If you are purchasing a freeze dryer, you need to answer 2 questions: 1) what size freeze dryer? 2) which pump should i get? This video will review all 4 options of pumps so you can answer the 2nd question. If you are thinking of buying freeze dryer, support the freeze drying community and purchase through us! It helps keep this TH-cam content coming, helps purchase products for the social media giveaways and helps us develop products to streamline freeze drying! FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BUY -- affiliates.harvestright.com/416.html Thanks to all of your continued support!
So out of all the freeze driers you have had and out of how many cycles did they go through before you had a fail from the freeze drier I have had mine now for Four months and 15 cycles in a freeze fail harvest right said through out all the food and said that it does this some times 30 cycles in the pump stopped pumping and the oil turned black and yes changing oil every 2 to 3 cycles with robin air oil they sent me a new pump and i seen a video on the oils and black gold takes the water and drops it out love this oil and now once again I'm 68 cycles in and now i have a heat pad fail so now i wait for a new circuit board if it goes down again i think i have a lemon and how much is this going to cost me when the warranty is over Please let me know Jeff jensentjeff@gmail.com
I’ve worked in the HVAC industry for 25 years and vacuum pumps are a necessary tool for refrigeration systems. I’ve worked with SO many different pumps over my career. The “Eagle” the one you say is the worst, is actually the best. Yes it’s big, yes it’s loud, but it’s a true industrial process pump. It has better performance and it’s oil free. The freeze dryer itself can be loud and obnoxious. I’ve plumbed my Eagle vacuum pump to my garage and it stays cooler and the noise isn’t even noticeable anymore. Rebuilding the pump is a piece of cake. If you can change the brakes on a car you can rebuild this pump. Harvestright recommends rebuilding it once a year, with bearings done once every 2 years. Monitor the amp draw on this and when it starts to get into the service factor amp rating (it’s listed on tag on the side of the pump motor) then it’s time for a rebuild.
@@mmkucharczyk81 I think what he's saying here is that rebuilding it yourself is a viable option for most customers, and that the build quality is such that it should continue to last for years longer than the other pump options.
I’ve had constant trouble with the old free pop. It’s been sent back twice and now it’s not working properly again. A rebuild kit is about $200. I’m wondering if I should get the rebuild kit and take a 4th chance on it, or cut my losses and go with a premier oil pump. I have the standard oil pump and it’s a pain in the butt to change the oil every time.
I just bought a Blue Alpine freezer. The pump connects to the freezer only with an air hose. There are no electrical connections. The manual says that the pump will kick in automatically after a 15-min delay but I don't understand how. Pardon my ignorance but can you please explain what happens in that system? Thank you!
I’m on my third freeze dryer having bought my first one in 2014. I’ve had every pump HR makes and hands down I choose the premier oil pump first, the regular pump second. I tried three oil free pumps and all three didn’t last 6 months. Oil free is noisy as all get out and doesn’t pull as deep as vacuum as either oil pump.
@@ArthurMorgansDeadHorse so, are all three still working? I’ve saved up enough to buy the large one, but still so worried that it won’t freeze dry my meals because there’s fats in them.
I just received my pump from Harvest right after a month of being lied to. It seems they put a new filter on it and sent our old pump back. Failed the vacuum test twice and when I hooked a vacuum gage directly to the pump the best it will do is 29 inches of mercury. Should be over 30. This machine had to be returned for a new compressor. Now it wont suck. Well yeah it does suck. We were going to purchase another one but no way now. Totally unhappy in Vancouver WA
@@lindalockhart1266 First one we used so much it had a problem (after 5 years) of reaching a vacuum. I really think it was my fault as I adjusted a setting in the main circuit board that determined the mTorr setting. Any way we decided to get a née one. After we got the new one (a medium) we decided we needed a large. Now we have the new medium and large going full time.
By the way I have info on purchasing parts for the original pump from Grainger online. Your paperwork has part numbers and we successfully ordered and repaired our pump! I will list parts later. Oh and the little flap on top internal part we originally used a tune up gauge for gapping valve's on car engines. Thin piece of metal bent just the right way. It made it more efficient to until we received our new parts....😉
I lean to the low profile dropping a spot and the standard pump in second place. As you stated and are absolutely correct on being an oiled pump the standard pump will last forever with appropriate maintenance. The oilless has a shelf life. We want the longest shelf life possible. Just my opinion.
Wish we had seen this back when we ordered our large freeze dryer back in May. We chose the oil-free 'Eagle' pump, which gave us 7 batches before vacuum errors. Harvest Right, after much back and forth, offered to trade us even for a Premier Pump, which given the cost differential we rejected. They are sending a box to return the oil-free pump for repair/replacement. It has taken nearly two weeks just to get that sent out, we don't have it yet. They claim the black particles/pieces that were ejected by the pump are normal. It looks like pieces of black garbage bags. We used the alcohol flush procedure from HR, which they now say not to use, and it helped a bit but didn't resolve the issue. We have the Premier pump for the medium freeze dryer, and if I had to buy another pump the Premier pump would get my vote.
