Stopping dehydrator in middle of 'uncooking'

[StarFire]

Okay - got the flax seed crackers on and cooking - or 'uncooking' ;)
Now - my next question is ... what happens to the food if you have to stop the dehydrator before the food is done? Can you turn off the dehydrator for a few hours and then restart it - and will the food come out just as good.??? :confused:

My DH is well.. upsetting me :mad: He's complaining that the dehydrator is waaay too loud and that it will keep him awake at night. :rolleyes: Ridiculous I know.

I think in the long run what I will do is take this one and use it here at the office and when Alissa's comes out - I'll use that one at home. But for now - I don't think you can turn it off mid cycle can you? Won't the food be a bit yucky??

[Ama]

YEP... done it a few times. Sometimes if I'm afraid I won't wake up in time to shut it off I'll stop in the middle (at night), stick the trays in the fridge then just pop them back in when I wake up.

[StarFire]

Cool! Thanks Ama. I feel better now. If DH complains too much I know my food won't be wasted if I have to turn it off!

[raven]

I would be careful because you don't want to support the conditions for bacterial growth. I think the quicker you complete the dehydration process, the better.

Suzy

[Tinacampy]

StarFire -

maybe put a standing fan in your bedroom for white noise so your DH doesn't hear the dehydrator? and/or put the dehydrator in a room w/a door shut?

I use a fan in my baby daughter's room b/c she goes to bed before everyone else.. It really helps, plus it keeps the air circulating!
:) Good luck!

[Ama]

StarFire -

maybe put a standing fan in your bedroom for white noise so your DH doesn't hear the dehydrator? and/or put the dehydrator in a room w/a door shut?

I use a fan in my baby daughter's room b/c she goes to bed before everyone else.. It really helps, plus it keeps the air circulating!

This is what we do. We ALWAYS have a fan going. When we don't, it seems so odd because that noise is gone... it's way too quiet LOL

The only reason I have stopped my dehydration is when I need the dehydrator for something else temporarily (to warm something real quick) or if I need to stop at night so it doesn't get too well done. I do keep whatever I take out in the fridge so it doesn't ferment or anything and I try to only have it out for a few hours.

[luckitri]

White noise fan - cut up heavy plastic bag (recycle) in long strips and tie to grill of fan.

My round dehydrator needs for the food to be rotated as it seems to work unevenly. So that interferes with just going while it is running. I hope I can get Alissa's new one that cuts the time necessary.