I just ordered a large freeze dryer and I'm excited to get started! I have a question about using tray liners. Silicone is a *very* good thermal insulator, which is why it is commonly used for oven mitts, for example. Since the heating of the shelves promotes sublimation by gently heating the food on the tray, I would think that having a silicone tray liner between the heated shelf and the food would make it harder for the heat from the shelf to get to the food. Isn't it more efficient to put the food directly on the tray, or use something like parchment that isn't such a good insulator? Apologies if I'm just not seeing something that is obvious, but I'd love to understand what I'm about to do. :)
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Hey Gloria,
Sorry I am just getting back to you.
The short answer is that yes the silicone mats can reduce efficiency, but in my experience, the savings on clean up effort afterwards are worth it. If you are running a commercial operation then it is possible that you may want to do something like wax paper liners. All shelves have heaters on top and bottom of the food, so even if there is a little more insulation on bottom the food is still going to be radiatively heated from the top. I have tried wax paper and silicon and I don't notice much of a difference.
Thanks
Brent