We are up to 37 cycles now on our medium freeze dryer and premier pump, and change the oil on the 20th Cycle, Did not even appear that it needed it I let the oil settle in the new oil filter design did not detect any water, refilled the pump with the oil and we are now up to her 37 cycle, as far as location have it set up in our living room, and we are in the family room watching TV or in the kitchen you can barely even hear the units running, no more noise than a small portable fan is about how I would rate the noise level, thanks for the great videos keep the information coming are still newbies and we are enjoying all of them that you put out, and please forgive us we purchased it straight through harvest right we were unaware of you at that time but we wish we did,
One great takeaway from this video was knowing the capacity of the vacuum pump. Thanks! Unfortunately, my experience with the Premier pump wasn't as good as yours. I can't remember if I ran the pump five or six times, however it failed to maintain a vacuum. When this video was made approximately a year ago, Harvest Right's customer service was outstanding. When I called back a few days ago, it wasn't quite as good. After following all of the recommendations by email and attempting to update the firmware, I hadn't made any progress. It had been several days between emails and phone calls. When I was able to get someone to respond, I found out that my pump was out of warranty by about 6 months. That's not a complaint about the warranty, I'm sure I read about it before I made the purchase. The reason this video helps me so much is that I know to get a 7cfm replacement pump for about $133 (plus shipping) on toollots.com. I'm sure the premier pump is better but I'm anticipating Toolots' vacuum pump will last more than six runs. As a safety, a 3-year warranty costs about $18. It was suggested that I buy a (rebuilt/ renewed/ refurbished?) pump for a little under $300. Unfortunately, my confidence level in this company and this pump, has slipped a bit.
Passing along my experience - I purchased a complete system, with the low-profile scroll oil less pump. I run my system about 18 hours per day. My first low-profile scroll oil less pump failed after four months. HarvestRight replaced it under warranty, and I was sent a new one. That one, my second low-profile scroll oil less pump, failed after another four months. Seems to be right on cue time-wise for a 4-month or 2100 hour life cycle.
13 months in and my oilless white pump doesn't pull a good vacuum. Idk if their warranty on this is still good. Used to get to 200~300 millitorr, but now only gets to 1500 millitorr ultimate vacuum. 😢
Thanks so much for this video. I think I’ll go with the primer pump and spend that extra money I was going to put on a oilless pump and go for the large FD.
I purchased my FD through your link and ordered "the eagle." I hope that someday soon, it will land 😆 I wish I had seen this before, it seems like people really like the premiere. Thanks for all you do, Brian!
Thanks for taking the time to add all the data to this video. Very helpful. As an update, it looks like they are offering the premier pump as the standard option with the units now. And I only see one option available for upgrade, which appears to be the 'eagle' type oil free pump. Does anyone know if that's the case? Is the low profile one just not an option now, or is the 'compare pumps' picture just inaccurate?
I have a question for anyone with a freeze dryer. If it doesn’t freeze dry fat well, everything I cook has fat in it… chili, soups, etc…. In fact, cheese has a lot of fat. How do you know which of your recipes is going to do well and what isn’t? I’ve saved up the money, now I’m getting cold feet… also, Would you spend the extra for the large since you need a dedicated line for it?
Hi Linda - I avoid high-fat items so as to lengthen my shelf life. I have FD'd many, many pounds of 91% hamburger raw, and there's no problem. I have also done it cooked, but I extract every bit of fat that I can from it . You might consider actually purchasing a few gallons of factory-FD'd butter, cheese, etc. That's what I've done for high-fat products.
Made cheesy potatoes that had sour cream and butter in them. Cut back a bit on the butter from the recipe. Cooked them in the oven then froze and freeze dried them. We Ate them a couple months after they were put in the Mylar bags. They rehydrated and cooked just fine. I do notice that if you freeze dry meat without rinsing it in water there tends to be some fat on the trays after freeze drying. I typically line my trays with parchment paper before putting the cooked meat on the trays. We also freeze dried raw hamburgers and those reconstituted well. You just have to poke them with a fork to get the liquid to enter the center area before cooking. What you can’t freeze dry are things that are mostly fat like butter and chocolate. Fat in milk is fine. And buy the large one if you plan on processing a lot of food.
Thank you for your review. I just purchase a medium Harvest Right I choose the Premier pump due to reviews and my experience. I have repaired and rebuilt similar pumps and have never like the oil less. They are good pumps but in reality they cost more in the long run as far as upfront cost, longevity, power consumption and repair cost vs the oiled versions. Like you said heat is a big factor on any equipment's longevity keep them well ventilated, clean and maintained. Next I would say the power usage and sound were my other concerns which the Premier seems to fit as well. Looking forward to watching more of you videos
I planned on replacing my original pump since I noticed oil mist splatter on the wall near it after a few uses. I thought it was defective but after reading on HR we site it seems as it is a feature on the standard pump. The Premium claims no oil mist. After watching this video I'll go with the Premier pump. Thanks for the great video! I'll use your link to order it 😁👍
I just got my new mid sized HR freeze drier with the standard oil pump a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised at how quiet the pump is. I have it set up in my kitchen and it is much quieter than my dishwasher. Could it be that Harvest Right has recently improved their standard pump? I've been running the machine almost continuously and watching lots of Retired at Forty videos. Thanks for all the help and inspiration.
