Commander Bell Loc: Lafayette Indiana

Hello stagers,
I just got an offer to buy a medium sized freeze dryer for about the $ 2600.
There are tutorials on YouTube how to make your own for alot less.
I've worked with dehydrators before but never on a large scale.
My research shows me that while freeze drying takes longer it maintains more nutrients.
I'm reaching out to you all about your thoughts and experience with freeze drying, either store bought or home made, vs dehydration.
Which, of the two, will store longer and is more economical?
Commander Bell out

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

About the only firm of either we I've used is drying herbs to use in the winter

Mudbugger Loc: North Central Indiana, just north of Kokomo.

Freeze drying is without a doubt, the better of the two processes. Better flavor, better nutritional value, much longer shelf life and most foods can be pre-cooked (icluding complete meal dishes), so it's just heat and eat. Great for camping and emergency rations.
That said, freeze drying is much more complicated, time consuming and can REALLY test and try your patience.
We just bought a large Harvest Right on Christmas Eve. and have been experimenting with it some, taking our time to fit it in to the other things going on.
Did I mention that it's REALLY a SLOW process?

Mud

stx1166 Loc: South Carolina

TY. I have 2 garden harvest cycle w/ a dehydrator. I will look more into freeze dry. Smoke more Fish