Benchtop Freeze Dryer Rental: Cost, Benefits & Expert Support
- MechaTech Systems
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
Hire a benchtop freeze dryer in the UK with MechaTech Systems, delivered to your door with on-site set up and operator training. We provide transparent pricing, flexible monthly rental options and expert support, enabling you to trial your samples risk-free before investing in captal equipment.
Renting specialist equipment like a freeze dryer can be daunting if it’s your first time. Whether you’re experimenting with new formulations, conducting trials, or simply bridging the gap while your own unit is being repaired, freeze‐dryer hire offers a cost-effective, low-commitment solution. In this post, we’ll explore how MechaTech Systems’ UK hire service works, what models are available, what to expect cost-wise, and key tips to get the most out of your rental.
Freeze Dryer Hire Benefits
Low risk, high flexibility: Freeze‐dryer hire is ideal for trial runs, product development, or covering downtime during maintenance. You avoid the large upfront investment until you’re sure of your requirements.
Offset hire cost against purchase: If you end up buying a freeze dryer later, MechaTech Systems will offset a portion of the rental cost against the purchase of a new LyoDry freeze dryer —helping to make your rental period feel more like an investment.
Available Models & Features
MechaTech Systems offer reconditioned benchtop freeze dryers, complete with an acrylic drying chamber, 6-tray stainless steel accessory and vacuum pump for monthly rental.
MODEL | ICE CONDENSER CAPACITY (see note 1) & TEMPERATURE (see note 2) | SUPPLIED WITH (see notes 3 & 4) | |
LyoDry Compact Benchtop Freeze Dryer |  | 5 kg, −55 °C | Acrylic chamber (3), 6-tray stainless steel accessory (4), vacuum pump and operator manual. |
Modulyo Benchtop Freeze Dryer |  | 4.5 kg, −50 °C | Acrylic chamber (3), 6-tray stainless steel accessory (4), vacuum pump and operator manual. |
(1) The ice condenser capacity refers to the volume of moisture from your samples that converts to ice during the freeze drying process. If your sample has a high moisture content, the volume of ice per batch will be greater.
(2) The ice condenser temperature relates to the freezing point of your samples. The above models are suitable for samples with a freezing point between ambient and -50°C.
(3) The acrylic drying chamber measures 350mm diameter x 435mm high and includes a clear acrylic lid and 2 x L-gaskets.
(4) The 6-tray stainless steel accessory includes 6 x removable product trays, each measuring 284mm diameter x 30mm high, mounted on a frame which sits inside the acrylic chamber.
The vacuum pump plus all necessary hoses, clamps and connectors are supplied with the rental equipment, along with an operator manual.
FAQs: Typical Hire Details
Important things to know before renting a freeze dryer:
Minimum hire period: one month.
What you can freeze dry: Foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, soil samples, flower petals, etc. The product’s freezing point must lie between ambient and -50°C.
Pre-freezing: Rental models do not include pre-freezing. Customers must freeze samples externally before loading (either in an external freezer or by snap freezing in liquid nitrogen).
Process time: Approximately 24 - 48 hours, but variable depending on the moisture content and density of your samples. Conducting your own trials will determine this.
Delivery, setup & training: MechaTech can deliver, collect, and offer on-site setup and basic operator training at additional cost. Operator manuals are provided.
How Much Does Freeze Dryer Rental Cost?
The monthly hire cost is from £650 per month, depending upon the duration of hire. The minimum is one month, plus costs to deliver and collect.
On-site set up and basic operator training is available at additional cost ( recommended if you are new to freeze drying).
Hire units are constantly in demand and allocated first-come, first-served after proforma payment is received.
Freeze Dryer Hire Tips
Capacity – the 6 x stainless steel product trays each measure 284mm diameter x 30mm high, so this determines how much product you can load into the chamber. Also, the ice condenser capacity will process up to 5 kg ice per batch, determined by the amount of moisture drawn off your samples.
Condenser temperature specs – Be sure of the freezing point of your samples. The above models are suitable for samples with a freezing point between ambient and -50°C.
Pre‐freeze capacity & logistics – Since rental models don’t pre-freeze, ensure you have a freezer and plan for loading when fully frozen.
Support & training availability – Especially if you’re new to freeze-drying, good setup and operator training can help to prevent costly mistakes.
If you’re exploring freeze drying for the first time, hiring is a sensible way to test your process without committing capital. MechaTech Systems offer flexible, well-specified benchtop freeze dryers with support and training, helping you trial your samples under real conditions.
Ready to get started? Contact Us for a quotation, to check availability of our rental freeze dryers or to request any additional information.
You can also download the price list or operator manuals to see what matches your requirements.
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