Abstract: This invention relates to a compact vacuum dryer for quickly and economically drying objects such as grain, industrial raw materials and thrash. The vacuum dryer includes a combined upper and lower chamber for accommodating the drying objects. A vacuum pump is connected to the upper chamber for drawing in air for creating the vacuum within the system. A direct heating apparatus is provided at one side of the combination of the upper and lower chambers to directly heat the drying objects. A dielectric heating apparatus indirectly heats the drying objects in combination with direct heating apparatus. A moisture removing apparatus is provided along a discharge passage between the upper chamber and the vacuum pump for preventing the vacuum pump from drawing in moisture from the chamber which may damage or disable the pump.