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Post by Peter on Dec 26, 2015 12:38:39 GMT 10
I use the Ezidri Snackmaker FD500, with up to 15 trays. The label on the device claims it draws 500W (but this would obviously depends on the setting used). I've found it effective for jerky and vegetables, but I haven't tried other things on it. ozfarmer.com/ezi-dri-snackmaker-fd500-dehydratorOne disadvantage: it's round (cylidrical), which isn't as efficient for drying long narrow items. One big advantage: it's expandable. I originally got it with 5 trays, but was able to buy an additional 10 trays (plus spacers, etc) online. All of the square/rectangular models that I've personally seen are a box with a drawer at the front into which trays can be inserted. These severely limit the amount of food that can be dehydrated. Apart from that, before getting the dehydrator I made a lot of jerky in the oven: marinate the beef/venison/whatever overnight, then lay the pieces out on an airing rack over a baking tray lined with baking paper (not necessary, but saves me a lecture about the mess from Mrs Pete). Run the temperature at as low as possible (I used 30C), fan forced, with the door ajar (a rolled up ball of foil or a spoon in the top of the door work well). I also recommend this book as it's great for beginning: www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Dehydrator-Cookbook-Including-Just-Add-Water/dp/0811713385/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451097457&sr=1-1&keywords=the+ultimate+dehydrator+cookbook |
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Matilda
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Post by Matilda on Dec 26, 2015 17:02:31 GMT 10
I looked into buying one frostbite and I too recommend what Mr Pete has said. There is Excalibur dehydrator - a well known American company and available here - and if you want to go all out pick the 9 tray. At the moment I am using a Sunbeam but I picked it up almost brand new for $10 at a garage sale and have been honing my skills. I have found it good but as I become more proficient I will definitely move to the Ezidri, but if some flung nearly $1000 at me for an Excalibur, I wouldn't say no.  One thing I cannot get used to is the amount of time it's on for. I don't like leaving an appliance on overnight or even leaving it going if I step out for the day etc. I think I will feel more confident when I move to the Ezidri. What I love is drying mushrooms. I also buy the 2kg bag of COSTCO frozen peas and corn and you don't even have to thaw. There is a fantastic lady in America that has a good following on dehydrating food. I like her because from her first video she stresses about being particular in prepping food and the importance of wearing gloves, clean utensils etc. Her blog - videos -are found under dehydrate2store and this is her first video: PART 1 If you look down the youtube video links you will see her PART 2 - PART 3 and so on I think all the way up to 7 or 11? |
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shinester
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China's white trash
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Post by shinester on Dec 26, 2015 18:53:29 GMT 10
$30 for a cheapo dryer is hard to argue with, they all pump warm air. Yes the better dryers are neater and aesthetically pleasing, which matters to my wife.
I have 2, one for veggies and drying brass/water dropped lead bullets.
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Frank
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Post by Frank on Dec 26, 2015 20:14:04 GMT 10
I use an el cheapo one from Aldi. Far from the best but it works for all I do with. Its allowed us to do some small batches of jerky and fruit etc with some decebt results. Will be looking for a bigger unit in the near future so will be keeping an eye on this thread
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Post by Fractus on Dec 26, 2015 21:01:46 GMT 10
I use the same as mr pete. It comes with a sheet for fruit leathers and a mesh for who knows what. No problems with it.
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Post by Paul on Dec 27, 2015 7:07:39 GMT 10
We also have the Ezi-dri, It works great never had problem with it, I don't use it enough, that will be something for the new year.
Paul
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Post by prepette on Dec 28, 2015 18:40:37 GMT 10
Excalibur dehydrator all the way, I know they're expensive but believe me, I bought a $129 one from Harvey norman and it takes 2-3 times as long as you'd expect to dehydrate. A mate of mine has Excalibur dehydrator and she let me borrow, It was fab. I've asked for one for my birthday |
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Matilda
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Post by Matilda on Dec 28, 2015 19:45:32 GMT 10
The 9 tray is probably the most popular. Do a youtube search on them but the video I posted explains why this lady likes hers.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2015 8:03:11 GMT 10
Yep I like the square one as you can do different stuff on different trays and only remove the tray you need. The round ones you have to pull apart to get to the one you need!
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Post by prepette on Dec 30, 2015 14:58:43 GMT 10
Yup the 425 9 tray was what I was looking at, and what I field tested As an aside, it also works well without electricity if you sit it up on something to allow the air flow underneath it. I did a bit of a test of this too for just in case there's no power to dehydrate |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2015 19:32:01 GMT 10
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