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dehydrators



dehydrator

QI've just ordered a Garden master dehydrator. Does it come with an instruction manual? I'm a first time user and have a rapidly growing garden.

A.  Thanks for your recent order.  Yes, the dehydrators come with instruction manuals as well as recipes.   Should you have any other questions or concerns, please contact me personally at your convenience..  Dan

Q.  I am looking at purchasing one of your food dehydrators and I was wondering if there is any advantage to having the heat source on the top compared to the bottom.  Model FD-61(or similar) vs. Model FD-1018P(or similar). Thank-you for you time, Amy D.

A.  The top is a newer design and dehydrates more evenly.

Here is the link to both dehydrators so you can see the difference.

http://www.homesteadharvest.com/fd1020.html

http://www.homesteadharvest.com/nesco-american-harvest-food-dehydrator-fd-61-4-tray-food-dehydrator-with-spices-fruit-roll-sheet.html

We also have the Nesco American Harvest Snackmaster Express FD-61WHC All In One Kit 5 Tray Food Dehydrator with Jerky Gun, here is the link:

http://www.homesteadharvest.com/nesco-american-harvest-snackmaster-express-fd-61whc-all-in-one-kit-5-tray-food-dehydrator-with-jerky.html

Q.  I'm interested in your Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator with D10 optional stainless steel racks. What is the cost in Australian dollars? How can I purchase this within Australia, preferably Sydney?  Thanks. Eve

A.  Thank you for the inquirers.  We can ship it you via DHL.  Please click the link for more information about the D-10 dehydrator.  We will be able to ship this model outside of the US, we can figure out the shipping cost if you provide us with your shipping address.  Also the warranty on any machine we send out of the US is voided.  For the currency difference I suggest that you go to your bank and ask the difference, also how much the wire transfer will cost.

http://www.homesteadharvest.com/food-dehydrators-by-the-sausagemaker.html

Q.  I am writing in regards to your TSM D-12 Commercial Dehydrator, I am wondering if this item can be shipped to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, I will be drying wild blueberries and huckleberries with this dryer and sometimes when dry the berries can end up being the size of rice. Do you have stainless steel grating that would stop most of this product from falling through?  Could you tell me what the prefect temperature is for drying these types of berries and the time frame on which it takes to dry them? Could you e-mail me the shipping cost on one dryer and then the cost for two? I would like to determine if there is a cost savings by ordering two of them, Could you tell me the time frame is shipping also weeks or days? Best Regards, Ken

 
A.  I will need your postal code to quote your freight.  The lead time on the D-12's is about 2 weeks at this time due to heavy demand.  I recommend the plastic screens -
http://www.wayzata-homestead-harvest.com/plastic-drying-screen-for-d-12.html
- over the standard chrome racks that come with the unit.  It will probably be Tuesday morning before I can get the quote together as we will be out of the office on Monday. If you need anything else, please contact me personally at your convenience.

Q.  Can you provide me with more information on the D-12, I am interested in using it in my ice-cream parlor. Thanks Jen,.P

A.  Please click on the link below for more information.  We have typed up the manual from the manufacturer most of the information is correct, but the manufacturer is always changing the machines a little, we try our best to have the correct updated information available.

http://www.homesteadharvest.com/fd2500.html

http://www.homesteadharvest.com/stainless-steel-food-dehydrator-manual.html

 

 

 




food dehydrator

Q.  I have the Nesco American Harvest 5-Tray FD-35 425-Watt Snackmaster Dehydrator and I was wondering if you could tell me how many degrees the air blown into the food is? I am doing a raw foods diet and I really can't have anything cooked over 105 degrees. Let me know as soon as you get the chance. Happy Holidays!  Joyce F., San Gabriel, CA

A.  The temperature is approximately 145 degrees.  Here is the link to our Food Dehydrator section.  You can also search our site for "Food Dehydrator."

Please feel free to call at us 1-888-929-9282 with questions.  You may also place your order online if you choose to.

Q.  Hi, I'm looking at buying a food dehydrator. After looking and reading about all the dehydrators out there, the one I'm looking at one is the TSM D-10 stainless unit.  Most of what I read on other websites is that most of the people are making jerky with those units. In your website with the D-10 unit, I read about all kinds of fruits and veggies.  What is the difference?  How is it constructed, are the fans in the back or do they come up from the bottom?.  This looks like a good unit for the price.  I would just like to know you expert opinion on if I should buy it or not.  Paul, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

A.  The Sausage Maker D-10 Stainless Steel Dehydrator is a powerful machine.  It is capable of drying food such as berries and fruit, as well as drying meats and fish for making jerky.  It is made out of stainless steel, and comes with options for either chrome or stainless steel shelves.  We recommend the stainless if you are going to be doing volume drying, as well as for the longevity that stainless offers.  The fans are in the back.  This is an excellent unit for the price, and we pick up the freight for both of these machines to the US48 via ground when you place your order. 

Q.  Do you ship to Alaska?  The most cost-effective way to ship to Alaska is through the US Postal Service.   I am interested in the Sausage Maker D-10 Stainless Steel Dehydrator with accessories. Our Zip is 99900.  Would this be feasible?  Doug R., Anchorage AK

A.  We are to ship the full size Sausage Maker D-10 Stainless Steel Dehydrator to Alaska, but please contact us for a freight quote to your location.

Q.  I need more info on the stainless steel food dehydrator, name of manufacturer and warranty information.  Will it take more shelves, and can it be purchased without shelves.

A.  We sell a number of different stainless steel food dehydrators, as well as a full of plastic dehydrators.  The names of the manufacturers are Nesco American Harvest, FMA Omcan, Deni, The Sausage Maker, and Harvest Saver.  Each manufacturer offers a different warranty, but rest assured they will meet your needs.  You can easily add shelves to the Nesco food dehydrator line, but will not be able to with the rest of our manufacturers. 

