Leaving dehydrator on while not at home

[ShantiDass]

Do you guys do that, or not? It makes me nervous and I'm not sure what to do. I've been using it while I sleep and that makes me nervous and I wake up several times during the night because the food smell is so strong. But, I'm paranoid about leaving things on when not home. I'm the kind that would bring her crockpot to work to cook.

[Revvell]

If you didn't leave it on, you food would be moldy by the time it's dry... or before it dries. "It's" not making you nervous, you are making yourself nervous.

But then, I can only speak from experience with the Excalibur. My suggestion, check the book that comes with YOUR "D" and see what it says or, contact the manufacturer.

[ShantiDass]

I have an Excalibur but am not sure where the booklet is since it's a few years old.

And, yes, I'm making myself nervous because I don't know if they are safe to be left on or not, which is why I asked. I'm nervous because I'm on a crisis team and have been at many house fires (none due to a dehydrator) caused by candles, dryers, electrical issues, etc. I've seen the devastation and having to tell a mother that her children didn't survive is no fun. None of those people thought what they were doing would cause a fire and I don't want to join them.

[ReneeH]

I've used my Dehydrator since 2007. I've left it on for even up to several days. I have an Excalibur at home and a professional Cabela at work. I leave them both running constantly and have had absolutely no problem. I understand your worry...esp with what you've experienced. But, if you do not have an electrical problem already, I don't think you should worry about your dehydrator.

If you really feel strongly about it, just don't use it. Many, many raw Foodists don't even own one at all. Eating dehydrated food is not essential to being successful at eating raw. There are MANY benefits, but it's not something you HAVE to have....unless you're "ME"!!!! LOL!!!!!! Hehehe!!!! (Peep my threads and you'll see what I mean!!!!)

[CaiHong]

Can you get a power board with a cut off switch? Put a smoke detector above the dehydrator to give you peace of mind.
I will be opening a restaurant soon, all wood and bamboo. Your post reminded me that I should follow my own advice. I have bought a lot of flameless candles.

CaiHong

[ShantiDass]

ReneeH - thank you for your nice reply. Excalibur says it's fine to do. Talked to one of the firefighters I work with and he said H-E-double toothpicks NO! He's not against the dehydrator, just having something that's running and no one being there. I'm fine with using it when I'm home and awake and doing better with it while sleeping but being gone makes me nervous. I'm not worried about me so much, as I am my animals. I have a zillion and there'd be no way to get them all out in time. There are several recipes that I've found that need dehydrating for 12+ hours and I'm just never home that long. You understand that, right?? We run around crazy like this dude. ----> :excited: I know I don't have to use one but it helps me make food that is more liked cooked, which helps me so I don't go eat cooked food. It's good to hear that you leave yours on and have not had a problem. I did read an Amazon review about another model of dehydrator that caused a fire but at least it isn't an Excalibur!

CaiHong - that you, also, for your kind reply. I do have smoke detectors all over and fire extinguishers. I am prepared! But those won't help if I'm not home. What is a power board with a cut off switch? I'll have to look that up. Good idea on the flameless candles. I used to burn a lot of candles nightly. So much so, that I didn't use a heater when cold. I no longer have candles in my apt. I've seen way too many people die due to candles. And I had a candle holder burst into flames on a wood stand. No more for me but I love how they look. Good luck on your restaurant opening. I would love to open a vegan restaurant someday but we have a zillion of them already in Los Angeles. But we could use a few more raw restaurants...