Dehydrator Advice

[maraw]

I need advice on a new dehydrator. I have a L'Equip but it seems to take forever and still doesn't make things crisp - Nothing seems finished. It just goes and goes and goes, without really drying things out. I found one I like that is 800 watts? Does that make a big difference? Can anyone suggest a good one? Also, I live in a pretty humid climate. I was told that makes a difference too - Thanks! (New to Raw)

[Wendy]

Maraw,

I have the L'Equip too and never have a problem drying things...

[rawpriestess]

Hi,

I live in the Pacific Northwest, and everything is always wet.

I have an Excalibur 9 tray without a timer, I love it. you can buy them on Alissa's website for around $209.

They work great. If you don't choose to spent the money, you can get a nice one at Walmart for about $40, I know Rawkinlocks has one, you might try PMing her and see what the brand name is, I know she loves hers, and it workds great for her, It is round, with I believe some sort of holder in the middle, so you can't dry big flat things, unless they have a hole in the middle.

The excalibur works really well, no hot spots, everything dehydrates the same no matter where you place it on the tray or in the dehydrator.

So, I think you would love this one. I certainly do.

Before I had a dehydrator, I used to put my food in front of an electric heater with a fan behind it, and that worked pretty well, for one tray, or to warm food I would place it on a trivet on a wood stove. I just kept it in the warm part of the stove, not the hot part,

the real key to dehydration, is the storage of your dehydrated items, you must put them in a ziplock or resealable baggie, when they are dry, not moist, I personally dry everything super crispy and then freeze it, so I have NO chance of spoilage.

This is because years ago, when I sun dried some mushrooms, they molded. so now I dry everything crispy and freeze, except herbs, I just put them in the cupboard in baggies.

Good luck.

[NoGMO!]

I have an Excalibur 5-tray and I love it. Works great! If it's for more than one or two people you might want the 9-tray.

[Vanessa]

I have an Excalibur 5 tray with a timer. It's the best- I wouldn't get any other one. I only now wish I had gotten the 9 tray.

[vegangelist]

i have an excalibur but a woman that teaches raw classes locally (we are in Houston= VERY HUMID) uses the l'equip and loves it.

it may need to be serviced/replaced.

i know from experience (i have 2 of their juicers) that they have great customer service, so you might give them a call.

kristi

[Revvell]

I also have an Excalibur 9-tray with a timer. I love it. Have had one for 5 years +.

Revvell