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The freeze drying process starts with freezing the food, either using the machine's built-in freezer or pre-freezing it externally. After freezing, the vacuum pump kicks in, creating low pressure while heaters warm the trays slightly, thus facilitating the sublimation process. This stage is lengthy; it often takes over 16 hours, concluding with an extra "dry" time for any residual moisture.
The Drawbacks
Despite the innovative technology behind freeze dryers, when I purchased my machine for nearly $3,000, I quickly faced some stark realities. This hefty price point raises serious questions about the practicality of owning a freeze dryer.