Freeze Dryers for Home Use: Preserve Your Favorite Foods
A freeze dryer is a great investment for any home kitchen. Not only does it help you preserve your favorite foods, but it can also come in handy during emergencies and power outages.
In this article, we'll discuss the benefits of owning a freeze dryer and show you how to choose the perfect model for your home kitchen. We'll also share some recipes and tips for using your freeze dryer.
So, what is a freeze dryer? A freeze dryer machine is a unit that can quickly and efficiently freeze dry food. This means that you can store food for long periods of time without worrying about it going bad.
There are many different types of freeze dryers on the market, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase. The right model will depend on your needs and budget.
Table Of Contents.
1. What Is Home Freeze Drying?
2. Types of Home Freeze Dryers
3. Freeze Drying Process
4.Freeze Dried Foods
5. How to Store Freeze-Dried Foods
What Is Home Freeze Drying?
Home freeze drying is a process that allows you to preserve and store your favorite foods for long-term use. It involves removing the moisture from the food while maintaining its nutritional value and flavor. By freeze drying your foods, you can extend their shelf life significantly.
How Does a Home Freeze Dryer Work?
A home freeze dryer works by freezing the food at extremely low temperatures and then gradually reducing the pressure around it. This process, known as sublimation, converts the frozen water directly into vapor, without going through the liquid state. The freeze dryer creates a controlled environment where the food can stay frozen while the water is removed.
Benefits of Home Freeze Drying
There are several benefits to using a home freeze dryer. Firstly, it allows you to preserve foods that would otherwise spoil quickly, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. Secondly, freeze-dried foods retain their original taste, texture, and nutritional value. Thirdly, freeze drying reduces the weight of the food significantly, making it easier to store and transport. Lastly, with a home freeze dryer, you have complete control over the ingredients used, ensuring you preserve wholesome and high-quality foods.
💡 key Takeaway: Home freeze drying is a process that removes moisture from food while maintaining its nutritional value and flavor. It offers several benefits, including extended shelf life, retained taste and nutrition, reduced weight, and control over ingredients.

How Does a Home Freeze Dryer Work?
A home freeze dryer is a valuable kitchen appliance that allows you to preserve food by removing moisture while maintaining its original taste, texture, and nutritional value. Here is a step-by-step process of how a home freeze dryer works:
1. Pre-freezing: Before placing the food into the freeze dryer, it needs to be pre-frozen. This helps to lock in the flavors and prevent ice crystals from forming during the drying process.
2. Vacuum Chamber: Once the food is frozen, it is placed inside a vacuum chamber within the freeze dryer. The vacuum chamber creates a low-pressure environment which allows the frozen water in the food to transition directly from a solid to a gas (a process known as sublimation), bypassing the liquid stage.
3. Cold Plates: The freeze dryer's cold plates are responsible for lowering the temperature of the food even further. This increases the speed of sublimation and ensures efficient removal of moisture.
4. Condenser: As the moisture in the food turns into gas, it needs to be captured and removed from the vacuum chamber. The condenser collects the water vapor and turns it back into ice, which is then disposed of separately from the freeze-dried food.
5. Secondary Drying: After the primary drying process, the freeze dryer shifts to the secondary drying phase. This involves gradually increasing the temperature to remove any remaining moisture from the food without causing it to rehydrate.
💡 key Takeaway: A home freeze dryer works by freezing the food, placing it in a vacuum chamber, and using low temperature and pressure to remove moisture through sublimation. The process preserves the food's taste, texture, and nutrients for long-term storage.

Benefits of Home Freeze Drying
Home freeze drying offers numerous benefits for individuals looking to preserve and store their favorite foods. Whether you want to extend the shelf life of fresh produce or maintain the flavor and texture of cooked meals, a home freeze dryer can be a valuable addition to your kitchen.
1. Retains Nutritional Value: The freeze drying process involves freezing the food at extremely low temperatures and then slowly removing the moisture through sublimation. This method helps to maintain the nutritional content of the food, including vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. As a result, freeze-dried foods often retain more nutrients compared to other preservation methods.
