I’m curious if anyone here has ever used a freeze-dryer. Not a dehydrator, but an actual freeze-dryer, the kind that turns ice cream into styrofoam. The local university is auctioning one off, about the size of my regular dehydrator only the freeze-dryer weighs 90 pounds. So far nobody’s bid on it, and the opening bid is only $20.
There are some experiments I’ve been wanting to do with aerogels but didn’t have the equipment for, so this is really tempting, but at the same time I don’t have much money to spare, just the $20 I’ve set aside for seeds this year.
Mom loves freeze-dried strawberries, so I’ve been trying to talk her into going halvsies on it, but so far no dice :)
Freeze dryers are usually prohibitively expensive, so that’s a deal.
However, I think the failure point is in the vacuum seals. Do some research before you buy, though at $20, you’re not out much.
If you have the space, and it works, I’d go for it! That is an amazing deal and you can obtain it and then do the research later! Just my humble opinion... Please, if you do get it, and start experimenting, let us know how it works for you!
Oh wow, I need to ask the guys in my building what happens to the old gear. Sure would love to have one of vacuum freeze dryers, myself!