Freeze Drying VS Dehydrating 

Freeze dryers absolutely have their place. I have been dehydrating for twenty years and have it down to an art. I choose to continue to dehydrate.

The Canadian Prepper did a video on food preservation. He skipped dehydrating. I pointed this out in the comments. Got some good replies for that. Dehydrating holds more nutrition than canning. So I ferment for short term and dehydrate for long term. Simple and sweet. Don't make things hard, costly, and complicated. Like how God intended.

It may be different rate issues where you are, but I have a usage meter on my freeze dryer that can measure the total use during a cycle, and a 24-39 hour session, once I work the cost per watt use, comes out to ~$1.18- ~$1.43 currently. It has actually enabled us to empty one of our upright freezers, put all that meat into long term storage buckets in mylar bags, and give that freezer to our son and his wife, which means we no longer pay for the constant electricity for a third freezer.

I have had dehydraters for years. Gave an old Wards big Bro dryer to a friend a while back. Have dried pumpkin, squash and many types of veggies over the years. Drying squash now. Putting in jars. Kids gave me a sealer 2 years ago. Great to store in sealable totes. Sealed med. Supplies. Flour. Beans. rice. Gave daughter a 6 shelf dryer as she started storing. Bought another one for my use. Stores have many bare, short shelves here now. Buy mixed veggies from Aldis, dry. Cheaper than big stores. Get busy folks. 86 years young,remember WWII shortages. Coming soon to us.

Best , most fair video on the subject. Amazing how logical a perspective can be when not sponsored by a product such as the freeze dryer.

GOD IS GOOD, ALWAYS -- ALWAYS, GOD IS GOOD AMEN

Dear Heidi, you have saved me days and days of research by sharing all your experience with us in this video. It is exactly what I needed. Thank you for the details.

Alaska Prepper did a video this morning using his freeze dryer on beef cubes and chicken. He broke it down in cost between doing it himself and buying the products. He also determined how long it would take for him to pay off the freeze dryer with the savings. Might be helpful for anyone considering purchase. Another channel did a video about storing milk and decided freeze dried powder retained the best flavor. Thank you; your videos have helped me so much!

Hi Heidi!! Hope you and Patrick are doing great! Thank you so much for doing this video. I always have you playing in the background when I’m working in the kitchen because I I always learn so much from you! I don’t normally get a chance to comment but I wanted to comment about this because this is such an important topic I’ve been seeing so many people get freeze dryers and I’ve really been wondering as to what they think when comparing it to dehydrated food. I also wondered about the power usage. This was great and so helpful! Thank you! Love, Mary❤️🤗❤️

Great job, Heidi. We bought a FD 4 years ago and it still has not paid for itself - between the original cost, electricity, oil, multiple pumps (hundreds of dollars), and replacement parts. Maybe some people have better luck. You’re right, if you can’t grow your own food, then there is that expense, not to mention the time involved. Time wasted trying to get help from Harvest Right is also a very frustrating factor. I will also add that if someone wants to get a FD, be selective on what you dry. Fruit is great, making raw liver treats for the dog is great. Extra eggs work great to powder for scrambling and cooking. Gives meat longer shelf life and saves freezer space. High fat content shortens shelf life. We got ours for 3 households, but have had so many problems that we’d have been better off taking that money and buying commercially prepared freeze dried food. Thanks for the great videos 😊

Thank you, Heidi. I decided I would never have a freeze dryer the first time I checked and saw the price. Very good information. 😃

We had a freeze dryer for a month. We got rid of it because of the reasons you've stated. After we used it a couple of weeks, we just couldn't see the benefits over our dehydrating and/or canning. Thank you for sharing your opinion. I feel guilty when talking to others, because we chose to get rid of the freeze dryer.

I’ve watched Living Traditions Homestead with their freeze dryer which they are over the moon with but they have an out of the house space for it. They are young and able bodied. I am struck by a couple things : it seems like the labor is intensive , I have some disabilities so I felt I had to consider that. They are very excited about the shelf life and I am 72.5 years I personally don’t think it would ever pay for itself even nearly. I suppose my kids could inherit food I had prepared but that seems a bit of negative energy use for my body energy. I agree people are made to feel they have to have it and not just the freeze dryer.

