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Author Topic: Dehydrator Recommendations  (Read 2002 times)

Offline Carl

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Dehydrator Recommendations
« on: December 04, 2017, 11:06:40 AM »
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

Offline GrampasGuns

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #1 on: December 04, 2017, 04:53:03 PM »
Ive got a Nesco, the round one and I love it. Everything from dog treats, jerky and mushrooms all perfectly dried!
The deer are exactly where you find them, and no where you dont!

Offline NRA4LIFE

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #2 on: December 04, 2017, 05:01:49 PM »
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. 
Look man, some times you just gotta roll the dice

Offline biggfish

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2017, 05:50:06 PM »
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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Offline Cultusman

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2017, 06:01:13 PM »
 I have a 9 tray Excalibur and would highly recommend it.
 The trays are really easy to clean compared to my old round one.

Offline Carl

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2017, 10:16:33 AM »
It sounds like we have mixed reviews.  I can't believe it!!  :chuckle: :chuckle:

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

Carl

Offline Skyvalhunter

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #6 on: December 07, 2017, 11:22:51 AM »
2nd on the Excalibur.
The only man who never makes a mistake, is the man who never does anything!!
The further one goes into the wilderness, the greater the attraction of its lonely freedom.

Offline quadrafire

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2017, 10:23:03 AM »
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.

Offline NRA4LIFE

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #8 on: December 13, 2017, 12:04:50 PM »
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.
Look man, some times you just gotta roll the dice

Offline j_h_nimrod

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #9 on: December 15, 2017, 10:37:31 PM »
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.

Offline HardCorpsHuntr

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #10 on: December 15, 2017, 11:40:03 PM »
2nd on the Excalibur.

 :yeah: My parents have had theirs for over 30 years and I've had mine since 2002. :tup:
"Fast is fine. Accuracy is final. You need to learn to shoot slow, real fast." -Wyatt Earp

Offline KFhunter

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Re: Dehydrator Recommendations
« Reply #11 on: December 15, 2017, 11:48:36 PM »
Cabelas sure had some nice deals on black friday, wonder if they'll come back down

 


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