Dehydrators - 1 BIG one or 2 small ones?

16 years ago

Hi all. I've done a lot of reading here, but now I need advice.

Until this year, we've always used BWB to can. Because of ya'll, we've decided to try Pressure canning. Just bought a new canner and plan to use it this weekend. Of course, I already have questions about using it, but that another thread LOL. Now we want to dehydrate as well.

We don't have a dehydrator either, so we're looking to buy one of those also. All the usual questions come to mind - what features, how many shelves, expensive or cheap, new or used, etc. One question I haven't seen answered is: Should we buy one BIG machine (9 shelf) OR TWO small machines? Can you dry more than one type of thing at the same time on different shelves? Is it OK to do meat and veggies in the same machine?

I could go on and on LOL. Anyway, all info, thoughts and/or opinions are welcome.

TIA - Roadie

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Comments (8)

dgkritch
16 years ago
My opinion only......
I've got an American Harvest with 4 racks. It's plenty for me. I can buy more racks if I want to add to it (they just sit on top of each other).
My budget won't allow me to go spend $100+ on a dryer when this one works just fine. I probably run it 20-30 days a year.

If you plan to do really large quantities, it's going to be a different story.

I'm only preserving for 2 people (plus some for grown kids and gifts).

New or used?? I would think if you can find one used and can make sure it works and is clean, it saves some bucks.

I guess, if I was just getting started, I'd stay with the lower end and see if I really wanted to stick with it. You can always upgrade later. Luckily, it's not a complicated piece of equipment.

Deanna
John__ShowMe__USA
16 years ago
Roadie,

If you are talking Elcalibur then I would definitely go with the 9 tray. Besides having more trays than the entry level 4 tray model, the trays are larger. The 9 tray is also a much better price than 2 of the 5 tray models (also have large trays).

You can mix and match drying things that require the same heat level. Meat and vegetables are dehydrated at temps that are too different to do together.

There could be slight flavor transfer if drying something as strong smelling as say orange habaneros with say potato slices.

JMO
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david52 Zone 6
16 years ago
I would definitely recommend the 9 tray Excaliber, as well as at least 5 of the fruit leather sheets.

The big advantage of the 9 tray is that I can dry larger bits of food by removing every-other tray. The most common example is those huge beefsteak tomatoes; at the end of the summer, I'll slice the top and bottom off of these, leaving an inch thick slice of tomato, which I then dry. We've also been able to do half a banana, peach halves, and so on.

The fruit leather trays are great. I don't know if there is a better substitute. Each will hold about a quart of fruit puree. I thought they were very expensive, but they're easy to clean and sterilize.
parsley_hawthorne
16 years ago
My 9-tray Excalibur dries a lot of produce well, but the trays barely fit into my sink. It also takes me nearly an hour to slice and arrange food on the trays (I've done tomatoes, peppers, green beans, and cantaloupe so far). It also takes up a lot of counter space and is too large for any of my kitchen cabinets.

So it's great for drying a lot at a time, but do think about the time and space you have available before choosing a model.
david52 Zone 6
16 years ago
That is a good point, the machine isn't small, and neither are the trays. I found I can wash the trays in the dish washer, and the mesh as well by folding them, other than that, I need to use a huge laundry sink. Mine spends the 'off season' on a shelf in the garage.
rdback
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you all for your opinions - very helpful and insightful.

It's kinda funny. We went out this weekend to look at dehydrators and couldn't find a single one LOL! Went to Target, Sears, Penneys and Walmart. Walmart said "...it ain't huntin' season yet!". I guess they think dehydrators are used to just dry meat, not fruits and veggies.

Anyway, think we're going to order one today - we've got lots of tomatoes and peppers that need to be processed.

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts - Roadie
John__ShowMe__USA
16 years ago
For dehydrating liquids I'm going to use glass pie or baking pans next time. That you can remove shelves and have a taller work area is something you can't do with the American Harvestor types.

Wish now that I had gotten at least the 5 tray as the 4 smaller tray model really fills up quickly. But I still like it and will be filling it up again today.

One of the 9 tray models is the best deal though.

jt

Here is a link that might be useful: Excalibur Aug Special
rdback
Original Author
16 years ago
JohnT,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've read many of your posts and value your opinion. I'm getting ready to bite the bullet and order the 9-tray Excalibur with timer. It looks like the best place to buy is from Excalibur themselves - not a distributor. I've gotta hurry because my Habs are starting to ripen. It's my first year for Habs and I've got questions for you about those too, but that's another thread (and forum) LOL.

Again, thanks all for sharing your wisdom.

Roadie