How to Use a Dehydrator

There are horizontal flow and vertical flow dehydrators, as well as stackable food dehydrators. They come in various sizes and the difference between the two are their drying processes.

• Vertical flow food dehydrators are compact, budget-friendly and ideal for drying fruits and vegetables. They have stackable racks and a heating element at the top or bottom of the unit. There is also a fan located at the bottom, but you may have to rotate the trays for best results.
• Horizontal flow food dehydrators work very much like your oven does. They have a heating element in the back and a fan that blows warm air across the trays. Unlike a vertical flow unit, they maintain their temperature and dry food evenly. They are especially good for jerkey and other tough foods but can require a higher upfront investment.

Drying preserves foods so they last longer. Here are some relatively easy options to try:

• Tropical fruits such as melons and mangoes
• Citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges
• Apples, pears and bananas
• Potatoes, beets, carrots and turnips
• Kale and other greens
• Tomatoes and mushrooms
• Beef jerky and other meat jerkies

Tip: Use your dehydrator in a warm, low-humidity area for best results.

Check out these tips to get the best results from your dehydrator:

• Slice your food so the pieces are the same size and thickness.
• Clean vegetables with an anti-bacterial vegetable cleaner.
• Air flow is crucial for proper food dehydration. Don't overcrowd your trays.
• Dry foods until hard or crunchy. Follow your dehydrator’s manual for specific temperature and timing settings.

Tip: Use lemon juice in apples, pears and bananas to keep them from browning.

• Cool dried foods to room temperature before storing.
• Preheat your dehydrator by turning it on before adding your fruits, vegetables or meats.
• Properly dried foods can last decades in an airtight container and environment.
• Store dried foods away from moisture, heat and light.

Depending on how you plan to use your dehydrator, here are a few key facts to consider before you buy.

• Dehydrators with fans in the back of the unit tend to dry food more evenly than those that don’t.
• An adjustable thermostat allows food to dry at the right temperature for optimum results.
• Drying food takes time and you should never rush it. A dehydrator with an automatic shut-off feature makes an overnight or longer drying process a breeze.
• What size unit you choose depends on what you’re planning on drying. Go for the smallest unit that will handle your needs.