dehydrator - fire hazard?

[mel_s12]

I never really thought about this much but my mom is so worried about leaving the dehydrator on when we leave the house or overnight.
Anybody ever have any problems with that?
I suppose it should be fine since dehydrators are made to be on for long periods of time.
I dont know. I'm a little worried about it now too! :confused:
I just don't want our house to burn down because of me! Especially not with us inside of it!

[Zaphirah]

would you leave the heat on, or a light for when you come in? how about a dehumidifier in the basement? Do you leave the woodstove burning?

The dehydrators only get *slightly* warmer than room temp, so I would def. NOT worry-not one teeny tiny bit.

[diali36]

I was worried about this same thing and even thou friends gave me a dehydrator I have yet t o use it because of that. She is comming over in two weeks to have a raw food week end with me and un cook out little hearts out so we will start with the dehydrator stuff early in the day to be there when it is on, at least till i feel safer leaving it.

[MysticTree]

I wouldn't worry. Even if there was a malfunction our trip switch would cut the power off long before there was a fire.

If you are in any way worried, you could always use one of those circuit breaker thingies with it but I'm sure it would be totally unnecessary. Do you switch your fridge and freezer off every time you go out?

Georgina

[juliebove]

I can't see why it would be a fire hazard.

[kaleidoscopeeyes]

This worries me too! I don't like leaving it on while I sleep or when I leave the house. I don't think the dehydrator itself could get hot enough to cause a fire, but the plug/outlet...=/

[MysticTree]

but why would a dehydrator plug get any hotter than a refridgerator plug?

Georgina

[River Mom]

Absolutely No Worries Here :)
Rm

[Bananapie]

I do also worry about my dehydrator being a fire hazard BUT I have the type were the fan and heater part is underneath the food trays and no way of opening that up to clean out the crumbs. I am sure there are lots of nice dry crumbs by the heating element. If any one knows how the old Warrens heat or how to clean inside them feel free to comment.

I would not worry at all if the heating element and fan were at the back of the food. as in the excalabir type model of dehydrators.

[RawHeaven]

but why would a dehydrator plug get any hotter than a refridgerator plug?

Georgina

that's exactly what i was thinking. and all of the other appliances that remain plugged in - alarm clocks, radios, stereos, TV, PC, etc.

i think it matters most not to overload your circuits and make sure your appliances aren't faulty to prevent fire hazards.

i wouldn't worry about your dehydrator. Have fun using it! :)