I was at my local thrift store yesterday and I saw a convection oven.

[blessed]

:)
It was a large one and it had two big shelves and the temperture control went well below 150 to a little over 100. I blew warm heat could this be used in place of a dehydrater? It was $17.00, I didn't get it because I wasn't sure it could be used for raw dishes. What do you all think.

Ann

[Sheryl]

Sounds highly likely it could be used as a dehydrator. $17 is a small investment. Maybe pick it up, and also a temperature monitor and give it a try! That way you can test it to see that it does stay at the temperature it says on the dial.

Most recommend higher temperatures for the first few hours with high water content foods (like 135), then lowering to about 118. The higher temperature to start with is safe because the high levels of evaporation cool the food. The Excalibur Dehydrator company has studied this, and it's recommended by Gabriel Cousins and Nomi Shannon too. It can actually cut drying time in HALF! Good at reducing mould growth too.

Cheers,
Sheryl

[sport]

Will it be properly ventilated to let the moisture out. I think that it was designed to cook and not to dehydrate so maybe it will not be ideal.
It reminds me of when we were first married and could not afford a freezer. I saw someone advertise an Ice Cream Fridge so I decided that it would do. It didn't and I had wasted what little money I did have.

[JoJo]

Before I had the money for a dehydrator. I found a convection oven at a garage sale for $3. The lowest temp was 100. I used it leaving the door open. It worked well for about 6 months then died. By, that time I had saved the money for a dehydrator.

Hope this helps,

JoJo

[blessed]

:p
I did not purchase it but I will go back tomorrow to see if it is still there and if it is I will buy it. I will have to be there early because at the thrift store it's first come first bought so it will go fast if it has not already sold over the weekend.
Ann