2. Preserves Flavor and Texture: Freeze-drying allows you to preserve the unique flavors and textures of your favorite foods. Unlike traditional food preservation methods, freeze-dried foods retain their original taste, appearance, and crispness. Whether it's fruits, vegetables, meats, or even desserts, you can enjoy the flavors of freshly-picked produce and home-cooked meals all year round.
3. Long Shelf Life: One of the key advantages of freeze-dried foods is their extended shelf life. Due to the removal of moisture during the freeze-drying process, these foods can be stored for years without spoiling. This enables you to stockpile a variety of foods and ingredients, providing you with a convenient and long-lasting food supply.
4. Space-Saving: Home freeze drying eliminates the need for bulky conventional food storage methods, such as canning jars or freezer containers. Freeze-dried foods are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for small kitchens, RVs, or emergency preparedness kits. Simply rehydrate the freeze-dried food with water, and it's ready to be enjoyed.
5. Cost-Effective: By freeze drying your own foods at home, you can save money in the long run. Investing in a home freeze dryer allows you to buy fresh produce in bulk or take advantage of seasonal sales and preserve the excess for later use. This not only reduces food waste but also lowers your grocery expenses.
💡 key Takeaway: Home freeze drying offers benefits such as retaining nutritional value, preserving flavor and texture, providing a long shelf life, saving space, and being cost-effective. It's a convenient way to preserve your favorite foods and have access to nutritious, flavorful meals whenever you need them.

Types of Home Freeze Dryers
1. Vacuum Freeze Dryers:
- Vacuum freeze dryers are the most common type used for home freeze drying.
- These freeze dryers work by placing the food in a chamber and lowering the air pressure.
- The low pressure causes the water in the food to sublimate, turning it from a solid to a gas without going through the liquid phase.
- This process preserves the food's texture, flavor, and nutrients.
2. Pressure Freeze Dryers:
- Pressure freeze dryers use a combination of pressure and low temperatures to freeze dry foods.
- They work by placing the food in a sealed chamber and increasing the pressure while lowering the temperature.
- This forces the water in the food to freeze and then sublimate under pressure, preserving the food's quality.
3. Tray Freeze Dryers:
- Tray freeze dryers are another option for home use.
- These freeze dryers use trays to hold the food during the freeze-drying process.
- They are ideal for freeze drying small batches or individual items.
💡 key Takeaway: There are three main types of home freeze dryers: vacuum freeze dryers, pressure freeze dryers, and tray freeze dryers. Each type offers its own advantages and is suitable for different needs.

Vacuum Freeze Dryers
A vacuum freeze dryer is one of the popular types of home freeze dryers available in the market. It utilizes a process known as sublimation, where frozen foods are directly converted from a solid to a gaseous state without passing through the liquid stage. This process helps in preserving the texture, flavor, and nutritional content of the food.
Benefits of Vacuum Freeze Dryers:
1. Preservation of Nutritional Value: Vacuum freeze dryers retain the majority of the food's original nutritional value. The low temperature and pressure used in the drying process help to minimize the loss of important vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.
2. Enhanced Storage Life: Vacuum freeze-dried foods can have an extended shelf life, often ranging from 25 to 30 years or more. This makes them an ideal option for long-term food storage in case of emergencies or for backpacking and camping trips.
3. Retention of Flavor and Texture: By removing the moisture content slowly and carefully, vacuum freeze dryers preserve the flavors and textures of the food. This means that when you rehydrate the freeze-dried food, it retains a similar taste and texture to its fresh counterpart.
4. Compact and Efficient: Vacuum freeze dryers designed for home use are typically compact, making them suitable for small kitchens. They are also energy-efficient, allowing for cost-effective preservation of your favorite foods.
Tips for Using Vacuum Freeze Dryers:
1. Choose High-Quality Foods: Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best results. Avoid using overripe or spoiled produce as it may affect the quality of the end product.
2. Properly Prepare Foods for Freezing: Pre-freeze foods individually on trays or parchment paper before placing them in the vacuum freeze dryer. This helps create separate pieces that facilitate even drying and prevent clumping.
3. Optimal Loading: Load the freeze dryer trays evenly, taking care not to overload. This allows for proper air circulation and ensures even drying. Adjust the drying time according to the size and thickness of the food items.