Thank you so much for this video. I recently got my first dehydrator and have been stressing over getting a freeze dryer, which I could never afford. This video has made me realize that for the $5000 + it would cost me to get and maintain a freeze dryer, I could purchase another dehydrator and many canning jars to stock my pantry. And buy freeze dried items that I can't dehydrate in #10 cans on Amazon. I just came across your channel today and I am so glad I did. Again thank you. 🙂

I concur, I been going back and forth on a freeze drier and I just can’t justify the cost. I still am very intrigued in them .

I have a FD and just bought a new dehydrator. I really like both, but you nailed it in this video on them both. Also, I would like to add the cost of any extra trays, mats or other accessories are very costly.

Totally agree with you. Don't need a freeze dryer. Dehydrating is so much fun and using the solar oven makes it free for me.

What an awesome explanation of the difference between these two methods of food preservation! The only people on YT that I know that have a freeze dryer are those that were gifted them by the company for promotion. I did check into the price and a freeze dryer is unaffordable for me - nearly $3,000.00. I have been feeling bad about the nutritional loss of dehydrating food until today! Thank you so much Heidi for yet another wonderful and very informative video!!!

I have never seen a video explaining the pros and cons in such an informative way. thank you 😊

Once again you have helped me think through things better. I do see folks trying to follow after one another just like a trend which is sad to me. I use my dehydrator and it works fine for me. I have friends who own a freeze dryer and I can buy products from them if need be, which in turn helps them with the investment they have made. Blessings to you dear Lady❤🙏

I’m pretty excited. I just ordered my first dehydrator ever. I’ve been watching lots of videos and want to try my hand at it. Best of all-I used my bonus points so I only paid $35 for a really nice six tray Corsori! I’m pretty pleased with that. 😂

So glad I found your video explaining the difference between dehydrated and freeze dried. Was leaning towards a freeze dryer, but they are more expensive. Decided to go with an upgraded dehydrator based on the information in the video. Thx for your knowledge.

Thanks for addressing this issue, Heidi! It's helped me to look at it differently and thus make my decision easier.

Thank you for this video. I can’t afford a freeze dryer nor do I have the space. I have been dehydrating for 2 years now and love it. I do buy the freeze dried fruits and make snack bags for the kids in the car on the way home.

I use a dehumidifier to dry my foods. I took a hanging closet type thing and fixed screen trays in it and hung it in a small closet. The bottom is open so I make sure it hangs to the floor. I put a small dehumidifier in the bottom. It works great without using heat. It does take longer but I can dry a lot at one time.

We have had our freeze dryer for 6 months and absolutely love it. It's been in almost constant use. We also have an Excalibur dehydrator it also has it's place.

This was so incredibly helpful to someone new to preserving foods. Thank you for breaking this down so anyone could understand it regardless of their skill level.

Very detailed summary I appreciate this information very much. Not everybody is as detailed as you are and that's one thing we like about your Channel. May God bless you and your husband and family!

I appreciate seeing this video, packed full of great information about preserving food. I just bought a dehydrator. and also was finally able to obtain the FoodSaver lids, along with my brake bleeder. I'm loving it! Been preserving food like crazy.💚

I’ve had a freeze dryer for about 6 months and I love it!! It was expensive, but it’s been in constant operation since it arrived. I store everything in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. I’ve been very happy with it, but I understand that not everyone is able to afford the up front expense.The bulk, light sensitivity, weight and breakability of glass jars were big issues for me.

This was chocked full of helpful information. Thanks Heidi for all that you do and God is good all the time.

Thanks you for being so clear, concise, to-the-point and not being "chatty" - and mentioning details not everyone covers.

Thank you for the information. I love my dehydrator, been drying things I've never done before. I love how you can store s lot of food in a small space.

Great comprehensive video! This is why people refer to this as YT University. I agree, they both have pros and cons, you just broke it all down. Be blessed and much love ❤️ 🌿

I just want to tell you I really appreciate your video. I have been going over the pros and cons of getting a freeze dryer. You are the first to express reasons for not getting one. Thank you 👍

Thank you, Heidi. As always you are a great font of information and inspiration. God Bless you and your family.

We ordered a freeze dryer, and have had a dehydrator for years. I love my dehydrator and will always have it. I wanted a freeze dryer so I can keep full meals shelf stable longer, and because I think freeze drying has a better quality for long term storage. After Covid I stopped worrying about the money of preserving food as much as availability of food. My dehydrator cannot be replaced by the freeze dryer - I use it for so many things, including drying bottles out, craft projects, rising bread, incubating yogurt, etc . .

