Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

[Guest guest]

Try "kitchen kutter" (or "king"), "Towlecraft," "Lustrecraft," "Salad King," and such (don't worry about case). If one turns up, there are usually suggestions for similar items. You want one with the suction base (I like the ones on the single round or square base rather than those with "legs") rather than a C-clamp, and I personally like the very shiny ones; some of them have bases with kind of a "pebbly" finish that I think is icky.

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

, what search term did you use on ebay? I've just tried a quick search and came up with nothing remotely similar.

Looks good.

Fiona (in Aus, so unlikely to be bidding against anyone here)

On 31/03/2011 1:19 PM, wrote:

Oh, good--that's encouraging news! I hope you find yours--we can compare notes! This one has a guard that's held in place with a pin but I see that the demonstrators often take them off. I really like the fact that's it's not electric and hasn't a bunch of large pieces that I'd need to wash. I'm particularly looking forward to using it for onions--a chore I really don't feel like relegating to my Vita-Mix or my Norwalk (and the Cuisinart is put away, so...).

I wonder if this slices thin enough for dehydrating? I can tell you straight off that the "crinkle cut" cone will probably NEVER see any use. There's also a sixth cone that does thick slices; it's about $12+shipping.

[Guest guest]

Thanks

Found some with your guidance - but only in the US so with about $50

shipping to here!

Fiona

On 31/03/2011 2:34 PM, wrote:

Try "kitchen kutter" (or "king"), "Towlecraft,"

"Lustrecraft," "Salad King," and such (don't worry about

case). If one turns up, there are usually suggestions for

similar items. You want one with the suction base (I like

the ones on the single round or square base rather than

those with "legs") rather than a C-clamp, and I personally

like the very shiny ones; some of them have bases with

kind of a "pebbly" finish that I think is icky.

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator

option guidance

, what search term did you use on

ebay? I've just tried a quick search and came

up with nothing remotely similar.

Looks good.

Fiona (in Aus, so unlikely to be bidding against

anyone here)

On 31/03/2011 1:19 PM, wrote:

Oh, good--that's

encouraging news! I hope you find yours--we

can compare notes! This one has a guard

that's held in place with a pin but I see

that the demonstrators often take them off.

I really like the fact that's it's not

electric and hasn't a bunch of large pieces

that I'd need to wash. I'm particularly

looking forward to using it for onions--a

chore I really don't feel like relegating to

my Vita-Mix or my Norwalk (and the Cuisinart

is put away, so...).

I wonder if this slices thin enough for

dehydrating? I can tell you straight off

that the "crinkle cut" cone will probably

NEVER see any use. There's also a sixth cone

that does thick slices; it's about

$12+shipping.

[Guest guest]

A couple things before deciding where to buy, if sources other than the

manufacturer...are the warranties the same?

I recently purchased an All American 30 qt pressure canner, after looking at

several sources, including the fact that my nearest (3 Hours round trip)WalMart

was selling the 21 qt version for $312. I found that Amazon was selling the 30

qt (which I preferred)for $291 and included free shipping even here to Alaska.

So sometimes buying online can actually be cheaper than buying from a local

store or the manufacturer.

As to which dehydrator, I know for me I want the 9 tray Excalibur. It can also

be used for raising bread, making yogurt, drying flowers, other crafts. Plus,

you have the extra room should you find a " can't pass up deal " on something.

Always have the option of using less trays, but hard to add more space if you

bought the smaller one.

Vickey in Alaska

>

> to all you dehydrator pundits (or just anyone who has had any experience with

a dehydrator)...

>

> I'm about to take the plunge and buy a dehydrator. I've about settled on an

excalibur... but I'm on the fence between the 5 tray and the 9 tray. I just

can't decide if I need the 9 tray.

>

> Here are the factors...

