Dehydrator Size

[sandyut]

Im thinking about getting a dehydrator for jerky. Is there a rough calculation for square ft to pounds?

Looking at 7 sq ft dehydrator. That should be about right for 5 lbs (raw) of sliced beef right? My Rec Teq is about 5 sq ft and 5 lb will fill it and sometimes the extra rack (the old school extra rack not the fancy new slide out).

Thoughts?

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Im thinking about getting a dehydrator for jerky. Is there a rough calculation for square ft to pounds?

Looking at 7 sq ft dehydrator. That should be about right for 5 lbs (raw) of sliced beef right? My Rec Teq is about 5 sq ft and 5 lb will fill it and sometimes the extra rack (the old school extra rack not the fancy new slide out).

Thoughts?

Dave, in my opinion you’d likely be fine. My last one, instead of the old classic circle style dehydrator… I went with this one… has more than you are looking for but has been a game changer for me. I generally never have to worry about enough space! And it’s on a Limited Time Deal right now.

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Mill-Dehydrator-Machine-MFD-1098/dp/B0D1TJGWND

 

[SmokinEdge]

Hey Dave, I agree with Justin and I bought a dehydrator very similar to to his. These styles are way better than circular types.

https://www.amazon.com/BEAST-Denali-Stainless-Dehydrator-Instructions/dp/B0BP4FCV6F

 

[sandyut]

Thanks SmokinEdge and Rafter H BBQ . Im looking at this LEM with the current SMF discount.

Ive wanted one a while, I love jerky but smoking it is tricky and Im thinking I want to branch out with a dehydrator. I feel like the 6 tray will totally work and not be huge to store (wife factor).

 

[SmokinEdge]

Thanks SmokinEdge and Rafter H BBQ . Im looking at this LEM with the current SMF discount.

Ive wanted one a while, I love jerky but smoking it is tricky and Im thinking I want to branch out with a dehydrator. I feel like the 6 tray will totally work and not be huge to store (wife factor).

Yup, 6 trays is probably enough. I have 8 and rarely fill them all. With the discount it’s a nice time to grab an LEM.

 

[pineywoods]

I bought this one and it's way bigger than you are wanting for that size batch.
https://www.basspro.com/p/cabelas-80-liter-commercial-grade-food-dehydrator
Have a couple friends that went together and bought this one
https://www.basspro.com/p/cabelas-160-liter-commercial-food-dehydrator

 

[sandyut]

I bought this one and it's way bigger than you are wanting for that size batch.
https://www.basspro.com/p/cabelas-80-liter-commercial-grade-food-dehydrator
Have a couple friends that went together and bought this one
https://www.basspro.com/p/cabelas-160-liter-commercial-food-dehydrator

Those look real nice, but as you said they are bigger than I was shooting for.

 

[SmokinEdge]

I bought this one and it's way bigger than you are wanting for that size batch.
https://www.basspro.com/p/cabelas-80-liter-commercial-grade-food-dehydrator
Have a couple friends that went together and bought this one
https://www.basspro.com/p/cabelas-160-liter-commercial-food-dehydrator

Those are monsters.

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

Thanks SmokinEdge and Rafter H BBQ . Im looking at this LEM with the current SMF discount.

Ive wanted one a while, I love jerky but smoking it is tricky and Im thinking I want to branch out with a dehydrator. I feel like the 6 tray will totally work and not be huge to store (wife factor).

I was wondering if it was the LEM you were looking at Dave. If not doing more than the 5 lbs, I agree with Eric SmokinEdge and grab that deal while you can.