I bought a freezer drying a couple months ago and I try to use it for something at least every other day. I love freeze dried bananas. Due to the canning lid and jar shortage I thought this would be a good back up and the food would last longer. I've done strawberries, zucchini, oyster mushrooms that I found growing on a log in my yard, buttermilk, raw milk, whey, cheddar cheese, tomatoes. I can't list everything but I can keep that thing going every day if I wanted to. It costs on average about a dollar each time you run it. It's not for everyone but I'm really happy with mine.

@Rain, I see you and ALL these other great YTers and keep thinking how wonderful it would be to have some y'all close enough and willing to let me help and learn face to face and hands on. I enjoy your video's so much.

Thanks for the honest take on Freeze Drying vs Dehydrating.

Thank you Heidi. I love your videos because they are informative and practical. There is no way one of those fancy freeze driers would be cost effective for just my husband and I. At our age I will stick to my traditional methods of canning, dehydrating and purchase freeze dried here and there if I choose. Again, I appreciate your practicality.

Great tips!!! Thank you!! I was considering a FD too. I have always canned, froze and fermented. I decided to get a dehydrator, extra jars, tattler type lids and a pump. I am looking forward to growing and dehydrating my own medicinal herbs, as well as Zuc and carrots, berries and some leafs for powders. I also bought several fruit plants. Honeyberries, gogi berries, elderberries, pears and plums. I will buy dehydrated herbs for this winter as I learn about this new method of food preservation. Bought 4 new lasting books on herbs and gardening might even take a class. I feel great about my extra spending, toward lasting things and increasing my skills which is priceless. Love your channel. Thanks for all you do!

Thank you for this video. I have been on the fence for a couple of years now, and your video just made up my mind. I have heard so many things about food not being healthy when you dehydrate it. I can now say I can buy two large dehydrators and will not lose any of my garden from now on. And my grandkids will love the healthier snacks.

Thank you for your wisdom on this matter. I have a dehydrator and will be using it much more now! End of garden is near, here ,so I can preserve much more.

I agree with some of what you said, however, as we found out in March of 2020, FD’d foods became almost impossible to purchase anywhere for almost a whole year. Had I not have my FD’s as I had, I wouldn’t have had much FD’d meat. I’ve owned harvest rights freeze dryers since 2016, however I still use my Excalibur’s well on a daily basis. I love to dehydrate my herbs. Honestly, my reason for buying fd’rs were for storing proteins and complete meals for my elderly mother and my niece who both are extremely gluten intolerant. (and I’m a bit of a nerd too 🤓) ***Freeze Drying has its pros and cons. For me the pros outweigh the cons, but that might not be for everyone. The pump (standard) is noisy. The premiere pump is pretty darn quiet. Yes, FD’s take up more space than dehydrators. And they’re heavy. ( You’re going to want to leave it where it is unless it’s on a cart with wheels) There is a learning curve to using a FD’r. It’s not a huge one, but there is one. It’s Not like the Jetsons. Although it is very exciting that this technology exists for home users now (since late 2013) it is not like anything depicted on the Jetsons, Spykids or Back to the Future. Some rehydrated foods with not have the same texture as fresh. If you want to see the rehydrated texture, just freeze and thaw your food, and there you’ll have it. There are workarounds, but the same is true for both dehydrating and FD’ing. Meats do absolutely wonderful )in my opinion) in the FD’r. And there are the obvious choices for FD’ing… Milk, Cheese, Avocados, Yogurt, and meats. *I have a terrible aversion to instant and powdered milk, so FD’ing it makes sense for me. It may not make sense for others. and that’s fine. This is a great video for comparison !!! I very much appreciate all perspectives. I’m not a one size fits all person. I believe that everybody should use whatever they are comfortable with and no one should ever feel pressured to buy something, nor should anyone ever be made to feel bad for not buying something. I believe that all preservation methods have their purpose. 💕 (I Can, dehydrate & freeze dry) Thank you again for your Awesome video(s)!!! I’m a long time subscriber to your channel and I always enjoy and learn from your content 💕💕💕

I really appreciate that you share your experience and that you are curious, it saves me so much money! LOL! After a little research, I discovered that some freeze dryers require a certain humidity, temperature and maintenance that was more than I was willing to deal with. It definitely isn't an off-grid appliance like dehydrating and sun drying- even a dehydrator uses so much less energy that can be maintained with solar power. Another point of interest for me is that it is difficult to process very much at a time and can take 24 hours to process the batch and can also make the room hot. So when I would use it most, during summer with my garden production, I want a larger batch capability and definitely don't want my house hotter. Since attention to having things on hand has come to the forefront, there is a company that has sent free freeze dryers, (among a lot of other appliances, etc.) to people that have an audience, and don't get me wrong, I really appreciate it and wouldn't say no to receiving a free one myself. However, I think it gives the impression that the content creator likes the item whether they do or not. I think it is a wonderful method of preservation, just not for me. Thank for sharing, I love the ideas you have for the use of the freeze dried or dehydrated food. Especially banana cream pie, oh my!

