Food Deydrator Choices?

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adam d

Smoke Blower
Original poster
Jan 1, 2015
139
19
So many years ago I used a small food dehydrator and used to make Jerky. Maybe once or twice I made it.

Now I have a WSM and i've made a few batches of Jerky. Comes out TERRIFIC, especially the smokey flavor.

BUT it's not that convenient. I have to manage it (which honestly I don't have to do really, with the low heat of 140-160 I rarely have to adjust temps) and it takes about 6-7 hours. Which I understand is normal, but I can't "walk away" from it. I have to be home to keep an eye on the temp. Plus the setup/cleanup is a hassle for something like Jerky.

So i was thinking of getting a dehydrator... any thoughts on the best one to get for my money? I like to make about 3-4 lbs of Jerky at a time, but I'd make more if I could do it inside where it's easier.

Let me know... I don't want to have to do any cooking in the oven, nice and simple. As I said I usually do 6 hours or so on the smoker ONLY and it's done. No 1 hour of smoke then cooking in oven/etc... for me.

Let me know your thoughts.

I had found this one online, good price, goes up to 160, 10 trays, no need to rotate: http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home...tion=/category/Food-Dehydrators/104294880.uts
 
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That should do a fine job. I use a American Harvester that will take 12 trays. I can do 10 Lbs at a time with no problem. The trays will fit in the dishwasher. I make jerky in it more that I do in my smoker because it holds more. My only complaint is it takes room to store as they all do.




Happy smoken.

David
 
The Sausage Maker..... made in America..... I have used mine for probably 9 years... had to oil the fan motor once... Flawless use.... It's in use about 3-6 months per year... dried garlic, grapes, plums, basil, tomatoes, onions, cherries.... darn near everything we grow....
Sausage Maker makes the unit and has unsurpassed customer service... It would be the last dehydrator you have to buy... I use Todd's MATZ on the shelves...


 
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I use the Nesco. You can add up to 20 trays. I've used it for about a year for my jerky and I really like it.
 
I have a Cabela 80 and didnt like the uneven doneness on the set it and forget it "thing".
The unit it self is alright,it does the job
You have to tend to your process regardless of unit,set it and walk away is not the mark of a tradesman.
I like well processed jerky,dusty meat is not well made jerky
Iced in this week I managed 34lbs of dried product(beef,venison and pork)

Texas winters aint so bad ..  . .. . . .
 
Cool I just sold off my Cab 80 to a member here
Great excuse to go Excalibur shopping this weekend
yahoo.gif
 
LOVE my Excalibur ....
the heat control and having the fan in the back is great, no moving trays around. clean up is a breeze with the trays and sheets ... i waited awhile then bought one and after the 1st round of jerky i was happy. after the 1st round of banana chips SHE WAS HAPPY ...  LOL
a real well built beauty !!!!

Goliath
 
The Sausage Maker..... made in America..... I have used mine for probably 9 years... had to oil the fan motor once... Flawless use.... It's in use about 3-6 months per year... dried garlic, grapes, plums, basil, tomatoes, onions, cherries.... darn near everything we grow....
Sausage Maker makes the unit and has unsurpassed customer service... It would be the last dehydrator you have to buy... I use Todd's MATZ on the shelves...


is good to know Dave. Thanks for the
That is good to know. Thanks for the information on the unit.

Hoity Toit
 
I am about to start my jerky making journey.

I was looking and saw the Excaliburs, Nice looking machines but procey for me not knowing of Ill end up getting the value out of it I want. if I don't continue making jerky.

I bought a Cabelas 12 tray dehydrator. it was $100 off and I was given a $100 gift card from one of my reps and it brought the price down to $129. Ill start with that and see where it goes.

If it only lasts a  short time I haven't invested much and will upgrade to the Excalibur.
 
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