What size dehydrator do you have?

[finallyfree]

Hello,

I am on the path to becoming a raw-fooder and have been tossing around the idea of purchasing a dehydrator for some time. I think I definitely need to purchase one.

My question is: What size dehydrator do you find works for you. I am a single person who only has to cook for herself, however I do want to be able to make a lot of stuff and even make stuff to give away to friends and family...and, one day, I may have a hubby, family to "uncook" for...so I can't decide whether to buy a 5-tray or a 9-tray.

What have you found works well for you? Did you purchase a small one and end up wishing you had a larger one or vice-versa? Do you use it as much as you thought you would or more/less?

Thanks for any feedback.

An another note: Thank you to everyone who has posted on this site with advice, questions, helpful hints. You really do make a difference to those of us who are just starting out...I have learned so much on this site...and gotten a lot of my questions/concerns addressed - all just by lurking and reading on this site. :)

[sport]

I have a nine tray and could probably do alright with a 5 tray.
The only time that I used more than 3 trays was when I soaked a 1Kg bag of pumpkin seeds at once.

[tvillemom]

I have the Excaliber 9 tray. I am a mom of 3, but I am the only one who eats raw in my house. You will find, that with certain recipes, you will use up SEVERAL trays at one time. Having a large dehydrator, you can make a couple recipes at once...cutting down on time in the kitchen. I also like to say....heat a soup, warm up my entree, and maybe throw in something for later....using a bowl or such takes up 2 trays (you have to remove 1 tray) which, if you have something else in there....my point is...there are times you've got the whole dehydrator full!!
Wendi

[solarliving]

I bought the round one with 5 layers. I think American Harvest. I barely have used it and it died on me. I am going to get the square one because It is definately easier to use for making tortillas and pizza crust. So I would recommend the one that is square. Excalibur.

[Veganforlife]

Get a 9 tray! You will benefit from it. I got an Excalibur. Excellent!

[RowanC]

I have two excaliburs... a 9 tray and a 5 tray.

If you can afford it, get a 9 tray.
If you cannot afford it, wait until you can.
The 5 tray is nice for vacationing or maybe for one person, but it really doesn't hold enough .. I got my 5 tray on craigslist for $10 or $30.. can't remember, but cheap!

[finallyfree]

Wow!! Thanks everyone, I only had to wait a couple of hours for an answer.

That's what is so great about this board. :D

[carolg]

9 tray Excalibur for 2 adults--excellent. I always think I am feeding an army so gives me lots of opportunity to make lots of stuff at same time especially when I was dehydrating all my recent tomatoes from the garden. It's bulky, but it's worth it. In the past I had several pizza going and the 9 tray sure was handy. My friend, single person, went with the 5 and loves that size for herself.
carolg

[rawpriestess]

I have 2 Excalibur 9 trays for dehydrating everything, and I have 1 Excalibur 4 tray for extra stuff and for travelling, I find I use them all, especially now in the fall at harvest time, everything is being dried, tomatoes, squash, herbs, grapes, WOW, the house smells divine!!!