Q.  We are looking to import a food dehydrator to Germany. Do you have any models available that can be ordered for 220 Volts?  We like the D-10. Could we place a custom order for a 220 V version? Christoph, Berlin

A.  We do not offer a 220 volt D-10 by the Sausage Maker. 

Q.  After reviewing your dehydrator I must ask this question, will your dehydrators work on flowers? Well, I am sure they will work on flowers. Will your units dry flowers so that the pedals will not be discolored or damaged?

I am considering starting a small home business drying and preserving flowers, bouquets, floral arrangements, etc. then sealing them in air tight containers preserving them for ever. I have looked at freeze drying but that takes much too long. With freeze drying I understand it takes up to 10 days to complete the process. My potential customers will want them in 3-5 days not 10.

Please advise. If your equipment will not accomplish what I want to do can you recommend someone who produces the appropriate equipment?

A.  We are not familiar with drying flowers in our food dehydrator line.  Please contact Dan or Elisha if you have experience drying flowers in consumer dehydrators by calling 1-888-WAYZATA.



Deni Food Dehydrator Accessory Pack
Deni Food Dehydrator Accessory Pack

Deni Food Dehydrator Accessory Pack

  •  5 trays
  •  1 herb liner
  •  1 fruit liner


Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator Manual for D5, D10, D12, D14
Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator Manual for D5, D10, D12, D14

This information is directly from the manuals. All information is deemed relaible but some may have changed.

Introduction:

Drying food for preservation dates back to the ancient Egyptians.  The Spaniards were the first explorers known to use dehydration to prepare food for their expeditions.  The method was used extensively in the days of the Lewis and Clark expedition as they charted the expanse of the Louisiana Land Purchase.  Buffalo, elk and deer were plentiful, but their success relied heavily on the proper use of this preserving method.

The D5, D10 and D12 and D14 dehydrators were designed and constructed to help you get the best results possible.  The shells are made of durable stainless steel so they are easy to clean and maintain.  They will not rust or crack when used properly.  All electric components used are UL listed for safety and reliability.  The information in this manual is intended to help you get the best results from this equipment.  Please read this booklet carefully and call the manufacturer if you have any questions. 

Dehydration:

There are no exact rules that apply to food dehydration because your results can be affected by room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food that you are drying.  To become proficient, it will be necessary to experiment with your drying techniques.  If you use too much heat, food may harden on the outside while still being moist inside.  Too little heat, your drying times will be very long.  But with a little practice, you will be creating tasty, ready to eat snacks in no time.

Important Safeguards:

  1. Read All of these instructions thoroughly before using.
  2. Save these instructions for the future reference.
  3. Never leave your dehydrator unattended.
  4. Close supervision is required if the unit will be used around children.
  5. For use only indoors in a clean, dry location, free of flammable operating.
  6. This unit gets hot.  Do not touch surfaces while operating.
  7. This unit may scratch household surfaces.
  8. Do not use if the cord or controls have been damaged in any way.  Contact the manufacturer before attempting to make any repairs.
  9. Do not use sharp utensils inside the unit.
  10. Unplug the unit when not in use
  11. Allow unit to cool before cleaning.
  12. Clean with damp cloth and mild detergent.
  13. Never immerse unit or cord in water or other liquids.
  14. Never plug unit into a damaged electrical outlet.
  15. Do not allow the cord to contact the edge of a counter, table or hot surface.
  16. The use of attachments or accessories is not recommended by the manufacturer and will void the warranty.
  17. Do not attempt to move this unit while it is operating.
  18. Continuous operation above 180 degrees F is not recommended as surfaces will become very hot.
  19. Do not operate this unit above 200 degrees F, as this may trip the safety thermo disc .  If disc is tripped, the coil will not heat again until the unit has cooled.

Preparation of Foods (Pre-Treatment):

For best results, select the freshest foods available to dehydrate.  Note that immature fruits and vegetables do not have as much color and flavor as do those that are fully matured.  Foods should be dehydrated as soon after purchase as possible.  Foods high in sugar such as apples, pears, peaches and bananas are prone to darkening as a result of oxidation of the sugars.  Below are some pre-treatments that will help reduce this effect.

Lemon and pineapple juice are natural antioxidants.  Place the sliced product in the juice for a few minutes, remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.  For extra flavor, try sprinkling on cinnamon, Jell-O powders or other sweeteners.

Ascorbic acid mix, a form of vitamin C which is available at most health food stores, comes in either a tablet or powder form.  Use about 2-3 tablespoons of powder or ground tablets per quart of water.  Stir to completely dissolve powder.  Place fruit into the solution for 2-3 minutes.  Remove and place on the dehydrator shelf.

Sodium Bisulfate can be purchased at your local pharmacy.  If you or anyone who will be eating the food has any known chemical allergies, you should check with your physician before using this chemical.  Be certain to ask for food grade safe product only.  Mix 1 teaspoon of sodium bisulfate in 1 quart of water.  Dip the sliced fruit in the solution for a few minutes.  remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.

Blanching is used primarily to prepare fruits and vegetables for dehydrating that have skins that will toughen during drying.  this process helps lock in the color and flavor as well as soften the skin of grapes, cherries, prunes and plums.  There are two blanching methods, water and steam.

  • Water blanching - Fill a large pan about half full of water.  Bring water to a boil.  Use tongs to place food directly into the water, cover pan and blanch for about 3 minutes.  Remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.
  • Steam blanching - Using a steamer pot, put 2-3 inched of water in the pan and bring to a boil.  Place food into the steamer basket, place in pan and cover.  Steam food for about 5 minutes.  Remove and place in the dehydrator shelf.

Operating Instructions:

For the safest and best results, read all of the instructions first. 

