What types of affordable food dehydrators work well for raw foods?
I see a lot of the square black models, the Excalibur? Is there a big difference between that and the old school round ones? I was going to get a round one because they are less expensive, just making sure it has a thermostat, will this work for raw food cooking?
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Before I bought my dehydrator, I researched very thoroughly (at that time, I was unaware of raw vegan communities online, so I did the research on my own)
I looked at the round ones and realized that I would probably not use one of those very much because you cannot make large things like wraps or bread, and because they stack, so you have to take everything apart to get to what is on the bottom, and then put it all back together to continue dehydrating what isn’t done. I saw there would be a lot of complicated cleaning involved as well.
I ended up choosing the 5-tray Excalibur with the thermostat and timer, as I can set it and walk away, and it will turn off by itself. There are less expensive Excalibur models available on ebay and other places on the web (as well as directly from Excalibur, which gives a long warranty and quite a bit of support) http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/
Although the 4 tray dehdyrator was a good bit cheaper, I chose the 5-tray because the trays, screens, and teflex sheets are interchangeable with the 9 tray model (I was worried that I might have to upgrade at some point, and so I was looking ahead (space-planning-wise, as well as supply-wise.)
Most of the time, the 5 trays are enough for me — I often use just one or two, if I am dehydrating leftovers or a small amount of herbs, for example (although sometimes, like when I am making seed breads, or dehydrating 40 lbs of tomatoes, I wish I had the 9 tray model). It is very easy to check on the items on the trays because the machine is front loading – you just take off the door and pull out the trays to check. The trays, screens, teflex sheets, and machine body are very easy to clean (this is the next biggest item in my book after ease of use)
Although my dehydrator cost a little over $200, I felt that the money would be well spent (at the time, it took me 3 months to save up for it), and, having lived with my dehydrator for @ 6 years, I know I made the right choice. Since I got it, I have come up with lots of things to make with it, and it is easy to add something new every day if it comes to that, because of the ease of loading and unloading.
I also now know quite a few people who bought the round dehdyrators and then found themselves upgrading to the Excalibur within a year or so.
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:14 pm
I agree with prettysmart! Another vote for the Excalbur for all reasons mentioned. I have a 9-tray with timer & love it! It’s not a cheap option, but I think it was the best investment & I am very happy with it.
July 2nd, 2010 at 8:36 pm
I don’t own one, but I’ve heard good things about the excalibur. Mostly because it’s square and fits more food. I would ask this on a raw food message board, you’ll find more people who use dehydrators. 🙂
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:32 pm
My family uses this one, we are about 80% Raw and it is perfect for us!
http://rawpeople.com/store/dehydrators/good4u-dehydrators-6-trays.html
Hope I helped you on your raw journey!
October 27th, 2015 at 11:55 am
The lure for having a food dehydrator is increasing with trend of eating green and all fruits and vegetables throughout the year. A food dehydrator is one of the safest, easiest and most efficient process for dehydrating seasonal fruits that you can enjoy throughout the year without really altering the taste. Excalibur is one of the best dehydrator in the market . You can check http://www.dehydratory.com/ and find great and informational reviews on it .
December 18th, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Hi Amy..that is a tough one..even my raw bagels are made with SPROUTED Kamut..which is very low glteun content, but not glteun free. Gluten is what gives bread it’s elasticity. You would have to experiment and one of these days I’ll give it a try..my cookies are glteun free..and i use glteun free sprouted oats and quinoa in addition to nut flours..but bagels need to be a little chewy. There are certainly glteun free breads and crackers you could make..and create them in bagel shapes!!! LOL..my raw bagels certainly taste very different from cooked bagels…but i thought the visual was worth it….and there is a similarity in consistency, thanks to the Kamut….as I get into the cooler months, I’ll probably get back to more bread making…..and be sure to post! xoxo