Power useage of dehydrator

[Salsify]

I am about to decide between the 5-tray or 9-tray excalibur. It is just me being raw at home, but I was thinking about summer time when I can get tons of fruit to dry, maybe I would regret having the 5 tray. They also have a different wattage. I think the 5-tray operates with 400 watts, compared to 600 watts on the 9-tray. Did anybody notice a difference in the power bill from running the dehydrator for hours and hours? :confused:

[Raspberry4]

I purchased the 5 tray years ago. I only got the 5 tray due to me being the only 'raw' person in the house and of course, the cost. I could not afford the 9 tray. If you can afford the 9 tray and you know you will be using it alot then go for it. I use the 5 tray to dry my soaked almonds. I also made some fruit leather. I have not dried fruit or veges yet as I prefer to eat them in their natural state only. But it sounds like a good idea that you have. Good luck on your choice. BTW - I really like the excalibur as it has a temperature control right on top.

[Salsify]

A few days ago I would have agreed that the original fresh fruit is always best. But I had some store bought dehydrated figs and put about 5 in the fridge with a cup of fresh water. I forgot about them and when I re-discovered them after 2 days, they were all plummed up like the real thing. And the best part was the juice. Like wine without the alcohol. I guess I'm gonna put some more in water, just for the juice. DE LI CI OUS!!!

[Revvell]

I've not really checked my bill for that. Didn't actually consider it yet, consider this ~ the cost of real food which you dehydrate yourself and the cost of dried fruit you'd pay for at the store. Is your time cutting, pureeing, placing on the sheets worth it? Is knowing EXACTLY what's going into your body and at what temp ~ worth it?

IF you get the 9-tray, you can do sooooo much more at one time. What I do is, plan my time so I fill all the trays. It all gets done at once ~ cookies, dried fruit/veggies, fruit leathers, etc., therefore less energy use.

Also, with the 5-tray, IF you are making something bigger ~ such as a loaf of some kind, you'll be removing 1-2 trays which leaves you 1-2 left. Not much room for other stuff.

R.

[swiddweas]

9-tray, here. Love it. I figured that if I'm gonna get a dehydator, I might as well get the biggest one in case I happen across a huge bushel of fruit really good priced, or if my family gets bigger, or if I want to dehydrate mulitple things at once, ect.

I reasoned it this way: The larger Excalibur can dry as little as I want it to, or can dry an entire box full, whatever I have at the time. The smaller one, you cannot add to it if you wanted to. It has a limited number of trays and that's it. If you wanted to dry more, you couldn't. The largest one is more practicle, IMO.

Pattye

[Lady Green Jeans]

I have the Excaliber 4 tray--cost and the fact it was just me were my main considerations at the time of purchase. I agree with all the posts. I don't use my dehydrator extensively yet, but see so many more options/potential; therefore personally, if I could go back--I would have bought the 9 tray.

Kathy

[rawpriestess]

I have two 9 trays in my kitchen that I use all the time, especially in the fall with fruits and veggies, there didn't seem to be any difference in electric usage, when I used one or two.

I love mine.

I always go for the biggest and the best. and I'm never dissapointed.

I know lots of people who have purchased the smaller ones, and they are always saying, that they want the bigger one.

Go for the gusto, buy the big one, and live a little, YOU DESERVE IT.

Blessings,
Rawpriestess

[exurb]

Salsify, I would just get the nine tray.

[jazzycd]

I just got my 9 tray excalibur today and the books says it cost between 1 to 3 cents per hour to run.

[hotgugon]

i got a Excalibur 9 tray too!!!...i'm picking it up Monday....i'm so EXCITED!!...sry...just had to let that blurb out...but go for the 9 :D