Reviews
All American Sun Oven Review: is It Really Worth Buying?
For anyone looking for an eco-friendly, energy-efficient way to bake and cook outdoors or during a power outage, the All American Sun Oven is an attractive option. In this sun oven review, we will give an in-depth look at the features of this product, put it to work, and discuss whether it is worth buying.
I’ve owned a Sun Oven for years, and because the food tastes so good when it’s cooked in a Sun Oven, I use it a few times a year here at home. It’s basically the same as cooking something in a crock pot. You prepare the meal earlier in the day and let it sit outside until you’re ready to eat.
When I purchased my Sun Oven back in 2015, I made the video below that goes through everything you might want to know about this solar oven. I start with unboxing and showing what came in the package, and then a tutorial on how to use the Sun Oven. In this video, I cooked some lemon garlic pork roast and veggies that came out delicious.
What is a Solar Cooker?
An All American Sun Oven is an innovative solar cooking device that can be used to cook food without the need for electricity or gas. Harnessing energy from the sun with solar cookers is a great way to save money on your utility bills and the perfect option for emergency preparedness, camping, and traveling. The only fuel you need is the sun.
A solar cooker is an appliance that uses the free energy of the sun to cook and prepare food. They come in many shapes and sizes, from small personal devices to larger models meant to feed whole communities, such as the Villager Sun Oven. Solar cookers vary in efficiency, cost, and materials used, and all can be used year-round with some minor adjustments.
Why Use a Solar Cooker?
Solar cookers are convenient, easy to use, and affordable. They require no fuel or electricity, so they’re cost-efficient in the long run. Solar cookers also prepare food without releasing any pollutants or waste into the environment. And, because they don’t generate excessive heat like an oven or range top would, solar cookers can help keep your home cooler during hot seasons!
Solar ovens provide an efficient and sustainable cooking solution for many people worldwide. Here in the U.S.A., a solar oven might not be meant to replace your kitchen stove top, but it is a very useful cooking appliance nonetheless. There are times when we could be without power for extended periods of time, and a solar cooker allows you to cook better-tasting meals than you would be able to otherwise.
With the price of gas and electricity continuing to rise, if you use the Sun Oven a few of times a month, it would actually pay for itself in a couple of years. On top of that, just having a Sun Oven gives me comfort in knowing that if the grid goes down for one reason or another, I have options. Long-Term food storage is fine, but nothing beats a home-cooked meal with fresh ingredients.
Who Would Benefit From Using a Sun Oven
People who live in sunny climates where there is plenty of sunlight will find the most benefit from using a solar oven. If you frequently camp or spend a lot of time outside and need to cook food, this is also a great option. If you want an easy way to cook sustainably, then a solar oven could be perfect for you! Solar ovens are also ideal for outdoor activities such as picnics, BBQs, family gatherings, and more.
A good rule of thumb is that if you can see your shadow, you can cook in a solar oven. While it’s optimal to have complete sunlight, you can cook when it’s occasionally cloudy out. On a sunny day, the All American Sun Oven can consistently reach temperatures of 350°F to 400°F by using the sun alignment tool. On overcast days that might be reduced to around 300°. On overcast days you would need to add some cooking time to your meal.
The Sun Oven is quite popular in the preparedness community because of its versatility and ability to cook almost anything you would cook in your kitchen oven if the power were out. I say almost anything because you can’t fry food in it. But with a little practice, anything you cook on your stovetop or in an oven can be cooked in a Sun Oven.
Another benefit for preppers (or anyone preparedness minded) is that you can heat and purify water by using the included WAPI. This is not only important to have safe drinking water, but most prepackaged long-term food storage requires you to add water and boil it. This would be a challenge if the power was out or you were out of propane for the outdoor grill.
Podcast Interview With Sun Oven’s Paul Munson
Below is an interview I did with Paul Munson (since retired) a few years ago about all the benefits and features of using the Sun Oven. Some of the information is a little old, but the sun oven itself and its functionality remain the same. Download and listen to it if you can; it will answer most questions you might have about this solar cooker.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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Features of the All American Sun Oven
The All American Sun Oven comes with many features and benefits that make it a standout appliance. Its patented thermal mirror technology helps direct sunlight into the oven, allowing it to reach high internal temperatures.
