In any case, maybe it will help some newbie HR Freeze Dryer owners to answer some of the questions I once had.
I honestly think putting a thermometer inside the unit is an excellent idea. I sent the following note off to Harvest Right Support in an effort to gain a little better understanding of the process.
Fillings for chocolates is a perfect idea! Should be able to get some really intense flavors that way.
You cannot run a good commercial kitchen without plenty of food. Commercial walk-in coolers are needed for keeping a lot of food chilled. If you’re running a very large scale operation, then a standard-sized refrigerator will not be enough.
(had to replace the whole galvanized T piece with new wires in it) Seems they are epoxied in there, and in my experience passthroughs are a problem spot, so it's not at all surprizing that there was a slight leak there. In any case, I thanks the folks at HR for sending parts and sticking with me throughout.
To protect packaged foods and organic compounds against spoiling, mold growth, color change, and loss of nutrition, use oxygen absorbers to get the residual oxygen inside the packaging to below 0.
Whichever freeze dryer model you choose, be sure you’re getting it from a trustworthy source. The only place where you’re guaranteed complete satisfaction is the manufacturer’s store or their website, so that’s where I’d buy if it were up to me.
You get all the same when you buy a freeze dryer in person, but buying it online takes less effort (and it’s more comfortable since you’re sitting on a couch).
The next way to save money is to watch Harvest Right's website for seasonal sales and promotions. Sometimes, patience pays off in the form of significant discounts.
Canned foods can either be purchased commercially or home canned. Home canned foods should be canned using research-tested recipes and processes like those found in the USDA Complete Guide to Canning or in Extension publications.
Many online stores (taking Harvest Right as an example) have sections of their websites devoted to all the different benefits of using freeze dryers, explaining how to freeze dry, how it affects nutrition, and all other additional info you may need.
There are 3 ports on the chamber that I made slits in the plastic to get around and taped them up once around them. Do not tape to the insulation. Tape only to the vapor barrier plastic. It doesn't take long, just be careful. After the plastic is in place and secure around the Buy Now chamber I sealed the plastic to the back of the front and back panels using the packing tape. All the way around the front and back of the chamber to completely seal the chamber from outside air and humidity.
I love that the small freeze dryer can be placed on a kitchen counter. Having it in the kitchen makes it convenient and always ready to start the freeze-drying process.
You can have electric or gas grills. Gas grills deliver higher and faster heat. They will also cook more evenly than electric. Electric grills are typically cheaper and will have more functions. However, electric grills heat slowly and can be more difficult to maintain.