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Shopping Tips for Food Dehydrators

A food dehydrator is a small electrical appliance for drying foods indoors. It has an electric element for heat and a fan and vents for air circulation. Dehydrators are efficiently dry foods fast at 140ºF.

Costs vary depending on features. Some models are expandable and additional trays can be purchased later. Twelve square feet of drying space dries about a half-bushel of produce. The major disadvantage of  is its limited capacity.

Features to Look For

  • Double wall construction of metal or high grade plastic. Wood is not recommended, because it is a fire hazard and is difficult to clean.
  • Enclosed heating elements.
  • Counter top design.
  • An enclosed thermostat from 85ºF to 160ºF.
  • Fan or blower.
  • Four to 10 open mesh trays made of sturdy, lightweight plastic for easy washing.
  • UL seal of approval.
  • A one-year guarantee.
  • Convenient service.
  • A dial for regulating temperature.
  • A timer. Often the completed drying time may occur during the night and a timer could turn the dehydrator off and prevent scorching.

www.rrc.k-state.edu/preservation/drying.html

 

About Karen Blakeslee

The Rapid Response Center was formed in 1995 as a resource for Kansas State University Research & Extension Agents. Resource topics included Food Science, Human Nutrition, Food Service, Textiles, Home Care and other consumer topics. Since that time, the Center has grown to be of valuable assistance to Kansas State University Extension Specialists in those areas.

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