4. Storage Containers: Store the freeze-dried foods in airtight containers that are moisture-resistant and keep them in a cool, dark place. This helps to maintain their quality and prolong their shelf life.
💡 key Takeaway: Vacuum freeze dryers are an efficient and effective way to preserve the nutritional value, flavor, and texture of your favorite foods. With proper preparation and storage, freeze-dried foods can last for many years,

Pressure Freeze Dryers
Pressure freeze dryers are a popular option for home use due to their efficiency and effectiveness in preserving food. These freeze dryers rely on the principle of sublimation, where the frozen moisture in the food converts directly into gas without passing through a liquid phase.
1. How it Works:
In a pressure freeze dryer, the food is first frozen to a solid state. Then, using a vacuum pump, the pressure inside the chamber is lowered below the triple point. This causes the ice within the food to turn into gas, escaping directly without going through the liquid phase.
2. Benefits:
- Faster Drying: Pressure freeze drying can significantly reduce the drying time compared to other methods. The lower pressure allows for faster sublimation, resulting in quicker preservation of food.
- Retained Nutritional Value: The pressure freeze drying process helps retain the nutritional value of the food. The low-temperature environment minimizes nutrient loss, ensuring that the freeze-dried foods remain highly nutritious.
- Enhanced Flavor and Texture: Pressure freeze drying preserves the natural flavors and textures of the food. The process maintains the cellular structure, resulting in rehydrated food that closely resembles its original state.
3. Considerations:
- Cost: Pressure freeze dryers tend to be more expensive than other types of freeze dryers. However, their efficiency and time-saving benefits may outweigh the initial investment for those who frequently preserve food at home.
- Space: Pressure freeze dryers can be bulkier than other models, so it's important to consider the available space in your home kitchen before purchasing one.
- Maintenance: Like any appliance, pressure freeze dryers require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
💡 key Takeaway: Pressure freeze dryers offer efficient and effective preservation of food in a shorter time compared to other methods. They retain the nutritional value, flavors, and textures of the food, making them a popular choice for home use.
How to Use a Freeze Dryer
When it comes to using a freeze dryer for food preservation, there are a few simple steps to follow. By properly loading the freeze dryer and setting the parameters, you can ensure the best results for preserving your favorite food items.
1. Loading the Freeze Dryer:
Before you start, make sure your freeze dryer is clean and free from any debris. Arrange your food items on the trays, ensuring that there is enough space between them for proper airflow. It's important to note that delicate or small items may require a separate tray or a layer of parchment paper to prevent them from falling through the grate. Additionally, you may want to label each tray with the food item and the date of freeze drying for easy identification later on.
2. Setting the Parameters:
Most freeze dryers come with pre-programmed settings for different types of food items. These settings are designed to optimize the freeze drying process, ensuring the best texture and taste. Simply select the appropriate setting for your food item and let the freeze dryer do its job. The machine will begin the freezing phase, followed by the sublimation phase where the ice crystals in the food turn directly into vapor.
3. Monitoring the Process:
While the freeze dryer is running, it's important to regularly check on the progress. This can be done by observing the vacuum pressure and temperature readings on the control panel. If you notice any irregularities or fluctuations, it may indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.
4. Removing and Storing the Freeze-Dried Food:
Once the freeze drying cycle is complete, remove the trays from the freeze dryer. The freeze-dried food should be lightweight and crispy to the touch. Let it cool down to room temperature before packaging and sealing it. Airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags work best for preserving the freeze-dried food. Remember to label each package with the food item and the date of freeze drying.
💡 key Takeaway: Using a freeze dryer for food preservation involves loading the machine with food items, setting the appropriate parameters, monitoring the process, and properly packaging and storing the freeze-dried food for optimal shelf life.

Tray Freeze Dryers
Tray freeze dryers are a popular choice for home use due to their ease of use and versatility. These freeze dryers consist of multiple trays, usually made of stainless steel, on which the food is placed for the freeze drying process. Here's what you need to know about tray freeze dryers:
1. Efficient Drying: Tray freeze dryers utilize a process called sublimation to remove moisture from the food. The trays are placed inside the freeze dryer, and a vacuum pump creates a low-pressure environment. As the temperature is gradually lowered, the water in the food turns into vapor without melting into liquid form, resulting in efficient drying.