The "fog" you mentioned, is that a chemical like an oil emission or is it water and not toxic? If you are using this inside your home is this a concern or could it stain or retain an odor?
Hi! Suggestion: CALL Harvest Right instead of ordering online and you will receive a payment option of $1000 at the time you order and balance due when shipped. This is not an option if you order online. Just be sure to mention "Retired at 40" when ordering! I ordered the large with the premier pump yesterday and used your affiliate link. The large is shipping 10-12 weeks after placing your order. Thank you for your videos!
Thank you so much for your continued reviews of the freeze dryer and pumps. I am still waiting for more data on the newest oil-less pump, but your review made me think about the Premier. I look forward to another update after you have had a while to use the oil-less for a good long stretch.
Spent the extra G on the premier. Glad I did. Wait!!! 295$ upgrade? I thought mine was 900$ plus additional cost. Mine only fogged the first full freeze dry cycle
I’m buying my freeze dryer soon and I’m trying to educate myself by watching your videos, and I will add the premier pump with my freeze dryer. Thanks for all the great information you put out.
I remember seeing the internals of the original pump after many hours of usage and it looked rusty. Is the Premiere pump internal parts made from rust free components?
I plan to buy my fresh dryer in March I’m watching all of your videos so I know exactly what I need to do and exactly which one to buy thanks for all the reviews thanks for all the products that you show that you freeze dry
Awesome video! How much heat is generated between the freeze dryer and the pump while operating? Also, is it okay to house and use the freeze dryer in a non heated space where the winter temperatures can get significantly cold? Sometimes well below zero. Thank you for the informative video. We are considering the purchase of a small. We are older and retired and have relocated to a small home. Thank you!!
Great review. The low profile pump is NOT as stated by Harvest Right a 7 CFM pump. The pump is from Scroll Labs and is listed by Scroll Labs as a 109 L minute pump. That’s about 3.5 CFM. Also the low profile pump uses a DC motor as well
But my Premier pump came with a 110 plugon the back of my freeze dryer. It has a 220 plug. Can I just get a little 3 pronger? And put it on the end of the 110 vacuum pump to fit the 220 hole in the back of the harvest right machine. It's a 5 tray machine. It is plugged into a 220 socket.
get an aux oil filtration system for your oil pumps. I used to get the for the big freeze dryers in the lab and the pumps would go forever without having to change the oil or rebuild them
When I was first shopping for my breeze dryer I thought that the premier pump was $700 or $795 extra otherwise I'd have probably got the premiere I guess I miss looked or they changed the pricing system greatly which is it take care
How often are you supposed to dry run the oil less? I’ve never heard this, have been searching for info on maintenance cause it’s a couple years old and I have dark oil puddles under it. Is the dry run after running each time?
What Voltage meter do you use to gather data on the Eagle? It's a 20amp system and with a special 20amp style of plug, I have not found a Voltage meter to gather my data. If I had the $$$$ I would probably go to the new model or the Premier.
So if you process food, you have to go for the oil less pump. This video could have been way shorter for me, I think most people are mostly interested in food processing, am I wrong?
Harvest is making better and better products but they seem to think those of us who have the older machines aren't worth much since they don't have parts for the older ones. I need to watch this again and make a comparison chart so I can compare all across. I have the big oiless and it does get hot I have to put a fan on it. I would like to know how heat effects the pump.
My machine was received in Feb. We havent had it running for over half of that time because of a bad compressor. Had to be sent back. Got it back in about a month. Then the oiless pump quit pulling good vacuum. Just got the pump that is supposed to be new but it has the same issue. So it sits while we really could use it. Oh and I forgot to mention the no heat issue that we had to wait for a new circuit board that wasnt available for a month
I have the New oil less pump...I have had trouble with it. Got it last January...Soon be a year...I had to do 4 down loads so far...I have throwed away so much food, because it wouldn't finish. run it for hours. and keep coming up #9...if they don't fix it soon...sending it back...just letting you know alittle about my experience...Not Happy.
Thanks for sharing Debra. Have you tried asking for a different pump? I think the oiled pumps for maintenance and longevity are going to be superior to the oil less models
I just bought my harvest right freeze dryer and it is the new white pump. I am trying to figure out where to connect the drain hose...the large brass fitted hose is connected to the pump and the dryer but I cannot find where I am supposed to hook up the little clear drip hose. Is it needed?
Julie - the clear drain hose connects to the FREEZE DRYER, not the pump. At least on my older machine model, it connects to a fitting in the rear lower left corner of the machine. The connection point sometimes is shipped sort of stuffed inside and has to be pulled out through the opening there. Hope that helps.
