What price range are you looking for? I purchased my excalibur off amazon for way less than the $400+ you mentioned.
This is the model I purchased and it's been treating me well. It is only about $160 as well, which while not cheap is imo worth it for the square trays and large drying area.
This all depends on what you want to do with it though. I make jerky frequently so the bigger area is great for larger batches.
To be honest, when I started I bought the lowest cost Presto Dehydro with 4 extra trays and still use it to this day (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008H2OELY). It doesn’t have an adjustable temperature, heck it doesn’t even have an off switch. But based on my temp tags it holds a steady 140.
It’s still a workhorse and does the simple task of dehydrating food well. I’m sure I’ll eventually need to upgrade but so far I think I’ve spent $50 extra bucks to make it do everything I need.
All dehydrators work with the same overall process: blow warm, dry ait aver the food to wick away moisture. A budget one will do this quite adequately.
How much are you going to use it? If you're using it everyday then maybe the Excaliber line may be best for you but if it's just 1x month or so, my suggestion is save some dough and take a KISS approach.
I have used a Nesco FD-75A for 6 years now and have had zero issues. It's inexpensive. It has a temp control although I always use the lowest settings regardless. If I want a timer I use a timer switch that cost <$10. I did buy an extra 2 trays so I now have 7. This let's me make 4-5 lbs of jerky at once. It's motor and fan are on top which helps keep them clean.
My personal experience and needs do not require bells and whistles nor does it require a very robust dehydrator.
thanks a lot for your precious suggestion! Do you mean this type of tenderizer
https://www.amazon.com/Tenderizer-Stainless-Tenderizing-Difference-Tenderness/dp/B07VX5MHTS
or the "normal" ones that look like hammer with small spikes?
Jack Links 2.89 - Jerky Chew - Original Flavor 0.32-oz. Tins Pack of 12 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J8DQ90U/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_glt_fabc_F8GZNNTXJ8FXTQ3RDEJM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I would put some of this in it and some Worcestershire sauce and then strain it unless you don't mind some fine particulate in your jack. I don't like Jack but it might not be bad like some boozy beef broth.
Ascorbic acid. It's just vitamin C. You can get a powdered version of it pretty cheap.
This is what I bought off of amazon, but you can find other sources pretty cheap. Don't get capsules or pills, just get the powder.
I bought this one used but in new condition from Amazon Warehouse and it was brand new just repackaged and works great for my jerky and dehydrating apples etc. Goes up to 160 degrees and has a timer that can go 24 hours and auto shutoff. Usually I set it for 160 degrees for 6 hours overnight for my jerky and it's ready in the morning. I bought it in the U.S. but here is a link to it on Amazon EU and check under the used link for cheaper but also free shipping and the same warranty thru Amazon. Good Luck!
We have a Magic Mill, maybe larger than this one- I can't tell from the pic. It's wonderful! What really made me appreciate and use it was the purchase of a few dehydrator cookbooks. My favorite: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1612438946/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fab_7UxyFbMKX6HS2
I got this one about 6 months ago and love it, but it's currently out of stock and it's a generic knockoff dehydrator so I can't say whether it'll last as long as an Excalibur or whether the company will honor the warranty. On the other hand, it's very simple to take apart - I could probably fix it myself with generic parts if it broke.
All stainless steel top to bottom, 1000W, ten large wire trays (12x15 I think), drip tray, glass window, timer, can go 85-195°F, came with an adorable little recipe book in broken but understandable English and even a few spare parts. They later sent me 5 silicone mats that are good for herbs, but not fruit leather. Not the thickest steel, feels like it could be dented if moved roughly. But I'm very pleased with it so far and it's gotten some heavy use in the last 6 months. Made killer jerky. If that company has other dehydrators still available on their page or restocks, I'd recommend it. Sounds like you had the same basic criteria I had when I was looking for a dehydrator.
