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Stay Fresh Home Freeze Dryer shown with its standard premier vacuum pump attached.

Stay Fresh Home Freeze Dryer - 12-18 lbs.

by Stay Fresh
Save $684.00 Save $600.00
$3,299.00
$3,299.00 - $4,044.00
$3,299.00
$2,699.00
$2,699.00 - $3,360.00
$2,699.00

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Full Manufacturer’s Warranty

You buy it, we back it! Your purchase is fully covered with a manufacturer’s warranty. More details here.

  • Freeze Food Per Batch: 18 lbs.
  • Fresh Food Per Year: Up to 3600 lbs.
  • Tray Space: 800 sq. inches

Offers a reliable small-batch preservation with smart controls and durable construction.

The Stay Fresh Home Freeze Dryer makes long-term food preservation simple and effective. With the ability to process 12–18 lbs per batch and up to 3,600 lbs of fresh food per year, it’s ideal for households, homesteaders, and small growers. A patented smart freeze-drying algorithm ensures consistent results, while multiple drying methods and candy mode offer flexibility for everything from delicate herbs to sweets.

Built with stainless steel and aluminum major parts, this unit features RTD sensors for accurate drying, a motorized ball valve to prevent oil contamination, and solid-state relays for long-term serviceability. Its independent vacuum valve normalizes pressure during operation, while the -40°F cold trap and shelf temps ranging from -50°F to 150°F provide precise control over drying cycles.

Why it’s a smart investment for you

Basic home dehydrators and oversized commercial units don’t always fit the needs of smaller operations. The Stay Fresh Home Freeze Dryer bridges the gap, offering high capacity with a manageable footprint. With 800 sq. inches of tray space across five stainless steel trays (8” x 20”), it handles a wide variety of foods while keeping batch times efficient at 16–30 hours for 8 lbs.

Features

  • Patented smart freeze drying algorithm.
  • Multiple drying methods for beginners and advanced users.
  • Motorized ball valve for oil contamination prevention.
  • RTD temperature sensors for drying assistance.
  • Industrial grade glass-to-metal seal feed-through.
  • Solid state relay for the heater. All replaceable relays.
  • Stainless steel/aluminum construction for major parts.
  • Independent vacuum valve for pressure normalization.
  • Candy mode makes freeze-drying sweets easy and quick.
  • Stainless steel drain line.

What's Included?

  • Stay Fresh Home Freeze Dryer
  • Your Choice of Pump
  • Oil Filter
  • Impulse Sealer
  • 50 x Mylar Bags
  • Pack of Silicone Mesh

Downloaded Resources

Specifications

SKU: 4H11560USS1

Ice Capacity: 12 lb

Batch Processing Capacity: Up to 18 lb of food per batch

Drying Time: 16–30 hours for 8 lb of food

Shelf Spacing: 1.2 in

Trays Included: Seven trays per set, each 8 in x 20 in x 0.75 in

Shelf Temperature Range: -50°F to 150°F

Freeze Dryer Weight (Pump Excluded): 170 lb

Freeze Dryer Dimensions: 20 in (W) x 26 in (D) x 31 in (H)

Cold Trap Temperature: -40°F (bottom of chamber)

Pump Weight: 55 lb

Pump Dimensions: 6.5 in (W) x 20 in (D) x 9 in (H)

Oil Mister Filter Dimensions: 4 in (W) x 4 in (D) x 6 in (H)

Vacuum Pump Flow Rate: 7.2 CFM

Grow Light Central expert advice for indoor growing equipment

Who should use this home freeze dryer?

  • Home growers preserving 12–18 lbs of food per run with ease
  • Families looking to store up to 3600 lbs of food per year for long term security
  • Beginner and advanced users who want smart algorithms and multiple drying modes
  • Operators seeking durable stainless steel construction and long life reliability

Best applications

  • Herbs, produce, and sweets handled with candy mode and precise RTD sensors
  • Household food storage using 800 sq in of tray space across 5 shelve
  • Small scale commercial use supported by a 7.2 CFM vacuum pump
  • Everyday preservation with 16–30 hour cycles and reliable ice capacity

Why Shop with Grow Light Central?

“There’s a crapload of equipment providers out there. What makes Grow Light Central so special?”

“There’s a crapload of equipment providers out there. What makes Grow Light Central so special?”

Grow Light Central is a grow equipment solution provider connecting you to 100+ brands and 60+ suppliers trusted and used in the best grow facilities across the country.

Anthony, the owner and operator, personally ensures every order is handled right. No passing you off, no runaround, just the expert service and advice you deserve.

FAQs

How does the freeze drying process work?

Freeze drying happens in three main stages: freezing, main drying, and final drying. Food is first frozen to around -35°F, then placed under vacuum pressure while gentle heat removes moisture. Once most of the water is gone, the final stage ensures every bit of remaining moisture is removed, leaving food perfectly preserved.

How long does it take to freeze dry food?

The total time depends on the type, size, and thickness of the food. Fresh (unfrozen) foods may take 6-15 hours to freeze, while pre-frozen foods take about 2-4 hours. The main and final drying stages can add several more hours, so expect a complete cycle to last anywhere from 24 to 36 hours on average.

Do I need to prepare my food before freeze drying?

Yes, a little prep makes a big difference. Wash, cut, and evenly size your food before loading it into trays. Keep similar foods together, for example, fruits on one tray, vegetables on another, and avoid mixing frozen and unfrozen foods in the same batch for even drying results.

What types of food can I freeze dry?

You can freeze dry most fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and cooked meals. Liquids like soups or sauces work too when spread evenly on trays. However, oily foods (like nut butters or fatty meats) don’t dry well, since oil doesn’t freeze and may go rancid over time.