Hey Brian, in this video you say that the upgrade price for the premium is $295 but looking at the web site it says it is a $500 difference. Can you please explain to me. Thanks
So is that the 3/4 hp premier pump in this video? I'm asking because Harvest right doesn't offer that 3/4 hp premier pump anymore. They only offer the "green Premier pump" with 1/2 hp motor. I was very disappointed that they downsized the hp rating to 1/2 hp. 🥺
Does this newer Scroll oil free pump have to be sent back to the manufacturer after 2-3 years (depending upon usage), costing roughly $300+ for HR to maintenance, not including shipping costs? I bought it before I found your reviews. I have emailed and called HR for an exchange to the Premier BUT they HAVE NOT contacted me by phone or email. I did not use the pump at all. You'd THINK they'd have better customer relations than this!!! 🤨 I'm getting pretty angry.
I have ordered, but not yet received, a medium Freeze Dryer and a low profile oil less pump. You mentioned a “dry flush” in the video. I have the manual for the pump and it doesn’t mention anything about that. What is the “dry flush?”
I have the original pump and "the eagle" both have never been used. How do you suggest I get rid of them? I would like to get the low profile oil less pump. Guess I should just call HR?
Dont waste your money. We have been without our unit for over 2 months. Got the supposedly new pump back today and it will not pull a good vacuum. Seems like they sent us our old one back
It has been a year sense this video, do you still like the oil less, and have you had any problems. I am thinking if getting this one but really want your take.
So i just got my medium freeze dryer And when i put the food in it does not let me pick whether it's frozen already or not does any one know why is there a special setting I need to choose
I just happened to order mine with the standard pump, in September 2021 before the change, but when they shipped it (November), I received the premier pump instead. I was very happy.
I got the low profile oil less pump and it went out after a few months using it. Took me 4 months to get a replacement. Took 2 months just to get a box sent to me to send it back. I had to call week after week plus emails trying to get the box. Worst customer service EVER! And the pump cost way too much to only last that long.
The pump is not free. It’s built into the price of the freeze dryer along with the sealer and Mylar bags that it comes with. I do agree with your assessment on oil less pumps and the longevity of them.
I hear that Harvest Right has a new source for the premier pump. They are reporting problems with the new version of the premier pump. Has anyone had problems with the new version of the this pump?
I have the newest premiere pump. After just a few normal runs it flooded the demister with oil and I'm not sure why it wasn't tipped. Now I can't get it below 700mtorr and it keeps flooding the filter. Waiting on a service ticket, hoping I just need a new demister filter.
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If you are purchasing a freeze dryer, you need to answer 2 questions:
1) what size freeze dryer?
2) which pump should i get?
This video will review all 4 options of pumps so you can answer the 2nd question.
If you are thinking of buying freeze dryer, support the freeze drying community and purchase through us! It helps keep this TH-cam content coming, helps purchase products for the social media giveaways and helps us develop products to streamline freeze drying!
FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BUY -- affiliates.harvestright.com/416.html
Thanks to all of your continued support!
large freeze dryer, premier pump is ordered
I will go through you guys and because it's just me and the pets I will purchase a medium freeze dryer. Thanks again for all the info
Tried to join the MEWE group, but no luck.
So out of all the freeze driers you have had and out of how many cycles did they go through before you had a fail from the freeze drier I have had mine now for Four months and 15 cycles in a freeze fail harvest right said through out all the food and said that it does this some times 30 cycles in the pump stopped pumping and the oil turned black and yes changing oil every 2 to 3 cycles with robin air oil they sent me a new pump and i seen a video on the oils and black gold takes the water and drops it out love this oil and now once again I'm 68 cycles in and now i have a heat pad fail so now i wait for a new circuit board if it goes down again i think i have a lemon and how much is this going to cost me when the warranty is over Please let me know Jeff jensentjeff@gmail.com
I’ve worked in the HVAC industry for 25 years and vacuum pumps are a necessary tool for refrigeration systems. I’ve worked with SO many different pumps over my career. The “Eagle” the one you say is the worst, is actually the best. Yes it’s big, yes it’s loud, but it’s a true industrial process pump. It has better performance and it’s oil free. The freeze dryer itself can be loud and obnoxious.
I’ve plumbed my Eagle vacuum pump to my garage and it stays cooler and the noise isn’t even noticeable anymore.
Rebuilding the pump is a piece of cake. If you can change the brakes on a car you can rebuild this pump. Harvestright recommends rebuilding it once a year, with bearings done once every 2 years. Monitor the amp draw on this and when it starts to get into the service factor amp rating (it’s listed on tag on the side of the pump motor) then it’s time for a rebuild.
but you have to send back to get rebuilt
@@mmkucharczyk81 I think what he's saying here is that rebuilding it yourself is a viable option for most customers, and that the build quality is such that it should continue to last for years longer than the other pump options.
I’ve had constant trouble with the old free pop. It’s been sent back twice and now it’s not working properly again. A rebuild kit is about $200. I’m wondering if I should get the rebuild kit and take a 4th chance on it, or cut my losses and go with a premier oil pump. I have the standard oil pump and it’s a pain in the butt to change the oil every time.
