If you decide that a food dehydrator is something you would like to invest in, then there are a couple of things to take into consideration before you buy one. While there are only a few notable differences between dehydrators you want to make sure you are getting the right kind for your food.[article continues below]
There are two types of shelving when it comes to food dehydrators, and these are stackable trays, which, as the name suggests are basically a set of trays that stack one on top of the other. Then there are removable shelves, which are shelves that slot into a solid unit. The type that you choose is a matter of personal choice, some people find stackable trays easier to use and clean that removable shelves, while others prefer the shelves. Both work just as well as each other, so it is down to you deciding which you prefer.
The shape of the dehydrator is fairly important, and while some people may assume this is purely an aesthetic aspect, it can also affect the way you dry your food. There are square or rectangular units and round units, and each has it's own merits. The box shape units have more drying space help in them, and they are also more practical when it comes to drying long strips of things such as meat. They also fit neatly on counter tops without creating any dead space around them. Circular units generally have a hole in the centre, so you are loosing out on valuable drying space that is not actually doing anything, it is also more difficult to try and dry long strips of food in a round dehydrator.
Choosing a double walled food dehydrator gives you much better insulation, meaning very little heat is lost so it can all be used for removing the moisture from the food. It is also a good idea to have a heat resistant plastic exterior or cool touch metal, as they are easy to clean. If you have the budget then it is a great idea to get a dehydrator with timer so you don't have to keep watching the clock. There are also more advanced models that have an auto off function so when the allotted time is up, the unit switches itself off. This is ideal if you have cheap electricity overnight, as you can set your food dehydrator to run at the off peak times without having to worry.
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