Adjustable Legs
Additionally, with its adjustable legs, you can angle the Sun Oven to catch more of the sun’s rays. This helps retain heat within the oven and maintains optimal cooking temperatures, and increases its cooking efficiency.
Multi-Level Cooking Racks
There is a multi-level dehydrating & baking rack (four levels) included in the Sun Oven that pivots to ensure that your cooking stays level no matter what angle you set the Sun Oven at. This is where the Sun Oven separates itself from other solar ovens on the market.
Important: there are two available Sun Oven packages. One with the multi-rack and one with just the leveling rack.
Sun Alignment Tool
Another helpful feature is the sun alignment tool. Along with the adjustable legs, this helps you ensure you are lined up with the sun as it moves through the sky. If you realign the Sun Oven once or twice every hour, you can easily maintain temperatures of 350°F to 400°F on a sunny day.
WAPI – Water Pasteurization Indicator
Included with the Sun Oven package is what’s called a WAPI (Water Pasteurizing Indicator), which is a reusable transparent tube that contains wax. The wax melts and drops to the bottom of the tube when it reaches 150°F for 6 minutes, indicating that the water has been pasteurized and is now safe to drink.
Pros & Cons of the All American Sun Oven
The Sun Oven is a great emergency preparedness tool and great for clean, sustainable cooking. The food cooked in this solar oven tastes great, and You can cook just about anything in a Sun Oven. Another benefit is that you can’t smell anything unless you open the glass door. This means you won’t be ringing the dinner bell for the neighbors, and your pets will stay away from it.
The biggest drawback of cooking with a solar oven is that you need to live in a state that gets quite a bit of sun. If you live in Washington state or Oregon, solar energy might not be something you want to depend on in an emergency for power. Here in Colorado, we get quite a bit of sun, but also have some days where using a solar oven isn’t an option. This means that on those cloudy days, I may have to pull out the long-term food storage.
Pros
- You can cook even when the power is out
- Saves money on energy bills
- Cooks anything you would cook in and on the stove (no fried food)
- Packs away neatly
- High-quality materials and design
- Doesn’t attract animals or pests (no smell)
- Food never burns because of the even cooking temperature
- Larger family-sized solar oven
Cons
- You can only cook on mostly sunny days
- Can be a little pricy initially
- Larger than some other solar oven options
Testing the All American Sun Oven
In the video, at the beginning of this post, I tested the Sun Oven and reviewed some of the accessories included and sold separately. I can honestly say I have never been dissatisfied with the final product. I’ve made bread, made beef jerky, baked a chicken, and made a number of other meals. After seven years, the sun oven still looks and works just like it did on day one. I clean it after every use and store it in the garage in the box it came in.
The only drawback I have run into when cooking with the Sun Oven is the time it takes to cook a meal on overcast or partly cloudy days. It’s not a deal breaker, but the family might have to wait a little longer for dinner. On partly cloudy days, I usually use it like a slow cooker, put the oven out earlier in the day, and let it cook. With the even temperature in the Sun Oven, there is no need to worry about overcooking or burning.
Is the All American Sun Oven Worth It?
Coming from a preparedness perspective, this is an emergency cooking option I’m glad I have. It gives me more flexibility than relying on fuel to cook, like firewood, electricity, and propane. On the other hand, it isn’t what I would consider an “essential” prepping supply. If it fits within your budget or lifestyle, it’s a great tool to have, and if it doesn’t, it’s not the end of the world.
I will say that if you do decide to purchase an All American Sun Oven, you won’t be disappointed. It really lives up to the advertising, and Sun Oven makes a high quality very efficient product that will last for years and maybe decades. After seven years, I have yet to order any replacement parts, but you can if need be.
Conclusion
If you found this All American Sun Oven Review helpful, or you own a Sun Oven, leave a comment below. Your experiences with the Sun Oven or your questions about it may help others on the fence about purchasing a sun oven.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a prepper, or someone who values sustainability, a solar power station is your new best friend. It’s compact, portable, and ready to provide power whenever and wherever you need it.
OUR RATING
The Oupes 1200 power station occupies a unique position in the market. It may not have the same high capacity and power output as larger solar generators; however, it’s a significant upgrade from smaller, more compact units and maintains high portability. When paired with a solar panel, you can power most household appliances sustainably during an emergency or on the go.
