What to look for in a dehydrator

**AtlantaMarie** 8/28/2018, 10:42 am

Morning. I got to thinking that this might also be a good topic to add... There are so many choices out there for dehydrators!

Let me start with a disclaimer. Nesco was kind enough to donate 3 different machines to me in order to teach dhing. These are all fairly small machines, but expandable. All have temps adjustable from 95F to 160F. I have:

GardenMaster model: PD-1010PC. 16" diameter. 1000 watts. 4 tray - expandable to 32 trays. Bottom up drying. No timer.
Digital Nesco model: FD-77DT. 13.5"diameter. 600 watts. 4 tray - expandable to 12 trays. Top down drying. Timer up to 24 hours.
Snackmaster model: FD60: Same as Digital except 500 watts & no timer.

The GardenMaster, although by far the largest & most expandable, is the noisiest. It's not bad, but I just happen to be sensitive to it.

We also have the large commercial-type Cabela's. It's 39"H x 24"W x 20"D - 54 sq feet of drying space with 24 trays spaced 1 inch apart. Time up to 23 hours, adjustable temps of 75F to 170F. Noisy at night. We have to open a window for air circulation & close the room door to keep it from interrupting hubby's sleep.

What to choose? Questions you need to ask:

1. How much will I be dhing REALISTICALLY?
2. How much space do I have for the machine?
3. What items do I want to dh?

If you're really not going to be dhing a lot, do you need to spend the money on a Nesco or Excaliber? (Oh, and yes, you'll find store brands that are manufactured by the name brand guys. May be cheaper to go that way...)

Get adjustable temp. Once you start to use your dh, you can figure all sorts of things you can use it for - proofing bread, etc... THAT'S the biggie.

There are a number of "off-brands" out there. I can't give any advice on those. Anyone else have one?

There are some other dehydrator reviews available in this older thread. https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t8986-food-dehydrators?highlight=dehydrators

**sanderson** 8/28/2018, 11:53 pm

Some dehydrator reviews are available in this older thread. https://squarefoot.forumotion.com/t8986-food-dehydrators?highlight=dehydrators


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What to look for in a dehydrator

What to look for in a dehydrator

Re: What to look for in a dehydrator