Dehydrator Recommendations

[Carl]

I'm thinking about getting a Dehydrator.  Does anyone have recommendations on a decent brand/model?

< $100 - I don't mind a used one from CL or where ever.
Will process fruits, meals, jerky.

Are there features that are desirable or things to avoid?  Round, box type, fan location, etc.

Thanks All,
Carl

[GrampasGuns]

Ive got a Nesco, the round one and I love it. Everything from dog treats, jerky and mushrooms all perfectly dried!

[NRA4LIFE]

I have an American Harvest that I have had for 25 years now.  I cannot tell you how much venison, fruit, veggies, etc have cycled through that thing.  It is round and it makes your jerky curved a bit, if you don't mind that.  Doesn't bother me at all. 

[biggfish]

I had a round one years ago and hate them so much wasted space. Been using a three tier wire rack in the oven, but I really wanta rectangular 6 or 8 tray. The trays have no wasted space.

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[Cultusman]

 I have a 9 tray Excalibur and would highly recommend it.
 The trays are really easy to clean compared to my old round one.

[Carl]

It sounds like we have mixed reviews.  I can't believe it!! 

I guess I'll just try one and see how it works.  Thanks for the reviews.

Carl

[Skyvalhunter]

2nd on the Excalibur.

[quadrafire]

I have an American Harvest that I have had for 25 years now.  I cannot tell you how much venison, fruit, veggies, etc have cycled through that thing.  It is round and it makes your jerky curved a bit, if you don't mind that.  Doesn't bother me at all.

This is the one I have as well. Works great although I only have 4 trays. Almost as long as NRA, I think 24 yrs for mine still works like a charm.

[NRA4LIFE]

Quad,

You can order more trays.  I believe they are sold under the Nesco brand now.  I have 10 now I think and the dehydrator works with all of them piled up.

[j_h_nimrod]

I had two Nesco American Harvest square models. Both went TU in ~6months. Decided to take the damn things apart and see what the malfunction was. Turns out they used a 145 degree fusible link on a machine designed to reach 160 degrees. I bypassed the fuse and they worked fine for the next 4-5 years. Ended up finally trashing them recently, they were a pain to clean and only had ~3\4” useable space between trays making thicker stuff impossible. I just bought a LEM and am using it for the first time tonight on some apples. Excalibur was a close second for my choice and has a long distinguished reputation but wanted to give LEM a chance for the same price. Think I pain $180 to my door.

Under $100 the Nesco is ok, if you are doing more step up to the Excalibur and save yourself a headache while producing well dehydrated food. I’ll advise on how the LEM does.

[HardCorpsHuntr]

2nd on the Excalibur.

  My parents have had theirs for over 30 years and I've had mine since 2002.

[KFhunter]

Cabelas sure had some nice deals on black friday, wonder if they'll come back down