The 992Wh LiFePO4 battery is just enough energy for camping trips, short-term power outages, or emergencies, but may be inadequate for extended periods of use.
Pros
- LiFePO4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles
- Budget Friendly Price Point
- 3 Ways to Recharge (AC/Solar/Car)
- Enough Power for Most Household Appliances
- 1200W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (3600W Surge)
- 2 Year Warranty
- Industry Leading BMS System
- Supports Passthrough Charging
Cons
- 80% Battery Efficiency
- A Little Heavy (31lbs)
- No Storage for AC Charging Brick
As someone who prioritizes preparedness, I always seek alternative energy sources for prolonged grid-down situations. Whether it’s a typical power outage, a major emergency, or a natural disaster, having a reliable way to power essential appliances is crucial.
I have a large gas-powered generator, a DIY solar generator, and several small portable chargers. I’ve been missing a portable solution that will power essential appliances in an emergency. This Oupes 1200 power station is the perfect entry-level solution.
I wanted something that would run my electronics larger than a cell phone or laptop but still be portable enough to take on the go.
Some key considerations were…
Even though 1200 watts of power with a 992wh LiFePO4 battery is skirting the limit of what you can power and for how long in an emergency, I decided on the Oupes 1200 power station to see how it would work before going with a larger, more expensive power station.
The OUPES 1200w Power Station
The Oupes 1200 Solar generator is perfect for camping trips, outdoor gatherings, and short-term emergency preparedness. At 992Wh, its LiFePO4 battery is more than enough energy to power electric grills, laptops, coffee makers, televisions, ham radios, and CPAP machines.
OUPES 1200w Power Station
992W of Affordable LiFePO4 Power
- 992Wh Capacity | 1200W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter (3600W Surge)
- LiFePO4 Battery with 3,500+ Life Cycles to 80%
- Power for 85% of appliances
- 3 Ways to Recharge (AC/Solar/Car)
- 10 Outputs For Multiple Devices
- 250W Max. Input charging speed
- Two Year Warranty
- 5% of sales will be donated to the OUPES help project
Who is a Power Station For?
While no doubt anyone thinking about preparedness needs to consider alternative energy sources, this power station would be useful to many people in various situations.
Testing The Oupes 1200
Even though the Oupes doesn’t have the brand recognition that some of the other power station brands do, it does come with the same features as the popular models, but at a much lower price.
During my testing, I wanted to see if my results stacked up to the claims on the website. Over the course of the first few weeks of testing, I was able to put the device through rigorous testing and was pleasantly surprised by its performance.
The Oupes 1200 proved reliable and efficient, ultimately exceeding my expectations and leaving me confident about using this portable generator in an emergency.
Oupes 1200 Power Station Battery & Inverter
One of the main things that interested me about the Oupes generator was the 992Wh LiFePo4 battery and a 1200W pure sine wave inverter. The LiFePO4 (Lithium iron phosphate) is much better than its predecessor, the Lithium Ion battery because it will last 4 to 5 times longer and is much safer.
Coupled with the industry-leading battery management system (BMS) and a pure sinewave inverter, you can power sensitive electronics or a wide range of appliances without worrying about safety.
At 1200 watts, you won’t be able to power anything that requires a lot of power, such as large space heaters or a table saw, but it will power most household appliances.
During my testing, I ran my large TV (140W), my dough mixer (490W), and my kitchen refrigerator (460W), among a few other things, without issue. When I tried to power my air fryer (1250W), it tripped the safety sensor, which can be reset by turning the unit off and back on.
Oupes 1200 Power Station Outputs
This power station comes with ten different outputs. Three on the AC side, and seven DC outputs. This allows you to plug in multiple devices as long as you stay under the 1200-watt rating.
The AC and DC options can be activated together or separately by pressing the small button below the outlets. At 1200 watts, you can easily charge a couple of cell phones, turn a light on, and watch TV simultaneously for hours during a blackout.
Oupes 1200 LED Light with SOS Signal
Unlike most portable power stations, the Oupes has a light on the back with three modes. The low light mode uses about 3 watts, the high mode uses 6 watts, and the SOS mode uses 5 watts.
