The Large Elite is Blue Alpine's biggest Elite-generation machine, built around five 13x18 inch trays that take up to 25 lbs of food per cycle, roughly double the capacity of the Medium. Every shelf runs on its own temperature sensor and solid state relay so each layer holds its setpoint, and the touchscreen lets you save custom recipes and adjust a batch mid-cycle. KF vacuum fittings come apart without tape, sealant or tools, which makes routine service straightforward. Assembled in Idaho with a Cubigel compressor and shipped after hours of quality control testing.
Why Customers Choose This Product
- Up to 25 lbs or 2 gallons per cycle, with 16 lbs typical in 24 hours
- Five 13x18 inch trays, a standard cookie sheet size
- Independent temperature sensor and solid state relay on every shelf
- Touchscreen with saveable custom recipes and mid-batch adjustment
- KF vacuum fittings that need no tape, sealant or tools
- Cubigel 1/2 HP compressor running natural R1270 refrigerant
- Premium rotary vane vacuum pump, 10 to 12 CFM, 1 HP
- Built in Idaho and QC tested before shipping
- Free shipping to the lower 48 states, with a few small exceptions
Product Highlights
Double the Tray Capacity of the Medium
Five 18x13 inch trays take up to 25 lbs per cycle against the Medium's 15 lbs, and average 16 lbs per 24 hours against the Medium's 8 lbs. Same workflow, twice the batch.
Independent Shelf Control and Sensing
Each shelf carries its own solid state relay and temperature sensor and holds the exact setpoint. That eliminates hot and cold spots between layers and makes results repeatable.
Touchscreen Recipe Control
Build and save multiple custom recipes or start from the presets loaded in the software. Active batches can be adjusted at any stage instead of restarted.
Cubigel Compressor
A 1/2 HP Cubigel compressor with 14.3cc displacement drives the refrigeration system. More cooling capacity means shorter batches, and R1270 is a natural refrigerant rather than R404 or R410, which are being phased out.
KF Vacuum Fittings
KF fittings assemble and separate without Teflon tape, thread sealant or tools, so cleaning and part replacement are simple. Fewer thread seals means fewer places a vacuum leak can start.
Digital Sensors and Upgraded Electronics
Temperature and vacuum monitoring are fully digital for steadier, more precise readings than analog sensors. Refined connectors, harnessing and electronics improve long-term durability.
In-Chamber Fan and Pump Protection
A circulating fan blast-freezes food at the start of the cycle for shorter freeze times. A P100 filter keeps particulates out of the vacuum pump, and a pump solenoid prevents oil backflow into the chamber.
Specifications
- Machine size: 24" W x 25.5" D x 34" H
- Weight with pump: 130 lbs
- Trays: 5, 13x18 inch standard cookie sheet size
- Maximum load: up to 25 lbs or 2 gallons per cycle
- Average load: 16 lbs per 24 hours
- Typical cycle time: 12 to 20 hours
- Door: 1 inch thick plexiglass
- Power: 120V, 20A breaker and 20A receptacle required
- Maximum draw: 17 A / 2040 W
- Average draw: 12 A / 1440 W
- Compressor: Cubigel 1/2 HP, 14.3cc displacement
- Refrigerant: R1270 natural refrigerant
- Vacuum pump: premium rotary vane, 10 to 12 CFM, 1 HP
- Control: touchscreen with PID control and solid state relays
- Sensors: fully digital temperature and vacuum
- Vacuum fittings: KF fittings, barbed connections, gasket thread sealing
- Frame: extruded aluminum
- Colors: Sky Blue, Midnight Black, Blazing Orange, Alps White, Forest Green, Orchid Lavender, Tropical Teal, Berry Pink
- Pump options: Premium Freeze Dryer Vacuum Pump or upgraded Commercial Freeze Dryer Vacuum Pump
- Assembly: built in Idaho, QC tested before shipping
- Full specifications: see the owner's manual
Large vs Medium
- Tray size: Large has five 18x13 inch trays, Medium has five 9x13 inch trays
- Average load: Large averages 16 lbs per 24 hours, Medium averages 8 lbs
- Maximum load: Large takes up to 25 lbs or 2 gallons, Medium up to 15 lbs or 1 gallon
- Machine size: Large is 24" x 25.5" x 34", Medium is 20" x 21" x 30"
- Weight with pump: Large is 130 lbs, Medium is 110 lbs