Pesto is super oily and as such it's not unexpected that there's residue. You'll get the same when dehydrating certain meats or other full meals that have higher oil/fat content. Depending on the meal texture and how long I want to store before use I blot the food to remove excess oil. Tho, it will go rancid after some time, it'll take longer if you vacuum seal and remove excess oil. If it's not too much I think you'd be fine, and to be certain you can always freeze it until your trip to keep the oil from going rancid if you don't wanna risk it.
I've had better luck for backpacking meals for longer term storage by dehydrating the components separately and then packing them together for a meal. It's more labor intensive but it lasts longer on the shelf.
If you don't have it already, I highly recommend Recipes for Adventure by Glenn McAllister https://www.amazon.com/dp/1484861345/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_37xkFb0T89G5M
Super helpful book on dehydrating meals for camping/backpacking.
Edit because I didn't answer part of your question: If you make it a couple weeks before your trip you should be fine with some oil in your vacuum sealed bags until you get to bust into them. Your enemy is water more so than the oil, so as long as your water content is low you should be totally fine.
We’ve had this one for a couple years, and it works for us: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GBY2BK8/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?pd_rd_i=B08GBY2BK8&pd_rd_w=9nwfq&content-id=amzn1.sym.25e96bbe-93d6-4790-9c18-ab0bc96db737&pf_rd_p=25e96bbe-93d6-4790-9c18-ab0bc96db737&pf_rd_r=THJGSFVV1DWCP2N11CF7&pd_r...
I did the same, minus the parchment paper try, these were on sale the day I looked through their silicone tray selection or something and have worked for me. https://www.amazon.com/4PCS-Silicone-Dehydrator-Mats-Edge/dp/B09NJK6K5T?pd_rd_w=flLa6&content-id=amzn1.sym.06bb3028-2b73-4281-a97e-9a56936e1b90&pf_rd_p=06bb3028-2b73-4281-a97e-9a56936e1b90&pf_rd_r=TG09V6W995K0H62TMDYK&pd_rd_wg=z9eh...
someone was showing me this but they are using it for its normal use.. it has the heater and thermostat and fan so thats a good amount of parts right there.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fan-Heater-Black/53017087
Its like $8 right now but even at regular price its not so bad. But i am not sure how I would build the container and the racks. I would want it to be really safe especially if I left it on overnight. and if I was to make one I would probably put an oven thermometer in it some how to test how hot it was getting I wouldn't do meat but i know it has to be hot enough to work but not too hot.... also glue and stuff like that would be out in making it so i didn't kill myself from the toxins heh.. maybe just luan 1/8 inch thick plywood and some screws .. but then its wood... idk im still thinking about it
I looked at the Excalibur models but they are so expensive and so much plastic. All you really need is something that will blow hot air, reliably and for a long time. You can get something cheap if you're just getting started - make sure you enjoy the process and results.
I own this one and it's all stainless and does a great job : Samson"Silent" 10 Tray Stainless Steel Dehydrator with Glass Door and Digital Timer
It's also kinda expensive but I am hoping it lasts a long time. My last unit was mostly plastic and made a ton of noise but lasted for 3 years. This one is quiet, shuts off automatically, and easy to clean.
Also, if it craps out midway through dehydrating a bunch of stuff, and I put the shelves into the oven to finish, they won't melt. Which is what happened to the last one - another reason to go with metal
I have this one and I love it, it’s great, it’s well within your price range, but slightly over your preferred wattage
If you have one nearby I found that the Ikea brown gravy mix has much less salt in it than even "low salt" American brands.
Using a McCormick brand brown gravy packet and a package of potato flakes made my first attempt be too salty for my taste.
I grow herbs so this makes sense for me, but I dehydrated some fresh herbs for the recipe (rosemary, thyme, and a small amount of basil) which made it much better.
Kerrygold butter keeps well, I've had it out for three days just fine before, but never in the current temps I have here (85 - 90 F), so you may need to account for conditions, but it makes it much better tasting. I keep it in the smallest sized container in this set.