If you find yourself stranded in a vehicle and only use the light, you could do so for well over a week straight. Far longer than you would ever need to…hopefully.
The light is something that some people could do without, but I like that it has an internal light. Having a light source without having to plug something in gives you more flexibility. This light will not light up the neighborhood, but it will light a room in an emergency, a tent, or an RV.
Oupes 1200 Effeciancy & Runtime
The 992Wh battery was about 80% efficient during my testing, meaning you will get around 800Wh usable energy, which is relatively standard. This is not as good as some high-end brands claim (about 85%), but it’s much better than some generic models you might see on Amazon.
During my testing, I drained the battery from 100% to empty six times and never had an issue. I did not get any errors, nothing turned off, and the display is reasonably accurate with the watts used and estimated run time.
Each time I drained the Oupes, I plugged a watt meter in and measured the watt hours I got out of the battery. It consistently came in at just under 800Wh, about 80% of its rated capacity.
It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean it has a bad battery. Portable power stations are more or less efficient than others due to various factors related to their design, components, and technology. The inverter efficiency, the battery management system, and conversion loss all play a factor.
Charging the Oupes 1200 Power Station
The Oupes 1200 offers three ways to charge the unit. It comes with a 200W AC adaptor, a car charging cable, and can be charged with solar panels. It also supports pass-through charging, enabling you to charge the power station while it is in use.
The solar panels are the wild card, just like any solar device. I got 148W peak with two 100-watt solar panels during my testing. The average over the day was around 100 watts.
Oupes 1200 Design & Build Quality
At first glance, the Oupes looks like a Jackery and a Bluetti had a baby. The control panel is similar to a Bluetti, and the black and orange colors resemble a Jackery.
The Oupes is encased in a durable, impact-resistant shell, ready to withstand bumps and knocks. The feet on the bottom of the unit are about 1/4″ tall, protecting it from scrapes, scratches, and possible water damage.
The front display has a great design and gives you all the relevent information, such as charge remaining, estimated run time, watts being used, and charging watts.
My only issue with the display is that when you turn it on, it times out after around 30 seconds. This may be a minor issue for some people, but an option to leave the display on to monitor the output would be nice rather than having to push the button every 30 seconds.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the fan noise of the Oupes 1200. It kicks on when it’s under a heavy load, but it’s not much louder than a high-end computer fan. You won’t even notice outdoors; indoors it’s low enough that you will “tune it out” after a while.
Oupes Solar Panels (Optional)
You can purchase the Oupes 1200 unit without the solar panel, but you will want the availability to charge using solar power to get the most out of this unit. Oupes has foldable 100W and 240W solar panels, but you can also plug in your own with an MC4 adaptor.
I used a Renorgy 100W solar panel I already own during my testing, with the foldable Oupes 100W solar panels. The Oupes solar panels come with a two-panel splitter, allowing you to plug in their solar panel and another solar panel. My Renorgy uses MC4 connections, so I needed the MC4 to 8MM adaptor.
The Oupes solar panels are quality made and had the output wattage I expected from foldable solar panels. The Oupes panel was comparable to the wattage I got from my Renorgy panel when I tested them separately.
The kickstand mechanisms were the one thing I didn’t like about the Oupes 100-watt solar panel. Because only a cloth strap holds them in place, moving them to align with the sun is a chore.
The Bottom Line
If you are a purist only looking for a popular “top of the line” portable power station, then this Oupes power station probably isn’t for you. If you are someone who can’t afford top of the line prices but still need something reliable, the Oupes 1200 is a great choice.
Other than minor issues like the kickstands and the display timing out, I haven’t had any problems whatsoever. The Oupes products’ two-year warranty tells me they are confident in their power stations. With that said, I will update this post if that changes in the next few months.
Comment below if you have any questions I still need to answer in this article.
Are you looking for the best freeze dryer for home use? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Freeze-dried food is the most shelf-stable food we have when preparing for emergencies, but it usually includes paying high prices.
While there are other methods to preserve certain foods, like canning & dehydrating, nothing comes close to the 25-year shelf life of freeze-dried foods. The downside is that the pre-packaged long-term food on the market is high in sodium and unhealthy.
