Can I use a regular oven instead of dehydrator?

[Izz]

Hello Everyone,
I am interested in experimenting with raw foods; just got the DVDs and the book. But I don't own a dehydrator and it is not in the budget at the moment to get one. For example, I'd like to try the Noasted Turkey on page 394. Could I just put it for 4 hours or so in the oven at 110 degrees? Well, I have to convert to Celcius and check if I my oven can be set that low. But technically, if my oven can do that, it should work and still be considered raw, right?
Thank you very much for your answers,
Izz

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Izz,

If your stove can go down to 110, then you could do it. Most stoves don't go down that far; mine goes down to 170.

But I have read that you can put a high wattage lightbulb in your oven and it will heat up enough. If you have a thermometer to check it, you could try that. Another way I heard was to put your stove on the lowest temp and leave the oven door open a crack. Again, I would put in a thermometer and make sure it doesn't get too hot in there.

Or, depending on where you live, you could set it out in the sun and dehydrate your food that way. Another suggestion someone had was to put it in the car window if it's too cold outside.

I don't know where you are, but I have seen some pretty inexpensive dehydrators for about $40.00, new.

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[Izz]

Thank you Helen,
I checked and my oven starts at 100 Celcius :( Good idea though to leave the door cracked a little. I'll try that, just need to get a thermometer. I just remembered my long forgotten crock pot! It might work too with the lid not totally closed. I'll experiment with both.
I am in Australia, and the cheapest dehydrator I've seen was AUD$199.00 (~US$150) and the 9 tray excalibur is AUD$439.00 (~US$330). Hefty prices here. :)
Thanks again,
Izz

[English Tracy]

Dear Izz,

See other responses to this question that I asked as well in the recipe section. I'm in England and dehydrators are also expensive.

Tracy