I do season my meat, that is why I try to keep the other salt sources down. I use the method of dehydrating beef where bread crumbs are mixed in. I also at that time add something like Tony Chachere's seasoning, garlic powder and worcestershire sauce. I then let it sit an hour to overnight before cooking, this is more to allow the flavors to blend than anything.
They don't make mine anymore more but this one is similar and should work just fine.
Ours is something like this
They run $25 to $50ish. Well worth the price and space if you're going to do a lot of dehydrating.
I have the paraflexx sheets. Haven't used them yet but they don't have a lip.
These have great reviews and have various shapes including ones with a lip/edge:
https://www.amazon.com/Excalibur-Dehydrator-Bright-Kitchen-Re-Usable/dp/B01M348F5C/
silicone is washable and very non-stick.
Your right, I just checked the manual and it said to turn it off after 40 hours to let it cool down. I looked up some other posts and some people suggested getting one of these to have it turn off for an hour or two every day. It would make the dehydration time take a little longer, but shouldn't affect quality/taste and will help reduce wear.
Not sure if I'm that committed though. At this point I'm thinking I might just buy black garlic from the store hahaha
Chuzy Chef Set of 9 Dehydrator... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01EG403GQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I purchased these and cut them to size once. They don’t fray and I just wash them in soapy water and they clean up great!!
I purchased these from Amazon. I cut them to size and they are perfect. They don’t fray and I just wash them in soapy water and they work perfect!!
I got a magic mill dehydrator years ago. It’s no longer for sale, but there are other brands that are almost identical. Something like this. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M6AZ863/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_F8EBB7WBVYS5V1EE77JW
I used this one from Cosori, by placing everything in a sealed jar inside.
For a month.
Happy motoring, internet stranger!
Yeah, I have round shaped and taco chip size. I made raw corn chips in the dehydrator. They're good. https://www.amazon.com/Compatible-Dehydrator-Bright-Kitchen-Re-Usable/dp/B09N29ZHY8/ref=sr\_1\_2?crid=7H55XP60OH8U&keywords=silicone+dehydrator+sheets+triangle+mold&qid=1647905135&sprefix=silicone+dehydrator+sheets+triangle+mold%2Caps%...
I got these: https://www.amazon.com/Wisedry-Rechargeable-Desiccant-Indicating-Reusable/dp/B01M7V19JE/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=3JFHLBE8FD2S2&keywords=wisedry&qid=1647117791&sprefix=wisedry%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-9 They have larger packets as well, but 5 grams doesn’t take much space and seems good for jars up to a liter or so.
I use the leakproof lids made by Ball and have been very happy with them: Ball Wide Mouth Storage Lid Leakproof 6 pk, Black, Airtight, Freezer Safe, Dishwasher Safe & BPA free (2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S5Y1716/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_74FACPZZS2D63S4SZMFS
It's because most of them are focused on heating in microwaves stove tops ect. As long as it's BPA free (which all should be) you'll be safe.
I had the same concern, There is a couple on Amazon just search stainless steel dehydrator
I was looking at this one, but went with the 9 try Excalibur. Love it.
Colzer Food Dehydrator Machine(67 Free Recipes) 8 Stainless Steel Trays Adjustable Thermostat Digital Food Dehydrator for Beef, Jerky, Fruit, Dog Treats, Herbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08868HJPR/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_VR51ARK4BS7JND45GP0M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm guessing your dehydrator doesn't have a timer which is exactly the same issue mine has. I was able to find a nice timer that runs for up to 24 hours before killing power to the plug. It's been wonderful seeing things up at bedtime and knowing they will be ready in the morning. I'll post this link was an idea of what I'm talking about. Good luck.
BN-LINK 12 Hour Indoor Mechanical Accurate Countdown Timer, 3-Prong Grounded Outlet, 15 Minute Increments, Energy Saving for Kitchen, Phone Charger, Lamps, Holiday Decoration 1875W, 1/2 HP, ETL Listed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVDTEXS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_JESDTAAMQ5Q8EX0VRJZQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Cosori dehydrator. I use it 165 for 16 hours once a week, works great. They have really good customer service the one time I had an issue as well.
