Dehydrator Recommendations

[MN Mike]

I want to get a good one this time around, I've had / used the cheaper ones before with limited success and haven't used them much since.

I've been looking at either the Nesco or Excalibur dehydrators, I want something that will go go 150 - 160 degrees with a good fan. If you have other brands to recommend, let me know, I'm open to suggestions. Looks like those ones I mentioned can run from about $100 - $250 or so, I've got some giftcards I can burn on this so let me know what you think the best bang for the buck is. Plan on using it for the run of the mill stuff, veggies, fruit and maybe jerky, I'm pretty happy with the way jerky turns out on the smoker but with a good dehydrator I might change or try something different.

Thanks,

Mike

[reinhard1]

I've got a Nesco with 6 trays. it goes 155 deg max. i do jerky on it. going to try to dry jalapenos and other vegies and herbs this summer. very happy with it. good luck.

[mnviking28]

I bought one of the commerical ones that look like a small fridge from Cabelas. It works really well. It has digital temp settings and a timer so once you use it a couple of times, you can literally set it and walk away. That feature works really nice if you are trying to do a batch of anything during the week and have to work in the morning. Put it in before you go to bed, set the timer, in the morning when you get up, done and ready to go. They have them on sale right now for $289. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

[DonBo]

I just burned out an American Harvest/Nesco Dehydrator. But it saw lots of use for 10+ years. I will replace it with one just like it.

[JimBuck]

I have a 6 tray Nesco I use for mainly Jerky, Dog treats and fruits/vegetables. I'd recommend purchasing a cheap plug-in timer to use with the dehydrator instead of looking for the option built in at a premium.

[MN Mike]

Thanks for the advice guys, I do appreciate it.

Mike

[dirtking]

I bought one of the commerical ones that look like a small fridge from Cabelas. It works really well. It has digital temp settings and a timer so once you use it a couple of times, you can literally set it and walk away. That feature works really nice if you are trying to do a batch of anything during the week and have to work in the morning. Put it in before you go to bed, set the timer, in the morning when you get up, done and ready to go. They have them on sale right now for $289. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one again.

I can say ditto to this. I can fit 23 lbs of jerkey in mine! I have the smaller one - I can not imagine filling the large one.

[eyeguy 54]

I just burned out an American Harvest/Nesco Dehydrator. But it saw lots of use for 10+ years. I will replace it with one just like it.

American H for me also. Still running after many years. Usually 4 to 8 trays. Easy to find extra trays.