How to choose a dehydrator for vegetables and fruits: expert recommendations

Dehydrators allow you to get dried, dried fruits, berries, vegetables, mushrooms and even meat. They are designed quite simply, but have different parameters, which can complicate the purchasing process. Instructions on how to choose a dehydrator for vegetables and fruits and what criteria are important to pay attention to are presented in this article.

Types of dehydrators

The operating principle of these devices is approximately the same. Essentially, these are professional dryers with a heating element located in the lower part of the body. They allow you to almost completely dry vegetables, berries, fruits and even meat. Moreover, products, as a rule, lie in several tiers on lattice shelves (to save space).

Figuring out how to choose a dehydrator is not difficult. You need to start with the types of this device. The criteria for classification are different. For example, depending on the direction of the hot air flow, the following are distinguished:

• horizontal;
• vertical.

In the first case, air comes from the sides, which ensures more uniform drying. In the second, it flows vertically upward (traditional models, usually they are more affordable).

A more important parameter is related to the principle of operation - the classification is as follows:

1. Heating – simple dryers with heating elements at the bottom. From it, air currents rise upward and remove moisture from the products. The temperature range is approximate and precise adjustment is not possible.
2. Convective – more efficient models, in the upper part of which a fan is installed to create additional hot air flows.
3. Infrared – dry products using infrared radiation. These are the most effective models that can be called professional. If you figure out how to choose a meat dehydrator, you should focus on this type of device.

How to choose the optimal model

After studying the types of dehydrators, you need to pay attention to their technical characteristics. Despite the fact that the device is quite simple, there are many parameters. Among them are the following:

1. Capacity, that is, the number and area of ​​trays. If you make preparations in large quantities during the season, it is better to purchase a device with 5-6 or more trays.
2. Case material – plastic or metal. The first one is cheaper, but the second one is much more reliable. At the same time, plastic is suitable for vegetables and fruits, and metal is suitable for meat.
3. Noise level - measured in dB, always indicated in the instructions. It is comfortable to use devices with a reading of no more than 45 dB.
4. Shape – can be round or square. On the one hand, it is clear that the round one provides uniform heating. But the square trays can be removed individually. And if you need to get a round shelf of any tier (except the top one), you will have to remove all the baskets on top of it.
5. The ability to adjust the temperature is present in almost all models, but not everywhere you can set the exact parameter. If this is important (especially with meat), you should purchase an infrared dehydrator.
6. There is also such a useful addition as a timer. This is a required option, since drying takes a long time (6-8 hours or more), so it is difficult to constantly monitor the process.

When choosing a suitable dehydrator, you should also pay attention to the price. It largely depends on the brand, build quality and materials. To assess the reliability of the device, it is also recommended to study reviews. This will allow you to purchase a good model with an optimal price-quality ratio.