Food dehydrator-what kind do you have?

[luvscats]

I was reading the "canning" thread and saw where dehydrators came up in the discussion. I didn't want to pirate the canning thread so I started this one.

I've read up on dehydrators and here's what I found:

-air flow: Most models use a vertical heating system, either flowing air from the bottom up or the top down. More even drying is achieved with horizontal air flow units or units that provide both horizontal and vertical air.

- adjustable thermostat is important. Without it, a dehydrator will dry at a constant heat that could increase temperature inside the dehydrator causing case hardening - food with a dry outside but moisture and possible bacteria inside.

What brand and size did you buy? Is it easy to clean? Are the trays plastic or metal? Do the trays fit in your dishwasher? Does small food like peas fall through the tray holes?

There's just two of us so I"m wondering if we need a 10+ tray machine or will something smaller do??

I used to can but now would like to try dehydrating. It sounds like fun. Thank you

 

[somdfunguy]

Wirelessly posted (Samsung Galaxy S III )

Nesco FD-61

 

[Crewdawg141]

I was reading the "canning" thread and saw where dehydrators came up in the discussion. I didn't want to pirate the canning thread so I started this one.

I've read up on dehydrators and here's what I found:

-air flow: Most models use a vertical heating system, either flowing air from the bottom up or the top down. More even drying is achieved with horizontal air flow units or units that provide both horizontal and vertical air.

- adjustable thermostat is important. Without it, a dehydrator will dry at a constant heat that could increase temperature inside the dehydrator causing case hardening - food with a dry outside but moisture and possible bacteria inside.

What brand and size did you buy? Is it easy to clean? Are the trays plastic or metal? Do the trays fit in your dishwasher? Does small food like peas fall through the tray holes?

There's just two of us so I"m wondering if we need a 10+ tray machine or will something smaller do??

I used to can but now would like to try dehydrating. It sounds like fun. Thank you

I'm sorry for not seeing this thread earlier, I have a LEM Stainless Steel Dehydrator see it here - Food Dehydrator - STAINLESS STEEL 10 TRAY DEHYDRATOR

To answer your questions - Yes, it is very easy to clean the interior of the dehydrator is similar to a big toaster oven with stainless steel racks to hold the food. There are smaller machines that are probably just as capable as this one but I bought mine with a specific purpose in mind - to make dog treats for my pups. I have used it to make things like banana chips, pineapple rings, apple chips, and even orange chips. I can only say this to help you decide what size of machine do you need - what are you playing with (what kinds of foods are you wanting to dry) and what is your goal (lots of snacks, dog treats, beef/venison jerky, a once in a while treat).

I chose the LEM unit due to size, versatility, and that it is constructed from metal and not plastic. I am a big guy with a big appetite, I can go through a whole dried pineapple during the course of a day and I have a Lab and a Rottie mix, I make their treats out of dried sweet potatoes with this machine.

Feel free to ask me any questions about the machine I have either on here or PM me.

 

[limblips]

I have an Excaliber, I love it. I make 30-40 lbs of jerky a year as gifts and personal use. I wore out 4 or 5 of the "Wally World", "KMart" units. Excaliber is going on 9 years. Very even adjustable heat and large capacity. My only issue is that although not hard to clean, it is a PIA. I usually just fill the tub with dish soap and hot water and put the trays in and let them soak for a while. Then a brush and a few minutes takes care of it. Interestingly, I just took jerky off this AM. Headed to visit kin in Adirondacks and had to make some.

 

[migtig]

L'Equip Filter Pro Dehydrator. Auto shut off, adjustable thermostat. My trays are hard plastic with plastic mesh screen inserts. The mesh inserts prevent tiny items from "falling through". I hand wash and it's easy peasy. My husband has stuck them in the dishwasher before on the bottom rack and there wasn't a problem, but I'd prefer to handwash - especially the mesh screens. They also sell a liner that's similiar to saran wrap but meant to go in your dehydrator so that you can make roll-ups with liquid items like applesauce. Mine also has "yogurt cups" to make your own yogurt.

L'EQUIP - FilterPro Dehydrator

No matter how cheap or what a good deal the round shaped dehydrators are, I wouldn't recommend one. Invest in a decent brand square shape and for that I'd recommend the LEM, L'Equip or Excalibur. Get the best one you can afford.

 

[Crewdawg141]

L'Equip Filter Pro Dehydrator. Auto shut off, adjustable thermostat. My trays are hard plastic with plastic mesh screen inserts. The mesh inserts prevent tiny items from "falling through". I hand wash and it's easy peasy. My husband has stuck them in the dishwasher before on the bottom rack and there wasn't a problem, but I'd prefer to handwash - especially the mesh screens. They also sell a liner that's similiar to saran wrap but meant to go in your dehydrator so that you can make roll-ups with liquid items like applesauce. Mine also has "yogurt cups" to make your own yogurt.

L'EQUIP - FilterPro Dehydrator

No matter how cheap or what a good deal the round shaped dehydrators are, I wouldn't recommend one. Invest in a decent brand square shape and for that I'd recommend the LEM, L'Equip or Excalibur. Get the best one you can afford.

The Wally World Specials do NOT last long! (Pressure Canners are the same way) It has taken me a few years to acquire the tools for my kitchen but I will only buy quality items that are durable.

 

[somdfunguy]

while I agree with the others in that those models are better I went with the FD-61 based on what kind of storage space I had and how much I use it. I really only use it once a month or so and I've been very happy with it. It has adjustable temp, easy to clean, and does everything I've thrown at it.

Amazon.com: Nesco FD-61