  1. Exam the carton and unit for any damage that may have occurred during shipping.  Contact the manufacturer and carrier if there is damage.
  2. Fill out and return the product warranty card.  The card must be on file for your warranty to take effect.
  3. Make sure the power switch is turned off.  Place the unit on a clean, dry surface away from children or pets.  Plug into an undamaged electrical outlet.  DO not use an extension cord with your machine!
  4. Turn on the unit.  You will hear the fan start and on the D12, the number s on the control panel will flash and the unit will beep.  The unit will begin tot heat up.  You may hear the heating element cycle on and off depending on the temperature that you have selected. 
  5. Lift the door up 2-3 inched and heat until at 90 degrees F for 45 minutes to remove any moisture.
  6. If the unit stops for any reason, turn off, unplug, and call the manufacturer.
  7. Follow your recipe for the food that you wish to dehydrate than place the food evenly on the shelves provided.  The manufacturer recommends using cooking spray on the shelves to prevent sticking.  Do not over lap the food.
  8. Using  oven mitts, remove the front panel by sliding it straight up.  Set it aside on a heat resistant surface.
  9. Carefully place shelves onto the rails inside the unit and slowly slide them in.  Forcing the shelves in may damage the heating assembly.
  10. Slide the cover into place.
  11. On the D12, set the desired temperature by turning the corresponding knob.  On the D10, set the temperature by turning the knob on the top of the unit.  Monitor the internal temperature and adjust as needed.
  12. Monitor the unit to ensure that the proper temperature is maintained.  If the internal temperature exceeds 180 degrees F, it may damage the unit.  If the temperature of the unit reaches 180 degrees F, turn off and allow to cool. 
  13. If drying is uneven, use oven mitts to turn the shelves 180 degrees.
  14. For very moist foods such as tomatoes, it may be necessary to prop open the front cover 1 1/2 inches with a small block of wood for the first 2 hours of operation.  This will increase the air flow and help drive excess moisture out of the unit.
  15. Note.  Moisture may collect on the bottom of the unit during operation and can be wiped out with a paper towel.  Avoid touching the walls and shelves with your bare hands as burns may result.

Food Drying Guides:

The following charts are guidelines for the preparation of various fruits, vegetables and meats.  Drying times will vary on the room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food that you are drying.  If the moisture level is low, the drying time will be on the low end of the range.  If the moisture level is high, then the drying time will be on the high end end of the range.

Keep in mind that drying times are also affected by the amount of food placed on the shelves.  Over loading the shelves will slow the drying times and may produce poorer results.  When dehydrating foods, it is important to check on the dryness of the product.  If the product is not thoroughly dried, mold may form during storage.  To test for dryness, remove a piece of food from the dehydrator and allow to cool to room temperature.  Bend and tear the piece to check for internal moisture.

Food Drying Guide, Vegetables at least 125 degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Asparagus  

wash and cut into 1 inch pieces.

Crunchy 4-6 hours
Beans, Green or Waxed Wash, remove ends and cut into 1 inch pieces or French style. Crunchy 9-12 hours
Beets Remove 1/2 inch of top, scrub, blanch until tender.  Peel and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices. Pliable 9-12 hours
Broccoli Wash and trim.  Cut stems into 1/4 inch pieces.  Dry florets whole. Crunchy 10-14 hours
Cabbage Wash and trim.  Cut into 1/8 inch strips. Crunchy 8-11 hours
Carrots Wash and trim tops.  Peel or scrape of desired.  Cut into 1/8 inch thick slices. Pliable 7-11 hours
Celery Wash, separate leaves and stalks.  Cut stalks into 1/4 inch strips. Crunchy 3-10 hours
Corn Shuck corn and trim silk.  Steam until milk is set.  Cut kernels from cob and spread on plastic drying sheet.  Stir several times during drying. Crunchy 7-10 hours
Cucumbers Wash and trim.  Cut into 1/8 inch slices. Pliable 4-8 hours
Eggplant Wash and Peel.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Pliable 4-8 hours
Mushrooms Wash and cut into 3/8 inch slices. Pliable 4-7 hours
Parsnips Scrub, steam blanch until tender.  Peel if desired and cut into 3/8 inch thick slices. Pliable/Tough 7-11 hours
Peppers Wash and remove stems, seeds and white section.  Pat dry.  Cut into 1/4 inch thick strips or rings. Pliable 4-8 hours
Potatoes Use new potatoes.  Wash and peel if desired.  Steam blanch 4-6 minutes.  Cut french fry style.  !/4 inch slices, 1/8 inch thick circles or grate. Crunchy/Pliable 7-13 hours
Summer Squash Wash and peel.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Pliable 10-14 hours
Tomatoes Wash and remove stems.  Slice into 1/4 inch circles.  for cherry tomatoes, slice in half, dry skin side down. Pliable 5-9 hours
Zucchini Wash, peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or chips. Crunchy 7-11 hours

Drying Guide Fruits, 135 Degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Apples Wash, core and peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices.  Dust with cinnamon if desired. Pliable 7-15 hours
Apricots Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice if desired and dry skin side sown. Pliable 21-29 hours
Bananas Wash, peel and slice into 1/8 inch slices. Pliable 7-10 hours
Figs Wash, cut out blemishes, quarter.  Dry skin side down. Pliable 22-30 hours
Kiwi Wash, peel and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Crisp 8-15 hours
Nectarines Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice of desired and dry skin side down. Pliable 8-17 hours
Peaches Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice of desired and dry skin side down. Pliable 8-16 hours
Pears Wash, core and peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or quarter. Pliable 8-16 hours
Pineapple Peel, remove fibrous eyes, remove core.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or wedges Pliable 11-18 hours
Rhubarb Wash, cut into 1 inch lengths. Pliable 6-10 hours
Strawberries Wash, cut out caps, slice 1/4 inches thick. Crisp 7-15 hours
Watermelon Cut off rind, cut into wedges and remove seeds. Pliable and sticky 8-10 hours

Food Drying Guide, Jerky at 145-150 Degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Jerky Use lean meat and remove as much fat as possible.  Fat turns rancid with time.  Cut uniform 1/4 inch thick or less slices.  Do not over lap slices on the shelves. Pliable 3-4 hours.  Meat Temperature should reach 145-150 degrees F

Food Storage:

Dried foods should be allowed to condition before being placed into a storage container.  Generally let stand about one week in a dry, well ventilated and protected area.  The conditioning time allows for further drying and removes most of the remaining moisture in the food.  Dried foods can be placed into clean, dry, insect resistant containers, preferably glass jars.  Heavy gauge plastic freezer bags can also be used.  Eliminate as much air as possible before sealing the bag.  Vacuum sealers provide ideal storage when properly used.  The less air present, the less potential for the formation of molds.  Stored foods should be checked monthly for insects and mold.  If mold is present, you can scrape it off, place he food on a cookie sheet and heat in the oven at 175 degrees F for 15-25 minutes.  Re-pack into a clean, air tight container.

