Dehydration 101 Questions

[Sunshine9]

Hi!! I just got my excalibur dehydrator today!! There are so many yummy things I want to make, I'm very excited. I'm a little bit confused though because it came with essentially no directions. Maybe some of you experienced foodies can help me out :)

1. There are these mesh type screens inside.. where do they go? do i put them all on the top or bottom, or do they go on the individual trays?

2. Every now and again when its on its makes this really loud buzzing noise, as if something were in or touching the fan. Moving the screens didn't do much.

3. What is your favorite recipe to make in your dehydrator! (haha not urgent obviously, but there are so many things to try.. any suggestions are very welcomed :)

THAAAAANK YOOOU!!!
Love,
Sunshine

[jaurequi]

This has great information for you; lots of pages:EXCALIBUR (http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/gen1.htm)

[sweetgoddess]

yeah for you!

If you feel inspired one day, you have got to make Alissa's enchiladas and her calzone. You will not believe it is raw food! They are incredible.

Enjoy your lovely new toy. Oh, theres a yummy coconut/caramel cookie recipe on the forum somewhere that are soooooooo good! And I love making Alissa's banana flax crackers. Love them with almond butter and honey/agave, or with almond butter and crushed up strawberries on top.

Have fun! :)

[Sharon in Colorado]

I keep my dehydrator in the pantry, away from the dining and talking area of the house, as it tends to be loud and buzzy.

Make sure when you place the mesh sheets on the trays, they fit inside the frame of the tray. I didn't realize they were framed and was using them upside down for the longest time.

For quick drying time, I try to stagger the trays within the unit, unless I'm using all trays. For instance, if I'm using 3 trays, I'll separate them enough for air to circulate for faster drying.

If the item is almost but not all the way dry and I need to go to bed, I'll turn the temp down to 80-90 degrees so that way it won't get too dried out in the morning.

I only use the solid sheets if absolutely necessary, say for a wet item like a cracker. The mesh sheets always dry things faster as they allow the air to get through.

[Blissed]

So far, my favorite use is for making flax seed crackers, in many different flavor combinations [italian, cajun, herbs, lemon/onion]. The crackers help me get through many of my crunchy sensation and bread cravings. :p

[rawredbone]

Make sure when you place the mesh sheets on the trays, they fit inside the frame of the tray. I didn't realize they were framed and was using them upside down for the longest time.

That's funny Sharon in Colorado I just realize I too have been using my upside down as I scream at me computer screen at the office...OHH no I have been using my upside down too....lolol :D