It's not commercial, which is why I didn't post sooner, but I have been very happy with this one, I can do 6lbs of frozen mixed veggies at once. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08F766KY4/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
As for what's in them, you can buy them on Amazon and other websites, and they list the ingredients like so https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81PQveJDPDL._SX522_.jpg
You can replace torula yeast with a bit of msg or soy sauce since its just an umami flavored yeast. The rest looks pretty straight forward, you'd just have to use the ingredient list as to a vague proportion measure since the ingredients are listed from greatest to least amounts.
Honestly, it looks like a standard beef jerky spice mix--though sadly with not enough pepper for my taste :). I bet if you find a half-dozen spice blends for regular jerky you'd be able to whip up a blend of your own using the Presto blend as a guide.
The cure (listed second on the Amazon image) seems like a standard rub recipe, but I wouldn't recommend using the anti-freeze listed, even though in small amounts it is considered safe and included in certain foods https://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/11/01/fda-says-antifreeze-ingredient-propylene-glycol-is.aspx
If you're planning on making jerky, make sure you get one that can reach the safe temperature for meats. 165F for chicken, 155F for everything else. A timer is a useful feature to have so it will cut off if you have to leave it on overnight.
I have this one and really like it:
https://www.amazon.com/Kwasyo-Dehydrator-Temperature-Dehydrators-Treats%EF%BC%8C650W/dp/B08TH8JX5S
Don't listen to these Excalibur peeps. Start with this Magic Mill 7 tray. Easy to clean the trays and has both a timer & temp control. I can do 5 pounds of jerky in it and it is regulated for professional if you upscale.
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Dehydrator-Stainless-Multi-Tier-Preserver/dp/B01DI9W9ZI
Magic Mill 7 tray stainless steel is on sale for $127.49 on Amazon. I upgraded from a Hamilton Beach and it's been great. Back fan so no need to rotate trays. Takes up more shelf space but you can at least put things on top unlike the bottom fan ones. The digital temp and 24 hour set times is great for setting it over night. The 7 trays go right in the dishwasher if you use cooking spray and use the over under paper towel method for jerky before putting the meat in. Overall very happy with it and it's industrial grade and I bought the 4 year protection for $30 but have owned it for 1 1/2 years with no problems but better safe than sorry.
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Dehydrator-Stainless-Multi-Tier-Preserver/dp/B01DI9W9ZI
This is what I’ve been using for about a year (got it as a gift). OSTBA Food Dehydrator, Dehydrator for Food and Jerky, Fruits, Herbs, Veggies, Adjustable Temperature Control Electric Food Dryer Machine, 5 BPA-Free Trays Dishwasher Safe, 240W, Recipe Book Included https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0828613J4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YTJNQCB2NNS59MC4QC3W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I am hoping to get one with more trays, but this guy has been going pretty much nonstop to make dehydrated fruit and it’s awesome!
This Nesco dehydrator will render your food utterly liquid free. I got it used for fifty bucks and it's still dehydrating like a champ.
THIS DOES NOT MEET YOUR PRICE POINT(~$330), but I would be remiss, if I didn’t show you.
STX International STX-DEH-1200W-XLS Dehydra Commercial Grade Stainless Steel Digital Food Dehydrator - 10 Trays - 1200 Watts - 165 Degree Fahrenheit - Jerky Safe with 15 Hour Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QCXU5M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T20XEQXMWFS2VV84ESZZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This thing is a beast. I have no complaints thus far, but I barely use it compared to the people creating these awesome projects on this subreddit.
The silver 7 tray magic mill. It says commercial. The one you are looking at has stainless steel trays but the outside is black plastic.
https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Dehydrator-Stainless-Multi-Tier-Preserver/dp/B01DI9W9ZI
I just got one of these from Amazon Warehouse. Absolutely love it. Worth the bit of extra money for the timer, capacity, and rear fan (no flipping).
