Freeze-Dryer Essentials: Tools & Accessories for Success

Whether you're just getting started or optimizing your freeze-drying workflow, having the right tools makes all the difference. Many of the items listed below you may already have. While they are common kitchen finds, they make your freeze-drying adventure all the easier.

We've curated this list of genuine, field-tested essentials to help you succeed — whether you're preserving food for your family, prepping for emergencies, or stocking your pantry with long-lasting meals. 

Every item is recommended with your success in mind and includes affiliate links that help support our mission — at no cost to you.

Grab Your Batch Logs

 Batch Logs & Tips Workbooks


Available Sizes: 3 Tray, 4 Tray, 5 Tray, 6 Tray, 7 Tray


  • ✔ Quick-start checklist and reminder steps
  • ✔ Specs & capacity charts for your specific machine
  • ✔ 300 Batch Logs for tracking efficiency
  • ✔ Rehydration tips, conversions, troubleshooting & maintenance


The ultimate record-keeper for your freeze-drying process. Includes 300 logs, quick-start checklists, rehydration tips, and maintenance sheets for Small to X-Large machines. Designed to help you stay organized and get consistent results.


Follow a systematic approach to freeze-drying with worksheets that guide you through each step of the process, from preparation to packaging and storage. The quick-reference guides simplify the freeze-drying process with concise overviews of key concepts and techniques from the main book, ensuring you have all the essential knowledge at your fingertips.

Freeze-Drying Must-Haves

Freeze-Dryer
920x60-2

Core Tools

  • Harvest Right 7-mil Mylar Bags

    Extra-thick Mylar bags designed for long-term food storage. Blocks light, moisture, and oxygen to preserve quality for years.

  • Wallaby Mylar Bags

    Durable and high-quality storage for long-term food preservation. These bags are thick, reliable, and seal easily — perfect for your freeze-dried goods.

  • Harvest Right Oxygen Absorbers

    Prevents oxidation and spoilage inside sealed Mylar bags. An essential component of your long-term food storage system.

  • Harvest Right Filter Replacement Cartridges

    Ensure your vacuum pump performs optimally by replacing filters regularly. These official cartridges help prevent pump strain and failure.

  • Harvest Right Vacuum Pump Oil

    High-grade filtered oil designed specifically for freeze-dryer vacuum pumps. Keeps your machine running quietly and efficiently.

  • Kitchen Scale Option 1

    Absolutely essential for weighing trays before and after freeze-drying. Helps prevent overload, extends machine life, and ensures you're following the Two-Hour Weight Check for quality assurance.

  • Kitchen Scale Option 2

    Same vital function, different format — choose the one that fits your space and budget.

  • Blender Option 1

    Use to create smooth sauces for trays or silicone molds, or to powder dried ingredients. We love the Vitamix for its power and dual-pitcher versatility.

  • Blender Option 2

    Another great blender choice for making freeze-drying prep quick and efficient.

  • Food Processor

    Saves massive time during prep. Perfect for puréeing fruits, veggies, or meats, and mixing marinades or sauces in bulk.

  • Jar Sealer Option 1

    Perfect for sealing canning jars. Helps with long- or short-term storage of freeze-dried goods. Works with FoodSaver® systems.

  • Jar Sealer Option 2

    Manual pump option for sealing jars without electricity. Great alternative for those on the go or off-grid.

  • Pressure Cooker

    Amazing for fast prepping of meats, stews, soups, and more. Pressure cooking locks in flavor and nutrients for better freeze-drying results.

Prep Tools

  • Knives

    Sharp, reliable knives are crucial for prepping fruits, vegetables, and meats evenly. Choose a quality set that holds its edge.

  • Shears

    Perfect for snipping herbs or cutting through packaging with ease. A go-to tool during food prep.

  • Herb Scissors

    Multiple blades allow quick cutting of herbs into uniform pieces, saving time and reducing mess.

  • Cutting Boards

    Sturdy, easy-to-clean cutting boards are essential for safe, sanitary food prep.

  • Colanders & Strainers

    Used to rinse and drain produce or cooked food before freeze-drying. Helps eliminate excess moisture.

accessory-2.png

Trays & Liners

  • Harvest Right Stainless Steel Trays

    Durable, reusable trays made for your Harvest Right machine. Use for pre-freezing or drying directly in the chamber.

  • Harvest Right Tray Lids

    Custom lids that allow stacking trays in the freezer or protecting food prior to freeze-drying. A freezer-space saver!

  • Harvest Right Silicone Cube Molds

    Great for portioning out sauces, soups, or baby foods. Freeze directly in the mold and pop onto trays when ready.

  • Harvest Right Silicone Mats

    Reusable mats designed to perfectly fit your trays. Help prevent sticking and simplify cleanup after each batch.

  • Harvest Right Resealable Mylar Bags

    Great for everyday use or travel. These zip-sealed bags make short-term storage easy without needing a heat sealer every time.

  • Silicone Molds

    Pre-freeze foods in fun or functional shapes using these reusable, non-stick molds. Great for portion control.

  • Tray Liners

    Protect your trays and simplify cleanup with reusable silicone liners.

  • Parchment Paper

    A convenient, disposable option for lining trays and reducing cleanup.

  • Silicone Mesh Mats

    Allows airflow between stacked foods. Great for bananas, herbs, or smaller portions.

  • Tray Dividers

    Segment trays for different food types or sizes while keeping within weight limits.

Specialty Accessories

  • Electric Kettle

    Quickly boils water for rehydrating meals or cleaning equipment.

  • Car Kettle

    A portable solution for heating water while traveling or camping.

  • Camping Stove

    Great for off-grid or outdoor rehydration and meal prep.

  • Mandoline

    Ensures consistent, thin slices for freeze-drying. A huge timesaver, especially with large batches.

  • Tray Stackers

    Maximize tray space while maintaining airflow — excellent for increasing capacity.

  • Peeler, Corer, Slicer

    This 3-in-1 tool simplifies fruit prep, especially apples and pears. A major time-saver.

  • Apple Slicer

    Quick, uniform apple slices for even freeze-drying and snack-ready pieces.

  • Glass Storage Containers

    Perfect for storing rehydrated meals or short-term leftovers.

  • Stainless Steel Bento Box

    Durable and leakproof — keeps rehydrated meals warm and organized.

Maintenance & Extras

  • Drain Bucket

    Used to collect water from the freeze-dryer drain line. Keep it clean and empty regularly.

  • Oil Funnel

    Avoid mess when refilling vacuum pump oil. A simple but indispensable tool.

  • Cooling Fans

    Keep your freeze-dryer running efficiently by reducing internal heat, especially in warmer rooms.

  • Microfiber Cloths

    Non-abrasive, soft cloths for gentle cleaning of trays and internal surfaces.

  • Scrub Brushes

    Scrape off residue and keep parts like trays or molds clean with minimal effort.

  • Drain Tube Brush

    Flexible brush for cleaning the freeze-dryer's drain tube and valve to prevent clogs.

  • Sharpies

    Label your Mylar bags with item name and date. Essential for inventory tracking.

  • Wire Egg Slicer

    Perfect for slicing hard foods like boiled eggs or strawberries evenly.

Heavy-Duty Tools

  • Stainless Steel Trays – oven-safe, long-lasting and freeze-dryer safe. Pre-freeze or dry directly on these heavy-duty trays.

  • Tray Scraper – makes cleanup easy

    Use to remove freeze-dried food cleanly and safely without damaging trays.