As our modern lifestyles evolve, the demand for efficient and long-lasting food preservation methods is growing. In recent years, using freeze dryers has emerged as a popular solution, but the question remains: is it worth the investment?

Freeze drying is a process that involves removing moisture from food or other materials to preserve them for extended periods. This method has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to preserve food without preservatives or chemicals. However, before you purchase a freeze dryer, you should know a few things.

In this article, we’ll discuss what a freeze dryer is, how it works, the pros and cons of owning one, and ultimately, whether or not they’re worth the investment. So, let’s get started!

What is a freeze dryer?

A freeze dryer, also known as a lyophilizer, is a device that removes moisture from materials by freezing them and then subjecting them to a vacuum. This process is called sublimation, and it involves the direct transition of water from a solid state (ice) to a gaseous state (water vapour) without passing through the liquid form. The freeze dryer lowers the pressure inside a chamber, causing any ice crystals in the material to vaporize and be collected by a condenser.

How does a freeze-dryer work?

The freeze-drying process can be broken down into three stages: freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying.

In the first stage, the material to be freeze-dried is placed in the freeze dryer and frozen to a temperature below its melting point. This is typically done in a separate freezer unit, as the freeze dryer itself is not capable of freezing the material.

The second stage is primary drying, during which the pressure in the chamber is lowered, and heat is applied to the frozen material. This causes the ice crystals to vaporize and be removed from the material, leaving behind a dry, porous structure. The process is slow and can take several hours to a few days, depending on the material being dried.

The final stage is secondary drying, during which the remaining moisture in the material is removed by raising the temperature and lowering the pressure even further. This step is crucial for ensuring the material remains stable and doesn’t spoil over time.

Now that you know how a freeze dryer works, let’s discuss the pros and cons of owning one.

Pros of owning a freeze dryer

• Preserves food without preservatives: One of the biggest benefits of owning a freeze dryer is that it allows you to preserve food without preservatives or chemicals. This is particularly important for those who are health-conscious or have dietary restrictions.
• Increases shelf life: Freeze-dried food can last for years without spoiling, making it an ideal choice for those who want to stock up on emergency supplies or enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables year-round.
• Retains nutritional value: Freeze-drying preserves the nutritional value of food better than other preservation methods, such as canning or dehydrating.
• Can save money: If you have access to fresh produce in bulk or a garden, and are planning to preserve a lot of food, owning a freeze dryer can save you money in the long run by allowing you to preserve your food instead of purchasing pre-packaged freeze-dried meals. This is generally only the case if you are storing a lot of food or go through your supplies regularly.
• Diverse applications: Freeze dryers can also be used to preserve a variety of non-food materials, such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and biological samples.

Cons of owning a freeze dryer

• Expensive upfront cost: Freeze dryers can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars (see economics section below).
• Requires space: Freeze dryers are large, bulky machines that require a significant amount of space to operate. 
• Requires maintenance: Like any complex piece of machinery, freeze dryers require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure they operate correctly.
• Time-consuming: The freeze-drying process can take several hours to a few days, which can be a downside for those looking for a quick and easy preservation method.
• Not for everyone: Unless you’re planning to do a lot of freeze-drying or are going through your supplies regularly, it is more worthwhile to purchase freeze-dried food from professionals rather than investing in your own freeze-dryer (see our concluding thoughts below).

The economics of owning a freeze dryer

One of the main factors to consider when deciding whether to invest in a freeze-dryer is the financial cost. Freeze dryers can be quite expensive, ranging from a few thousand dollars for a small home unit to tens of thousands for a larger commercial unit. Here are some of the financial considerations to keep in mind:

The upfront cost for home use can range from $2,000 to $5,000. Commercial-grade freeze dryers can cost upwards of $20,000 or more. Additional costs may be associated with installing the unit, such as electrical or plumbing work.

In addition to the upfront cost, owning a freeze dryer also comes with ongoing expenses. These may include:

• Energy costs: Freeze dryers can be energy-intensive, particularly during the freezing and drying cycles. Depending on your electricity rates, you may see an increase in your monthly energy bills.
• Maintenance costs: Like any machinery, freeze dryers require regular maintenance to keep them in good working order. This may include replacing filters, lubricating moving parts, and replacing worn or damaged components. Depending on the unit, these costs can add up over time.
• Supplies: Depending on the unit, you may need to purchase additional supplies, such as vacuum pump oil or replacement trays. These costs can add up over time.

While the upfront and ongoing costs of owning a freeze dryer can be significant, there are also potential cost savings. Here are some of the ways that owning a freeze dryer can save you money:

• Reduced food waste: With a freeze dryer, you can preserve and store food for longer periods of time, reducing the amount of food that goes to waste. This can save you money on groceries in the long run.
• Bulk purchasing: If you have access to bulk purchasing options, such as through a food co-op or farm share program, owning a freeze dryer can help you take advantage of these deals by allowing you to store and preserve larger quantities of food.

Conclusion

While owning a freeze dryer can offer benefits, it may not be the best choice for everyone. The reality is that freeze-drying is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. Unless you are planning to do A LOT of freeze drying, it is more worthwhile to purchase freeze-dried food from professionals to save on time, money, and storage space. Professionals:

• have access to specialized equipment and expertise that may not be available to the average person. They can ensure that the freeze-drying process is done correctly, preserving the nutritional value and flavour of the food.
• have to pass rigorous standards so your food is safe for long term storage.
• do the hard work for you, saving your time and energy.
• Carry many varieties and options for your needs that are prepackaged, come with cooking instructions, and are ready to store. Options like: fruits and vegetables, meals, gluten free options, meat, cheese, eggs, and snacks.

Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments or reach out to us through hello@totalprepare.ca. We’re here to help!