What to Look for When Buying a Food Dehydrator
Food dehydrators provide a convenient way to dry food. Whether you're making dried fruit, jerky or preparing your own dried herbs, a dehydrator will prove to be a valuable addition to your kitchen arsenal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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Food dehydrators either heat the food horizontally or vertically. Those which work vertically also provide the option of a fan on the bottom or on the top.
Function
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Food is heated most evenly with vertical dehydrators which have a fan on the bottom. However, the vertical arrangement can cause a mingling of flavors between various trays. Additionally, a bottom-mounted fan can sometimes be more difficult to clean than a fan on top.
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Size
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The arrangement of the trays in a food dehydrator is an important consideration. Stackable trays are good if you prepare food in the same quantity each time. For more flexibility, removable sliding trays are best.
Safety
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For safety, the National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends avoiding any dehydrators constructed of wood. Look for enclosed heating elements, a dial to set the temperature and the UL Seal of Approval.
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