Blue Alpine Medium Elite Freeze Dryer

The Select is Blue Alpine's base model and features a simplified user interface designed to provide the controls most home freeze-drying users need.

The Elite includes the capabilities of the Select while adding sensors on every shelf for more uniform drying, the ability to save recipes, more robust electronics and redundancies for improved logging and updates, and additional control and precision.

Both models use the same-size refrigeration system and freeze dry at the same rate. The primary advantage of the Elite is the additional monitoring, control, and precision rather than faster freeze-drying performance.

For most home users, Blue Alpine recommends the Premium Vacuum Pump. It is designed for typical home freeze-drying use and provides the performance most households need.

The Commercial Vacuum Pump is designed for customers who plan to run their freeze dryer frequently, including small-business or higher-volume use. Although the Commercial pump has a lower CFM rating than the Premium pump, Blue Alpine explains that it is designed to achieve a deeper ultimate vacuum, which is important during the drying process.

The Commercial Vacuum Pump also includes Blue Alpine's Advanced 3-Stage Oil Mist Filter, designed to significantly reduce oil mist and the oily odor produced during vacuum-pump operation.

Choose a location with enough room for the freeze dryer, the vacuum pump, and clearance to fully open the machine's door. Blue Alpine recommends keeping the freeze dryer in a medium-sized room to help prevent overheating and allowing at least 6 inches of ventilation space on each side of the machine.

Because Blue Alpine freeze dryers operate at approximately 65–75 decibels, many owners choose a garage, mudroom, basement, or another location where the machine's operating noise will be less disruptive.

Before choosing your location, also check the electrical requirements for your specific Blue Alpine model, as power requirements can vary.

Routine maintenance primarily involves keeping the freeze dryer clean and maintaining the vacuum pump. Blue Alpine recommends changing the vacuum pump oil approximately every 5–10 cycles, or whenever the oil becomes cloudy from moisture.

The freeze-drying chamber and shelves should also be cleaned periodically to remove food residue and help keep the machine ready for the next batch.

Blue Alpine provides technical customer support for its freeze dryers, including troubleshooting assistance and guidance if maintenance or repairs are needed.

Blue Alpine freeze dryers include a 1-year full warranty and a 3-year limited warranty on the sealed refrigeration system.

During the full warranty period, Blue Alpine provides support for covered defects and repairs. The 3-year refrigeration-system warranty covers specified refrigeration components, including the compressor, condenser, evaporator, tubing, and condenser fan, according to Blue Alpine's warranty terms.

Blue Alpine also provides technical customer support and troubleshooting assistance to help diagnose problems and guide customers through repairs when needed.

For complete coverage details, exclusions, and warranty requirements, please see the Blue Alpine Warranty information on this product page.

Blue Alpine freeze dryers are padded, boxed, and shipped on a wooden pallet to help protect the machine during transit.

Before shipment, Blue Alpine states that they will contact you to confirm delivery timing and can hold the shipment if you will be out of town. The freight carrier will then coordinate delivery with you so you can be home to receive your freeze dryer.

Delivery is made to your driveway, so plan ahead for how you will move the freeze dryer from the delivery location to its final setup area.

Your Blue Alpine Freeze Dryer comes with a starter package so you have the essential equipment and supplies needed to begin freeze drying.

Included with your machine:

• Your selected Blue Alpine Freeze Dryer
• Vacuum pump and break-in oil
• Impulse sealer
• 5 stainless steel trays
• 5 silicone mats
• 50 Mylar bags
• 50 oxygen absorbers
• Hex bit and screwdriver
• Power cord
• Installation guide
• Quality-control sign-off sheet

If you select the Commercial Vacuum Pump upgrade, your configuration also includes Blue Alpine's Advanced 3-Stage Oil Mist Filter.

Most foods and prepared meals can be freeze dried, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, complete meals, and many snacks.

Some foods are not well suited to freeze drying. Blue Alpine specifically notes that very high-fat foods, such as peanut butter, and very high-sugar foods, such as honey, can be difficult or unsuitable to freeze dry. Some particularly fragile foods may also require special techniques.

For food safety, remember that freeze drying preserves food but does not cook it or eliminate all bacteria. Raw meats and eggs should be cooked appropriately before eating, and all freeze-dried foods should be packaged and stored properly.

Freeze drying removes moisture from food through a process called sublimation. The food is first frozen, then the freeze dryer creates a vacuum that allows frozen water in the food to transition from ice into vapor without first becoming liquid.

The process generally takes place in three stages: freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying. Together, these stages remove moisture while preserving the food for storage.

When you're ready to use freeze-dried food, many foods can be eaten dry or rehydrated by adding water, depending on the food and how you plan to use it.

When properly packaged and stored, freeze-dried food can maintain its quality and freshness for 25 years or longer, according to Blue Alpine.

Long-term shelf life depends on proper storage. Blue Alpine recommends using an appropriate storage method such as high-quality Mylar bags, and foods should be properly sealed and stored under suitable conditions.

The Blue Alpine Medium Elite Freeze Dryer can process up to 15 lbs. of food per cycle, depending on the type of food and how the trays are loaded.

The Medium Elite includes five 9" × 13" stainless steel trays. Its more compact capacity makes it well suited for home food preservation, garden harvests, prepared meals, meats, fruits, vegetables, and other small-batch freeze-drying projects.

The Blue Alpine Medium Elite Freeze Dryer operates on 120V power and requires a 15-amp circuit. Blue Alpine lists the machine's maximum power draw at 13 amps (1,560W) and its average power draw at 9 amps (1,080W).

Unlike Blue Alpine's Large models, which require a 20-amp circuit and 20-amp receptacle, the Medium Elite is designed for a standard 120V, 15-amp electrical setup.

The Blue Alpine Medium Elite Freeze Dryer measures 20" wide × 21" deep × 30" high and weighs approximately 110 lbs. with the vacuum pump.

When planning your setup location, remember to allow additional room for the vacuum pump, enough clearance to fully open the freeze dryer's door, and adequate ventilation around the machine.

Because the freeze dryer and pump together weigh approximately 110 lbs., it's a good idea to plan how you'll move the machine from the delivery location to its permanent setup area before it arrives.