Which dehydrator should I buy?

Hi everyone,

I’m thinking about purchasing a dehydrator, so I’m looking for suggestions and recommendations. I cook (or uncook as the case may be) for myself only, so the machine doesn’t need to be big. However it does need to be super quick and easy to hand wash, and hopefully won’t break after two uses. I’m a vegan, so I’d only be using it for veggies, mushrooms, and the occasional fruit (no jerky). I’d like to keep the price under $100, but I could go up to $150 if that’s the only way to get a decent machine. I’m currently thinking about the “Nesco American Harvest FD-75PR 700-Watt Food Dehydrator”. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Comments

  • Hi Eden, I just bought the Nesco FD-75PR a couple months ago and I’ve been really happy with it so far. I use it almost 24-7 making breads, crackers, tortillas, flavored nuts, fajita veggies, desserts, etc. I actually havent even tried drying fruit with it yet. Too many fun possibilities I guess. I haven’t tried the excalibur, but I would definitely recommend this dehydrator for the price.

  • Hi Eden, So excited for you—my dehydrator has really opened up some great new possibilities! (“falafals, sun-dried tomatoes, sage croquettes, raw breads and crackers, eggplant as bacon…).

    I love the Excalibur and it gets great reviews. I believe a 4-tray is $109. I have the 9-tray but never use more than 1/3-1/2 of the racks. It is very easy to clean, just a rectangular box with trays that easily slide out. The mesh and teflex sheets are a little harder because they are big, but they say you can throw them in the dishwasher. The only thing would be if the 4-tray is much smaller as far as the diameter of the trays (not sure). It’s so easy to check out on the web. (If you do buy one, the place I bought mine online promises to have the lowest price AND included the Teflex sheets for free. They are good for drying more liquid items…).

    Good luck! Marykaye

  • The excalibur is a great dehydrator. the advantage is that the air blows from the back, so it dries evenly. Some dehydrators blow air from the bottom, so you have to reposition trays to get even drying. Check the excalibur main website to see what sizes are available and the sizes. Get the biggest one you can afford. Even if you think you’ll only use a couple trays, it is amazing how quickly you fill it up if you do large items (remove a tray to fit in a dish for example).

    If you go with another brand, be sure it has a temp.control. A timer really isn’t that necessary at all.

    No matter which one you get – you will have such fun creating yummy things!!!! Cheers Terry

  • KristensRawKristensRaw Raw Newbie

    I highly highly recommend Excalibur. They have a great warranty, excellent customer service and a superb reputation. Put it this way, you definitely cannot go wrong with Excalibur. I agree with Raw lady to get the biggest you can afford because you will probably use it. There are so many awesome Raw foods to make.

    Excalibur has been around for over 30 years. Their dehydrators tend to be up to ten times quicker than any of the round dehydrators. Here is more info: http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com

    Cheers! Chef Kristen Suzanne

     

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