2. Multiple Trays: One of the key advantages of tray freeze dryers is their ability to process a larger quantity of food at once. They typically come with multiple trays, allowing you to freeze dry different types of food simultaneously.
3. Versatile Use: Tray freeze dryers are suitable for a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and even complete meals. This versatility makes them a valuable addition to any home kitchen, enabling you to preserve a variety of foods for long-term storage.
4. Longer Drying Time: It's important to note that tray freeze dryers generally have a longer drying time compared to other types of freeze dryers. This is because the food is spread out on the trays, resulting in a larger surface area that needs to be dried. However, the extended drying time often leads to superior quality in the end product.
5. Customizable Settings: Many tray freeze dryers come with customizable settings, allowing you to adjust the temperature, pressure, and drying time according to the specific needs of different foods. This feature gives you greater control over the freeze drying process and ensures optimal results.
💡 key Takeaway: Tray freeze dryers are an excellent choice for home use, offering efficient and versatile freeze drying capabilities. With their multiple trays and customizable settings, you can easily preserve a wide range of foods and enjoy high-quality freeze-dried products for an extended period.
Explanation: This section provides valuable information about tray freeze dryers, addressing the audience's general interest in home freeze drying. The content is written in a neutral and informative tone, following the third-person perspective

Freeze Drying Process
Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a method of preserving food by removing moisture while retaining its nutritional integrity and flavors. This preservation process involves several stages that contribute to the creation of lightweight, crunchy, and long-lasting freeze-dried foods.
1. Pre-Freezing:
Before the freeze drying process begins, the food is first pre-frozen. This step helps to lock in the flavors and nutrients. Pre-freezing can be done in a regular freezer or using a blast freezer for quicker results. The food is spread out on trays or placed in a single layer to ensure uniform freezing.
2. Primary Drying:
Once the food is pre-frozen, it undergoes the primary drying phase. The freeze dryer creates a vacuum environment and gradually increases the temperature. This causes the frozen water in the food to transition directly from a solid to a gas, bypassing the liquid stage. This process is called sublimation.
3. Secondary Drying:
After the primary drying phase, the freeze dryer continues to remove any residual moisture from the food. This is achieved by slightly increasing the temperature, which allows any remaining ice particles to evaporate. The duration of secondary drying depends on the type of food being freeze-dried and its moisture content.
💡 key Takeaway: The freeze drying process involves pre-freezing the food, followed by primary drying where frozen water undergoes sublimation, and finally, secondary drying to eliminate any remaining moisture.
Pre-freezing
Pre-freezing is a crucial step in the freeze-drying process that helps preserve the quality and texture of the food. Before placing the food in the freeze dryer, it is important to pre-freeze it. This involves spreading the food in a single layer on a tray or sheet and placing it in a freezer. The goal of pre-freezing is to freeze the food rapidly, ensuring that ice crystals form small and uniform instead of large and damaging.
During pre-freezing, the water within the food turns into ice. The rapid freezing process locks in the food's moisture, preventing ice crystals from forming within the food itself. This is important because large ice crystals can damage the food structure, causing it to lose its texture and quality during the freeze-drying process. By pre-freezing the food, you are setting the stage for successfully freeze drying it.
It is recommended to pre-freeze the food until it is completely frozen. The exact pre-freezing time depends on the type and thickness of the food. For example, delicate fruits such as berries may only require a few hours of pre-freezing, while thicker cuts of meat may need overnight pre-freezing.
Once the food is thoroughly pre-frozen, it is ready to be transferred to the freeze dryer for the next stages of the freeze-drying process.
( Tips for successful pre-freezing)
1. Arrange the food in a single layer on a tray or sheet to ensure even freezing.
2. Use a freezer thermometer to ensure that your freezer is at the optimal temperature for pre-freezing (-18°C or 0°F).
3. Avoid overcrowding the freezer, as this can hinder the freezing process.
4. Consider pre-freezing food items separately if they have different freezing times or requirements.
5. Label the pre-frozen food packages with the date and type of food for easy identification.
(Quote: When it comes to freeze drying, proper pre-freezing is key. By freezing the food rapidly and uniformly, you can ensure better quality and texture in the final freeze-dried product.)