Excellent research, and a fair look at both dehydration and freeze-dried processes, costs and more.

Thank you, I appreciate you sharing the pros and cons

Thank you very much your talk Heidi. It brought many things to view that I did not realize I had been really wanting a freeze dryer but has lowered down on my list if not dropped off for right now because of some of the points you made. I think right now my better investment would be a better dehydrator. Thanks a lot for all your research and all the things you do

Thank you, Heidi. I am so grateful to you for explaining the differences When I first started putting food by I was working so what I couldn't grow and can myself I started buying freeze dried, not a lot but some. Now that I am retired I can't afford it but only occasionally and very little. I do dehydrate and absolutely love it. Especially ingredients for soups and stews. That being said I was still worried about shelf life. I had assumed it was only a years or so on the dehydrated. Thank you so much for the info because there is no way I can afford a freeze dryer. I live alone in a very rural area so I spend a lot of time watching videos at night on prepping, homesteading, and putting food by. Seems like most everyone has gone to freeze drying. That leaves me out. Again, thank you and I love all your videos. God bless....

I love your videos and the forthright and clear information you provide!!! Thank you so much!

Thank you for your honesty

I loved this video and agree with you. I do have a freeze drier ( I bought it 3 months ago after a couple of years of debating weather it was worth it) and use it almost constantly this time of year BUT it takes much longer to freeze dry food then they say! I also have found many foods that are better dehydrated then freeze dried. The freeze drier is easy to use and has very little maintenance but I feel there is still a lot of room for improvements they have not perfected the machine yet. If I was to purchase it again though I would have bought the large and not the medium.

I have both, and I use my freeze dryer much more than my dehydrator because of the ease, longer-term storage and it keeps way more of the nutrients (loved your info on that). I do use jars to store but with oxygen absorbers and desiccant packets- they last longer even near heat/light. I would love to use more of the dehydration- but I need to learn more. I freeze dry virtually every day- my kids love the strawberries, ice cream, yogurt bites, and I have the security of knowing that I can put a ton of totes into my car that weigh virtually nothing (along with my Berkey filter) and know that we're set for food. Just my opinion- no guilt involved- just why we chose to invest in it. :) (I couldn't fit a million heavy bottles in my car.) I can freeze dry lasagnas, etc., and I don't lose the size- doesn't shrink down to nothing. I can freeze dry herbs, eggs, etc.,. We are totally addicted!

Thank you for breaking it down on function vs intention. I've been considering a freeze dryer for my dogs' snacks vs buying it, trying to see what I can do with it for myself. Your details helped me. Thank you.

Thank you for talking about how much electricity freeze dryers use! I haven't seen other vlogs do that so much.

Thanks for this video. All these youtubers buying freeze driers that most of us can't afford, but we can afford a dehydrator. I have a dehydrator & can't afford a freeze drier. I've just been dehydrating & vacuum sealing them.

This video came at the perfect time. Thank you!!

Wow. That was a lot of information. Thank you for giving me the facts where I can decide what is best for me. I look forward to your other videos.

thank you for the video. i don't know much about either dehydrating or freeze drying and that helped.

I LOVE my freeze dryer! It retains the most nutrients. I find it WAY easier than canning. Longest shelf life. Fun!

Thanks for the video Heidi, I'm still leaning towards the freeze dryer mostly because I over cook and hate the waist. A freezer can only hold so much. All of your points were very good and for me it's the freeze dryer.

Thank you for your insight, i was on the fence, on the freeze drying, currently dehydrating or vacumn sealling daily, and love it,

Thanks Heidi. You answered a lot of questions I had about freeze drying.

