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Food Dehydrators
Making
dried fruit and fruit leathers isn’t hard and it doesn’t have to be
expensive either. While some food processors and juicers can get really
pricey, a dehydrator isn’t going to cost that much and it’s a lifesaver
to have fruit leathers, dried fruit or fruit jerky on hand when you
can’t get out to the store for fresh food.
When buying a
dehydrator, some things to consider are the materials and construction
used to manufacture the product, the size, heating elements, fans and
guarantees. Make sure you have room for the dehydrator in the space you
have planned for it. Choose one that’s multi-purpose, with
multiple trays and special trays for fruits and herbs. A side-mounted
or horizontal fan is best when choosing a food dehydrator.
Here are some food dehydrators to consider. But do a little research to
find just the right one for you!
Nesco American Harvest – A very inexpensive food dehydrator with five
trays that don’t have to be rotated. Price is $40-$55.
Excalibur
Dehydrator – Has over 12 square feet of drying space. Comes with 9 free
sheets and has a horizontal fan for maximum drying efficiency. Fast
drying times, no tray rotation needed and fast cleanup. Price
approximately $200-$220.
L’Equip Dehydrators – Comes with
special mesh for drying sheets, plus special sheets for making fruit
leathers and fruit roll-ups. Has a compact design and good, uniform
drying. Price is around $150.
TSM Commerical Dehydrator – When
you’re really serious about drying foods! Comes with 12 racks, 1600
watts of power, dual 6” fans for strong air flow. Can dry 15-18 pounds
of jerky. Priced at $650 and up.
And don’t forget a food slicer
for all that fruit drying! The Chef's Choice 645 food slicer has a
powerful 130 watt geared condenser motor for smooth, quiet, fast
operation. A large 7" nonstick stainless steel slicer blade cuts fruit
& vegetables. Micrometer control dial selects slices from
deli-thin
to 9/16" thick...
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