what model dehydrator?

[yoga cat]

i've been juicing and making smoothies for a few months now, ready to take the next step. it seems a dehydrator will really make it much easier to do high raw. so what model is best?

thank you!

[Aleesha Sattva]

excalibur - 9 tray.

[yoga cat]

does it matter which model? there seems to be different models on amazon. do you have a spiral slicer you like best also? ty!

[DebB]

Here's another vote for the Excalibur 9 tray. Mine has a timer and for me, I wouldn't want to be without the timer, I use it every time. I'm not sure of the model # though off hand...

Another recommendation would be to get 9 Paraflex sheets if you can $wing that. I didn't get 9, and there were times I regretted it. I have 9 now.

Here's the spiral slicer (http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K7702.desc.Fuller-Kitchen-Solutions-Manual-Vegetable-Curler-Slicer.cm_scid.zone)that a lot of folks have, it's really nice and I've even given it as gifts. I've never seen it cheaper anywhere else. I've had mine for years, since my low carbing day.
You can even click on the VIDEO tab and watch an on air demo of the slicer.

I could talk kitchen gadgets all day long ~ let me know if there's anything else you're wanting to get and I'd be glad to help if I can! *Ü*

[rawfoodrecipes]

Excalibur really makes the best dehydrators. The 9 tray is awesome if you are really planning on making large batches of food at once, but the 5 tray (model 2500) is sufficient for an individual or small family for sure. You can purchase them here with free shipping and free non stick sheets:

http://www.rawguru.com/store/raw-food/excalibur2500.html

[levamssg]

The excalibur dehydrator. Get the 9-tray. Many times you will want to stick something in there that requires you remove a tray for space. If you only have a 5-tray, you quickly run out of space. Doesn't matter if it has a timer or not.

For noodles - a spirooli. (or spiruli). Makes spaghetti type noodles, thick curly type ones and slices. Sturdy and works well.

[drolemil]

I have an excalibur 5 tray and think it's perfect. :throwhearts:

I only dehydrate everyone once and a while, and I have no desire for a 9 tray as of yet.

[Lady Green Jeans]

I had an Excalibur 4 tray for years and finally upgraded two years ago to the 9 tray with a timer. If you can fit it in your budget--go the biggest and best from the start. I got the teflex sheets, too.

[SethHall]

Instead of an Excalibur you could get a Prago. They have 4, 9 and 10 tray models I believe and the price is very much different. It has the same square, stacked airflow and has the temperature control as well.

[levamssg]

I believe my neighbor has a Prago dehydrator (or one that looks extremely similar to it) --- it works well and looks great on her countertop. The only negative she has found with it is when she removes a tray or two to fit something larger in, there is no way to cover the front to contain the airflow. The trays themselves have a molded lip piece that fits together to form the front cover ... so she ends up propping a cookie sheet on the front to create a 'cover'. Other than that - it seems to work fine. She turns out some great crackers and flatbreads for sure!

I have a 9-tray excalibur and haven't tried any other kind, so can't give you any comparisons.

[raweater]

Another vote for the Excalibur 9 tray with timer.

I highly recommend getting the one with timer, some recipes you don't want to over dehydrate until crispy (for example you may want moist "meat" balls or soft pancakes), without the timer you need to figure out what time to start it to make sure it's ready when you're home and not sleeping. With the timer just set the time and forget it (though don't leave moist food in too long after it's off as it will go bad).