The Harvest Right HRC 100 Freeze Dryer: A Quick Look

Now that many people see the benefits of freeze-dried food, businesses are looking to expand their capacities, but without going overkill. 

Harvest Right answers this call with its latest freeze dryer, the HRC 100. Designed to bridge small-scale usage towards larger demands, this freeze dryer could be the solution for the mass processing of preserved food. 

If you’re curious to know more about the latest release from Harvest Right, here is what you can expect. 

The HRC 100 at a Glance 

Harvest Right presents the HRC 100 Freeze Dryer as somewhere between a home and industrial-grade freeze dryer. It offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional industrial-grade freeze dryers, making high-capacity freeze drying accessible without a substantial investment. 

Businesses moving from home or smaller commercial units will find the HRC 100 particularly advantageous, thanks to the ability to process up to 90 pounds of product per cycle, almost doubling the capacity of the previous big brother, the Harvest Right XL Pro. 

HRC 100 Freeze Dryer Specifications

HRC 100 at Work  

The HRC 100's interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, consistent with other Harvest Right models. Users can operate the freeze dryer without navigating through complex menus or switches.

In terms of efficiency, the HRC 100 offers drying times comparable to other Harvest Right freeze dryers. However, its increased capacity makes it more efficient overall. We've found that pre-freezing products before loading them into the machine can significantly reduce freeze times, potentially shaving off hours from the process

So if a medium Harvest Right freeze dryer can freeze dry candy in four hours, the HRC 100 will finish around the same time but will handle more in each cycle. 

For cannabis producers, the HRC 100 will be an ally, being able to cure more buds in one cycle. They can also be used for drying larger quantities of bubble hash for larger-scale operations. 

In terms of heat management, the HRC 100 performs well. Built-in fans help cool the machine, and the heat output is not excessive. However, good airflow is crucial for any large-scale freeze-drying operation. Some users find that a garage exhaust system works well to extract heat from their production area

 

Shipping and Delivery

The HRC 100 is a substantial unit, weighing approximately 1000 lbs gross. Its size requires a garage door or loading dock for delivery. However, once removed from the pallet, its width reduces to just over 33 inches, potentially allowing it to fit through a standard door with careful maneuvering.

We were impressed with the packaging - the unit arrives in a wooden crate with ample foam padding, ensuring it's well-protected during transit. This level of care in packaging is something we'd like to see extended to Harvest Right's smaller machines.

 

Power Requirements

The HRC 100 requires a 220-volt outlet and a dedicated 30-amp circuit, similar to what you'd need for a standard clothes dryer.

Load Size and Capacity

While Harvest Right states the HRC 100 can process up to 90 lbs per batch, we found this likely refers to ice capacity rather than product weight. The tray capacity is an impressive 25.25 sq ft, which is about 2.2 times the capacity of an XL machine (13.4 sq ft).

The HRC 100 uses full-size baking sheets measuring 18" W x 26" D x 0.9" H. This increased capacity significantly boosts production volume compared to smaller models. It's important to note that this machine is designed for high-volume production and may not be suitable for small weekend market businesses

Run Times and Cycle Comparison

In our testing, run times were comparable to an XL machine. The software is similar to current Harvest Right freeze dryers with some notable improvements. It now features 3 heat zones for more consistent heating across all trays. The chamber freeze is still 15 minutes, but if a cycle is stopped, the condenser now needs 15 minutes (instead of 5) to equalize pressure again.

XXL Premier Pump

The HRC 100 uses a massive XXL premier pump installed inside the unit. It's securely bolted down and drains into an easily accessible point below. The pump requires a significant amount of oil - 74 oz per fill. It uses the same types of oil as other Harvest Right models (JB BlackGold, Robinair, or Harvest Right brand). We noted that the pump connections use clamps instead of threading, resulting in more consistent pressure and fewer vacuum leaks.

