Ranking of the best freeze dryers for 2022

Sublimation of products allows you to store them for a long time, retaining all the nutrients and components, while the products do not contain preservatives and retain their original taste. It is a great alternative to fresh vegetables and fruits. In the article, we will consider how to choose the right dryer for the price and technical characteristics, what new products are on the market, what mistakes can be made when choosing. Let us present recommendations on which type of dryers is better to choose under certain conditions.

Description and characteristics

Sublimation of products (lyophilization or sublimation) is the process of transition of a substance from a solid state to a gaseous state, excluding the liquid state. This method is becoming very popular, although expensive.

Currently, this method has received the greatest application in the batch production of various drugs, extracts, herbs, as well as vegetables and fruits, and other products. This method provides reversible preservation of microorganisms and biological products, while maintaining the high quality of the product, and high reducibility, with minimal labor costs.

The weight of the dry finished product will be approximately 1/6 to 1/9 of the original raw material. This helps to reduce shipping and packaging costs. Such products are usually packed in metallized three-layer bags with nitrogen filling from 2 g to 5 kg, depending on the type of product. If initially such a process was used only for large orders in the space, military and defense industries, today they are more consumer-oriented, creating premium products.

Pros:

• preservation of all vitamins, minerals, taste characteristics of the product in its original form;
• high quality of the finished product;
• benefits (when adding water, the product quickly returns to its original state);
• cost-effectiveness (takes up little space and has a small weight, this significantly reduces the cost of transportation and packaging);
• benefit (using this process, premium products are created that are of high quality and high price);
• storage durability.Due to the absence of moisture and microorganisms, the shelf life is from 2 to 5 years, with proper storage. There is no need to preserve raw materials or provide constant cold (freezer, refrigerator);
• universality (applicable to almost any type of product, both for industrial production and for home use).

Minuses:

• expensive equipment;
• high energy costs.

Principle of operation

The vacuum drying method is based on the law of physics, in which water can only be in 2 states of aggregation, solid and gaseous, if the atmospheric pressure is below the “triple point”, for pure water it is 6.1 mbar at 0 degrees Celsius. Provided that the partial pressure of water vapor in the environment is lower than the partial pressure of ice, then the solid state of water will pass into the gaseous state of water, bypassing the liquid phase.

The quality of sublimation directly depends on the accuracy of the heating temperature. The deeper the process of liquid evaporation occurs, the more difficult it is to deliver heat to this zone. The resulting steam settles as condensate on the surface of the evaporator and is removed from the chamber.

Sublimation steps

1. Preparation of raw materials. Careful selection and heat treatment of the initial product is carried out. If necessary, the product is prepared, cut, then disinfected and placed in drying trays.
2. Freezing. The product is frozen at a temperature higher than its solidification point.
3. Drying. This step removes ice or solvent crystals at very low temperatures. Further, the products rest in sealed packaging for about 20 hours, then they are dried at positive temperatures.

Drying time and finished product quality will depend directly on the freezing stage. The deeper and faster the freezing process occurs, the smaller the ice crystals will be, the faster they evaporate in the second stage. Drying takes place at temperatures of -20 or -30 degrees Celsius, and the drying stage takes place at more gentle temperatures (not exceeding +40 degrees). This allows you to save the taste, as well as the usefulness of the feedstock.

Packing after sublimation

Packaging of finished products can be called an additional stage of production. The shelf life and product quality will depend on the quality of the container, its tightness and reliability. Sublimated products have a high porosity and are quickly absorbed. Products devoid of moisture absorb oxygen, moisture and air particles, which leads to their rapid deterioration.

The main methods of maintaining high quality in packaging:

• vacuum pressing. Eliminates the ability of products to absorb oxygen and moisture;
• protection with special hermetic light-tight packaging (aluminum foil or special polymers);
• packing in a sealed chamber filled with an inert gas.

The final product is ready for use, both as an independent dish and for processing (confectionery, perfumery, food concentrate industries, etc.)