Reconstitution:

Dried foods do not need to be reconstituted for consumption.  Many people prefer to eat them in their dried state.  If you want to reconstitute your food, here are some basic guidelines.  Soak food in unsalted water for 3-7 minutes and then prepare as usual.  If you are boiling them, use the same water they were soaked in to preserve nutrients.  If you plan to soak foods more than 1 hour, they should be placed in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.  One cup of dried vegetables reconstitutes to about 2 cups.  One cup of dried fruit reconstitutes about 1 1/2 cups.  Reconstitution times will vary depending on the thickness of the food and the water temperature used.  Warm water will speed reconstitution but may result in some loss of flavor. 

Cleaning:

To clean the unit, remove the shelves and wash separately.  Wipe off both exterior and interior surfaces of the unit with a damp cloth and mild detergent.  Do not use scouring pads pr abrasive cleaners.  Never immerse the unit or power cord in liquids!

Reviewing The Dehydrating Process:

  1. Use high quality food.
  2. Wash food, use clean utensils and keep work station clean.
  3. Pre-treat foods to prevent discoloration.
  4. Do not over lap foods on shelves.
  5. Drying times will vary depending on food thickness, moisture in the food, relative humidity and room temperature.
  6. Cool food before testing for dryness.
  7. Rotate trays 180 degrees F if you notice uneven drying.
  8. Let food condition in a clean, dry, ventilated area for a week before placing them into air tight containers.
  9. Reconstitute as needed.
  10. And last but not least ENJOY!

 

 

 



Nesco American Harvest WT-2 Add a Tray for FD-35 Food Dehydrator
Nesco American Harvest WT-2 Add a Tray for FD-35 Food Dehydrator

Need more room? Add-A-Tray� Accessory Packs add 2 extra trays to expand your dehydrator's capacity. Perfect for drying more beef jerky with our famous jerky seasonings!

Features and Benefits

  • For use with models FD-25, FD-27, and FD-35 ONLY. Please check your model number before ordering. Other Add-A-Trays� available for other models...see selection.
  • Expand your dehydrator as your needs grow with accessory trays.
  • These models expand up to a maximum of 7 trays.
  • No tray rotation necessary.
  • Set of Two.


     


Nesco American Harvest FD-28JX Jerky Xpress 4 Tray Food Dehydrator with Jerky Gun, 4 Spices
Nesco American Harvest FD-28JX Jerky Xpress 4 Tray Food Dehydrator with Jerky Gun, 4 Spices

This unit features Nesco/American Harvest's� innovative Top Mounted Powerhead that dries food quickly and evenly with superior results. Detaches to make dehydrator dishwasher safe for easy clean up. Fan-Flow Technology means faster, more even drying with no tray rotation necessary. Perfect for the beginner! Make great tasting beef jerky or venison jerky!

The Jerky Xpress includes a power head, 4 trays, jerky gun with 3 tip attachments and spice and cure packs.

UPC #: 0 29517 10206 9
SCC #: 1 00 29517 10206 6

Unit Weight: 5
Unit Dimensions: 14 X 9.75 X 14
Cube: 1.11

Units Per Master Pack: 2
Master Pack Weight: 10
Master Pack Dimensions: 14 X 9.75 X 28
Cube: 2.21

Watt/Volt/Hz: 350/120/60
 



Light Duty Food Dehydrator By Deni
Light Duty Food Dehydrator By Deni

New Page 1



  • A perfect way to preserve fruit for snacks, herbs & vegetables for sauces or soups, bread cubes and flowers.
  • Buy in bulk, and save up to 90% over the cost of health foods and commercially freeze-dried foods.
  • All you need to do is set it. The Deni® Dehydrator will dry your food while you sleep. Dried fruit can be eaten within 24 hours.
  • Keeps food's natural flavor, no need for flavor mixing.
  • Uses 100% natural ingredients without additives, or preservatives.
  • Adjustable trays have four height adjustments to dry food and flowers of all sizes.
  • Durable motor and fan, dries food fast and evenly for extended storage.
  • Includes 5 easy-to-stack trays, 2 fruit roll trays, 1 herb tray, easy to read instructions and recipe.






BESTSELLER:  Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator D5 with Stainless Steel Shelves
BESTSELLER: Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator D5 with Stainless Steel Shelves

Stainless shelves available. Also available with chrome shelves..

Great for drying jerky, fruit, herbs and vegetables. Comes with:
 Rear mounted fan
 1000 Watt 110 Volt Heating Element
 Adjustable thermostat with a 95 - 150 range
New SS Shelves can be 1/4" grid, or 3/4" grid, call to specify.  (5) Stainless Steel Shelves 16-1/4" x 14-1/2" with 1/4" or 3/4"; Square Holes
Dimensions: 18-3/4" Length x 16-1/2" Width x 9" Height - Weighs 35 pounds




Introduction:

Drying food for preservation dates back to the ancient Egyptians.  The Spaniards were the first explorers known to use dehydration to prepare food for their expeditions.  The method was used extensively in the days of the Lewis and Clark expedition as they charted the expanse of the Louisiana Land Purchase.  Buffalo, elk and deer were plentiful, but their success relied heavily on the proper use of this preserving method.

