When we first started carrying Harvest Right Freeze Dryers four years ago, we were confused by all the different vacuum pumps that are available for them. Over the years, they've simplified things a bit. At the time I'm writing this article, Harvest Right is offering two pump models when you order a new home freeze dryer. They are the industrial grade Premier Oil Vacuum Pump and the Oil Free Vacuum Pump.
However, if you purchased your home freeze dryer years ago and have a Standard Oil Vacuum Pump, you can still purchase one when your old one reaches the end of life. You can also purchase refurbished Premier Oil Vacuum Pumps when available. The Oil Free Vacuum pump can be rebuilt when it reaches the end of its service life, which save you a lot of money compared with buying a new one.
Here is a side by side comparison chart to give you an overview of the vacuum pumps a home freeze dryer can use.
Model |
Standard Oil Vacuum Pump
|
Premier Oil Vacuum Pump |
Oil Free Vacuum Pump
|
Low Profile Oil Free Vacuum Pump
|
Available |
Yes, for pre-existing freeze dryer customers only. |
Yes, ships standard with all Freeze Dryers. Available as a replacement or upgrade for existing customers. |
Yes, an upgrade available at time of purchase of a freeze dryer, or as a later upgrade. Current customers with an older model freeze dryer will need an adapter for the oil free vacuum pump. Harvest Right will provide the adapter free of charge. To verify which adapter you may need, call 800-700-5508. |
No - no longer offered |
Cost |
$ | $$$ | $$$$$ | $$$$$ |
Needs Oil Change |
Yes - oil change takes 2-3 minutes | Yes - oil change takes 2-3 minutes | No | No |
Oil Change Frequency |
Oil drained and filtered every 4-5 batches. Oil should be filtered, re-used, then topped up to half way up the sight glass. The filter is good for 20-25 filtrations before you should discard it and use a new one. |
Change the oil every 20-25 batches. Oil should be filtered, re-used, then topped up to half way up the sight glass. The filter is good for 20-25 filtrations before you should discard it and use a new one. |
Oil changes not required | Oil changes not required |
Gas Ballast |
It should be kept closed. | It should be kept open at all times. | n/a | n/a |
Noise Level |
64 decibels | 52 decibels (about the same as a refrigerator) |
62 decibels, then quieter once low-pressure is reached. | 62 decibels |
Maintenance |
Call Harvest Right to troubleshoot when you receive vacuum errors. | Call Harvest Right to troubleshoot when you receive vacuum errors. | Replace the scroll seal when you cannot achieve as deep of a vacuum. | Replace the scroll seal when you cannot achieve as deep of a vacuum. |
Weight |
35 lbs | 32 lbs | 53 lbs | 18 lbs |
Dimensions |
16″ L x 5-3/4" W x 10 1/2" H | 16.3″ x 6" x 12.1" | 22 1/4" L x 13 1/2" W x 15 1/4" H | 16" L x 6" W x 8.5" H |
Power Use |
218 Watts | 187 Watts | ||
Oil to Use |
Robinair Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil, JB Industries Black Gold Vacuum Pump Oil, Harvest Right Vacuum Pump Oil, Dairyland Vacuum Pump Oil | Robinair Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil, JB Industries Black Gold Vacuum Pump Oil, (Do not use Dairyland Vacuum Pump Oil or Harvest Right Vacuum Pump oil - both contain detergents and will not work in this pump) | n/a | n/a |
Pump Warranty |
1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Can be Rebuilt |
No | No, but a refurbished unit MAY be available from Harvest Right. Call for availability and price. | Yes - contact Harvest Right for details. Customer pays shipping both ways, and $375 (as of 9/14/22). | No |
A best practice that you should do at the end of each batch: Plug the pump into a wall outlet. Open the Freeze Dryer door and run the pump to free air for 3-4 minutes. This will push any water/particulates out of the pump. If you do this it will keep the pump very clean.
If you have an issue with your Harvest Right freeze dryer, go to the Harvest Right Customer Support page, select from the categories the one that best fits your situation. Then, if you can't find the solution in the knowledge base to resolve your issue, click the "Submit a Ticket" button and enter the details of your issue.