>

> We're a small family (4 of us). I'm growing a garden for the first time in my

life (I have a black thumb, so my expectations are modest to say the least, but

I have the notion that my desire to grow organic fruits and veggies can uplift

me and turn my black thumb to at least a brown-ish color). My husband is a

backpacker, so I would like to dehydrate some of that which I grow in my garden

for his backpack meals. My kids (my 13 year old son especially) love dehydrated

fruit, so I will be doing a lot of that. Plus, I will be making a lot of beef

jerky, as my daughter has celiac disease, and it's next to impossible to find gf

jerky (and that which I have found tastes nasty). I also plan on giving a go at

making yogurt and kale chips, hence the design of the excalibur is the best

choice (from what I understand of what I have read about different options).

>

> So my quandary is the size. The 5 tray or the 9 tray? Do I actually need the

size of the 9 tray model? Also, the motor of the 9 tray has a 600 watt motor,

while the 5 tray has a 440 watt motor - will that make much of a difference for

me?

>

> While the 9 tray isn't all that much more expensive, I don't want to spend

money on a larger size if it's not really what I need just because it's bigger

(I know, I know, everything's bigger in Texas...), but then again I don't want

to get the smaller size and then later regret that I didn't get the larger one.

>

> Any wise words of advice?

>

>

> Franny

>

[Guest guest]

I also know Charlie (have been in his group for a decade now). While

I don't go on hunts for bags of veggies, if I see a bag of frozen

veggies in my freezer which is taking up space, but not getting used

in near future, I dump it on Excaliber tray (9 tray-over 30 years

old and still works) and dry it and put in jar. A entire bag of

frozen mixed veggies goes from taking up that 2 lb or so bag to

fitting in a less than a full pint canning jar. I toss them in soups

or stews that will cook several hours either on stove or in

crockpot.

I vote for the larger Excaliber. They are a great company and mine

has held up very well. I did replace my trays and mesh inserts after

about 20 years as they were cracking. No problem, they still are

making them. Not a whole lot of other products (besides VM) anymore

where you can do that. I chose larger because it was what was

available at the time (got it in railroad salvage in Reno missing

one rubber foot but otherwise totally new) but would choose the 9

tray again, because you can fill it up quite easily esp in summer.

Velda

On 3/30/2011 8:53 AM, Franny Lesniak wrote:

lol@ drying boots!

Good point about the cost (and not to mention the pita!) of

selling the 5 tray and then buying the one I really wanted in

the first place.

Oh do tell how it goes when you dehydrate the frozen veggies

- I am most curious!

Franny

On Mar 30, 2011, at 11:32 AM, FOOD FUN wrote:

 

We're a family of 3 and don't have a garden yet. But

I bought the 9 tray

because I still feel like I will need the space. It's

a small price

difference between the 2 and you don't have to use all

9 trays. If you want

to do something taller, like yogurt in tall glass

mason jars or drying boots

(haven't done, don't need in Texas, but heard someone

else do this), you

have more height to work with in the 9 tray. I figured

if I got the 5 and

wanted more, it would costly to sell the 5 for lost

less than I paid and

then buy the 9.

On another group there is a guy named Charlie that

gets the bags of frozen

vege's on sale and dumps them into the dryer, they are

ready to dry out of

the bag. I am going to do this.

Good luck,

Beverly

Texas

seeking dehydrator

option guidance

to all you dehydrator pundits (or just anyone who has

had any experience

with a dehydrator)...

I'm about to take the plunge and buy a dehydrator.

I've about settled on an

excalibur... but I'm on the fence between the 5 tray

and the 9 tray. I just

can't decide if I need the 9 tray.

Here are the factors...

We're a small family (4 of us). I'm growing a garden

for the first time in

my life (I have a black thumb, so my expectations are

modest to say the

least, but I have the notion that my desire to grow

organic fruits and

veggies can uplift me and turn my black thumb to at

least a brown-ish

color). My husband is a backpacker, so I would like to

dehydrate some of

that which I grow in my garden for his backpack meals.

My kids (my 13 year

old son especially) love dehydrated fruit, so I will

be doing a lot of that.