I just bought a Blue Alpine freezer. The pump connects to the freezer only with an air hose. There are no electrical connections. The manual says that the pump will kick in automatically after a 15-min delay but I don't understand how. Pardon my ignorance but can you please explain what happens in that system? Thank you!
I’m on my third freeze dryer having bought my first one in 2014. I’ve had every pump HR makes and hands down I choose the premier oil pump first, the regular pump second. I tried three oil free pumps and all three didn’t last 6 months. Oil free is noisy as all get out and doesn’t pull as deep as vacuum as either oil pump.
agreed!
Why are you on your third? Did they break? Do they not last very long? Would you spend the extra for the large since you need a dedicated line for it?
@@ArthurMorgansDeadHorse so, are all three still working? I’ve saved up enough to buy the large one, but still so worried that it won’t freeze dry my meals because there’s fats in them.
I just received my pump from Harvest right after a month of being lied to. It seems they put a new filter on it and sent our old pump back. Failed the vacuum test twice and when I hooked a vacuum gage directly to the pump the best it will do is 29 inches of mercury. Should be over 30. This machine had to be returned for a new compressor. Now it wont suck. Well yeah it does suck. We were going to purchase another one but no way now. Totally unhappy in Vancouver WA
@@lindalockhart1266 First one we used so much it had a problem (after 5 years) of reaching a vacuum. I really think it was my fault as I adjusted a setting in the main circuit board that determined the mTorr setting. Any way we decided to get a née one. After we got the new one (a medium) we decided we needed a large. Now we have the new medium and large going full time.
By the way I have info on purchasing parts for the original pump from Grainger online. Your paperwork has part numbers and we successfully ordered and repaired our pump! I will list parts later. Oh and the little flap on top internal part we originally used a tune up gauge for gapping valve's on car engines. Thin piece of metal bent just the right way. It made it more efficient to until we received our new parts....😉
I lean to the low profile dropping a spot and the standard pump in second place. As you stated and are absolutely correct on being an oiled pump the standard pump will last forever with appropriate maintenance. The oilless has a shelf life. We want the longest shelf life possible. Just my opinion.
Wish we had seen this back when we ordered our large freeze dryer back in May. We chose the oil-free 'Eagle' pump, which gave us 7 batches before vacuum errors. Harvest Right, after much back and forth, offered to trade us even for a Premier Pump, which given the cost differential we rejected. They are sending a box to return the oil-free pump for repair/replacement. It has taken nearly two weeks just to get that sent out, we don't have it yet. They claim the black particles/pieces that were ejected by the pump are normal. It looks like pieces of black garbage bags. We used the alcohol flush procedure from HR, which they now say not to use, and it helped a bit but didn't resolve the issue. We have the Premier pump for the medium freeze dryer, and if I had to buy another pump the Premier pump would get my vote.
They are the debris of PEEK polymer, which is the material for stents. It looks ugly but is safe.
They dont seem to care about bad publicity. They just want to sell them.
@@7484tsmith they have zero competitors and have more business than they can fulfill on, so why would they care about a little bad press?
@@taylorsessions4143 they finally fixed ours and it is working great. I guess the squeaky wheel does get the grease
We are up to 37 cycles now on our medium freeze dryer and premier pump, and change the oil on the 20th Cycle, Did not even appear that it needed it I let the oil settle in the new oil filter design did not detect any water, refilled the pump with the oil and we are now up to her 37 cycle, as far as location have it set up in our living room, and we are in the family room watching TV or in the kitchen you can barely even hear the units running, no more noise than a small portable fan is about how I would rate the noise level, thanks for the great videos keep the information coming are still newbies and we are enjoying all of them that you put out, and please forgive us we purchased it straight through harvest right we were unaware of you at that time but we wish we did,
I wish they had a trade-in program for those of us that got the standard pumps before the others were available.
One great takeaway from this video was knowing the capacity of the vacuum pump. Thanks! Unfortunately, my experience with the Premier pump wasn't as good as yours. I can't remember if I ran the pump five or six times, however it failed to maintain a vacuum. When this video was made approximately a year ago, Harvest Right's customer service was outstanding. When I called back a few days ago, it wasn't quite as good. After following all of the recommendations by email and attempting to update the firmware, I hadn't made any progress. It had been several days between emails and phone calls. When I was able to get someone to respond, I found out that my pump was out of warranty by about 6 months. That's not a complaint about the warranty, I'm sure I read about it before I made the purchase. The reason this video helps me so much is that I know to get a 7cfm replacement pump for about $133 (plus shipping) on toollots.com. I'm sure the premier pump is better but I'm anticipating Toolots' vacuum pump will last more than six runs. As a safety, a 3-year warranty costs about $18. It was suggested that I buy a (rebuilt/ renewed/ refurbished?) pump for a little under $300. Unfortunately, my confidence level in this company and this pump, has slipped a bit.
