When we first started carrying Harvest Right Freeze Dryers eight 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 updating this article (February 2026), Harvest Right is offering two pump models when you order a new freeze dryer. They are the industrial grade Premier Oil Vacuum Pump and the Oil Free Vacuum Pump.
What about the older models? Harvest Right no longer offers the Standard Oil Vacuum Pump or the Low Profile Oil Free Vacuum Pump. However, if you purchased your Harvest Right freeze dryer years ago and have one of the older pumps, you can upgrade to either of the available options when it reaches the end of its life.
Here is a side by side comparison of the various vacuum pumps.
Model |
Standard Oil Vacuum Pump |
Premier Oil Vacuum Pump
|
Oil Free Vacuum Pump
|
Low Profile Oil Free Vacuum Pump
|
Available |
No - no longer offered |
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 |
Change the oil 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 15-20 filtrations before you should discard it and use a new one. |
Change the oil every 25-40 batches. Oil should be filtered, re-used, then topped up to half way up the sight glass. The filter is good for 15-20 filtrations before you should discard it and use a new one. |
n/a | n/a |
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 35 lbs (XL) |
53 lbs 78 lbs (XL) |
18 lbs |
Dimensions |
16″L x 5.75"W x 10.5"H | 16.3″L x 6"W x 12.1"H |
22.25”L x 13.5”W x15.25”H 21"L x 12"W x 14.5"H (XL) |
16"L x 6"W x 8.5"H |
Power Use |
218 Watts | 187 Watts | 550 Watts | |
Oil to Use |
Robinair Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil, JB Industries Black Gold Vacuum Pump Oil, Harvest Right Vacuum Pump Oil, or Dairyland Vacuum Pump Oil | Harvest Right Premium Vacuum Pump Oil, Robinair Premium High Vacuum Pump Oil, or JB Industries Black Gold Vacuum Pump Oil | 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.