The D5, D10 and D14 dehydrators were designed and constructed to help you get the best results possible.  The shells are made of durable stainless steel so they are easy to clean and maintain.  They will not rust or crack when used properly.  All electric components used are UL listed for safety and reliability.  The information in this manual is intended to help you get the best results from this equipment.  Please read this booklet carefully and call the manufacturer if you have any questions. 

Dehydration:

There are no exact rules that apply to food dehydration because your results can be affected by room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food that you are drying.  To become proficient, it will be necessary to experiment with your drying techniques.  If you use too much heat, food may harden on the outside while still being moist inside.  Too little heat, your drying times will be very long.  But with a little practice, you will be creating tasty, ready to eat snacks in no time.

Important Safeguards:

  1. Read All of these instructions thoroughly before using.
  2. Save these instructions for the future reference.
  3. Never leave your dehydrator unattended.
  4. Close supervision is required if the unit will be used around children.
  5. For use only indoors in a clean, dry location, free of flammable operating.
  6. This unit gets hot.  Do not touch surfaces while operating.
  7. This unit may scratch household surfaces.
  8. Do not use if the cord or controls have been damaged in any way.  Contact the manufacturer before attempting to make any repairs.
  9. Do not use sharp utensils inside the unit.
  10. Unplug the unit when not in use
  11. Allow unit to cool before cleaning.
  12. Clean with damp cloth and mild detergent.
  13. Never immerse unit or cord in water or other liquids.
  14. Never plug unit into a damaged electrical outlet.
  15. Do not allow the cord to contact the edge of a counter, table or hot surface.
  16. The use of attachments or accessories is not recommended by the manufacturer and will void the warranty.
  17. Do not attempt to move this unit while it is operating.
  18. Continuous operation above 180 degrees F is not recommended as surfaces will become very hot.
  19. Do not operate this unit above 200 degrees F, as this may trip the safety thermo disc .  If disc is tripped, the coil will not heat again until the unit has cooled.

Preparation of Foods (Pre-Treatment):

For best results, select the freshest foods available to dehydrate.  Note that immature fruits and vegetables do not have as much color and flavor as do those that are fully matured.  Foods should be dehydrated as soon after purchase as possible.  Foods high in sugar such as apples, pears, peaches and bananas are prone to darkening as a result of oxidation of the sugars.  Below are some pre-treatments that will help reduce this effect.

Lemon and pineapple juice are natural antioxidants.  Place the sliced product in the juice for a few minutes, remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.  For extra flavor, try sprinkling on cinnamon, Jell-O powders or other sweeteners.

Ascorbic acid mix, a form of vitamin C which is available at most health food stores, comes in either a tablet or powder form.  Use about 2-3 tablespoons of powder or ground tablets per quart of water.  Stir to completely dissolve powder.  Place fruit into the solution for 2-3 minutes.  Remove and place on the dehydrator shelf.

Sodium Bisulfate can be purchased at your local pharmacy.  If you or anyone who will be eating the food has any known chemical allergies, you should check with your physician before using this chemical.  Be certain to ask for food grade safe product only.  Mix 1 teaspoon of sodium bisulfate in 1 quart of water.  Dip the sliced fruit in the solution for a few minutes.  remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.

Blanching is used primarily to prepare fruits and vegetables for dehydrating that have skins that will toughen during drying.  this process helps lock in the color and flavor as well as soften the skin of grapes, cherries, prunes and plums.  There are two blanching methods, water and steam.

  • Water blanching - Fill a large pan about half full of water.  Bring water to a boil.  Use tongs to place food directly into the water, cover pan and blanch for about 3 minutes.  Remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.
  • Steam blanching - Using a steamer pot, put 2-3 inched of water in the pan and bring to a boil.  Place food into the steamer basket, place in pan and cover.  Steam food for about 5 minutes.  Remove and place in the dehydrator shelf.

Operating Instructions:

For the safest and best results, read all of the instructions first. 

  1. Exam the carton and unit for any damage that may have occurred during shipping.  Contact the manufacturer and carrier if there is damage.
  2. Fill out and return the product warranty card.  The card must be on file for your warranty to take effect.
  3. Make sure the power switch is turned off.  Place the unit on a clean, dry surface away from children or pets.  Plug into an undamaged electrical outlet.  DO not use an extension cord with your machine!
  4. Turn on the unit.  You will hear the fan start and on the D12, the number s on the control panel will flash and the unit will beep.  The unit will begin tot heat up.  You may hear the heating element cycle on and off depending on the temperature that you have selected. 
  5. Lift the door up 2-3 inched and heat until at 90 degrees F for 45 minutes to remove any moisture.
  6. If the unit stops for any reason, turn off, unplug, and call the manufacturer.
  7. Follow your recipe for the food that you wish to dehydrate than place the food evenly on the shelves provided.  The manufacturer recommends using cooking spray on the shelves to prevent sticking.  Do not over lap the food.
  8. Using  oven mitts, remove the front panel by sliding it straight up.  Set it aside on a heat resistant surface.
  9. Carefully place shelves onto the rails inside the unit and slowly slide them in.  Forcing the shelves in may damage the heating assembly.
  10. Slide the cover into place.
  11. On the D12, set the desired temperature by turning the corresponding knob.  On the D10, set the temperature by turning the knob on the top of the unit.  Monitor the internal temperature and adjust as needed.
  12. Monitor the unit to ensure that the proper temperature is maintained.  If the internal temperature exceeds 180 degrees F, it may damage the unit.  If the temperature of the unit reaches 180 degrees F, turn off and allow to cool. 
  13. If drying is uneven, use oven mitts to turn the shelves 180 degrees.
  14. For very moist foods such as tomatoes, it may be necessary to prop open the front cover 1 1/2 inches with a small block of wood for the first 2 hours of operation.  This will increase the air flow and help drive excess moisture out of the unit.
  15. Note.  Moisture may collect on the bottom of the unit during operation and can be wiped out with a paper towel.  Avoid touching the walls and shelves with your bare hands as burns may result.

