Dehydrator question

[Rawma]

I was wondering if anyone knows how I can find out if my dehydrator if keeping everything raw? I do not have a thermostat on it. It is one of those round, 5 tray, vented bottom and top (top vents can be closed), styles. A freind picked it up for me at a Yard Sale, unused and I am trying to figure out if I should give it back to her or keep it. I am concerned that it will cook my food. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Lisa

[rawpriestess]

YEP, go to the kitchen store, and buy a little thermometer, place it in the dehydrator, then you know exactly what temperature you are dehydrating at.

[Rawma]

Thanks Raw Priestess, I did this with a digital thermometer and I could only lay it on the top. It wouldn't fit in the bottom 4 trays. Is this still o.k. or will it be too hoot on the bottom?
Thanks,
Lisa

[rawpriestess]

Humm, well, I know my Excalibur dehydrator is not near as hot on the top of the unit, as it is inside.

So, what did the temp say? if it was under 100 I'd say, go for it,

I think someone once said, dehydrate a couple of nuts, in your dehydrator, then try sprouting them, if they sprout, then the temp is not too hot, sounds logical. Good luck

[Rawma]

Thanks for your reply Rawpriestess. On the top tray it didn't go above 101. Can I use regular almonds to test? I appreciate your being so helpful!
Lisa