Clean trays in warm, soapy water. Wipe lid/frames with a damp, soft sponge with a mild detergent. Do not use steel wool, scouring pads or abrasive cleaners. Do not place any parts in a dishwasher. Always follow the dehydrator manual instructions.
CIRCULAR OR ROUND DEHYDRATORS
Most commonly found in stores, circular (round) dehydrators feature around 5 trays plus a solid base and top. You can make smaller batches using the number of trays required, although it is best using the 5 trays each time as it uses the same amount of power drying 3, 4 or 5 trays. Most companies also sell extra trays. The heater and fan are fitted into the lid or the base, which means that whilst food is drying, trays must be rotated because the top and/or bottom trays dry faster than the others. The wet air is circulated upwards and out of the dehydrator at a slower rate in circular dehydrators when compared to square dehydrators.
EZI-DRI SNACKMASTER 5 trays included
1 solid sheet included
1 mesh sheet included
3 heat settings
Vertical drying (motor in the base)
Plastic
2 year warranty
RRP AU$209
www.ezidriaustralia.com.au
FOWLER’S VACOLA ULTIMATE DEHYDRATOR 4 trays included
1 leather sheet tray included
Vertical drying
Plastic
1 year warranty
RRP AU$250
www.fowlersvacola.com.au
SUNBEAM DT5600 FOOD DEHYDRATOR 5 plastic trays included
1 fruit roll tray insert included
3 heat settings (35°C, 55°C and 75°C)
Vertical drying (motor in the lid)
Solid white plastic
1 year warranty
RRP AU$129
www.sunbeam.com.au
SQUARE OR RECTANGULAR DEHYDRATORS
Square dehydrators are becoming more popular as people dehydrate more food for their family. Square/rectangle dehydrators usually have their fan (motor) at the back of the unit, with air flowing in a horizontal direction. This air flow is more efficient at drying food evenly, meaning trays do not need to be monitored or rotated. Being a fixed size, you cannot add extra trays like the round-style dehydrators but you can remove trays to make yoghurt, rise bread or ferment food.
BIOCHEF ARIZONA 6 TRAY FOOD DEHYDRATOR 6 stainless steel trays included
1 mesh sheet included
1 non-stick tray included
Adjustable heat settings (35°C-70°C)
Horizontal drying (motor in back)
Black or white plastic frame, clear plastic door
2 year warranty
RRP AU$199
www.biochef.com.au
EXCALIBUR 5 trays included
Adjustable heat settings (41°C-74°C)
Horizontal drying (motor in back)
Plastic frame and door
26 hour timer
5 year warranty
RRP AU$379
www.excaliburdehydratorsaustralia.com
OPTIMUM P200 FOOD DEHYDRATOR 6 plastic trays included
2 mesh sheets included
2 non-stick sheets included
Adjustable heat settings
Horizontal drying (motor in back)
Plastic frame and door
40 hour timer
3 year warranty
RRP AU$299
COMMERCIAL DEHYDRATORS Factories have large insulated ovens that operate at a low temperature, with several heater elements and fans, to dry food within hours. Carts of large dehydrator trays laden with fresh food are wheeled into the insulated oven. Commercial electric dehydrators - around the size of a refrigerator – are also available from many of the companies listed above. Commercial dehydrators increase production, are cost effective for businesses and are energy efficient whilst adhering to strict food health and safety standards. www.excaliburdehydratorsaustralia.com