the need for software upgrades as they become available. We had to call about a temperature issue and we were told that there was a software upgrade that needed to be installed and ours was 10 versions behind.

4. Lack of communication from the company. We found out from another website that a 5 shelve unit can be purchased for the medium dryer, increasing food capacity. If we had known this from the beginning we would have been able to process 25% more food.

In conclusion we feel this is a solid unit which does the job very well once the peripheral issues are resolved. We have purchased an additional large pro unit and look forward to putting it to work soon.

Works well at first. Within a year of light use the heater connector went out on the relay board. Im not happy that it is a known issue and it has not been fixed. Customer service was very easy to contact and overnighted a new board for $100.

Remember talking to the owner in 2012 back then I had an ammunition business and I couldn't understand what this guy was doing but if I can't even believe I bought this $5000 machineI got the XL version I didn't want to get the $10,000 version simply because that is a product for them that is brand new and I believe it is untested so it doesn't have a tracker where is the XLIt was taking a gamble but I believe they have it down as far as all the different parts so everything looked commercial the pump is larger the condensers everything inspired the machine in general I believe has More sensors. I would look at it that way this is a commercial grade and this is our new line of products at the end of the day if you run this thing and use your electricity why not simply just do more freeze dryingThe amount of output has versus the other machines you just simply wasting your time. I wish they would've told me how loud this thing was and how much he had put out but look man it is commercial grade and they explained it to me so I couldn't fully understand it from the sales people but this is not something you're gonna put in the kitchen in your house you have to dedicate a room sound through the walls etc.Particular before movement have to put the thing in the garage cause I don't think the wife is gonna be able to handle the noise. I don't think there's any other company I don't want to spend this much money with and harvest right that he's been doing this for I think 15 years? This company seems to keep on improving improving the quality was watching all the videos I would like to certain things like oh the filters got the metal screws or you know all the components they change from being plastic to metal. They are continuously upgrading all the machines or at least I decided to go commercial because for the amount of money you're spending me damn I'm gonna use this thing every day to get my money back

I purchased my Harvest Right Freeze Dryer at the beginning of 2024. Originally, I was thinking it would be a great side-gig for a supplemental income. But I haven't gotten there yet. There's too many things I'm trying for myself and my family. I love the idea of having emergency food that we enjoying eating and that I can control the quality of the ingredients used.

I find myself throwing very little food away now.... I just freeze dry it before it's bad!

I came upon my first issue recently, it was with my oil filter. The team at Harvest Right was very helpful with their quick responses and helped me resolve the problem. There are so many uses for a freeze dryer and although, I haven't tried another brand, I would definitely recommend Harvest Right.

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.