Ms. Heidi THANK YOU! I feel like people are on this bandwagon and it's definitely the new "gotta have item" and most people aren't having sincere conversations about long-term costs, maintenance, parts, etc. That cost benefits analysis is the first crucial point. The second is, if you aren't rotating your food pantry then all you're doing is storing food long term. Buying freeze-dried food is still cheaper, by a wide margin and financially it makes more sense. Thirdly, if you are Canning, Dehydrating, using long-term storage preparation (oxygen absorbers, mylar bags, etc) and freezing in a traditional freezer a freeze dryer doesn't make financial sense, it would be a redundancy or a nice to have option *if* you can afford it. If you're looking for that, then it's still more costly than buying freeze-dried but at least it's an honest conversation with yourself, although an *extremely expensive* one. Lastly, if you are looking to rotate your pantry and cook your food for quick meals, Canning is your best bet for convenience. Again, THANK YOU for speaking up! Ms. Heidi honest videos like this are why I love your channel 👏👏👏 ❤️

I have had my freeze dryer for a year, use it constantly and love it.

thank you for a thorough explanation ive only ever brought and eaten freeze dried pineapple as i cannot grow it in the uk but it was sooo expensive for organic its a christmas treat only

This is so helpful. Thank you, Heidi! God is good, all the time ❤️

Thanks so much for this video. I too have been going back and forth on this one… but the investment for me would be just under $8000 AUD ( That’s a Harvest right medium sized unit for domestic use) That’s a HUGE amount of money. Especially on a widow’s pension of under $30,000 per year. By the time we pay for the shipping, factor in the profit margin for the Australian Affiliate, the GST (tax) and the exchange rate- it is prohibitively expensive! I love the idea of freeze dried veggies and especially eggs and chicken. But, I can buy SO much food for the same amount of money🤷‍♀️

The timing for this video worked out perfectly for me. I'm 71 & after watching Living Traditions, I looked into getting one & was floored by the price. Then I saw the title of your video & decided to watch. What you said makes perfect sense to me so I will be getting a dehydrator. It makes a LOT more sense for us. This info is very helpful, thank you!!! I've been so disgusted with GMOs being shoved on the public, livestock loaded up w/hormones & antibiotics. It just makes sense to put up our own food & since the canning jars have been magically removed from the stores, canning is no longer an option unless you already have them. Guess it's gonna be Mylar bags & 5 gal buckets for us.

Great video; well-spoken, informational, bullet-pointed, no rambling. It's great news that the FoodSaver lids run out of stock often -- means that people are wiser than I thought.

I have been drying foods and herbs for over 40 years. I agree with you. I purchase freeze dried when I don't grow certain items. You really give a good over view of each process. Thank you.

Thank you for the information. I was thinking about getting a freeze dryer and this video helps me to learn more about them.

Great video as always! Your my favorite on youtube right now... You are helping me in numerous ways. Thanks to God for his teachers! 🙏📖🙌

You gave a very good explanation on both thanks

Thank You sister, I needed to hear this because I just bought a new Eletric Fryer & Dehydrator. Your advice keeps this man from spending money. As Mark Twain said, common sense is not all the time common practice". God Bless and Merry Christmas, Joseph

I did not know that about freeze-dried taking up the same amount of space, although I should have noticed it with things like corn and berries. Space is my biggest issue right now. Thank you for this video! Think I'll stick with my big, noisy 9-tray Excalibur dehydrator.

I was just thinking about a freeze drier and wasn’t really convinced on it so glad you did this video I think I will stick with my Excalibur dehydrator which I 💕. It really does come down to your preference and how much you want to invest in a machine…always look to the maximum benefit it gives . Great info Heidi 👍😊

I used your link on my first order. thank you for the recommendation

Oh yes and thank you for the Mother Earth tip I just love them definitely will Ck out there organic freeze dried choices ! 👍❤️😊

Thank you for doing this video! I was kind of feeling bad about not having a freeze drier, but after this video and spending time carefully considering this matter I am completely satisfied with my decision to stay with dehydrating only. I’m sure I will be able to talk this over with my husband and he will come to the same conclusion. I love when I can be so happy about not having something! Thanks again.

Thank you so much for this video! I was stressing about this very subject! AND I went to the Mother Earth Products website (I already used your link last year so no discount this time) and I bought the mango, pineapple and other organic freeze dried items because last year I kept checking and they only ever had corn! So thanks for that!

Thank you so much for this video, I don’t know how i missed it but i’m thankful it popped up, I definitely cannot afford a freeze drier but I do have a dehydrator. I truly appreciate your videos. 🙂

Your video is so jam packed with good, helpful information! I’m so glad I came across it. I’ll be a new subscriber starting today, and you just saved me $3000 as I realize now I don’t really need the freeze dryer to get the food preservation I want.

