Food Dehydrator

[shooshoo]

Hello All,

I am new to this and I would like some tips on food dehydration.

I am looking for a really good dehydrator, the L'quip and Excaliburs seem to keep popping up. This is an item I will use alot so I would like to get a good one. I am looking at everything but I have been eyein the Excalibut 2900 and 3900.

1) Any thoughts or comments on these 2 items?
2) Is a timer needed?
3) Is there a specific site I should purchase off of?

I will be making many items in here and if I would like to make kale chips or macaroons would the height of each tray be an issue? I have little experience in this.

Thanks!

[DebB]

Hi ~ I can't comment on the L'Equip - but I can on the Excalibur. I have the 9 tray with timer. I wouldn't want to be without the timer. For my use, I wish I had ordered 9 Paraflexx sheets instead of 7. There are times when I need 9.

I make kale chips and when I do - I remove every other tray because they're ruffly and do not lay flat. That's one thing I love about the Exc. - you can remove trays with no problem. If you have a heavy casserole type dish - you can sit it on the very bottom of the unit and remove a couple trays above it.

I ordered directly from Excalibur's site, direct from the mfgr. I've been *very* happy with my Excalibur and have never regretted purchasing it! I hope this helps you out. *Ü*

[somelikeitraw]

When I asked these types of questions the Excalibur was definitely the answer hands down. The timer question - it was put to me that I could always buy a device to plug the dehydrator into if I wanted it to turn off so many hours later. Then it was mentioned by someone else that they wouldn't want their dehydrator turning off while they weren't home in case the food wasn't done, as then it would be open to spoiling.

So, I bought an Excalibur 9 tray without the timer and I haven't missed having it. I do wish I had purchased more Paraflexx sheets though. I only have two and that simply isn't anywhere near enough. 5 or more would be better.

Since I am the only raw foodie in the house, I wonder if I could've gotten by with a 5 tray. I hear that they are less noisy and suck less juice from the wall, but I haven't really researched that. I guess I am hopeful that the fam will hop on the raw wave with me someday and the 9 tray will be just right. I guess if I were going to raw potlucks or doing raw entertaining it would be perfect.

Back to add: you can order directly from the site or Ask Revvell http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/member.php?u=982 for her affiliate number and then spread the wealth!

[shooshoo]

I ended up going with the 9 tray Excalibur with the timer. I figured $30 more and I get the one I really want. I was going to order extra sheets (mine came with 2) but the lady at Excalibur said I could always just use parchment paper.

Who knows, I will prob wish I had ordered more. :)

[DebB]

Hi shooshoo ~ Congratulations! Enjoy your dehydrator!! *Ü*

[Maintime]

I also have the 9 tray with the timer and absolutely love it!

I have 3 flex sheets and it isn't enough but we do use parchment paper and it works like a charm. Just a note of warning though, parchment paper isn't as heavy as the flex sheets. When you are checking for doneness the fan may blow your parchment paper (along with your goodies) out of the front. Just be careful. :)

[Evie]

Excalibur is the only way to go!!!

[Healthylinda]

I have a 5 try Excaliber with the timer..... I use it every day and sometimes wish I had bought the nine tray, but this is far superior to what I have used in the past. I do have the timer, which I really like.:)