Not sure your counter space but these for me work way better than the square ones - also a tad on the cheaper side. Using two of these and one square from Academy until I can build a few out of an old smoker.
I cook with more salt. She also drinks a couple of these a day: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EGP1KYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_X5Z8Fb3Y1DGHR
She uses the tub format cause price, but I like the variety flavors. It's basically sugar free Gatorade.
I've never used one, but of the budget model horizontal flow dehydrators I would not pick either of those.
Never heard of either.
I would go for a cabela's first or a samson. Those are the only two I ever see actually mentioned in the various dehydrating/jerky circles I browse. Both get good reviews, especially because apparently they're pretty quiet. If you're doing jerky some people complain the samson doesn't get warm enough.
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-6-tray-heavy-duty-dehydrator
https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Dehydrator-Digital-Controls-Non-Stick/dp/B01GKBU62O
Now if you're not set on horizontal flow, nesco's can be had for real cheap and they work great.
I'm looking at spending around $100ish. This won't be super intense dehydrating, just more for fun/not constant. I'll link two below:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J5G6T6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_wX76FbPD3832T
Damn that thing is unnecessarily expensive. I have the micro mill off Amazon and it rocks!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ML4ZJQP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_b4M6Fb5BBFM6C
I've got this model and it's been great. Nice build quality and the trays go right in the dishwasher.
> And (not banana-specific) how do you guys get stuff to not stick to your racks? Does metal racks vs plastic make a difference?
If it sticks to one it will stick to the other. Once nice thing about excalibur trays is that the tray liner is flexible so you can just bend it and the fruit will snap off.
I have heard silicone liners work well in nesco style dehydrators.
https://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Dehydrator-Non-stick-Reusable-Steamer/dp/B0876LPGLJ/
I copied my reply to another post but still holds up
I borrowed a dehydrator from a friend and it had an on/off switch and that was it. I had no idea how warm the thing got or anything. I tried dehydrating a few different things with it but the results always varied and sometimes cooked/burned more than dehydrated. So I would definitely recommend one with adjustable temperatures.
One temp definitely doesn't fit all purposes. I ended up getting a Nesco off Amazon. I got this one. It's a little pricy than a thrifted one but I haven't regretted it and have made perfectly dehydrated mushrooms, fruit leather, and herbs. I still want to try an onion (outdoors!) and jerky.
https://www.amazon.com/Excalibur-3948CDB-Dehydrator-Adjustable-Thermostat/dp/B0115X5UGE
Use the Amazon Warehouse for better pricing on used models. Have the same warranty and most are new or in like new shape for a lot cheaper just missing the manul or original packaging.
I have this one and love it for smaller batches of jerky. Does about 3 lbs at a time and has digital temp to 160 degrees and digital timer auto off. I do my jerky at 155 for 5 hours over night and another hour at 145 when I wake if it isn't quite done and to get that jerky smell in my apartment in the morning. Works amazing and is cheap. Does great mango and banana chips and fruit rollups just cut wax paper to size and use a cookie cutter to cut the circle out of the middle to fit the trays.
Way better value than the Nesco ones in my opinion because of the digital temp and timer and it isn't round. Also doesn't take up much counter space and easily stores away. $41 currently on Amazon. I got the 4 year protection for $6 but have not had a single problem with it since I got it.
https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-32100A-Digital-Dehydrator/dp/B012CG8N26
Just these silicone sheets on top of my dehydrator metal trays
> if freezing them in olive oil with herbs and spices will be okay
Sure that is fine.
> and creating little ice cubes of oil
That will not likely work out all that well. Most oil does not freeze.
> Is there any reason why freezing them wouldn't be a good idea?
I wonder what is the point of drowning them in oil in the first place.
Most backpackers just store their oil in small leak proof bottles or use oil packets.
I do not endorse any products I linked, they were just the first seach results.