Plus, I will be making a lot of beef jerky, as my

daughter has celiac

disease, and it's next to impossible to find gf jerky

(and that which I have

found tastes nasty). I also plan on giving a go at

making yogurt and kale

chips, hence the design of the excalibur is the best

choice (from what I

understand of what I have read about different

options).

So my quandary is the size. The 5 tray or the 9 tray?

Do I actually need the

size of the 9 tray model? Also, the motor of the 9

tray has a 600 watt

motor, while the 5 tray has a 440 watt motor - will

that make much of a

difference for me?

While the 9 tray isn't all that much more expensive, I

don't want to spend

money on a larger size if it's not really what I need

just because it's

bigger (I know, I know, everything's bigger in

Texas...), but then again I

don't want to get the smaller size and then later

regret that I didn't get

the larger one.

Any wise words of advice?

Franny

[Guest guest]

I once gave a proper (sharp) paring knife to a friend, whose knives I

had attempted to cut strawberries with on a previous visit. Gave her the

knife for Christmas. Next think I hear, she had stitches because she cut

herself!!!! ARgh. Just can't help some people.

Velda

On 3/30/2011 4:59 PM, FOOD FUN wrote:

> I have a best friend that hates to cook. But she won't buy anything to make

> it easier. Old dull knives, warped pans, cut up cutting boards, etc. It's

> depressing. I would hate cooking if that's all I had, too. If we eat over

> at her house, I bring everything needed to prepare the meal. If I'm gonna

> help, I want to do it right.

> Beverly

>

>

> Re: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

>

>

> LOL, isn't it eye opening, Franny, when you realize you DO like to cook, and

> DO like to be in the kitchen?? My kitchen is actually my haven-tiny as it

> is, it is where I spend most of my time. Another hobby of mine is SCOUTING

> for gadgets at yard sales, thrift stores, etc. There are some things I

> simply won't buy used, gadgets being one of them, BUT-you can often find

> them still in their sealed boxes for next to nothing! Half the fun for me is

> in the hunt!! I got my first food sealer for 1 dollar-still in the box!!! I

> have since upgraded (wore that one out, lol), but it is fun to go hunting

> for this stuff. Sometimes I don't even know I WANT a gadget until I see it

> on a thrift store shelf-then I gotta have it, lol. I have no other addictive

> habits, so I am happy to indulge this one! I am the wrong person to

> recommend gadgets, as I think I go WAYYYY overboard, lol. Grab whatever

> strikes your fancy!

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wow, we have one of those, up in the top shelf of the pantry. I really

never thought about it and really should get it down. Ours is stainless

steel , not chrome like he describes.

Thanks for the reminder.

Velda

On 3/30/2011 6:33 PM, ckarnes@... wrote:

> Wow...now that takes me back. We had one of those when I was growing up. As I

recall, I used it more than my mom did...must have had those fledgling gadget

genes going on even then! lol Wonder whatever happened to it. There are a

couple of mystery boxes out in the barn, I'll have to check them out when the

weather warms up some...probably around July!!

> Let us know how you like it. I remember it had a wrap around shield that

you could snap on to protect your hand...and it was very fast and fun!!

> Carol K

>

> =====================================================

> ---- <kareningotham@...> wrote:

> Okay, back to gadgets--I won one of these on eBay at a reasonably affordable

price (different label, identical product):

. One or two companies manufacture

them and others put their labels on them.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> They're U.S.-made and are included in sets of water-free cookware (except

Neova!). They apparently require some practice (according to online complaints)

but once mastered, are very handy for the things a Vitamix doesn't do well (like

julienne and grate). I'll let y'all know.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I believe ours might be a Salad Master product.

http://www.saladmaster.com/index/Products.nws

On 3/30/2011 8:34 PM, wrote:

Try "kitchen kutter" (or "king"), "Towlecraft," "Lustrecraft,"

"Salad King," and such (don't worry about case). If one turns

up, there are usually suggestions for similar items. You want

one with the suction base (I like the ones on the single round

or square base rather than those with "legs") rather than a

C-clamp, and I personally like the very shiny ones; some of them

have bases with kind of a "pebbly" finish that I think is icky.