Thanks Heidi! Great explanation and comparison between freeze drying and dehydrating. After watching this video I feel fine about not being able to afford a freeze dryer and I love dehydrating foods since I have a small house and very little storage. Didn’t realize that most FD foods take up more space than dehydrated . I’m sticking with my jars and my brake bleeder(which my husband built)😊

When we were raising goats and milk goats, I came very close to getting a freeze dryer. I ended up using my army of dehydrators, pressure canner and freezers to preserve the meat. As goat meat is a naturally lean meat, they dehydrate well. Made a lot of pemmican with dehydrated goat and grass-fed beef tallow (from friend in trade for goat meat). I can, freeze and dehydrate the foods I grow/forage. When tropical fruits & vegetables come on sale/in season, I do them also. A freeze dryer is now is very low on my wish list.

thanks for sharing your opinion on this. I go back and forth.

I am new to your channel and must say I have learned a lot from you. Thank you for sharing both sides so we can make an intelligent decision. I look forward to seeing what is next!

Heidi, it is great that you did a video on this! It is great to get your opinion on this. I have looked into a freeze dryer and they sure are pricey!! I dehydrate and I as well buy from Mother Earth and it is great! Thank you for telling me about Mother Earth and I do purchase from them too. What a good point Heidi, with dehydrating with zucchini, I know it is amazing how many zucchini you can fit in a qt jar. I find that with many things as well. Heidi, what good information on this subject and the time you put into.

I have a Harvest Freeze dryer and absolutely love it ... and also love to dehydrate. Both have their place. It’s a choice that each should make for themselves and no should should feel a need to defend their decision they made that are best for them. For us - just to FD eggs and milk make it worth it for us - although I am using it for a lot of other things too. But will always use and love my dehydrator too!

Thank you so much for this information. I have been dehydrating everything and was wondering about a freeze dryer.

I'm watching this in April 2022 and I thank you for this. I have really wanted a freeze dryer for years. However, with things the way they are in the world today the cyber attack threats, now I'm thinking if the grid is attacked we won't even be able to use a freeze dryer. My husband and I are just going into our eighties and that's a big investment for us. This has really helped me see that our dehydrator will do for us. Again, thank you.

We decided to buy one. Our dogs have severe allergies. We have been buying freeze dried food for them that is VERY expensive! We decided that since we were harvesting our own chickens, we would be better off freeze drying all of the organs and crumbling them up to feed our dogs. That along with sweet potatoes and other vegetables that are good for them. We bought a Harvest Right freeze dryer. It WILL be less costly for us. We are probably unusual.

Great comparison's. We researched the freeze dryers for a few years. I joined a FD group on social media and the brother in law got one also. We finally got one and love it. It is another tool I use along with canning and dehydrating. I can dry pounds of cooked meats and vegetables in much less time and the average electric cost per load is around $2. Meats are more safely stored when FD, imho. With canning jar shortages such an issue and the fact that the lids will not hold a vacuum for more than a few months, the storage of items in heat sealed mylar bags works very well. Definately a large up front expense. As a complimentary tool to have in our arsenal, it is quickly paying for itself. Rehydrating foods is so easy and the flavors are exactly as the food was going in. Much less space required for storage also. At the cost of commercially prepared FD foods, we are saving a lot. Thanks for the video!

I bought some freeze dried food for my long term pantry in #10 cans. Mostly meat and items that don’t taste the same dehydrated.The cans are stored in optimal conditions. I don’t plan to rotate these until they get much closer to their BB date. Otherwise, I’ll use canned and rotate these to use with fresh, frozen and dried foods. For me, it’s the most cost effective and flexible option. Thanks for giving me confidence that I’m on the right track.

You just got a sub because we have the same dehydrator. That made me smile. The content and I've been having this conversation with myself. Thank you for this pro/con.

This is so timely…we (me) have been thinking about freeze dryers. Alaska Prepper had a video posted today about cost and at what point it pays for itself. It made it seem attractive but our diet is not that meat centric that I can justify. I dehydrate and can right now so I’m happy for both videos, as it has helped me make a decision. Thank you!

Being single now and with my only child in the military … The only way I could justify purchasing a freeze dryer would be wanting to spend the money for something to play with. :)

Thank you so much for the comparison i actually was considering bying one. But you are right the expence is big. i dehydrate all the time, i really want to do it for long term. i use 02 obsorbers in mason jars, it still works well keeping stuff for a long time.

Thank you!! Very valuable video for me - and timely!! I just can’t afford a freeze dryer, and I needed some reinforcement!! I’ll now be watching the rest of your videos!!