Passing along my experience - I purchased a complete system, with the low-profile scroll oil less pump. I run my system about 18 hours per day. My first low-profile scroll oil less pump failed after four months. HarvestRight replaced it under warranty, and I was sent a new one. That one, my second low-profile scroll oil less pump, failed after another four months. Seems to be right on cue time-wise for a 4-month or 2100 hour life cycle.
Thanks for that info!
My standard pump just bit it after 6 years. This video was very helpful, thank you!
Go premier pump!
13 months in and my oilless white pump doesn't pull a good vacuum. Idk if their warranty on this is still good. Used to get to 200~300 millitorr, but now only gets to 1500 millitorr ultimate vacuum. 😢
Can we get back to freeze drying food? I’m looking to start processing fish for the winter and value your tips and tricks.
Thanks so much for this video. I think I’ll go with the primer pump and spend that extra money I was going to put on a oilless pump and go for the large FD.
good plan!
I purchased my FD through your link and ordered "the eagle." I hope that someday soon, it will land 😆
I wish I had seen this before, it seems like people really like the premiere. Thanks for all you do, Brian!
Thanks for taking the time to add all the data to this video. Very helpful. As an update, it looks like they are offering the premier pump as the standard option with the units now.
And I only see one option available for upgrade, which appears to be the 'eagle' type oil free pump. Does anyone know if that's the case? Is the low profile one just not an option now, or is the 'compare pumps' picture just inaccurate?
I have a question for anyone with a freeze dryer. If it doesn’t freeze dry fat well, everything I cook has fat in it… chili, soups, etc…. In fact, cheese has a lot of fat. How do you know which of your recipes is going to do well and what isn’t? I’ve saved up the money, now I’m getting cold feet… also, Would you spend the extra for the large since you need a dedicated line for it?
Hi Linda - I avoid high-fat items so as to lengthen my shelf life. I have FD'd many, many pounds of 91% hamburger raw, and there's no problem. I have also done it cooked, but I extract every bit of fat that I can from it . You might consider actually purchasing a few gallons of factory-FD'd butter, cheese, etc. That's what I've done for high-fat products.
Made cheesy potatoes that had sour cream and butter in them. Cut back a bit on the butter from the recipe. Cooked them in the oven then froze and freeze dried them. We Ate them a couple months after they were put in the Mylar bags. They rehydrated and cooked just fine.
I do notice that if you freeze dry meat without rinsing it in water there tends to be some fat on the trays after freeze drying. I typically line my trays with parchment paper before putting the cooked meat on the trays.
We also freeze dried raw hamburgers and those reconstituted well. You just have to poke them with a fork to get the liquid to enter the center area before cooking.
What you can’t freeze dry are things that are mostly fat like butter and chocolate. Fat in milk is fine.
And buy the large one if you plan on processing a lot of food.
Thank you!!! This video was extremely helpful! I’m not afraid of changing the oil and am all about lower electricity usage!
I LOVE my premier pump! Hands down a great decision!!
Thank you for your review.
I just purchase a medium Harvest Right I choose the Premier pump due to reviews and my experience. I have repaired and rebuilt similar pumps and have never like the oil less. They are good pumps but in reality they cost more in the long run as far as upfront cost, longevity, power consumption and repair cost vs the oiled versions. Like you said heat is a big factor on any equipment's longevity keep them well ventilated, clean and maintained. Next I would say the power usage and sound were my other concerns which the Premier seems to fit as well.
Looking forward to watching more of you videos
What’s the fog front the premier pump made of? Is it water vapor? Thanks for making this video.
I planned on replacing my original pump since I noticed oil mist splatter on the wall near it after a few uses. I thought it was defective but after reading on HR we site it seems as it is a feature on the standard pump. The Premium claims no oil mist. After watching this video I'll go with the Premier pump. Thanks for the great video! I'll use your link to order it 😁👍
Super helpful. Thanks for making this video.
FYI, I have the 5 tray S/S Commercial model with the Eagle. It it noisy.
I just got my new mid sized HR freeze drier with the standard oil pump a few weeks ago and was pleasantly surprised at how quiet the pump is. I have it set up in my kitchen and it is much quieter than my dishwasher. Could it be that Harvest Right has recently improved their standard pump? I've been running the machine almost continuously and watching lots of Retired at Forty videos. Thanks for all the help and inspiration.
I would love to start .The show has been the biggest help in thinking about getting the right tools first time.hopefully i can get my hands on one.
I have the Premier Pump the one thing i noticed is even though i have a fan running on my Pump it is still very hot to touch not sure why.
The "fog" you mentioned, is that a chemical like an oil emission or is it water and not toxic? If you are using this inside your home is this a concern or could it stain or retain an odor?
Hi! Suggestion: CALL Harvest Right instead of ordering online and you will receive a payment option of $1000 at the time you order and balance due when shipped. This is not an option if you order online. Just be sure to mention "Retired at 40" when ordering! I ordered the large with the premier pump yesterday and used your affiliate link. The large is shipping 10-12 weeks after placing your order. Thank you for your videos!