 

Maintenance and Support for the HRC 100

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Harvest Right offers an optional SLA for $2995. While not required, we found it provides valuable benefits such as priority for spare parts, replacement machines if repairs are needed, quick response times from support (within 2 hours), video call support for troubleshooting, and more. For businesses relying on continuous operation, this could be a worthwhile investment.

At the time of writing, the HRC 100 is in the process of obtaining certifications. For those with a Service Level Agreement (SLA), any upgrades or parts required to achieve certification will be provided

So, How Much Does a Harvest Right HRC 100 Cost?

The HRC 100 freeze dryer is currently priced at $9995, which is quite competitive for a freeze dryer of this kind since it’s a good alternative for anyone looking to scale their operations without the hefty price tag that comes with industrial-grade freeze dryers. 

The optional commercial service agreement is an add-on you can avail of on top of the HRC 100, which you can inquire from our customer support. 

Conclusion

The HRC 100 takes your operations to the next level without breaking the bank. It combines capacity, durability, and ease of use, making it a formidable option for businesses looking to scale up. In our testing, we found that the HRC 100 significantly increased our production capacity. After the first few loads, the efficiency gains were evident, making it a valuable investment for businesses ready to scale up their freeze-drying operations

Whether you’re looking to upgrade from smaller freeze-dryers or plan to expand your capacity, you can’t go wrong with the HRC 100. That said, should you be convinced to check this freeze dryer, you can view our product page here. 

Learn more about Harvest Right Freeze Dryers:

• Harvest Right Freeze Dryer Review
• Harvest Right: What's the difference between Home vs Pharma Units?
• Xiros Mikro vs. Harvest Right: Comparing Laboratory Grade Freeze Dryers
• Is the Harvest Right Oil Free Pump Worth It?
• Using Harvest Right Freeze Dryers for Cannabis Preservation
• Step-by-Step Guide: Loading Harvest Pharmaceutical Firmware on Your Home Freeze Dryer

Frequently Asked Questions About the Harvest Right HRC 100 Freeze Dryer

◄What is the warranty on the HRC 100?

The HRC 100 comes with a one-year warranty on all parts, and a two-year warranty on the compressor, condenser, and evaporator.

◄How much fresh food can the HRC 100 process per batch?

The HRC 100 can process 65-90 pounds of fresh food per batch, depending on the specific product.

◄How much freeze-dried food can I typically produce per batch with the HRC 100?

The exact yield will vary depending on the water content of the food, but it is estimated that the HRC 100 can produce roughly 1.5-2 gallons of freeze-dried food per batch.

◄Can the HRC 100 handle continuous operation?

Yes, the HRC 100 is designed for continuous operation, making it suitable for businesses with high production demands.

◄What types of products can I freeze dry with the HRC 100?

A wide variety of products can be freeze-dried with the HRC 100, including fruits, vegetables, meats, herbs, and even some prepared meals.

◄How easy is the HRC 100 to operate?

The HRC 100 is advertised as user-friendly. You simply load the product, press start, and the machine will alert you when finished.

◄Does the HRC 100 have an automatic shut-off function?

It is not explicitly stated, but it is likely the HRC 100 has an automatic shut-off function upon completion of the freeze-drying cycle.

◄What safety features does the HRC 100 have?

Specific safety features are not listed, but consult the manual for information on any safety precautions or certifications.

◄What is the advantage of the HRC 100 over smaller home freeze dryers?

The HRC 100 offers several advantages over smaller home freeze dryers:

• Much larger capacity: The HRC 100 can handle significantly larger batches of food.
• More powerful: The HRC 100 is likely to have a more robust build and faster drying times.
• Durability: Designed for commercial use, the HRC 100 is likely to be more durable for frequent use.
However, the HRC 100 is also much larger, more expensive, and requires a dedicated electrical circuit.

◄Is the HRC 100 a good option for businesses looking to scale up production?

Yes, the HRC 100 can be a good option for businesses looking to scale up production from small home freeze dryers. It offers a significant increase in capacity without the high cost of industrial models.