I've seen these before but they are very spendy. I use a Hamilton Beach one that I feel is pretty compact compared to the big round nesco ones or excaliber's. Very light weight and portable.
https://www.amazon.com/Brod-Taylor-Dehydrator-Vegetable-Stainless/dp/B07SQMVLFH
https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-32100A-Digital-Dehydrator/dp/B012CG8N26
Ya I love the salted egg flavored fish skin chips. Very pricy though at 10$ a bag.
Edit: Link for anyone interested.
Fragrance Salted Egg Fish Skin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077ZMJV8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bVWpFb3MKYWCE
I use plastic wrap but I'm not sure how that works with the hole in your trays.
Have you considered off brand silicone mats that don't have fiberglass embedded?
Something like this, but by all means shop around... https://www.amazon.com/TSP-Architec-Cut-Silicone-Baking/dp/B016ZSSW14
This is the one I have TIZZE Pellet Smoker Tube 12" Perforated BBQ Smoke Generator to Add Smoke Flavor to All Grilled Foods https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071986HM8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_QALw3XFlULtwV You’re supposed to use a torch to light the open end, I use my heat gun (paint stripper). You set it vertical till the flame goes out, get 4-5 hours of smoke.
Keep an eye on Amazon! I bought a high quality dehydrator that is currently selling for about $300 for $90 USD during a flash sale.
Also, I strongly recommend a box dehydrator (box shaped, fan/heater is at rear) over a round/stacked dehydrator (fan/heater is at top or bottom).
I've used both and I found that the stacked/round style dehydrators are super annoying because the racks block air flow and the rack closest to the heater/fan will end up way drier than the racks that are farther away. They still work fine but you will have to rotate the racks frequently or your batch will be super inconsistent.
I see amazon has one for $240 I can do that if it's absolutely the best. Can you help me see your opinion on it? Why does it stand out because visually it looks so unappealing and basic. I'm a tech heavy millennial I guess and it's just weird to find an analog dial more accurate than a digital button setup. But IIRC this is the one with 15 square feet of space.
Hows the loudness? I think I remember reading people complaining about having to rotate the trays around. I also worried how sturdy it would be after being heated a few times. Would it have air leaks (edges of door, etc not being flush and sealed) like this cabellas model im borrowing does? Also why this with plastic trays instead of something with metal trays like https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Silent-Stainless-Steel-Dehydrator/dp/B077V7NR1Q/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?cv_ct_cx=STX+International+STX-DEH-1200W-XLS&keywords=STX+International+STX-DEH-1200W-XLS&pd_rd_i=B077V7NR1Q&pd_rd_r=ac20f27e-5f34-419a-b...
Thank you for your input!
I have this one and love it for smaller batches of jerky. Does about 3 lbs of meat at a time and has digital temp to 160 degrees and 24 hour digital timer and auto off. I do my jerky at 155 for 5 hours over night and another hour at 145 when I wake if it isn't quite done and to get that jerky smell in my apartment in the morning. Works amazing and is cheap. Does great mango and banana chips and fruit rollups just cut wax paper to size and use a cookie cutter to cut the circle out of the middle to fit the trays.
Way better value than the Nesco ones in my opinion because of the digital temp and timer and it isn't round. Also doesn't take up much counter space and easily stores away. $41 currently on Amazon. I got the 4 year protection for $6 but have not had a single problem with it since I got it.
That 3 pounds of meat will get you around 1.26 pounds of jerky dehydrated just so you know how much I usually get when filled at capacity all 5 trays.
https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-32100A-Digital-Dehydrator/dp/B012CG8N26
I have this one and love it for smaller batches of jerky. Does about 3 lbs of meat at a time and has digital temp to 160 degrees and 24 hour digital timer and auto off. I do my jerky at 155 for 5 hours over night and another hour at 145 when I wake if it isn't quite done and to get that jerky smell in my apartment in the morning. Works amazing and is cheap. Does great mango and banana chips and fruit rollups just cut wax paper to size and use a cookie cutter to cut the circle out of the middle to fit the trays.
Way better value than the Nesco ones in my opinion because of the digital temp and timer and it isn't round. Also doesn't take up much counter space and easily stores away. $41 currently on Amazon. I got the 4 year protection for $6 but have not had a single problem with it since I got it.
