25 Dehydrator stories (Read 47456 times)
Paddlin_Mark
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #60 - Apr 9th, 2006 at 4:51am
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Just keep at it BT! you will get it...

A single even layer seems to work good for me.

M
  
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TwistTieCollector
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #61 - Apr 9th, 2006 at 3:47pm
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Folks, don't take my mention of 170F as a fact...I got it off the top of my head, which doesn't have much else up there.

To answer a question, I did cook it thoroughly before drying.

I believe it was the single setting on my dehydrator being too low for this particular food.

I don't do jerky (I buy) so I have no idea whether my dehydrator can adequately do jerky.

My only point was to caution those who have a fixed-temperature dehydrator with respect to my experiences.

If it works for you, fine.

To replace the home-dried burger I bought a #10 can of f/d ground beef.  I then packaged it in 1# and 1.5# units and vacuum-sealed them.  It was pricey but it's worth the money not to barf.
  
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BrownTrout01
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #62 - Apr 9th, 2006 at 4:09pm
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TTC

It is always good to hear different opinions and alternate methods. I for one appreciate the input!
  
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Paddlin_Mark
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #63 - Apr 9th, 2006 at 4:32pm
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TTC

I hear you about the what ever it takes not to barf... I was in the hospital for 3 days running a fever for 101-106. They pumped 36 bags of fluid in me in that time, the first two by opeing the valve wide open and squeezing the bags into my arm. What from? Water borne something or other.. I wound up with an acute case of viral Pharyngitis. I drank from a river in C.O. Through the dehydration and fever, the doctor said I was on my death bed. I had gone in a few days before and they had mis-diagnosed me with pnuemonia. Never again will I drink un filtered water. So I hear ya when you say it is worth it to you to avoid the problem...

My dehydrator has a variable heat setting with the highest being 155 degrees. That may be the biggest difference...

I too like to hear other opinions, thanks.

M
  
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lotalota
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #64 - Apr 10th, 2006 at 1:30am
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I'm a little late to this discussion, but the comments so far have been very interesting.  I have many, many years of experience in dehydrating ducks and geese into jerky and I strongly recommend the (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links).  I burned through two of those white plastic ones (bottom heat, round trays) before I wised up and bought the Excalibur.  With the old ones the drippings would fall down into the heating element/fan and burn it out.

The one I use has the fan and heating element at the back, which evens out the heat.  It is also much easier to clean when done.  The maximum temperature setting on it is 145 F, which is where I keep it when drying marinated bird meat.

  
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Paddlin_Mark
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #65 - Apr 10th, 2006 at 1:42am
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Bottom motors suck! I burned through one of thoe too.

M
  
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lotalota
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #66 - Apr 10th, 2006 at 3:22pm
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Quote:
Bottom motors suck! I burned through one of thoe too.

M



What kind of dehydrator do you use, if I might ask?
  
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Paddlin_Mark
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #67 - Apr 10th, 2006 at 4:04pm
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I use the round one you hate so much... It is a Nesco American Harvest Snack Master. Top Motor... I have had it for about 5 years and I love it. I have had no problems with it what so ever!

I had a Nesco bottom motor that I burned out within weeks... I called Nesco and they replaced it with a top motor that I have had every since.

Mark
  
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lotalota
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #68 - Apr 10th, 2006 at 4:20pm
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Thanks!

Do you notice any heat stratification with the one you use?  In other words, do the items on the top or bottom finish first? (assuming everything is of the same thickness and material)
  
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Paddlin_Mark
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Re: Dehydrator stories
Reply #69 - Apr 10th, 2006 at 4:51pm
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Yes things on the top finish first, unless you follow the directions and keep rotating them...

I  move trays about one an hour. Top to the bottom... Keep rotating.. The last few trays take a little longer than the rest.

M
« Last Edit: Apr 10th, 2006 at 5:52pm by Paddlin_Mark »  
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