the purpose of a dehydrator?

[1-icurn]

I havent been able to purchase a dehydrator yet. A lot of recipes call for this piece of equipment. Question: Is it's purpose simply to dry out food? Can I substitue with my standard oven and just not set temp greater then 105 or whatever the magic number is. Also, what is the magic number for everyone?


Thank you,
Debbie

[Ariannah]

Ovens are not as energy efficient for the number of hours required to dehydrate things. Also, I've yet to actually see an oven that sets as low as 105 deg. My own oven is "modern" and sets at 170 deg. at the lowest.

For me, I got my dehydrator so I could "cook" certain foods at the right temperature and make it acrylamide-free, mostly for the family.

I, personally, prefer fresh in my hands and eaten down to the core, but the dehydrator is meeting some of the transitional needs. Much of the foods I've prepared with a dehydrator has been fairly tasty.

So think about it, if that's how you want to go about it.

[SamuelWilson]

FYI, Wal-Mart sells a dehydrator for just $39.

[karotw]

I have that $39 dehydrator from Wal-Mart (American Harvest) and have been very happy with it. I don't do tons of dehydrating but every couple of weeks or so I do a some crackers and dried fruit and it has been great!

[exurb]

Can I substitue with my standard oven and just not set temp greater then 105 or whatever the magic number is. Also, what is the magic number for everyone?

If your oven has convection and the thermostat is reliable, I understand yes you can, if no convection, you won't get as good a result, the time will also be longer.

Personally I am happy with 105 as the number. I think as you get above that you lose more enzymes.

[exurb]

oh yeah, forgot to say, I have the el-cheapo American Harvest too, and I'm really happy with it for now. I bought mine second hand.

[1-icurn]

I never actualy tried to set the oven to 105 and it'strue.Automaticallydefaultsto170.I saw a dehydrator
on ebay called Ronco food dehydrator.
Anyone famialar with it?

[jesdenm]

What about this dehydrator? Any comments?

Ron Popeil 5-Tray Food Dehydrator by Ronco @ Walmart online for 39

[exurb]

some ovens have a feature or button called "proof". It is for "proofing" or rising yeast breads. The temperature of that is about 100 degrees F, so if you happen to have that, it gives a lower temp.

[1-icurn]

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