Hi Marie, what is the affiliate link?
@@elibar242 hi! I should have said that I told them the name of the affiliate name not link. Sorry about that!
Thank you for all your hard work. Answering all my questions about how to make the best choice.
Great to hear!
Thank you so much for your continued reviews of the freeze dryer and pumps. I am still waiting for more data on the newest oil-less pump, but your review made me think about the Premier. I look forward to another update after you have had a while to use the oil-less for a good long stretch.
Dont even think about the new oilless pump. Total piece of crap
My Low Profile pump failed at about 2500 hours. It was replaced fairly quickly by HR under warranty.
I agree with you on premier pump having used vacuum pumps for other things its a pretty good pump
Spent the extra G on the premier. Glad I did.
Wait!!! 295$ upgrade? I thought mine was 900$ plus additional cost. Mine only fogged the first full freeze dry cycle
I’m buying my freeze dryer soon and I’m trying to educate myself by watching your videos, and I will add the premier pump with my freeze dryer. Thanks for all the great information you put out.
Happy Freeze Drying!
I remember seeing the internals of the original pump after many hours of usage and it looked rusty. Is the Premiere pump internal parts made from rust free components?
Thank you sir. Looking at buying this. Your vids have been very helpful
I plan to buy my fresh dryer in March I’m watching all of your videos so I know exactly what I need to do and exactly which one to buy thanks for all the reviews thanks for all the products that you show that you freeze dry
Suggest the premier pump if you can afford it. If not, IMHO, the pump that comes standard with the FD is better than the oil free.
Our pleasure! Happy freeze drying!
9:44 In the aquarium world, DC motors run quieter but do not last as long as AC pumps. I assume it's the same with these.
Oil less low profile has been the best for me.
That is a FANTASTIC pump!...we will start rebuilding these as soon as i can get the spares!
Awesome video!
How much heat is generated between the freeze dryer and the pump while operating?
Also, is it okay to house and use the freeze dryer in a non heated space where the winter temperatures can get significantly cold? Sometimes well below zero.
Thank you for the informative video. We are considering the purchase of a small. We are older and retired and have relocated to a small home. Thank you!!
Great review. The low profile pump is NOT as stated by Harvest Right a 7 CFM pump. The pump is from Scroll Labs and is listed by Scroll Labs as a 109 L minute pump. That’s about 3.5 CFM. Also the low profile pump uses a DC motor as well
Interesting. That would explain why it runs more efficient.
My 4 pumps all get down to about 180 mTorr range on my large freeze dryers, they work just fine.... and quiet......
But my Premier pump came with a 110 plugon the back of my freeze dryer. It has a 220 plug. Can I just get a little 3 pronger? And put it on the end of the 110 vacuum pump to fit the 220 hole in the back of the harvest right machine. It's a 5 tray machine. It is plugged into a 220 socket.
Thx for your opinion!
Will use your link when ready for purchase! @Retired at 40
Awesome! Thank you!
I am very pleased at your reviews. Looking to buy now
get an aux oil filtration system for your oil pumps. I used to get the for the big freeze dryers in the lab and the pumps would go forever without having to change the oil or rebuild them
It will void the warranty from HR
thank you so much for the detailed information!
Can I do the all the same things in the harvestright 5 trays Pharmaceutical Freeze Dryer? Thanks in advance Brian.
great review! thank you! si glad I upgraded to the premiere pump!
When I was first shopping for my breeze dryer I thought that the premier pump was $700 or $795 extra otherwise I'd have probably got the premiere I guess I miss looked or they changed the pricing system greatly which is it take care
With no on/off switch is it ok to leave the pump plugged in?
Can you tell me if the Premier pump will work on a 220 for my five tray freeze dryer is that
Can you tell me which pumps put out the most heat, in order?
What are the dimensions of the large and medium machines?
How often are you supposed to dry run the oil less? I’ve never heard this, have been searching for info on maintenance cause it’s a couple years old and I have dark oil puddles under it. Is the dry run after running each time?
What Voltage meter do you use to gather data on the Eagle? It's a 20amp system and with a special 20amp style of plug, I have not found a Voltage meter to gather my data. If I had the $$$$ I would probably go to the new model or the Premier.
So if you process food, you have to go for the oil less pump. This video could have been way shorter for me, I think most people are mostly interested in food processing, am I wrong?
Harvest is making better and better products but they seem to think those of us who have the older machines aren't worth much since they don't have parts for the older ones. I need to watch this again and make a comparison chart so I can compare all across. I have the big oiless and it does get hot I have to put a fan on it. I would like to know how heat effects the pump.
My machine was received in Feb. We havent had it running for over half of that time because of a bad compressor. Had to be sent back. Got it back in about a month. Then the oiless pump quit pulling good vacuum. Just got the pump that is supposed to be new but it has the same issue. So it sits while we really could use it. Oh and I forgot to mention the no heat issue that we had to wait for a new circuit board that wasnt available for a month
what about warranty differences
I have the New oil less pump...I have had trouble with it. Got it last January...Soon be a year...I had to do 4 down loads so far...I have throwed away so much food, because it wouldn't finish. run it for hours. and keep coming up #9...if they don't fix it soon...sending it back...just letting you know alittle about my experience...Not Happy.