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator

option guidance

, what search term did you use on ebay? I've

just tried a quick search and came up with nothing

remotely similar.

Looks good.

Fiona (in Aus, so unlikely to be bidding against

anyone here)

On 31/03/2011 1:19 PM, wrote:

Oh, good--that's encouraging

news! I hope you find yours--we can compare notes!

This one has a guard that's held in place with a

pin but I see that the demonstrators often take

them off. I really like the fact that's it's not

electric and hasn't a bunch of large pieces that

I'd need to wash. I'm particularly looking forward

to using it for onions--a chore I really don't

feel like relegating to my Vita-Mix or my Norwalk

(and the Cuisinart is put away, so...).

I wonder if this slices thin enough for

dehydrating? I can tell you straight off that the

"crinkle cut" cone will probably NEVER see any

use. There's also a sixth cone that does thick

slices; it's about $12+shipping.

[Guest guest]

I believe ours might be a Salad Master product.

http://www.saladmaster.com/index/Products.nws

I think Mel bought it with his cookware (waterless by a company no

longer in existence).

Have to check to see how many cones I have. I know there were

several, maybe six or more.

Velda

On 3/30/2011 8:34 PM, wrote:

Try "kitchen kutter" (or "king"), "Towlecraft," "Lustrecraft,"

"Salad King," and such (don't worry about case). If one turns

up, there are usually suggestions for similar items. You want

one with the suction base (I like the ones on the single round

or square base rather than those with "legs") rather than a

C-clamp, and I personally like the very shiny ones; some of them

have bases with kind of a "pebbly" finish that I think is icky.

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator

option guidance

, what search term did you use on ebay? I've

just tried a quick search and came up with nothing

remotely similar.

Looks good.

Fiona (in Aus, so unlikely to be bidding against

anyone here)

On 31/03/2011 1:19 PM, wrote:

Oh, good--that's encouraging

news! I hope you find yours--we can compare notes!

This one has a guard that's held in place with a

pin but I see that the demonstrators often take

them off. I really like the fact that's it's not

electric and hasn't a bunch of large pieces that

I'd need to wash. I'm particularly looking forward

to using it for onions--a chore I really don't

feel like relegating to my Vita-Mix or my Norwalk

(and the Cuisinart is put away, so...).

I wonder if this slices thin enough for

dehydrating? I can tell you straight off that the

"crinkle cut" cone will probably NEVER see any

use. There's also a sixth cone that does thick

slices; it's about $12+shipping.

[Guest guest]

I have one of those and love it. Got it with my first set of waterless cookware around 40 years ago. Still using it. The rubber suction cup got a tear in it and it was driving me crazy to find another. One of my friends gorilla glued it and it has worked since. If that ever happens again though, I think I will drill some holes in it and bolt it to a board, then use some c clamps to clamp it to the counter top. That is another gadget I wouldn't want to be without.

Rose

From:

Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 7:51 PM

Subject: Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

Okay, back to gadgets--I won one of these on eBay at a reasonably affordable price (different label, identical product):

. One or two companies manufacture them and others put their labels on them.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gHmVirxidEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7MLQKHOGBghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1D8Au8JXVAhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHJ8BmQ3GFshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umSzptHYfZwThey're U.S.-made and are included in sets of water-free cookware (except Neova!). They apparently require some practice (according to online complaints) but once mastered, are very handy for the things a Vitamix doesn't do well (like julienne and grate). I'll let y'all know.

Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

Ok, new gadget that I must have.

Beverly

Texas

(I want a canning kitchen, and this would be perfect with a mommy get away

attached to it.)

From: "Franny Lesniak" <frannyfly@...>

We do have an attached garage apartment with a small full kitchen...

[Guest guest]

*OUCH*

They list new (which some of these yo-yo sellers don't seem to realize) in restaurant supply stores for about $150 depending on the number of cones included; unfortunately for you, shipping to Oz (and vice versa) is not only expensive in general but this is apparently a very heavy item as well (at least it's well-made).