This is why purchasing a Harvest Right freeze dryer was a no-brainer for me. You get all the benefits of freeze-dried food, and you get to choose what goes in it.
Honestly, it wasn’t exactly a no-brainer at first; I had my reservations. I had to weigh the pros and cons before I bit the bullet because the upfront cost was intimidating.
In this guide for purchasing a freeze dryer for home use, I’ll go over the pros and cons and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a food enthusiast looking to preserve the freshness of your produce, reduce food waste, or a prepper building up your food storage stockpile for emergencies, I’ve got you covered.
I’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a freeze dryer, such as capacity, size, price, and durability. We’ll also discuss the different types of freeze dryers available, including the pros and cons of each.
Additionally, I’ll go over my personal experiences using a freeze dryer for some time now and how I overcame some of the initial hurdles that most people face.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge necessary to confidently select the best freeze dryer for your home. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect freeze dryer that will revolutionize your food storage game as it did for me.
What is Freeze Drying and Why is It Useful for Home Use?
Freeze drying is a process that removes moisture from food items while preserving their nutritional value, flavor, and texture. It also makes the food incredibly shelf stable when stored properly.
This preservation method involves freezing the food at extremely low temperatures and then slightly warming the food to allow the frozen water to transition from solid to gas, bypassing the liquid phase.
The result is a lightweight, shelf-stable product that can be stored for extended periods without refrigeration. This makes it the perfect solution for any food storage plan.
Freeze drying is helpful for home use for several reasons:
- It allows you to extend the shelf life of your food items, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
- Freeze-dried food retains its original flavor and nutritional content, making it a healthier alternative to processed or canned foods.
- Having a freeze dryer at home allows you to preserve seasonal produce, herbs, and leftovers to enjoy them all year round.
- You would be surprised at what you can freeze dry, including ice cream, candy, milk, meats, and prepared meals.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Freeze Dryer
Choosing the suitable freeze dryer to buy for your home requires careful consideration of several factors. This is a big purchase, and you want to get it right the first time and take everything into account.
This includes the size of the machine, where you will put it, and the energy cost associated with owning a freeze dryer. It’s also important to consider what foods you will be initially freeze-drying. I say initially because you can freeze dry just about anything that isn’t high in fat, and you are bound to try new foods.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that the freeze dryer you select will meet your needs and provide optimal performance.
Size and Capacity Considerations for Home Use
One of the first factors to consider when choosing a freeze dryer for home use is the size and capacity. The size of the freeze dryer should be suitable for the available space in your home, whether in a spare room like mine or a dedicated storage area.
Below I go over the different types of freeze dryers available that will give you a good idea about which to choose.
Additionally, consider the capacity of the freeze dryer, which refers to the amount of food it can process at one time. If you have a large family, plan to share with friends and family, or just want to increase your long-term food storage, a freeze dryer with a larger capacity would be more suitable.
Lisa and I went with the small Harvest Right because we want to build up our food storage and reduce waste by freeze-drying leftovers and food that is getting close to its best-buy date.
Types of Freeze Dryers Available for Home Use
Here are the three most popular Harvest Right machines available. All of these freeze dryers are similar other than their price and capacity. The one caveat is the large freeze dryer which requires a dedicated 20 amp fuse.
Small Harvest Right Freeze Dryer
- Fresh Food Per Batch 6-10 lbs.
- Fresh Food Per Year Up to 1800 lbs.
- Tray Space 434 sq. inches
- Freeze dryer exterior dimensions: 17.4″ W x 21.5″ D x 26.8″ H (Perfect for countertop, cart, or table.)
- Power: 110-volt outlet.
- Colors Available: Stainless Steel, Black.
- INCLUDES: Small Freeze Dryer, Premier Industrial Vacuum Pump, Vacuum Pump Oil, Oil Filter, Stainless Steel Trays (set of 4), Guide to Freeze Drying, Mylar Bags (50 ct), Oxygen Absorbers (50 ct), Impulse Sealer.
Medium Harvest Right Freeze Dryer
MOST POPULAR
- Fresh Food Per Batch 10-15 lbs.
- Fresh Food Per Year Up to 3000 lbs.
