best CHEAP dehydrator?

[mellow_muse]

I'm thinking about buying a cheap dehydrator off of eBay. I cannot invest in a quality one like an Excalibur right now, especially since I'm moving back to the States in about a year, and dont wanna pay to ship it, then convert electricity, etc.
I've found the following cheap ones: Ronco, Nesco/American Harvest, Sweda, and one made by Mr Coffee. I almost bid on a really inexpensive Ronco, but then I read a couple old posts on here claiming that they are p.o.s.'s. Are they really that bad?? I know Excaliburs are superior, but can I get by on of these for about a year?
Is there anything I can't make in one of them?
Is one of these brands better than the others?
Any advice will be appreciated!

[DawnW]

When I researched before (and couldn't afford an Excalibur then nor did I want to spend the $$ because I really wasn't committed to doing all raw back then), I found one that many said would be a far down 2nd choice. It is the American Heritage Snackmaster.

I think some folks on here have had one of these as well and can better attest to how well they work.

Dawn

[ab_raw]

About 20 years ago my Mom gave me this for Christmas and it has been in the box ever since, that is until I started going raw a couple months ago.
It works great. You just need to adjust times. I've made Alissa's veggie crackers a few times and they are great. I wish it was square, but its not, its round, but hey, its about $50 I think. I think I might make a raw pizza next, it will look like a donut, but that's ok!
Anita

[Rawmommie]

I got my american harvest for $30-40? at walmart three years ago. It works well (make SURE you get a dehydrator with a temp control!!!!) but my biggest complaint is that it is round and sometimes when a recipe calls for putting something in like a pizza crust or a BOWL of something...I have to work around it. Also, invest in some parchment paper & scissors b/c there is only one plastic tray for really WET stuff and you have to cut the parchment to fit the trays. It's not that big of a deal and well worth it if you consider what you are saving!

[shashibala]

I bought an Excalibur 4 tray on ebay for about 70.00 bucks including shipping.
It is much smaller than the popular 9 tray. It has only 4 trays and they are a bit smaller than in the 9 tray. It has worked fine for me. I just do one thing at a time. Like one batch of flax crackers. I have to adjust amounts sometimes to make sure it all fits. I use parchment paper instead of the plastic sheets you can buy. I'm very happy with it. I have only my daughter and I in my household and I dehydrate about once a week. Good Luck!!

[juliebove]

The problem with the Ronco is it doesn't have a temperature gauge on it and I think it gets too hot.

I have a Nesco and I like it. I did buy a lot of extra mesh sheets and fruit leather sheets for it though.