Certainly Not!
Freeze dryers and dehydrators are two completely different concepts, although both are technologies used for food preservation, their methods are entirely different.
Freeze Dryer
A freeze dryer operates in a low-temperature vacuum environment, causing the water in the food to directly sublimate from a solid to a gas. This process, without high temperatures, perfectly preserves the nutritional content of the food. Additionally, freeze-dried foods retain more of their original shape, color, and flavor. In comparison, they are lighter and have a longer shelf life than dehydrated foods because this process removes almost all of the water from the food.
Dehydrator
On the other hand, a dehydrator uses heat to remove water from food, typically between 35°C and 70°C. Removing moisture from food by heating can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Dehydrated foods are often firmer and chewier. Unlike the freeze-drying process, the texture of the food (such as proteins and vitamins) can change due to the high-temperature environment.
In conclusion, while both methods remove water from food, a freeze dryer and a dehydrator are two entirely different processes.
For a detailed comparison between freeze dryers and dehydrators, refer to our article here:Food Dehydrator Vs Freeze Dryer—Which Is More Suitable For You?