Food Drying Guides:

The following charts are guidelines for the preparation of various fruits, vegetables and meats.  Drying times will vary on the room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food that you are drying.  If the moisture level is low, the drying time will be on the low end of the range.  If the moisture level is high, then the drying time will be on the high end end of the range.

Keep in mind that drying times are also affected by the amount of food placed on the shelves.  Over loading the shelves will slow the drying times and may produce poorer results.  When dehydrating foods, it is important to check on the dryness of the product.  If the product is not thoroughly dried, mold may form during storage.  To test for dryness, remove a piece of food from the dehydrator and allow to cool to room temperature.  Bend and tear the piece to check for internal moisture.

Food Drying Guide, Vegetables at least 125 degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Asparagus  

wash and cut into 1 inch pieces.

Crunchy 4-6 hours
Beans, Green or Waxed Wash, remove ends and cut into 1 inch pieces or French style. Crunchy 9-12 hours
Beets Remove 1/2 inch of top, scrub, blanch until tender.  Peel and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices. Pliable 9-12 hours
Broccoli Wash and trim.  Cut stems into 1/4 inch pieces.  Dry florets whole. Crunchy 10-14 hours
Cabbage Wash and trim.  Cut into 1/8 inch strips. Crunchy 8-11 hours
Carrots Wash and trim tops.  Peel or scrape of desired.  Cut into 1/8 inch thick slices. Pliable 7-11 hours
Celery Wash, separate leaves and stalks.  Cut stalks into 1/4 inch strips. Crunchy 3-10 hours
Corn Shuck corn and trim silk.  Steam until milk is set.  Cut kernels from cob and spread on plastic drying sheet.  Stir several times during drying. Crunchy 7-10 hours
Cucumbers Wash and trim.  Cut into 1/8 inch slices. Pliable 4-8 hours
Eggplant Wash and Peel.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Pliable 4-8 hours
Mushrooms Wash and cut into 3/8 inch slices. Pliable 4-7 hours
Parsnips Scrub, steam blanch until tender.  Peel if desired and cut into 3/8 inch thick slices. Pliable/Tough 7-11 hours
Peppers Wash and remove stems, seeds and white section.  Pat dry.  Cut into 1/4 inch thick strips or rings. Pliable 4-8 hours
Potatoes Use new potatoes.  Wash and peel if desired.  Steam blanch 4-6 minutes.  Cut french fry style.  !/4 inch slices, 1/8 inch thick circles or grate. Crunchy/Pliable 7-13 hours
Summer Squash Wash and peel.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Pliable 10-14 hours
Tomatoes Wash and remove stems.  Slice into 1/4 inch circles.  for cherry tomatoes, slice in half, dry skin side down. Pliable 5-9 hours
Zucchini Wash, peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or chips. Crunchy 7-11 hours

Drying Guide Fruits, 135 Degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Apples Wash, core and peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices.  Dust with cinnamon if desired. Pliable 7-15 hours
Apricots Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice if desired and dry skin side sown. Pliable 21-29 hours
Bananas Wash, peel and slice into 1/8 inch slices. Pliable 7-10 hours
Figs Wash, cut out blemishes, quarter.  Dry skin side down. Pliable 22-30 hours
Kiwi Wash, peel and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Crisp 8-15 hours
Nectarines Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice of desired and dry skin side down. Pliable 8-17 hours
Peaches Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice of desired and dry skin side down. Pliable 8-16 hours
Pears Wash, core and peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or quarter. Pliable 8-16 hours
Pineapple Peel, remove fibrous eyes, remove core.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or wedges Pliable 11-18 hours
Rhubarb Wash, cut into 1 inch lengths. Pliable 6-10 hours
Strawberries Wash, cut out caps, slice 1/4 inches thick. Crisp 7-15 hours
Watermelon Cut off rind, cut into wedges and remove seeds. Pliable and sticky 8-10 hours

Food Drying Guide, Jerky at 145-150 Degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Jerky Use lean meat and remove as much fat as possible.  Fat turns rancid with time.  Cut uniform 1/4 inch thick or less slices.  Do not over lap slices on the shelves. Pliable 3-4 hours.  Meat Temperature should reach 145-150 degrees F

Food Storage:

Dried foods should be allowed to condition before being placed into a storage container.  Generally let stand about one week in a dry, well ventilated and protected area.  The conditioning time allows for further drying and removes most of the remaining moisture in the food.  Dried foods can be placed into clean, dry, insect resistant containers, preferably glass jars.  Heavy gauge plastic freezer bags can also be used.  Eliminate as much air as possible before sealing the bag.  Vacuum sealers provide ideal storage when properly used.  The less air present, the less potential for the formation of molds.  Stored foods should be checked monthly for insects and mold.  If mold is present, you can scrape it off, place he food on a cookie sheet and heat in the oven at 175 degrees F for 15-25 minutes.  Re-pack into a clean, air tight container.

Reconstitution:

Dried foods do not need to be reconstituted for consumption.  Many people prefer to eat them in their dried state.  If you want to reconstitute your food, here are some basic guidelines.  Soak food in unsalted water for 3-7 minutes and then prepare as usual.  If you are boiling them, use the same water they were soaked in to preserve nutrients.  If you plan to soak foods more than 1 hour, they should be placed in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.  One cup of dried vegetables reconstitutes to about 2 cups.  One cup of dried fruit reconstitutes about 1 1/2 cups.  Reconstitution times will vary depending on the thickness of the food and the water temperature used.  Warm water will speed reconstitution but may result in some loss of flavor. 

Cleaning:

To clean the unit, remove the shelves and wash separately.  Wipe off both exterior and interior surfaces of the unit with a damp cloth and mild detergent.  Do not use scouring pads pr abrasive cleaners.  Never immerse the unit or power cord in liquids!