- Tray Space 675 sq. inches
- Freeze dryer exterior dimensions: 19″ W x 25″ D x 29″ H (Perfect for countertop, cart, or table.)
- Power: 110-volt outlet.
- Colors Available: Stainless Steel, Black, u0026 White.
- INCLUDES: Small Freeze Dryer, Premier Industrial Vacuum Pump, Vacuum Pump Oil, Oil Filter, Stainless Steel Trays (set of 4), Guide to Freeze Drying, Mylar Bags (50 ct), Oxygen Absorbers (50 ct), Impulse Sealer.
Large Harvest Right Freeze Dryer
- Fresh Food Per Batch 18-27 lbs.
- Fresh Food Per Year Up to 5000 lbs.
- Tray Space 1107 sq. inches.
- Freeze dryer exterior dimensions: 21.3″ W x 27.5″ D x 31.3″ H (Perfect for countertop, sturdy cart, or table.)
- Power: 110 volt (NEMA 5-20) outlet. A dedicated 20 amp circuit is required.
- Colors Available: Stainless Steel, Black.
- INCLUDES: Small Freeze Dryer, Premier Industrial Vacuum Pump, Vacuum Pump Oil, Oil Filter, Stainless Steel Trays (set of 4), Guide to Freeze Drying, Mylar Bags (50 ct), Oxygen Absorbers (50 ct), Impulse Sealer.
Is a Home Freeze Dryer Right for You?
Is a Harvest Right freeze dryer a game-changer for preppers or anyone interested in long-term food storage? I certainly think so, but you need to weigh the pros and cons and decide for yourself.
Here are the benefits of owning a freeze dryer and some of the initial reservations I had before I decided to purchase the small Harvest Right freeze dryer. I go into much more detail about each of these pros and cons below.
Pros
- 25-Year Shelf-Life Food Storage
- You Can Freeze Dry Almost Anything
- It’s a Money Saver
- Lightweight u0026 Compact Food Storage
- Reduce Your Food Waste
- Great Emergency Cooking Option
Cons
- Initial Upfront Cost
- High energy Usage
- You Need Plenty of Space
- It’s a Time-Consuming Process
As I said earlier, if you plan on using your freeze dryer quite a bit, it will eventually pay for itself. If it’s something you might use occasionally, you may want to go with pre-packaged long-term food.
Freeze Drying VS Dehydrating
Some people use dehydrating and freeze-drying interchangeably, but dehydrating food and freeze-drying food are two distinct methods of food preservation, each with its process and outcomes.
Dehydration involves removing the moisture from food items by exposing them to low heat levels. This can be done using various methods such as air-drying, sun-drying, or using a dehydrator appliance. The process relies on heat and airflow to evaporate the water content from the food.
Dehydrated foods tend to have a chewy or leathery texture (like beef jerky). This can lead to a greater loss of nutrients compared to freeze-drying and considerably shorter shelf life than freeze-dried foods.
Benefits of Owning a Freeze Dryer for Home Use
Owning a freeze dryer for home use comes with a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it allows you to preserve the quality and taste of fresh produce. By freeze-drying fruits and vegetables when they are at their peak ripeness, you can enjoy them later without compromising flavor or texture.
Another advantage of owning a freeze dryer is the convenience it offers. With a freeze dryer at home, you can quickly expand your emergency food storage supply. This is particularly useful for those living in areas prone to natural disasters or individuals like me who want to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
A stockpile of freeze-dried meals ensures that you and your loved ones can access nutritious food that tastes great even when grocery store shelves are empty.
What Foods Can Be Freeze Dried?
The freeze-drying process removes moisture but leaves behind oil. Other than foods with high-fat content, the types of food you can freeze dry are only limited to your imagination.
While there are just too many to list, here are some foods that can be freeze-dried.
Food That Can’t be Freeze Dried
Unfortunately, there are some limitations, but not very many.
The Pros of At Home Freeze Drying
In preparedness, we always look to up your emergency food storage game. In this video, I talk about the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer I just purchased and explore the pros, cons and how it’s a game-changer for my long-term food storage strategy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96flgX08Fro
In this video, I explain the benefits of owning a freeze-dryer, from extending shelf life to preserving nutrients and flavors. I discuss how this appliance adds versatility to your food stockpile by freeze-drying a wide range of foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and even complete meals.
