What kind of dehydrator should I get?

[Dragonfly Ranch]

We have a dehydrator that was my Grandmother's. Only one speed and things take forever to dry. So was thinking about investing in a new one and thought I'd get your opinions.

Sandee

 

[michickenwrangler]

I have a Nesco. Comes with adjustable thermostat, fruit leather tray and jerky seasonings. I've used it to dry herbs, fruits and veggies with good results. Haven't tried jerky yet. I live in Michigan so it is always cold and damp here so it usually takes about 10% longer than what the manual recommends, but that is due to our climate, not the dehydrator.

I've got apples in mine right now!

 

[alabama49]

I have an American Harvest dehydrator and I love it. I can make yogurt in about 4-5 hours-it drys jerky in about 6-8 hrs. I have dried all kinds of fruits and veggies. It does have a larger fan motor than alot of them. I think it is the garden master model. You can add trays up to 12 so it is pretty versitile.

 

[Sparks]

Excalibar! Pricey but worth it

 

[KDbeads]

I have 2 Ronco's I gleaned from thrift stores. My only complaint is the heat elements are set, I can't change the temps. Other than that they are awesome, one of them I've had for nearly 15 years. On average I fill it once a month for jerky. Though lately it's been going almost non stop with jerky, I've been buying the really cheap cuts out of the reduced bin for dog treats to give my dane her seizure meds with.
The second one is now my everything but jerky dehydrator

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Thanks everyone - thought about this morning and checked my reward points associated with my credit card and I can get the Nesco FD 75PR which is the 700 watt system that expands up to 12 trays and has an adjustable thermostat - I can also get two additional trays and not have to pay anything. Think I'm going for it.

Sandee

 

[NWChicks]

Quote:
You won't be disappointed in this one! You can also get rings to make the trays taller so if you want to dry "fluffy" flowers or make yogurt you can. I love mine for drying royal icing flowers that I use to decorate cakes!

 

[michickenwrangler]

Quote:

Cool. I'm very happy with mine. Got a second bath of apple slices in it now!

 

[alabama49]

You will be happy with this one-I didn't realize that American Harvest had joined up with Nesco-anyway- get the rings to make your trays taller-then you can use small jars (like jelly jars) to make your yogurt!! I love dehydrating stuff-mushrooms, onions, fruit leathers are great. Let us know model you get!!

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Got my dehydrator today!! Can't wait to get home and start drying stuff. I looked at the fig tree this morning and there is another crop ready to be picked and now dried.

Now I want to buy the fruit roll up tray and the jerky gun. Has anyone used their jerky gun? If so, how did you like it.

Sandee