Do I need to get a dehydrator?

[Bampot]

I'm just back on the raw scene after a loooong break, and am thinking about getting a dehydrator.

When I started raw last year I bought a Vitamix which was a great help - but I did miss not being able to make crackers and breads and things (not to mention some of Alissa's lovely recipes like the fruit leathers!)

But I don't know whether to get one - and if I get one should I go all out and get a excalibur? Are they worth the money?

And what if I don't end up really using it? :eek: Ah decisions decisions!

Any advice welcome! :D

[OneBite@aTime]

Bampot-
I don't have a dehydrator yet-but am thinking of a vitamix.....were you sorry you bought it after going back to sad or did you still use it?

[Bampot]

Bampot-
I don't have a dehydrator yet-but am thinking of a vitamix.....were you sorry you bought it after going back to sad or did you still use it?

Hye Michelle - no I definitely don't regret buying a Vitamix. I still used it alot when I went back to sad food. It is alot to pay, but I expect mine to last forever (or at least 10 years)!

Think I am going to buy a dehydrator - If I can make onion bread and crackers and things like that I won't fall off the wagon so easily I reckon. And I really want to make those fruit leather things! :D

[Revvell]

If you're going to get one, ABSOLUTELY get an Excalibur 9-tray. All you have to do is search on this site for information on them.

Whether to get one or not and/or whether you'll use it or not ~ only you can answer that.

Revvell

[Bampot]

I've just ordered a excalibur 5 tray - just couldn't quite justify to myself getting the big 9 tray in case I don't end up using it that much.

Plus it's only me in the house to feed, so hopefully 5 trays will be enough

Thanks for the tips though! Can't wait to try out some recipes when it arrives

[Carol K]

Hi, all! Just looked at the Excalibur website, and I am on overload! There are a number of different units - two of each 9-tray or 5-tray, and there is even a 4-tray. Which model number did you buy?

[StarFire]

Okay Bampot... You know me -- Xena the Dehydrator Diva!!!

I understand that many people can be raw and just eat simple -- lots of veggies, fruit - more veggies and fruit... umm... and a few more veggies and fruit...

I confess - I am NOT one of them.

if that was the menu that i had to follow -- I never would've made it thru the first 30 day challenge. I would've fallen so far away never to return....

I love having the dehydrator. I never feel deprived of ANY FOOD... in ANY situation - b/c I can make the yummiest most wonderful things -
raw chips! raw crackers.... ENCHILADAS... PIZZA!! the list is endless...

being able to have these foods on occassion (I don't eat these heavier gourmet raw foods all the time --- but when I have the craving for something... it sure is good to know that what I'm reaching for is healthy and RAW!) this really helped me to stay on COURSE!

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/xena-1.jpg ... Dehydrators RAWK!

[Bampot]

Hey StarFire - you really are a dehydrator warrior princess! :D

Cool, well that's what I was thinking too - I'd probably fall by the wayside pretty quick if I couldn't get my hands on raw cookies and crackers and things

I guess it's different strokes for different folks - some people might not feel the need for those sorts of things and just want to eat the fruit and veg and be satisfied with that

The problem for me is going to be waiting for the stuff to dehydrate! I hope raw eating helps me develop some patience :)

[StarFire]

The problem for me is going to be waiting for the stuff to dehydrate! I hope raw eating helps me develop some patience :)

WELL... nooooo http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/2006SmileyThinking.gif actually.... like most of us -- I'm sure you will find yourself sampling right out of the dehydrator...

my dh is famous for that when i'm making goddess chips... I'll open the dehydrator and an ENTIRE tray is missing except for one lone chip.... :eek:

I'll look at him ....:cool: and say - 'What you didn't think I wouldn't notice they were gone?? LOL!!'....

[DavidZaneMason]

There is always the low-tech solution. Throw your food between 3 or 4 cheap paper air-filters and bungee to an inexpensive box fan. Air-dry nice and cool for 24-48 hours. Just a tip from Good Eats! (Beef Jerky recipe turned to a good cause...heh..heh..).

-David Z. Mason

[lori ann]

Hi Bampot,

I have a 5 tray dehydrator and love it. It is just for me also because my husband is still in sad land. It is more than enough size wise. It is just fun all the things you can make with it. Also, always experiment most things come out great, but there has been some that have been thrown in the trash, but I keep on trying. I hope you have Alissa's book it is a great help-also the recipes found on this website. Good luck to you and happy "uncooking" :D
Lori Ann

[ShelShel]

I personally get frustrated with the dehydrator thing. :rolleyes: I want to like what comes out of it...I want to be patient while it takes three days to cook (:p slight exaggeration...teehehhe), but I don't really.

I just put mine in the garage. Because you never know when in desperation I will be dragging it back into the kitchen and giving a new recipe a try.

This year I will be getting a Vitamix though. I want soup on a regular basis and my poor old blender just isn't cutting it. :o

I think it's all in what you like to eat, what you need.

Happy dehydrator dreaming!

[ShelShel]

Just ignore my last post! LOL I swear the minute I say something or write something...I find myself doing just the opposite. :p

The dehydrator is on and making raw onion bread even as I type. Yes, they are great..and useful to a raw foodist to help you stay on track when you get cravings. I'm so nuts!

I own a simple one from Walmart and she works great for a very small price. But if you have the money...invest in the good one! It's worth it. LOL

[MZ B]

I am heading out to finally get a dehydrator. Can't wait to make tortillas, onion bread, fruit leather, and the list can go on and on.