Plus, I go over the significant space and weight savings that freeze-dried foods bring to the table, a crucial aspect for preppers on the move or when cooking in a disaster scenario.
Because I did have my initial reservations, I also delved into the cons of owning a home freeze dryer. Some of my reservations were the upfront cost, energy consumption, and time investment. Freeze drying is a process that takes time; you need to decide whether the wait is worth it.
In this article, I have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of buying a Harvest Right freeze dryer for those who prefer reading over watching a video.
Pro #1: 25 Year Shelf-Life Food
Freeze-drying is a unique and effective way to preserve food. It involves removing moisture from the food while preserving its nutritional value, flavor, and texture.
This process allows freeze-dried foods to have a much longer shelf life than their fresh counterparts, making them an excellent addition to a prepper’s food stockpile.
Overall, freeze-drying is the best way to preserve food for long periods of time without compromising its quality. This is quite possibly the most important pro on this list.
Pro #2: Versatility
Along with preserving food for extended periods, with a freeze dryer, you can preserve a wide variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and even full meals.
This means you can have a well-rounded and balanced food supply, whether you are a penny pincher trying to save some money or preparing for emergencies or challenging times.
Freeze-dried foods are also great for camping trips or other outdoor activities, as they are lightweight and easy to transport. Investing in a freeze dryer for home use is a smart choice for building a long-lasting food supply.
Pro #3: It’s a Money Saver
There is no doubt that there is a considerable upfront investment when considering a freeze dryer to use at home. That said, it can save you money over time by allowing you to buy food in bulk, when it’s on sale or in season, and preserve it for later use.
When it comes to emergency preparedness, having access to freeze-dried foods can be a lifesaver. However, purchasing pre-packaged freeze-dried foods can be quite expensive, especially if you are stocking up for an extended period of time.
Fortunately, with the help of a freeze-dryer, it is possible to make your own freeze-dried foods at home for a fraction of the cost. This not only saves you money but also gives you greater control over the ingredients you use, ensuring that your emergency food supply meets your specific dietary needs and preferences.
Pro #4: Lightweight and Compact Storage
Freeze-dried foods are lighter and more compact than fresh or canned options, making them ideal for easy storage and transportation. This is especially important for preppers who must move quickly or evacuate during a disaster.
My food storage plan has been affected by this as well. Canned food can quickly become heavy and requires a sturdy storage space. I can package a few meals or ingredients in mylar bags and store them in a plastic bin.
It also makes inventory and rotation much more manageable. With a 25-year shelf life, if you miss something because it’s tucked away or hidden, it’s less likely to be expired when you find it.
Pro #5 Reduced Food Waste
Foods like bananas, avocados, and meat have a limited shelf life. Instead of throwing these foods away when they go bad, you can freeze-dry them before that time comes.
By removing all the moisture from the food, freeze-drying preserves its texture, flavor, and color, making it an excellent option for preserving leftovers from a meal.
Simply place the food on a freeze-dryer tray and freeze it. Once all the trays are full, freeze-dry the food to preserve it for weeks or even years. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and ensure you always have delicious and nutritious food.
Have some canned food that’s about to go past its best-buy date? Open them up and freeze-dry them instead of throwing them out.
Pro #6: SHTF or Disaster Cooking
There are many disasters or emergencies where resources will be limited. This will make preparing a meal more of a challenge. The less you need to use in these situations, the better.
Water and fuel may be scarce, and cooking a meal from scratch will use a significant amount of both and create dirty dishes that need to be washed.
While you could open some canned food in an emergency, a meal you prepared beforehand that the family eats regularly will be much more palatable.
My Initial Reservations About Purchasing a Personal Freeze Dryer
With all the benefits of having a freeze dryer at home, you may be asking why it took me over six months to finally take the plunge and purchase the Harvest Right freeze dryer.
The list of cons I go through below is more of my initial reservations about purchasing a freeze dryer rather than the cons of owning one. These reservations are what most people grapple with when they are trying to make a purchase decision.
This wouldn’t be an honest assessment of the best freeze dryer for home use if I only talked about the benefits. Some things need to be considered before you decide whether or not freeze-drying at home is right for you.