That 3 pounds of meat will get you around 1.26 pounds of jerky dehydrated just so you know how much I usually get when filled at capacity all 5 trays.
https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-32100A-Digital-Dehydrator/dp/B012CG8N26
Haha I got a two tray expansion and the fruit leather tray so I’m assuming that my mom also got me the dehydrator to go with it. Unless she’s being a total jerk.
NESCO FD-75A, Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator, Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090WOCN0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a8e1DbEK4DXFV
Check out the Bear Creek line of dried soups to copycat. They taste great, so they put some research into things that work. Also check out Amazon for things like cheese powder, etc. that are hard to make at home. I can personally recommend Peak milk powder, got it for camping and continued it for use as creamer at home, it's honestly delicious.
Get a square silicone baking mat. Or cut a rectanglular one? Also plastic wrap will definitely not work, parchment paper is your best bet.
Hmmm, not a good deal. You can get this same dehydrator on Amazon (with or without Prime) for $35.71
MidwayUSA is selling it for $38.50 after the cheapest shipping options are applied.
You can get a Nesco FD-37A on Amazon for a penny more, which is a much more reputable brand.
From what I understand it is not possible to easily dehydrate eggs, butter, milk, cheese. But buying freeze dried is cheap enough that it is worth it if you absolutely must have it.
I have both the Presto dehydrator and the Nesco American Harvest FD-1040 Gardenmaster 1000-Watt Digital Food Dehydrator. I like them both but the Nesco is definitely better quality than the Presto (but also more expensive). The Nesco is easier to clean and I like that the fan and heating elements are on the top which prevents them from getting dripped on.
I have used the Nesco to make beef jerky from ground beef as well as fruit leather and dried lime and lemon.
The Excalibur's get great reviews but or more pricey. I have seen smaller less expensive Excalibur versions at Walmart.
We just bought this Crawford Kitchen and we didn't move any trays around at all. I didn't know it was a thing. As we don't have any experience with any other models, I can't say about anything other than everything turned out fine with ours. It says 650W, but it's 1000W, so it works pretty fast. I guess it is probably a lot more expensive to run, but the fruit is great and now we know what we are eating.
>Tough to cut a round item flat.
I bought a similar item to this about 10 years ago, best $20-30 I've ever spent.
It allows you to slice everyting into rings, finely dice things, or slice potatoes into a french fry shape.
It's worth it of you are planning to dehydrate lots. I did a big batch of banana chips over the weekend and each one of them has come out with a perfect uniform size and they all dried at the same rate.
If you have the choice find a unit with the fan/heating element at the rear instead of the top or bottom. Also square is easier to work with than round. I have the 5 tray version of this http://www.amazon.com/LEM-Products-Dehydrator-Digital-Timer/dp/B004VLKT3W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451493203&sr=8-1&keywords=dehydrator+lem Which is the LEM version of this http://www.amazon.com/Excalibur-3500B-Deluxe-Dehydrator-Black/dp/B002SHNIW0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451493100&sr=8-2&keywords=dehydrator+5+tray.
I have had this one for years with no issues. I bought 4 extra racks for it. I use it for a wide range of products for backpacking, jerky, full meals, banana chips, fruit rolls, dried herbs. It's cheap and works really well. I have convinced four of my friends to purchase this one as well, and I have heard nothing but good things from them too. As you will see in the reviews, the biggest complaint is that it lacks an on/off switch. You have to unplug it when your stuff is dry. Oh, well, it's only $70 and works perfectly otherwise.
These are pretty reliable on keeping the thickness. Though that's mainly for apples.
haven't had much experience with drying other things... just started.
my mom had one of these things when i was growing up, and it worked like a charm. she actually only got rid of it a handful of years ago, because she hasn't had to cut up bite sized pieces of food for my brother and i since like 15 years ago.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OPXKUDK/ref=twister_B00TTTJA72?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1