Thanks for sharing Debra. Have you tried asking for a different pump? I think the oiled pumps for maintenance and longevity are going to be superior to the oil less models
Great info
I just bought my harvest right freeze dryer and it is the new white pump. I am trying to figure out where to connect the drain hose...the large brass fitted hose is connected to the pump and the dryer but I cannot find where I am supposed to hook up the little clear drip hose. Is it needed?
Julie - the clear drain hose connects to the FREEZE DRYER, not the pump. At least on my older machine model, it connects to a fitting in the rear lower left corner of the machine. The connection point sometimes is shipped sort of stuffed inside and has to be pulled out through the opening there. Hope that helps.
Hey Brian, in this video you say that the upgrade price for the premium is $295 but looking at the web site it says it is a $500 difference. Can you please explain to me. Thanks
Prices change and video release dates stay the same😀
So is that the 3/4 hp premier pump in this video?
I'm asking because Harvest right doesn't offer that 3/4 hp premier pump anymore.
They only offer the "green Premier pump" with 1/2 hp motor. I was very disappointed that they downsized the hp rating to 1/2 hp. 🥺
Yes. I have the 1st gen premier
Does this newer Scroll oil free pump have to be sent back to the manufacturer after 2-3 years (depending upon usage), costing roughly $300+ for HR to maintenance, not including shipping costs?
I bought it before I found your reviews. I have emailed and called HR for an exchange to the Premier BUT they HAVE NOT contacted me by phone or email.
I did not use the pump at all. You'd THINK they'd have better customer relations than this!!! 🤨
I'm getting pretty angry.
I don't think this needs a rebuild like the upright. Its much more tolerant of moisture.
I have ordered, but not yet received, a medium Freeze Dryer and a low profile oil less pump. You mentioned a “dry flush” in the video. I have the manual for the pump and it doesn’t mention anything about that. What is the “dry flush?”
I believe they use to recommended running the pump disconnected to flush out any remaining water
@@thefreezedryingcommunity I found it! It is in the troubleshooting guide under “won’t pull high vaccum.” Thanks!
My garage is directly below my bedrooms, could the premier pump be installed in a foam box to make it even quieter?
The Premier pump is really quiet. Ours is in the basement below our bedroom and we can't hear it. The oil-free pump, on the other hand, is audible.
If you restrict airflow you will burn it out. The more cooling the longer it will last.
I have the original pump and "the eagle" both have never been used. How do you suggest I get rid of them? I would like to get the low profile oil less pump. Guess I should just call HR?
Dont waste your money. We have been without our unit for over 2 months. Got the supposedly new pump back today and it will not pull a good vacuum. Seems like they sent us our old one back
I would buy the eagle !
It has been a year sense this video, do you still like the oil less, and have you had any problems.
I am thinking if getting this one but really want your take.
I have always liked the premier pump the best. You cannot beat longevity of oiled
HarvestRight is currently giving an upgrade to the premium pump for free. Just letting folks know if they were looking to buy one.
So i just got my medium freeze dryer
And when i put the food in it does not let me pick whether it's frozen already or not does any one know why is there a special setting I need to choose
It is the new software...
The premier pump is now included in the freezer dryers price
I just happened to order mine with the standard pump, in September 2021 before the change, but when they shipped it (November), I received the premier pump instead. I was very happy.
What’s the economic formula at which a freeze dryer is feasible ?, let’s take cheap veggie as a sample or cooked food.
I get caught in terminology when I hear the "change" term. The oil is actually filtered then put back in isn't it? Same oil.
Why flushing for 15 to 20 minutes? 5 to 10 minutes are more than enough.
I got the low profile oil less pump and it went out after a few months using it. Took me 4 months to get a replacement. Took 2 months just to get a box sent to me to send it back. I had to call week after week plus emails trying to get the box. Worst customer service EVER! And the pump cost way too much to only last that long.
The pump is not free. It’s built into the price of the freeze dryer along with the sealer and Mylar bags that it comes with. I do agree with your assessment on oil less pumps and the longevity of them.
No spec comparisons for this review disappointing 😞
I hear that Harvest Right has a new source for the premier pump. They are reporting problems with the new version of the premier pump. Has anyone had problems with the new version of the this pump?
I have the newest premiere pump. After just a few normal runs it flooded the demister with oil and I'm not sure why it wasn't tipped. Now I can't get it below 700mtorr and it keeps flooding the filter. Waiting on a service ticket, hoping I just need a new demister filter.
@@wvfarmin Sorry to hear you are having problems. That's one report. For now I'm sticking with the standard pump and selling our oil-less pump.
Have NO IDEA what you are talking about with today's show. No freakin' introduction
.......amper- age?🤣
@@ArthurMorgansDeadHorse OK, thanks!