Criterias of choice

Tips on what to look for when buying:

1. Functional. Devices with the function of changing the cycle during operation, having the ability to set a timer for a certain time, etc. Will cost much more than usual, but will greatly simplify the production process.At home, functions such as height adjustment of shelves, or a combined type of control are not important, but on a mass production scale, they should be given special attention.
2. What is the price. For personal use, this device can be purchased in the range from 200,000 rubles to 500,000 rubles. For mass production, the cost is several million rubles. Inexpensive (budget) options will have a minimal set of features.
3. Where could I buy. It is more profitable to purchase such equipment directly from the manufacturer. Models from a foreign manufacturer can be ordered online at the supplier's online store. Some companies offer the manufacture of sublimators to order, taking into account the wishes of the client (additional functions, certain metal, etc.).
4. The best manufacturers. Often the question arises of which company is better to buy a product that is the same in functionality, but different in price. Manufacturers that have proven themselves on the market as responsible and reliable use only high-quality equipment and materials in the manufacture of devices, some use their own developments to improve the operation of the equipment. Therefore, when buying such equipment, you overpay for the price, but at the same time you get a guarantee of a long uninterrupted service, with proper use. When choosing, focus on your needs and financial capabilities.

Rating of quality freeze dryers

The rating includes the best, according to buyers, freeze dryers. The popularity of models, review and consumer reviews were taken as the basis.

The best freeze dryers for home use

Harvest Right small

The dryer is made of stainless steel.Equipment: small sublimator, vacuum pump, pump oil, oil filter, stainless steel trays. Art. - 3 pcs, user manual, mylar bags - 50 pcs/pk, oxygen absorber - 50 pcs/pk, sealing device. From one batch you can get 5.7 kg of product. Voltage: 220 V. Preservation of vitamins by 97%. Average price: 271,000 rubles.

• the process is fully automatic;
• it is possible to set up several work programs;
• quality material.

• not identified.

Characteristics	Description
Dimensions (mm)	419 x 470 x 635
Weight (kg)	27.7
Number of pallets (pcs)	3
Pallet height (mm)	19
Pump options	oil (included), without oil
Loading weight (kg)	3.2

Sublimator household SB 2

Designed for small volumes, the maximum weight of the loaded raw material is 3 kg. Minimum temperature: -40 degrees Celsius. The duration of the sublimation cycle with self-defrosting is 30 hours. The standard residual humidity is no more than 1.5%. Price: 475,000 rubles.

• a large number of programs of work;
• small power consumption;
• little residual moisture.

• price.

Characteristics	Description
Dimensions (mm)	1300x550x650
Weight (kg)	120
Number of pallets (pcs)	5
Housing material	Cink Steel
Number of programs	5
Loading weight (kg)	3

Martin Christ Alpha 1-2 LD plus

The model has an LCD display, which displays the main functions of the device. The high quality insulation of the condenser chamber results in reduced running losses and no condensation. The freezer is easy to defrost and clean. It is possible to change the temperature regime, and the phases of production.Price: RUB 1,376,395.00

• easy to defrost and clean;
• there is a stage of drying;
• vacuum control.

• price.

Characteristics	Description
Dimensions (mm)	315 x345 x460
Weight (kg)	28
Number of shelves (pcs)	3
Minimum temperature (degrees)	-55
Power consumption (kW)	0.7
Loading weight (kg)	3.5

Harvest Right large

The sublimator is made of stainless steel. The maximum weight of one finished batch of products is 13.25 kg. The oil pump included in the kit has a noise level of 64 dB, and requires an oil change every 4-5 loads. Oil-free pump does not require an oil change, sold separately. Price: 399,000 rubles.

• optimal number of trays;
• installation and operation does not require special skills, detailed instructions are included;
• small sizes.

• not identified.