Keep looking. You might find it at a price that's worth your while. In the meantime, once I actually get it and use it, I'll be able to post whether or not I think it's worth having.

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

, what search term did you use on ebay? I've just tried a quick search and came up with nothing remotely similar.

Looks good.

Fiona (in Aus, so unlikely to be bidding against anyone here)

On 31/03/2011 1:19 PM, wrote:

Oh, good--that's encouraging news! I hope you find yours--we can compare notes! This one has a guard that's held in place with a pin but I see that the demonstrators often take them off. I really like the fact that's it's not electric and hasn't a bunch of large pieces that I'd need to wash. I'm particularly looking forward to using it for onions--a chore I really don't feel like relegating to my Vita-Mix or my Norwalk (and the Cuisinart is put away, so...).

I wonder if this slices thin enough for dehydrating? I can tell you straight off that the "crinkle cut" cone will probably NEVER see any use. There's also a sixth cone that does thick slices; it's about $12+shipping.

[Guest guest]

I think they used to make eight different cones; they usually ship with five now but there's a sixth for thick slicing that I might invest in later.

Are you sure your waterless company's no longer in existence? They might have changed their name; there are still several around here and they seem to get excellent reviews from those who own the cookware (many have had theirs for upwards of 30 years).

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

, what search term did you use on ebay? I've just tried a quick search and came up with nothing remotely similar.

Looks good.

Fiona (in Aus, so unlikely to be bidding against anyone here)

On 31/03/2011 1:19 PM, wrote:

Oh, good--that's encouraging news! I hope you find yours--we can compare notes! This one has a guard that's held in place with a pin but I see that the demonstrators often take them off. I really like the fact that's it's not electric and hasn't a bunch of large pieces that I'd need to wash. I'm particularly looking forward to using it for onions--a chore I really don't feel like relegating to my Vita-Mix or my Norwalk (and the Cuisinart is put away, so...).

I wonder if this slices thin enough for dehydrating? I can tell you straight off that the "crinkle cut" cone will probably NEVER see any use. There's also a sixth cone that does thick slices; it's about $12+shipping.

[Guest guest]

I think the blades are stainless and the appliance itself is chrome-plated (maybe cast aluminum?), at least for the newer ones.

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

Wow, we have one of those, up in the top shelf of the pantry. I really

never thought about it and really should get it down. Ours is stainless

steel , not chrome like he describes.

Thanks for the reminder.

Velda

On 3/30/2011 6:33 PM, ckarnes@... wrote:

> Wow...now that takes me back. We had one of those when I was growing up. As I recall, I used it more than my mom did...must have had those fledgling gadget genes going on even then! lol Wonder whatever happened to it. There are a couple of mystery boxes out in the barn, I'll have to check them out when the weather warms up some...probably around July!!

> Let us know how you like it. I remember it had a wrap around shield that you could snap on to protect your hand...and it was very fast and fun!!

> Carol K

>

> =====================================================

> ---- <kareningotham@...> wrote:

> Okay, back to gadgets--I won one of these on eBay at a reasonably affordable price (different label, identical product):

. One or two companies manufacture them and others put their labels on them.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> They're U.S.-made and are included in sets of water-free cookware (except Neova!). They apparently require some practice (according to online complaints) but once mastered, are very handy for the things a Vitamix doesn't do well (like julienne and grate). I'll let y'all know.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Rose! Any way of replacing the suction cup? According to that video that was in the link Velda sent, if your cookware was from a company that had a lifetime warranty (and they all pretty much seem to, from what I've read), they'll do something about your kutter--the lady in the video has had her cookware for 52 years and they replaced hers: http://www.saladmaster.com/index/WhySaladmaster/LifetimeWarranty.nws . (Don't you just love when U.S. companies do it right?!)

Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

Ok, new gadget that I must have.

