Dehydrator... Good purchase?

[AllieL]

I am relatively new to raw and was wondering if people that own dehydrators felt that they have made all the difference in their raw lives. I'm interested in buying one, but am holding back due to the cost. I was wondering if people feel that are an excellent purchase for the cost. Does anyone swear by their dehydrator or do many people do without?

[PixieGreen]

I took the middle road and bought the nesco/ american harvest dehydrator from walmart.com for $40. Definately a good purchase. I know that with the equipment I have I can make nearly any raw recipe around and make sundried tomatoes, granola and other staples. [Other items in my kitchen include blender, food processor, and masticating juicer. The only appliance I wouldn't get on a tight budget is the juicer]. Actually, it has saved me more than I spent with crackers and tomatoes alone.

Christa

[rawpriestess]

I know alot of people do without, but I live with mine on all the time.

If I lived in a tropical climate where I could dehydrate outside all the time, or I didn't want warm foods, it would be different, but mine is always on, making crackrs, pancakes, muffins, cupcakes, cakes, pies, cheeses, lasagna, enchiladas, taco salalds, taquitos, burritos, pizzas, and warming soups, stews, chowders, pate's, wraps, crepes, fruit leather etc.

[Revvell]

I've got mine on now making up some "sun" dried tomatoes. I don't imbibe on "gourmet" raw much anymore so don't use it too often. I will if I've got excess fruit so it doesn't go bad yet, mostly make flaxseed crackers in it ~ OR, if I've got company and want to make something more, I'll use it. I will NOT give it up though.

Revvell

[oodlesofoilsetc]

I decided to spend spring for the Excalibur dehydrator (especially after selling my stove, that helped defray the cost). I use it all the time for fruit leathers, cookies (love Alissa's Berry Bars), dehydrating herbs and veggies, etc. I live in North Dakota and in the cold weather I like to slightly warm many of my entrees.

For us, it made the transition to 100% raw much, much easier too.

'til later,
Jillian

[annieH]

I was raw a long time ago and didnt have a dehydrator....i think becuse i didnt have it... i fell out of a raw diet. I have one now and i dont know how i ever lived so long without one. definitely get one if you can....it makes foods so pleasurable.