May 10 at 1:23am
Ok folks. Need help.
I am thinking about buying a dehydrator. Budget Is About $70 max. Are there any brands of smaller basic dehydrators that are simple to use and reliable? It's just me and my Momma now, so I don't need a huge 9 tray, all poweful, top of the line machine. Just really dependable would be great.
What your top 3 budget choices for dehydrators? And where can you find them?
Comments
Nancy Hill Many, many years ago I purchased a Nesco from Walmart for IDK about 50.00. Just for jerky. As time passed, I purchased additiional trays and the jelly roll trays to make it a nine tray dehydrator. It cost the same to operate a five tray verses a nine tray, but with the additional trays, I can cut my time in half. Fair? Than fast forward to the different mindset of not only jerky, but the whole world of possibilities. I started looking at the top of the line, IMHO, Excaliber. But I could not justify the expense. Would I really use it that much? Did I want to spend that kind of money on a dehydrator when I already had one that worked. Husband made the decision, buy it, you will like it. I bought the nine tray, top of the line Excaliber and I LOVE IT! I just did a google of excaliber and found a five tray for about 79.00. Pretty close to your budget. You can not expand this later on down the road as you can with a Nesco, but it is a much better dehydrator. Why? Dehydrators have a fan in them that blows the warm air across the food to dry it. Most dehydrators have the fan on the top blowing down or the bottom blowing up. Therefore the foods at the opposite end of the fan do not dry as quickly. This requires you to move the food trays around in order to complete the drying process. Extra Work! the excaliber blows from the rear so all food is effected pretty much equal. There is a fantastic Facebook site about dehydrating.And it will open your eyes to the possibilities which are many. If you would like to join, send me a PM and I will add you. It is a private group. But a great group of very knowledgeable people and an extensive recipe file. Like · Reply · 4 · May 10 at 7:06am · Edited Hide 11 Replies
Chele Marx Where did you see one for $80?? Like · Reply · May 10 at 9:08am
Nancy Hill I googled and one popped up. Dont remember where. Will look again when I get back on computer. When I bought mine I shopped on line. Looked quite a bit and found a nine tray for $170. That was a steal. Like · Reply · 1 · May 10 at 9:16am
Chele Marx That was a steal! But out of my budget. I might be able to swing 80 and s&h......maybe. lol Like · Reply · May 10 at 9:18am
Nancy Hill Will look later today. Like · Reply · May 10 at 9:19am
Chele Marx 
<3 Like · Reply · 1 · May 10 at 9:21am
Nancy Hill Chele Marx https://www.walmart.com/.../Excalibur-4-Tray.../29461622..
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Excalibur 4-Tray Dehydrator, Black - Walmart.comFree Shipping. Buy Excalibur 4-Tray… WALMART.COM Like · Reply · Remove Preview · May 10 at 11:12am
Nancy Hill This is the one. I thought it was a five. It is a four tray. I would google and go through all sites. That is how I found mine. I think I got from Sears and they were running internet special pricing for limited time. Like · Reply · May 10 at 11:17am
Chele Marx Thank you! That's incredibly helpful! Like · Reply · 1 · May 10 at 11:34am
Nancy Hill Chele Marx Keep us posted Like · Reply · 1 · May 10 at 11:44am
Steven Crider Alright Ernie! I know it was a tough decision to release the funds to Nancy to purchase stuff! She is just like me! Monica keeps me in check on the purchasing items! Her main statement is do we really need this and do we need it now! Like · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs
Nancy Hill Ernie talked me into it. Lol Like · Reply · 1 · 3 hrs
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Dale Fisher Ditto on the Excalibur! You want something reliable. Like · Reply · 1 · May 10 at 7:10am
Kristine Day Menendez Stay away from Ronco. I had a ronco and it kinda melted. Luckily I caught it in time before it started a fire. I have a Nesco. Like · Reply · 2 · May 10 at 7:30am