Beverly

Texas

(I want a canning kitchen, and this would be perfect with a mommy get away

attached to it.)

From: "Franny Lesniak" <frannyfly@...>

We do have an attached garage apartment with a small full kitchen...

[Guest guest]

After dehydrating vegetables in my 9-tray Excaliber, I sometimes put them in the

Vitamix, chop them, and store in glass jars. It works better to do a small batch

at a time, and you can make it as chunky or as fine as you wish. This is great

for adding to soups, stews, roasts, etc. We have especially enjoyed dried green

onion powder. Frozen mixed vegetables bought on sale, dried, and chopped in the

Vitamix are good for making healthy and quick cream soups.

Wanda

> >

> >> We're a family of 3 and don't have a garden yet. But I bought the 9 tray

> >> because I still feel like I will need the space. It's a small price

> >> difference between the 2 and you don't have to use all 9 trays. If

> >> you want

> >> to do something taller, like yogurt in tall glass mason jars or

> >> drying boots

> >> (haven't done, don't need in Texas, but heard someone else do this), you

> >> have more height to work with in the 9 tray. I figured if I got the 5

> >> and

> >> wanted more, it would costly to sell the 5 for lost less than I paid and

> >> then buy the 9.

> >>

> >> On another group there is a guy named Charlie that gets the bags of

> >> frozen

> >> vege's on sale and dumps them into the dryer, they are ready to dry

> >> out of

> >> the bag. I am going to do this.

> >>

> >> Good luck,

> >> Beverly

> >> Texas

> >>

> >> seeking dehydrator option guidance

> >>

> >> to all you dehydrator pundits (or just anyone who has had any experience

> >> with a dehydrator)...

> >>

> >> I'm about to take the plunge and buy a dehydrator. I've about settled

> >> on an

> >> excalibur... but I'm on the fence between the 5 tray and the 9 tray.

> >> I just

> >> can't decide if I need the 9 tray.

> >>

> >> Here are the factors...

> >>

> >> We're a small family (4 of us). I'm growing a garden for the first

> >> time in

> >> my life (I have a black thumb, so my expectations are modest to say the

> >> least, but I have the notion that my desire to grow organic fruits and

> >> veggies can uplift me and turn my black thumb to at least a brown-ish

> >> color). My husband is a backpacker, so I would like to dehydrate some of

> >> that which I grow in my garden for his backpack meals. My kids (my 13

> >> year

> >> old son especially) love dehydrated fruit, so I will be doing a lot

> >> of that.

> >> Plus, I will be making a lot of beef jerky, as my daughter has celiac

> >> disease, and it's next to impossible to find gf jerky (and that which

> >> I have

> >> found tastes nasty). I also plan on giving a go at making yogurt and

> >> kale

> >> chips, hence the design of the excalibur is the best choice (from what I

> >> understand of what I have read about different options).

> >>

> >> So my quandary is the size. The 5 tray or the 9 tray? Do I actually

> >> need the

> >> size of the 9 tray model? Also, the motor of the 9 tray has a 600 watt

> >> motor, while the 5 tray has a 440 watt motor - will that make much of a

> >> difference for me?

> >>

> >> While the 9 tray isn't all that much more expensive, I don't want to

> >> spend

> >> money on a larger size if it's not really what I need just because it's

> >> bigger (I know, I know, everything's bigger in Texas...), but then

> >> again I

> >> don't want to get the smaller size and then later regret that I

> >> didn't get

> >> the larger one.

> >>

> >> Any wise words of advice?

> >>

> >> Franny

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Ah, that's very smart!!FrannyOn Mar 31, 2011, at 2:01 PM, wonderzzz@... wrote:

After dehydrating vegetables in my 9-tray Excaliber, I sometimes put them in the Vitamix, chop them, and store in glass jars. It works better to do a small batch at a time, and you can make it as chunky or as fine as you wish. This is great for adding to soups, stews, roasts, etc. We have especially enjoyed dried green onion powder. Frozen mixed vegetables bought on sale, dried, and chopped in the Vitamix are good for making healthy and quick cream soups.