- Power: Large needs a 20A circuit and receptacle, Medium runs on a standard 15A outlet
What's Included
- 1x Large Elite freeze dryer machine
- 1x premium vacuum pump plus oil
- 1x impulse sealer
- 1x fresh air valve assembly
- 5x stainless steel trays, 13x18 inch
- 5x silicone mats
- 50x mylar bags
- 50x oxygen absorbers
- Advanced 3-Stage Oil Mist Filter, included when purchased with the Commercial Freeze Dryer Vacuum Pump
Ideal For
- Large gardens and bulk buyers processing a full harvest
- Long-term pantry and food storage programs
- Small-batch producers who need volume and repeatable results
- Households that have outgrown a Medium-size machine
- Owners who plan to service and maintain the machine themselves
- Freeze-dried pet treats and single-ingredient snacks at scale
Important Information
- This machine requires a 120V circuit with a 20A breaker and a 20A receptacle. Most household outlets are 15A, so plan on an electrician installing the correct receptacle before delivery.
- Plug directly into that dedicated receptacle. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
- The machine weighs 130 lbs with the pump and measures 24" x 25.5" x 34". Plan for two people and a stable, level surface.
- Leave clearance around the cabinet for airflow and for access to the pump and fittings.
- Add the supplied pump oil before first use and change it on the schedule in the owner's manual. Skipping oil changes shortens pump life.
- Follow safe food handling practices when preparing and storing food, and seal finished batches with mylar bags and oxygen absorbers for long-term storage.
- Shipping is free to the lower 48 states with a few small exceptions. Contact us for a quote to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada or Mexico.
- Current lead time is 3 to 6 weeks on all colors. Contact us to confirm the current estimate before ordering.
- Refer to the owner's manual for complete specifications, operation and warranty terms. Questions before you buy: call 208-607-1722.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much food can the Large Elite handle per cycle?
Up to 25 lbs or 2 gallons across five 13x18 inch trays, with 16 lbs being a normal 24-hour load. Typical cycles run 12 to 20 hours.
How is it different from the Medium Elite?
The Large uses five 18x13 inch trays instead of 9x13, averages 16 lbs per 24 hours instead of 8, and takes up to 25 lbs instead of 15. It is also larger at 24" x 25.5" x 34", weighs 130 lbs with the pump, and needs a 20A circuit rather than a standard 15A outlet.
Do I need an electrician before it arrives?
Most likely yes. The Large requires a 20A breaker and a 20A receptacle, and most household outlets are 15A. Maximum draw is 17 A (2040 W) with a 12 A (1440 W) average.
Can I buy extra trays?
Yes. The trays are a standard 13x18 inch cookie sheet size, so extras and replacements are widely available locally.
What comes in the box?
The machine, a premium vacuum pump with oil, an impulse sealer, a fresh air valve assembly, five 13x18 stainless steel trays, five silicone mats, 50 mylar bags and 50 oxygen absorbers.
What is the difference between the two pump options?
The Premium Freeze Dryer Vacuum Pump is included as standard and is a rotary vane unit rated 10 to 12 CFM at 1 HP. The upgraded Commercial Freeze Dryer Vacuum Pump is available for an additional $1,583.00 and adds the Advanced 3-Stage Oil Mist Filter.
What compressor and refrigerant does it use?
A Cubigel 1/2 HP compressor with 14.3cc displacement, running R1270 natural refrigerant rather than R404 or R410, which are being phased out.
How long until it ships?
Current lead time is 3 to 6 weeks on all colors. Shipping is free to the lower 48 states with a few small exceptions, and quotes are available for Alaska, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico.
If you are preserving a full harvest or running batches regularly, the Large Elite gives you double the tray area of the Medium with the same per-shelf control, saveable recipes and tool-free serviceability. Sort out the 20-amp receptacle, pick your color and pump, and call 208-607-1722 if you want to talk it through first.