Reviewing The Dehydrating Process:

  1. Use high quality food.
  2. Wash food, use clean utensils and keep work station clean.
  3. Pre-treat foods to prevent discoloration.
  4. Do not over lap foods on shelves.
  5. Drying times will vary depending on food thickness, moisture in the food, relative humidity and room temperature.
  6. Cool food before testing for dryness.
  7. Rotate trays 180 degrees F if you notice uneven drying.
  8. Let food condition in a clean, dry, ventilated area for a week before placing them into air tight containers.
  9. Reconstitute as needed.
  10. And last but not least ENJOY!

 

 

 



BESTSELLER: Nesco American Harvest FD-50 Snackmaster Pro 4-Tray Dehydrator
BESTSELLER: Nesco American Harvest FD-50 Snackmaster Pro 4-Tray Dehydrator

This item is discontinued! Please see the Nesco Snackmaster Pro American Harvest FD-61 4-Tray Dehydrator for the replacement from Nesco.



The Snackmaster Pro features an adjustable thermostat so you can dry different foods needing different temperature settings. The adjustable 95-145�F thermostat gives you the flexibility to get the best results, from drying herbs to properly cured meats. Patented Converga-Flow air circulation provides the fastest and most even food drying available. Opaque Vita-Save Exterior. Light, which destroys nutrition, is blocked by the opaque exterior. Expandable to meet your needs! Expand this four-tray unit with patented Add-A-Tray accessories up to 12 trays (over 10 sq. ft. of drying space). Drying pressure adjusts automatically to the number of trays. Snackmaster+ Pro accessories included FREE! Fruit Roll Sheet, Clean-A-Screen, and Jerky Spice Packet and Cure...start making your own beef jerky right away!

Key Features:

� 4 Tray Dehydrator expandable to 12 trays.
� No Tray Rotation Necessary.
� 500 Watts of drying power for maximum speed and quality.
� Adjustable Thermostat ranging from 95-145 degrees, gives you the flexibility to get the best results.
� Patented Converga Flow Drying System forces air down the exterior pressurized chamber and across the trays for fast, even drying.
� Opaque Vita-Save Exterior helps block harmful light which destroys nutrients.


FREE With This Offer:

� Fruit Roll Sheet
� Clean-A-Screen
� Jerky Spice Packet and Cure.


Find the Right Food Dehydrator

The American Harvest Food Dehydrator offers the option to add additional trays.  Perfect for your growing needs. 

  • Vita-Save Exterior helps block harmful light which destroys nutrients.

  • Patented Converga Flow Drying System forces air up the exterior pressurized chamber and across the trays for fast, even drying.

The TSM Food Dehydrator is made of stainless steel with a choice of chrome plated or stainless steel shelves.  With large large areas of drying space, these models provide a large output for heavy dehydrating.

  • Heavy Duty Stainless Steel

  • Shelves Available in Chrome or Stainless Steel

  • Rear Mounted Fan

  • 1 3/4" Rheostat

Compare and Choose the Food Dehydrator That's Right for You

Food Dehydrators are available in a Full Range of Sizes to Fit Your Needs, ranging from 2.5 to 31 square feet of drying capacity.

Food Dehydrator Comparison Chart

Food Dehydrator Model
Drying Space
Trays
Watts
Expandable
Stainless Steel
2.5 Sq. Ft. 5 425 To 7 Trays No
3 Sq. Ft.
4
500
To 12 Trays
No
4 Sq. Ft.
4
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
8 Sq. Ft.
8
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
16 Sq. Ft.
10
800
No
Yes
31 Sq. Ft.
12
1600
No
Yes

New to Drying - Small Yield of Fruits or Vegetables...

New to Drying - Large Yield of Fruits and Vegetables...

Introduce yourself to drying with the Gardenmaster Plus Food Dehydrator or theTSM D-10 Food Dehydrator.  If you expect to do large amounts of drying,  choose the TSM D-12 Food Dehydrator to avoid having to upgrade.

Vacuum Sealing Dried Foods

Seal dried foods for longer shelf life.  For a compatible match, use the chart below to find the right size food vacuum sealer to coordinate with the food dehydrator you need.

Food Dehydrator Model
Food Vacuum Sealer
Foodsaver Vac 375

Shop With Confidence:                                                  

  • Secure Shopping
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    or Your Money Back
  • Easy Returns
  • Privacy Policy

No Sales Tax for U.S. Residents Outside of Minnesota

Back to Food Dehydrators


Harvest Saver R-5 Commercial  Food Dehydrator CALL FOR PRICING AND AVAILABILITY.
Harvest Saver R-5 Commercial Food Dehydrator CALL FOR PRICING AND AVAILABILITY.

NOW NSF CERTIFIED

The Harvest Saver commercial dehydrator is built in the U.S. to exacting standards by a company that has been in business for over 100 years. Large commercial units with 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of drying space are made by the same company, available by special order on “built to specification” basis. Call us to learn more.

The R-5 Harvest Saver dehydrator is NSF Certified to comply with American National Standards for processing of food items. For commercial food dehydrator operations, this makes securing local permits and approvals to operate much easier.

The R-5 is designed to move large quantities of air quickly and efficiently—the secret to safe and quick dehydration. The Harvest Saver has 88 square feet of drying surface and can dry most products in a few hours because of the unique air movement design. It can dry meat products for jerky quickly and meets regulatory requirements for minimum heat standards for drying meat. Will also easily handle vegetables, fruit, fish, nuts, herbs or whatever you seek to dry.

Features:

  • Thermostatic temperature control (Range: Ambient temperature up to 200 degrees F)
  • Stainless Steel interior and exterior, with choice of solid or perforated SS shelves; teflon liners also available.
  • Fully insulated to improve performance and drying speed
  • Electric heating coil, 220/240 volts, 1 phase, 50 amp (dedicated circuit required)
  • Fits standard 6" dryer vent
  • Stainless steel trays - 14 at 24" x 38" per tray
  • Almost 90 square feet of drying area
  • Special metering and controls for monitoring and recording performance available
  • Weighs approximately 600 lbs. and must be crated for Freight Shipment.