Wanda

> >

> >> We're a family of 3 and don't have a garden yet. But I bought the 9 tray

> >> because I still feel like I will need the space. It's a small price

> >> difference between the 2 and you don't have to use all 9 trays. If

> >> you want

> >> to do something taller, like yogurt in tall glass mason jars or

> >> drying boots

> >> (haven't done, don't need in Texas, but heard someone else do this), you

> >> have more height to work with in the 9 tray. I figured if I got the 5

> >> and

> >> wanted more, it would costly to sell the 5 for lost less than I paid and

> >> then buy the 9.

> >>

> >> On another group there is a guy named Charlie that gets the bags of

> >> frozen

> >> vege's on sale and dumps them into the dryer, they are ready to dry

> >> out of

> >> the bag. I am going to do this.

> >>

> >> Good luck,

> >> Beverly

> >> Texas

> >>

> >> seeking dehydrator option guidance

> >>

> >> to all you dehydrator pundits (or just anyone who has had any experience

> >> with a dehydrator)...

> >>

> >> I'm about to take the plunge and buy a dehydrator. I've about settled

> >> on an

> >> excalibur... but I'm on the fence between the 5 tray and the 9 tray.

> >> I just

> >> can't decide if I need the 9 tray.

> >>

> >> Here are the factors...

> >>

> >> We're a small family (4 of us). I'm growing a garden for the first

> >> time in

> >> my life (I have a black thumb, so my expectations are modest to say the

> >> least, but I have the notion that my desire to grow organic fruits and

> >> veggies can uplift me and turn my black thumb to at least a brown-ish

> >> color). My husband is a backpacker, so I would like to dehydrate some of

> >> that which I grow in my garden for his backpack meals. My kids (my 13

> >> year

> >> old son especially) love dehydrated fruit, so I will be doing a lot

> >> of that.

> >> Plus, I will be making a lot of beef jerky, as my daughter has celiac

> >> disease, and it's next to impossible to find gf jerky (and that which

> >> I have

> >> found tastes nasty). I also plan on giving a go at making yogurt and

> >> kale

> >> chips, hence the design of the excalibur is the best choice (from what I

> >> understand of what I have read about different options).

> >>

> >> So my quandary is the size. The 5 tray or the 9 tray? Do I actually

> >> need the

> >> size of the 9 tray model? Also, the motor of the 9 tray has a 600 watt

> >> motor, while the 5 tray has a 440 watt motor - will that make much of a

> >> difference for me?

> >>

> >> While the 9 tray isn't all that much more expensive, I don't want to

> >> spend

> >> money on a larger size if it's not really what I need just because it's

> >> bigger (I know, I know, everything's bigger in Texas...), but then

> >> again I

> >> don't want to get the smaller size and then later regret that I

> >> didn't get

> >> the larger one.

> >>

> >> Any wise words of advice?

> >>

> >> Franny

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I think I'll just keep a lookout at restaurant supply and

kitchenware stores here. I'm sure I'll come across something

although it might take a couple of yrs!

Thanks. Looking forward to hearing the review of yours.

Fiona

On 1/04/2011 1:16 AM, wrote:

*OUCH*

They list new (which some of these yo-yo sellers don't

seem to realize) in restaurant supply stores for about

$150 depending on the number of cones included;

unfortunately for you, shipping to Oz (and vice versa) is

not only expensive in general but this is apparently a

very heavy item as well (at least it's well-made).

Keep looking. You might find it at a price that's worth

your while. In the meantime, once I actually get it and

use it, I'll be able to post whether or not I think it's

worth having.

Re: Fw: Re:

seeking dehydrator option guidance

, what search term did

you use on ebay? I've just tried

a quick search and came up with

nothing remotely similar.

Looks good.

