Dehydrator

[Gomez]

Which dehydrator for home use does everyone (or anyone) recommend? I’m not talking about a real heavy use item, probably a few times a year but maybe more if find a jerky recipe I really like.
TIA, Greg

[Austin]

Gomez
For the dehydrators from Walton’s, my favorite has been the 6 Tray Digital Dehydrator.
https://www.waltonsinc.com/equipment/dehydrators

At $79.99 I think the value you get from this one is the best for very occasional use. It is also a little easier on the eyes when sitting on a kitchen counter than other models. The way it is set up too with the trays also providing the exterior housing, it’s the most compact unit and the base is very compact when the trays are removed.

If you get past just very occasional use, then we also have 3 other new dehydrators, which I am really liking! There’s a 10 Tray Digital Dehydrator, plus a 12 Tray 80 Liter Dehydrator, and a 24 Tray 160 Liter Dehydrator. I’ve been playing around with these for the last couple weeks, and they are pretty awesome. If you, or anyone else is looking for a little nicer dehydrator to use somewhat more frequently, then they are some really great options.

[Gomez]

Thanks Austin!
I watched the video and have a question; why do you not dip the fruit in lemon juice or something similar to help prevent browning? I realize it’s more aesthetics than taste, but still surprised me.
Thanks,
Greg

[Austin]

Gomez

I just don’t seem to have a problem with much browning when I’m dehydrating apples. The apples might discolor a bit, but more yellow than brown, and I’m fine with that.
I do have some browning on bananas, but it’s nothing that bothers be too much, so I just cut out any extra steps, like dipping in lemon juice, just to save a little extra time.

I should probably do a half batch of each with and without lemon juice to see exactly how much of a difference there would be though.

[Gomez]

Hey Austin,
I did some bananas last night and did dip them in lemon juice. They still had a fair amount of browning but I didn’t do any without for comparison. I will say the lemon juice added a tartness that I think went well with the sweetness of the banana although my wife didn’t care for it.
I also took the opportunity to point out we needed a bigger dehydrator with a timer

[Austin]

Gomez

I also took the opportunity to point out we needed a bigger dehydrator with a timer

Haha! That’s awesome!
Keep dropping those hints.