Dehydrator questions.

[hoggs222]

I currently have a nesco dehydrator with 10 round trays. I have been thinking of upgrading to a Cabelas brand with the door and rectangle trays. Is there a huge difference? I pretty much just dehydrate fruit, but would like to start doing whole muscle jerky. I currently make jerky in the smoker, but it seems to taste too smoky, even with just an hour of smoke.

[Juneau4]

I'd try it on the Nesco first. Thats all I use.

[eyeguy 54]

dehydrator is all I use on my jerky.

[hockeybc69]

I do 30-60 minuts on the smoker, then into the dehydrator for jerky every time.

[eyeguy 54]

ick... you must like road kill raccoon stew also.

[DonBo]

Untill my Nesco died, it was all I used for jerky. Came out great everytime. No need for anything new if it still works. I use my smoker now, but prefered the dehydrator.

[LightningBG]

If you do go to a bigger dehydrator, I'd look at the Excalibur brand. They sound to be real nice (but I've never used one myself). They can be had straight from the manufacturer for cheaper than at the stores. I've always used a small dehydrator like you have, with good results. I've never even done anything but meat on the dehydrator. This year I'm going to try using my new smoker for jerky.

[thirdeye]

Which of the Nesco models are you guys using? I've been looking at the Gardenmaster which has 1000 watts and a timer to turn it off.

[otterman91105]

I have the cableas one and it is very nice. If you dont use it that often i would not spend the money on it.

[loosegoose]

I have a 9 tray Excalibur and I really like it. Use it for ground formed venison jerky and fruits and vegetables. It is more expensive than the round Nesco's but it is much more superior unit so well worth the money.

[eyeguy 54]

i just have an old american harvest snackmaster pro. haven't used over 8 trays. controls on bottom, no timer. been working for many years so have not needed to upgrade.

[otterman91105]

When i do goose jerky in the late fall i end up useing about 15 trays. The cabelas one is worth the money but its not cheap.

[hoggs222]

I did 8 trays last night with some high mountain sweet and spicy and it turned out great. I'd say that I prefer the dehydrator over the smoker for jerky.

[eyeguy 54]

have not tried the sweet and spicy. hot?

[loosegoose]

Hi Mtn sweet and spicy is a very good seasoning for ground formed venison jerky on the dehydrator. No it is not too spicy, worth a try.

[bak2MN]

I use it a lot but I add cayenne pepper for a little more heat.

[hoggs222]

I usually use the Cabelas sweet and spicy and had to add extra red pepper flakes so I could taste the heat. The Hi-Mountain was a bit spicier, but I can usually handle some hot food.

[vister]

I do an hour in smoker, then cabelas "commercial" grade dehydrator until I can hold jerky up to a light in the ceiling and the meat kinda lets light in, and looks red?? Hard to explain, but if u try it, you'll know what I mean

[hugonian1]

What temp in the smoker?

[vister]

200