Con #1: The Initial Upfront Cost
Home freeze dryers can be expensive, ranging from a couple thousand to almost four thousand dollars. This initial investment may be prohibitive for some individuals or families on a tight budget.
This is a significant concern for many people. Investing in something is difficult if you’re not sure it will meet your needs. I wrote this article to help people going through the buying process like I was not long ago.
As you can see from the pros listed above, a freeze dryer is a home appliance that will save you money over time. From a preparedness perspective, it’s a must if you are serious about long-term food storage.
Con #2: The Energy Usage
Along with the upfront cost of purchasing a freeze dryer, you also need to consider the cost of using it. Freeze dryers consume a lot of electricity, leading to higher utility costs and overall ownership expenses.
My average cost has been around three dollars per batch, each taking an average of thirty hours to complete. While this seems like little, if you run it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, that’s about five batches or $15 per week, or $60 per month.
I’m closer to the two batches per week range, so I’m looking at around $24 a month more on my electric bill. However, the savings from not wasting food and buying in bulk more than make up that difference.
Con #3: The Space Needed
Freeze dryers can be difficult to place in homes due to their bulky size. This can be incredibly challenging for those with limited space. Another factor to consider is the temperature of the room it’s stored in.
You will not only need room for the freeze dryer, but you will also need a couple of feet clearance on each side of the unit. It also needs to be located in a place that doesn’t get too hot or cold.
We have ours in a spare bedroom, but you could place it in a basement, laundry room, or even the garage, depending on your climate.
Con #4: A Time-Consuming Process
Freeze-drying is not a quick process. It can take 20 to 40 hours or more to complete an entire cycle, depending on the type and quantity of food being processed.
The easier option would be to purchase some freeze-dried food already made and packaged for you. This all comes down to the old saying, “Which do you have more of, time or money.”
While it’s easy to go to a website and buy some pre-packaged long-term food, you won’t get the same quality product and have no control over the ingredients used in the food.
It’s more “sit around and wait” than anything else. The Harvest Right freeze dryer is so intuitive that once you prepare the trays, you are just a few clicks away from the machine doing the rest.
Are Freeze Dryers Worth it?
Whether purchasing a freeze dryer is worth the price depends on your needs, priorities, and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider when determining if a freeze-dryer is worth the investment.
Ultimately, purchasing a freeze dryer should be based on carefully evaluating your goals, lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
From a preparedness perspective (my perspective), it’s a game changer for my food storage plans. If you’re willing to stomach the upfront cost of a freeze dryer and go through the learning curve, then a freeze dryer will be well worth the price.
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Freeze Dryer for Your Home
In conclusion, When deciding on a freeze dryer for home use, it’s important to carefully consider factors like size, capacity, features, and budget.
Following the tips in this guide, you can confidently select a freeze dryer that meets your needs and revolutionize your food preservation game. Freeze-drying not only extends the shelf life of food but also preserves its nutritional value and reduces waste.
Adding a freeze dryer to your home can benefit both penny pinchers looking to reduce food waste and preppers preparing for emergencies.
In todays podcast, I will be going over what I decided to put in my new 5.11 AMP72 bug-out bag. I’ve done a couple of videos in the past (videos below) about my plans, and I finally have my bug-out bag version 1 set and ready to test.
I’ll also be going over what makes a good survival knife, and why the most expensive doesn’t always mean the best.
Links From the Show…
The Ultimate Guide to Knife Handle Materials
Choosing the Best Survival Knife
My New Bug Out Bag: What Stays, and What Goes?
I recently purchased a 5.11 AMP72 pack to replace my old bug out bag and decided that while I was deciding what I was going to keep and what needed to go, I figured why not do a live video. While this is not everything that will be in my bag, it includes the main components and is a work in progress.
5.11 AMP 72 Bug Out Bag, EDC Backpack Breakdown & Review
Before loading this AMP 72 (All Missions Pack) from 5.11 with all the bug-out bag gear, I wanted to overview the features and why I chose this bag. This is just the initial review of the AMP72 from 5.11, and in the future, I will do a more in-depth review of how I like it and how it’s holding up.
The AMP 72 is highly modular and can be combined and compatible with gear sets from 5.11, and the hex grid design makes them compatible with any Molly pouches you might have.
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