Characteristics	Description
Dimensions (mm)	508 x 584 x 762
Weight (kg)	62.5
Number of pallets (pcs)	5
Execution	outdoor
Pallet dimensions (mm)	229 x 521 x 19
Loading weight (kg)	7.25

CNPUKKA HFD-6

Model made in China. It has large capacities, allows you to produce up to 6 kg of the finished product in 1 cycle. Electronic control system, indicates the current work process, has an intelligent temperature control. Defrost is activated with one button. Price: 563,000 rubles.

• temperature adjustment is possible;
• quick drying of the product;
• simple control.

• hard to find in retail.

Characteristics	Description
Dimensions (mm)	720x710x1130
Weight (kg)	220
Material	steel alloy
Execution	floor
Brand	CNPUKKA
Loading weight (kg)	6

The Best Freeze Dryers for Industrial Use

SH TEK 20

The sublimator has its own touch screen control system. Automation based on the Aries controller. The body can be made of both painted steel and stainless steel, at the request of the customer. The area of ​​the shelves is 20 square meters. Model from a domestic manufacturer. Average cost: 7,440,000 rubles.

• optimal moisture removal;
• low power consumption;
• reliable manufacturer.

• not identified.

Indicators	Meaning
Dimensions (mm)	8000x2750x2500
Weight (kg)	8000
Apparatus material	stainless, painted steel
Vacuum pumps (pcs)	2
Power, kWt)	60
Raw material (kg)	200

Sublimator SL-5

This option is designed for sublimation of particularly delicate products. It has its own control system, which can be adjusted for each specific cycle. The cycle is recorded on external media. The evacuated air is discharged into the room. The working pressure in the chamber during operation is not more than 30 Pa. Cost: 7,780,000 rubles.

• optimal pressure in the chamber during operation;
• universal;
• convenient system of control and adjustment of the cycle.

• air release into the room.

Indicators	Meaning
Dimensions (mm)	1600x1600x2600
Weight, kg)	1650
Number of doors (pcs)	1
Number of trays (pcs)	36
Power, kWt)	15
Raw material (kg)	50

DF-Freeze Drying-GX-10

This model is a new development that provides minimal energy consumption (30% less than conventional dryers), can process organic solvents, thereby reducing production costs and not harming the environment. It has a high drying speed, reducing the operating time by 5-6 times compared to conventional models.

• fully automated process;
• minimum power consumption;
• fast working speed.

• difficult to find in the markets.

Indicators	Meaning
Operating temperature (degrees)	-50~+60°C
Effective drying area (m2)	10
Raw material per cycle (kg)	100

Industrial sublimator with cooling system СС-125

This dryer has the ability to produce both a single batch (1 tray, within 18 hours) and a full load (300 trays). Drying time varies depending on the amount of water and the raw material itself. Complete set: SS-125 sublimator, Bitzer cooling system, fast freezing chamber. The manufacturer is ready to manufacture the device according to the individual parameters of the customer.

• Ease of use;
• high quality of the material used;
• a large amount of the finished product at the exit.

• not identified.

Indicators	Meaning
Tray dimensions (mm)	687x568x35
Material	stainless steel
Number of trays (pcs)	300
Daily output (kg)	2000
Raw material (kg)	1500

Pharmaceutical freeze dryer small Harvest Right

The most compact industrial sublimator model for pharmacology. The system allows you to create several profiles to work with different cycles. It is possible to stop and start the process at any stage of work. The rack has 5 trays, with a total area of ​​0.34 sq.m. Average cost: 308,000 rubles.

• optimal price-quality ratio;
• minimum noise level;
• convenient management.

• not identified.

Indicators	Meaning
Dimensions (mm)	419 x 470 x 635
Control	manual, automated
Tray size (mm)	97 x 356 x 19
Number of trays (pcs)	5
Display	touch, diagonal 4.3 inches
Condensation capacity (l)	3

The article examined what types of freeze dryers are, which company is better to buy under certain conditions, which popular models on the market are the best, according to buyers. Be sure to ask for certificates of conformity from sellers when buying.

Sublimation in many industries is a progressive innovative technology that has no alternative.