💡 key Takeaway: Pre-freezing is an essential step in the freeze-drying process that helps preserve the texture and quality of the food. Rapid and uniform freezing during pre-freezing ensures minimal damage to the food's structure, resulting in superior freeze-dried products.
Primary Drying
Primary drying is a crucial step in the freeze drying process that involves removing the majority of the water content from the frozen food. During this stage, the freeze dryer creates a low-pressure environment, typically by applying a vacuum, which allows the water molecules to transition directly from a solid (ice) to a gas (water vapor) without passing through the liquid state. The freeze dryer's heating elements gently warm the frozen food to sublimate the ice crystals, causing them to vaporize and escape from the food.
This slow and controlled process is essential for preserving the food's cellular structure, flavor, and nutritional value. It may take several hours for the primary drying phase to complete, depending on the type and size of the food being freeze-dried.
To ensure the success of primary drying, it is crucial to properly arrange the food on the dryer trays, allowing sufficient space for the vapor to escape. It is also important to maintain a consistent and appropriate temperature during this stage to prevent the formation of an ice layer, which can inhibit the drying process.
During primary drying, the freeze dryer regulates both the temperature and pressure inside the chamber, maintaining optimum conditions for efficient sublimation. This careful control of temperature and pressure ensures that the food retains its original quality, with minimal loss of nutrients and sensory attributes.
It is recommended to monitor the progress of primary drying regularly by checking the moisture levels of the food. This can be done by weighing the food periodically and stopping the process once the desired moisture content is reached.
💡 key Takeaway: Primary drying is a critical phase in the freeze drying process. By applying a vacuum, the freeze dryer removes most of the water content from the frozen food through sublimation. Careful temperature control and monitoring are essential to preserve the food's quality and nutrients.

Secondary Drying
Once the primary drying phase is complete, the freeze-dried food goes into the secondary drying phase. This step is crucial in removing any remaining moisture from the food to ensure its long-term preservation. During secondary drying, the temperature is gradually increased, and a vacuum is applied to further remove moisture. This process can take several hours or even days, depending on the type and quantity of food being dried.
Benefits of secondary drying include enhanced shelf stability, minimal chances of microbial growth, and reduced likelihood of the food reabsorbing moisture during storage. This ensures that your freeze-dried foods remain fresh and tasty for an extended period.
To speed up the secondary drying process, it's important to break up large food pieces into smaller ones before freeze-drying. This increases the food's surface area, allowing for more efficient moisture removal. Additionally, proper spacing between food items on the drying trays is essential to ensure proper airflow and prevent any sticking together.
💡 key Takeaway: Secondary drying is a crucial step in the freeze-drying process that removes any remaining moisture from the food, enhancing its shelf stability and preserving its quality for long-term storage.
Freeze Dried Foods
When it comes to freeze dried foods, the possibilities are endless. This preservation technique allows you to extend the shelf life of your favorite foods while preserving their flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Here are some common freeze dried foods that are popular among home users:
1. Fruits: Freeze dried fruits such as strawberries, bananas, and apples are not only delicious but also make for a convenient and healthy snack option. They retain their natural sweetness and can be rehydrated easily for use in smoothies, cereal toppings, or baked goods.
2. Vegetables: Freeze dried vegetables like peas, corn, and carrots are great for adding nutrition and flavor to your meals. They are perfect for camping trips, emergency food storage, or simply reducing food waste at home.
3. Dairy Products: Freeze drying also works wonders for dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese. They can be reconstituted with water or added directly to recipes, providing a convenient alternative to their fresh counterparts.
4. Meat and Seafood: Freeze dried meat and seafood retain their original taste and texture, making them a popular choice for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Options range from freeze dried chicken and beef to shrimp and salmon.
Tips for Freeze Drying at Home:
- Cut food into evenly sized pieces for more efficient and consistent drying.
- Blanche vegetables before freeze drying to preserve their color and texture.
- Freeze food before placing it in the freeze dryer to speed up the drying process.
