dehydrators

[Feebee]

So....what do you use, and why do you think it's better than others? Where did you get it, and how much did it cost?
I got one from my mother in law, but it's so ancient it doesn't have a temp control on it. I have no idea how hot it gets, so I don't want to use it.

[Rawkinlocs]

I own both an Excalibur 9-tray and a Nesco American Harvest Snackmaster which is a round model that DOES have a temp. control and those can be found for less than $50 at Walmart or www.walmart.com, at www.nesco.com for about $50 (give or take a few bucks) or on www.everythingkitchens for about the same price.

The Excalibur models range anywhere from $150-220 depending on where you order it from and what size you get (4, 5, or 9 trays).

The round model is great, but if you want to fit larger items such as pans or pie plates in there, an Excalibur 5 or 9 tray is your best bet. Alissa sells these on her site.

[KombuchaCHIC]

I have a cheap Ronco that I bought off ebay, and while it was good to practice on and get a feel for dehydrating, I wouldn't suggest them to anyone. There is no heat control and one of the first few times I used it, one of the cheap trays melted! It must be set too close to the heating element. I now use that tray as a spacer so it doesn't happen again. I'm going to get an Excalibur as soon as I can afford it! But what I really love is my food processor! I think that is a much more essential tool for a raw foodist! :)

[Feebee]

Cool, thanks! And I will avoid the Ronco dehydrator! BTW, I just inherited a food processor. YAY! Those things are expensive! But I'm way excited, it's going to be much easier with the food processor.

[madmel]

I also had a cheap round dehydrator where the trays have a whole in the middle. It was okay for starters, but it got really hot and I had to rotate the trays all the time.

I was torn apart between an Australian round one with temperature control or the 9-tray Excalibur. I live in Asia, so the Excalibur was the very expensive option.

I opened a thread here and asked for suggestions, someone gave me the link to an eBay-Seller and now I am a proud owner of a 9-tray Excalibur and Teflex sheets. It was still a lot more expensive due to shipping (and me needing the 220V-model) but I do not regret the purchase one moment.

Everything is easy to spread on the trays, no more rotating, everything dries very evenly and I am soooo happy!

I would not have thought that a good Dehydrator can make such a difference!

mel

[Tiggerwoos]

Any ideas where to get a decent dehydrator in the UK? This is all very new to me! :confused:

Have found a few sites, but any tips as to which ones are good?

[madmel]

Hi Tiggerwoos,

welcome to this board!

I have decided for an Excalibur after discussing it on this board and I don't regret the decision at all. It is a great dehydrator and I don't have to watch it or rotate trays or so. It's just the best! It was pricey though, b/c I live in Asia.

Check out this seller on eBay:
You can get all models in either 110 or 220 Volts and choose your own plug, the model will then be shipped from Excalibur Factory directly. Shipping is mean, but I guess it's cheaper for you than it was for me ;)

http://stores.ebay.de/FlowWOOLF-Naturals_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm

The after service was great and I really enjoyed the purchase - never has spending money been so healthy :D

mel

[madmel]

Ah Tiggerwoos,

I was sleeping - you are in the UK and so is Shazzie (www.shazzie.com). She has quite a reputation and is really famous in the raw world.

In her online shop (www.detoxyourworld.com) she is also selling dehydrators.

http://www.detoxyourworld.com/acatalog/excalibur_9_sheet.html

Wow, that is expensive with £339.95, that's about 644 USD - a lot more than I paid and I had it shipped from the US with a custommade plug.

But they have also a couple of other dehydrators which are a lot cheaper.

cheers, mel

[Tiggerwoos]

Thanks MadMel. Brill advice. Have used that Detoxyourworld site in the past for other stuff, so may end up getting one from there.

Can't wait to start doing breads and savouries as that I think is what I will miss.

[Lay-Lay]

I have a American Harvester. It works great. It has 20 trays. It belonged to my great grandmother originally, then my grandmother, and then my mom, and now me. I guess you could say its a family heirloom, LOL!

[madmel]

hi tiggerwoos,

happy that i could be of some help.

i have onion bread in the oven, eh dehydrator right now and it smells sooo good ;)

cheers,
madmel

[sport]

I get food from detoxyourworld but I got my equipment from UK Juicers. I can not say which is cheaper.

[Regen]

The Fresh Network people are on the ball and a dehydrator will probably be with you the next day. Also good for Alissa's book.

[Tiggerwoos]

Thanks all. Can't believe there is so much choice. Well looks as though my raw weekend is going to turn in to a more permanant fixture as have loved my first day, so will be ordering one next week! :)

[Tiggerwoos]

Ok folks.. Who wants to help me with some decision making? :D

Have decided to take the plunge (before payday I know, will probably regret it!) :D

but am torn between these 2 budget wise. Any ideas?

http://www.energiseforlife.com/item--L-Equip-Dehydrator--JBP0099.html?gclid=CO35sM_Mg4cCFSpPQgodDSBMYw

or this one?

http://www.detoxyourworld.com/acatalog/stockli_timer.html

It's like tossing a coin...... Heads or tails?

[madmel]

Tiggerwoos,

I would go for the L'Equip - I prefer the square trays. Had a round one before and found the trays to small and not appropriate for some things (like enchiladas and so on)

mel

[mcasburn]

I bought the Excalibur 5-tray with the timer, and I highly recommend getting a model with a timer, even if you don't have the cash for the Excalibur:
http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/cat7.htm

I don't know if they ship to the UK; don't mean to be a tease if not!

[Lay-Lay]

Someday I will probably get a excalibur, but currently my american harvester works great for my needs and it has sentimental value to me.