Fiona (in Aus, so unlikely to be

bidding against anyone here)

On 31/03/2011 1:19 PM,

wrote:

Oh, good--that's

encouraging news! I hope you

find yours--we can compare

notes! This one has a guard

that's held in place with a

pin but I see that the

demonstrators often take them

off. I really like the fact

that's it's not electric and

hasn't a bunch of large pieces

that I'd need to wash. I'm

particularly looking forward

to using it for onions--a

chore I really don't feel like

relegating to my Vita-Mix or

my Norwalk (and the Cuisinart

is put away, so...).

I wonder if this slices thin

enough for dehydrating? I can

tell you straight off that the

"crinkle cut" cone will

probably NEVER see any use.

There's also a sixth cone that

does thick slices; it's about

$12+shipping.

[Guest guest]

I'd really like to see you get one; check locally for "Vollrath"; I think they're making them now. Taking into consideration how many of these things are still in circulation, I'm guessing they're both well-made and useful. I'm hoping might come across a few; my hunch is that they're more likely to show up used and cheap in her neck of the woods than mine. I know she'd offer rock-bottom shipping, too; she's a good egg.

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

, what search term did you use on ebay? I've just tried a quick search and came up with nothing remotely similar.

Looks good.

Fiona (in Aus, so unlikely to be bidding against anyone here)

On 31/03/2011 1:19 PM, wrote:

Oh, good--that's encouraging news! I hope you find yours--we can compare notes! This one has a guard that's held in place with a pin but I see that the demonstrators often take them off. I really like the fact that's it's not electric and hasn't a bunch of large pieces that I'd need to wash. I'm particularly looking forward to using it for onions--a chore I really don't feel like relegating to my Vita-Mix or my Norwalk (and the Cuisinart is put away, so...).

I wonder if this slices thin enough for dehydrating? I can tell you straight off that the "crinkle cut" cone will probably NEVER see any use. There's also a sixth cone that does thick slices; it's about $12+shipping.

[Guest guest]

I wonder if my mom still has hers. I wouldn't be surprised. Hers doesn't have the suction cup in the middle like this one has. It had a base that circled around almost like a round horseshoe, and the bowl placed inside that circle. I am thinking anyway.

k

-- Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

? Wow...now that takes me back. We had one of those when I was growing up. As I recall, I used it more than my mom did...must have had those fledgling gadget genes going on even then! lol Wonder whatever happened to it. There are a couple of mystery boxes out in the barn, I'll have to check them out when the weather warms up some...probably around July!!

Let us know how you like it. I remember it had a wrap around shield that you could snap on to protect your hand...and it was very fast and fun!!

Carol K

=====================================================

---- & amp;lt;kareningotham@... & gt; wrote:

Okay, back to gadgets--I won one of these on eBay at a reasonably affordable price (different label, identical product):

. One or two companies manufacture them and others put their labels on them.

They're U.S.-made and are included in sets of water-free cookware (except Neova!). They apparently require some practice (according to online complaints) but once mastered, are very handy for the things a Vitamix doesn't do well (like julienne and grate). I'll let y'all know.

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

They still have those. I prefer this style but that's just me. Salad Master still makes them this way; according to their Web site, their business was launched with one item--this machine. I guess these things have been around a long time.

Re: Fw: Re: seeking dehydrator option guidance

? Wow...now that takes me back. We had one of those when I was growing up. As I recall, I used it more than my mom did...must have had those fledgling gadget genes going on even then! lol Wonder whatever happened to it. There are a couple of mystery boxes out in the barn, I'll have to check them out when the weather warms up some...probably around July!!

Let us know how you like it. I remember it had a wrap around shield that you could snap on to protect your hand...and it was very fast and fun!!

Carol K

=====================================================

---- & amp;lt;kareningotham@... & gt; wrote:

Okay, back to gadgets--I won one of these on eBay at a reasonably affordable price (different label, identical product):

. One or two companies manufacture them and others put their labels on them.

They're U.S.-made and are included in sets of water-free cookware (except Neova!). They apparently require some practice (according to online complaints) but once mastered, are very handy for the things a Vitamix doesn't do well (like julienne and grate). I'll let y'all know.