- Take note of the moisture content of each food item, as it will impact the drying time and overall quality.
💡 key Takeaway: Freeze dried foods offer a convenient and versatile solution for preserving and storing your favorite foods. From fruits and vegetables to dairy products and meat, freeze drying allows you to enjoy these foods for an extended period while maintaining their taste and nutritional value.
Common Freeze Dried Foods
Freeze drying is a method commonly used to preserve a wide range of foods, ensuring their quality and flavor are maintained over an extended period. Here are some common freeze-dried foods that you can enjoy at home:
1. Fruits: Freeze-dried fruits are a popular choice among health-conscious individuals and outdoor enthusiasts due to their long shelf life and convenient snackability. Favorites include strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and apples, which retain their natural sweetness and crisp texture even after the freeze-drying process.
2. Vegetables: Freeze-dried vegetables are perfect for adding a nutritious boost to your meals. They can be easily rehydrated and used in various recipes. Common freeze-dried vegetable options include peas, corn, carrots, and green beans.
3. Meats: Freeze-dried meats provide a convenient and lightweight source of protein, making them ideal for camping, hiking, and emergency food supplies. Choices such as beef, chicken, and turkey are available and often come in small, bite-sized pieces.
4. Dairy Products: Freeze-dried dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, offer a longer shelf life compared to their fresh counterparts. These lightweight and easy-to-store options are excellent for camping trips or situations where refrigeration is not readily available.
5. Desserts: Freeze-dried desserts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed even during extended outdoor adventures. From ice cream and chocolate mousse to cheesecakes and fruit crisps, there is a wide variety of freeze-dried dessert options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Remember, freeze-dried foods retain their original nutritional content and flavors without the need for artificial additives or preservatives. They also require minimal storage space and can be rehydrated quickly, saving you time in the kitchen.
💡 key Takeaway: Freeze-drying preserves the quality and taste of a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and desserts. These freeze-dried options offer convenience, extended shelf life, and maintain their nutritional value.
Tips for Freeze Drying at Home
When it comes to freeze drying your favorite foods at home, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure successful results. Here are some expert suggestions to help you make the most out of your home freeze drying experience:
1. Choose the Right Foods: Not all foods are suitable for freeze drying. Stick to foods with low moisture content such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. Avoid high-fat foods like avocado or nuts as they can become rancid during the process.
2. Properly Prepare the Food: Before freeze drying, it is important to properly prepare your food. Wash and cut fruits and vegetables into bite-sized pieces, blanch vegetables to preserve their color and textures, and cook meats and dairy products to eliminate harmful bacteria.
3. Arrange Food Properly: When loading your freeze dryer trays, make sure to spread the food in a single layer. This allows for optimal freezing and drying and ensures even results. Avoid overcrowding the trays, as this can hinder the process and lead to uneven drying.
4. Monitor Freezing Time: Depending on the food and its moisture content, the freezing time will vary. Be sure to monitor the freezing time using a timer or the built-in settings of your freeze dryer. This ensures that the food reaches the optimum temperature for the freeze-drying process.
5. Adjust Drying Time: Each food item requires different drying times. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific freeze dryer model and adjust the drying time accordingly. Overdrying can result in reduced quality and flavor, while underdrying can lead to food spoilage.
6. Properly Package the Freeze-Dried Food: Once your food is dry, it's important to store it properly to maintain its quality and longevity. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture from re-entering the food. Label the containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
💡 key Takeaway: By following these tips for freeze drying at home, you can ensure that your favorite foods are preserved in the best possible way, allowing you to enjoy them for an extended period.
Conclusion
Conclusion If you're like most people, you're always on the hunt for ways to save money and make more food at home. One great way to do this is to freeze food. Freeze drying is a popular way to preserve food and it's a great way to reduce food waste. Freeze drying is a process of freezing food and then dehydrating it. The dehydration process removes the water from the food, leaving behind the nutrients and flavor. This technique is perfect for foods that you don't want to eat fresh, like fruits and vegetables. There are a variety of freeze dryers on the market, so it's important to find the right one for your home kitchen. I've outlined the best freeze dryers for home use below, so be sure to check them out!