What dehydrator do you like best?

[doctorvapor]

I’ve noticed several posts on the Excalibur Dehydrator and the Cabelas 80L and 160L.  Are there any others you like and why do you like them?  I’m in the market for a dehydrator and I’m interested in hearing all your opinions.

 

[BGKYSmoker]

I love my cabelas 80L. My old equi-flo is still going strong.

If you get the Excalibur make sure you get one with the new housing, i went thru 4 of em.

 

[linguica]

I’ve noticed several posts on the Excalibur Dehydrator and the Cabelas 80L and 160L.  Are there any others you like and why do you like them?  I’m in the market for a dehydrator and I’m interested in hearing all your opinions.

I have an Excalibur (the larger one) loaded with persimmons in the basement right now. It has plenty of room and a effective heater-fan setup.

The one drawback is the removable door and racks are made of hard plastic the will break if dropped.

 

[daveomak]

Doc, morning....  I have had several of the gravity models.... none worked that well.......  Bride bought me a b-day present about 6 years ago....    Sausage Maker D-10 dehydrator.... It was a little pricey but well worth it.... we use it about 60 days/year.... From garlic, peppers, basil, onions, raisins, tomatoes you name it...  It dries fast and even.... Jerky would be easy in it....  Everything inside slides out for easy cleaning... That includes shelfs and shelf racks... smooth SS inside to wipe down....  I have found it needed some maintenance last year....  The fan motor bushing needed 1 drop of oil.... I oiled it and it ran perfect again...  I think the dust here in Eastern Washington gummed up the bushing.... no problem... I know what to do now....   Sausage Maker is a sponsor on this site also...   I consider it a long term investment and I expect it to last forever....    Dave

http://www.sausagemaker.com/32608d-10fooddehydratorwithchromeshelves.aspx

 

[doctorvapor]

Dave,  Thanks for that great reply.  I'll check out that unit and based on your review.  I'll put it up on my possibilities list. 
 

 

[smokerjoe]

If you are looking for a dehydrator, I would like to recommend a nesco american harvest, usually less than $70.

http://www.nesco.com/products/Dehydrators/Dehydrators/session_e507de107e46/

I have used mine for over 10 years without a single problem.

I have made countless batches of jerky on it.

That being said, I have also heard the excalibur is hard to beat.

 

[navier]

I'm a seconder for nesco.

This is the one I have/ http://www.nesco.com/products/Dehyd...nackmaster-Square-Dehydrator-and-Jerky-Maker/

square trays work much better, bought the 2 extra trays for it and using plastic canvas from the craft store for the little berries and seeds
 

 

[countrykat]

Doc, morning....  I have had several of the gravity models.... none worked that well.......  Bride bought me a b-day present about 6 years ago....    Sausage Maker D-10 dehydrator.... It was a little pricey but well worth it.... we use it about 60 days/year.... From garlic, peppers, basil, onions, raisins, tomatoes you name it...  It dries fast and even.... Jerky would be easy in it....  Everything inside slides out for easy cleaning... That includes shelfs and shelf racks... smooth SS inside to wipe down....  I have found it needed some maintenance last year....  The fan motor bushing needed 1 drop of oil.... I oiled it and it ran perfect again...  I think the dust here in Eastern Washington gummed up the bushing.... no problem... I know what to do now....   Sausage Maker is a sponsor on this site also...   I consider it a long term investment and I expect it to last forever....    Dave

http://www.sausagemaker.com/32608d-10fooddehydratorwithchromeshelves.aspx

I just ordered one yesterday. Can't wait for it to get here. As far as maintenance is the fan the only thing you would recommend doing maintenance on? Is there a list of things to take care of in the owners manual?

Jim

 

[geerock]

I have had the cabelas 80L for a few years now. Easy to use and clean. Trouble free and good value for the size. On sale now at $299. Built very well.

 

[daveomak]

Doc, morning....  I have had several of the gravity models.... none worked that well.......  Bride bought me a b-day present about 6 years ago....    Sausage Maker D-10 dehydrator.... It was a little pricey but well worth it.... we use it about 60 days/year.... From garlic, peppers, basil, onions, raisins, tomatoes you name it...  It dries fast and even.... Jerky would be easy in it....  Everything inside slides out for easy cleaning... That includes shelfs and shelf racks... smooth SS inside to wipe down....  I have found it needed some maintenance last year....  The fan motor bushing needed 1 drop of oil.... I oiled it and it ran perfect again...  I think the dust here in Eastern Washington gummed up the bushing.... no problem... I know what to do now....   Sausage Maker is a sponsor on this site also...   I consider it a long term investment and I expect it to last forever....    Dave

http://www.sausagemaker.com/32608d-10fooddehydratorwithchromeshelves.aspx

I just ordered one yesterday. Can't wait for it to get here. As far as maintenance is the fan the only thing you would recommend doing maintenance on? Is there a list of things to take care of in the owners manual?

Jim

Jim, morning....  As far as I know, the only maintenance would be the fan bushing.... 1 drop of oil every year.... The dehydrator is awesome....   I bought the Amazin Matz from Todd to cover the shelves for this seasons dehydrating.... They should make clean-up a snap...  Also, I use parchment on the shelves held down with bobby-pins.... this year with the MATZ, I will lay them on top of things like basil, cilantro, rosemary etc. to hold the leaves down....  last few years I held it down with other racks.... Using the MATZ will double my drying output..  I dry basil etc. at 100 deg...they come out green and fresh... then vac pack in pint jars and freezer store them.....  They are really fresh....  

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/110163/dehydrating-garlic

Dave

 

[countrykat]

I got it last night and marked the temps on the panel. I have 10 lbs of jerky drying now. I also went and got a bunch of bananas, apples, mangos, and pinnapple that are going in as soon as the jerky is done.