Find the Right Food Dehydrator

The American Harvest Food Dehydrator offers the option to add additional trays.  Perfect for your growing needs. 

  • Vita-Save Exterior helps block harmful light which destroys nutrients.

  • Patented Converga Flow Drying System forces air up the exterior pressurized chamber and across the trays for fast, even drying.

Compare and Choose the Food Dehydrator That's Right for You

Food Dehydrators are available in a Full Range of Sizes to Fit Your Needs, ranging from 2.5 to 31 square feet of drying capacity.

Food Dehydrator Comparison Chart

Food Dehydrator Model
Drying Space
Trays
Watts
Expandable
Stainless Steel
2.5 Sq. Ft. 5 425 To 7 Trays No
3 Sq. Ft.
4
500
To 12 Trays
No
4 Sq. Ft.
4
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
8 Sq. Ft.
8
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
16 Sq. Ft.
10
800
No
Yes
31 Sq. Ft.
12
1600
No
Yes

New to Drying - Small Yield of Fruits or Vegetables...

New to Drying - Large Yield of Fruits and Vegetables...

Introduce yourself to drying with the Gardenmaster Plus Food Dehydrator or theTSM D-10 Food Dehydrator.  If you expect to do large amounts of drying,  choose the TSM D-12 Food Dehydrator to avoid having to upgrade.

Vacuum Sealing Dried Foods

Seal dried foods for longer shelf life.  For a compatible match, use the chart below to find the right size food vacuum sealer to coordinate with the food dehydrator you need.

Food Dehydrator Model
Food Vacuum Sealer
Foodsaver Vac 375

Shop With Confidence:                                                  

  • Secure Shopping
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    or Your Money Back
  • Easy Returns
  • Privacy Policy

No Sales Tax for U.S. Residents Outside of Minnesota

*An Additional Savings of $6.49 Based on a 5% National Sales Tax Rate Average.

Back to Food Dehydrators


Nesco American Harvest FD-35 Snackmaster Entree 5 Tray Food Dehydrator with Original Jerky Spice - White
Nesco American Harvest FD-35 Snackmaster Entree 5 Tray Food Dehydrator with Original Jerky Spice - White

Nesco American Harvest FD-35 Snackmaster Entree 5 Tray Food Dehydrator with Original Jerky Spice - White

This unit features Nesco/American Harvest's innovative Top Mounted Powerhead that dries food quickly and evenly with superior results. Detaches to make dehydrator dishwasher safe for easy clean up. Fan-Flow Technology means faster, more even drying with no tray rotation necessary. Perfect for the beginner! Make great tasting beef jerky or venison jerky!

Features and Benefits

  • Expandable! Five-tray Snackmaster� Entree expands up to 7 trays with Add-A-Tray� accessories (sold separately).
  • 4" fan, 425 Watts.
  • Food Releases Easily from Trays.
  • Top Mounted Fan & Heater Keeps Dripping Out.
  • Easy Clean-up.
  • NO Tray Rotation.
  • Strong Impact Resistant Trays.
  • Vita Save� Exterior blocks harmful light.
  • 52" Power Cord.
  • Fastest Drying Times. Bananas 12 hours, Apples 6 hours, Potatoes 12 hours, and Beef Jerky 7 hours


BESTSELLER: Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator Model D10 with Chrome Shelves
BESTSELLER: Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator Model D10 with Chrome Shelves

BESTSELLER: Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator D-10 with Chrome Shelves

Experience heavy drying power in a compact dehydrator!   Whether you're a veteran or novice of food dehydrating, the D10 from TSM makes easy work of creating your own organic, natural snacks guarantees a healthier lifestyle for you and those you love.  Drying your own fruits, veggies, and meats is not only a fun, creative way to spend a rainy afternoon, its a great way to make sure your family is eating smart, each and every day.  A step above traditional kitchen models, the The Sausage Maker D-10 is a prime example of how power often comes in small packages!  Compact enough to fit on your countertop, this sturdy stainless-steel dehydrator boasts 16 square feet of drying space and 10 durable chrome-plated wire racks with 3/4" grid.  With 800 watts of power, this model can produce a high volume of dried goods in a record amount of time.  Whether youre a gardener looking to enjoy your harvest all year long, or a mom who wants to stockpile those sweet snacks for the school year, the hardworking D-10 is a fantastic value.

Key Features

  • 16 Square Feet of Drying Space. Plenty of room for fruit, nuts, herbs, meat  or anything else your imagination can come up with! Save time and money by drying in bulk. The ample amount of drying space in the D-10 allows you to produce a large quantity of food in one drying session, which frees up your time and ensures that you have a supply of tasty treats on hand at all times!
  • Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Construction. As sturdy as they come! Guaranteed not to rust, crack or break.
  • Compact Size. The compact size of this model means you can easily store it in your kitchen, trailer or camper without compromising space.
  • 10 Chrome-Plated Wire Racks are 16 1/4" x 14 1/2" with 3/4" grid.  The wear-resistant, durable, and easy-to-clean racks in this unit provide for optimal drying space, and allow you to organize and dry several different kinds of food at once. The square shape of these racks makes it easy to position large slices of fruits and vegetables without losing precious drying space. Note: The D10 can also be ordered with optional stainless-steel racks.
  • 800 Watts of Pure Drying Power. Unlike many other dehydrators, the heavy-duty heating element in the D-10 allows you to produce a batch of tasty, nutritious snacks in a matter of just hours, not days! The D-10 reaches internal temperatures of up to 150F for fast, efficient drying.
  • Adjustable Thermostat.  Because all foods were not created equal, the fully adjustable thermostat gives you flexibility. 
  • Rear-Mounted Fan. The unique placement of the fan prevents moisture from dripping onto your foods, which happens frequently in lower-quality dehydrators. Cool air is drawn into the back of the machine, heated, and distributed evenly across each tray to ensure the perfect drying process each and every time.


Other D-10 Features:

Find the Right Food Dehydrator

Food Dehydrators are available in a Full Range of Sizes to Fit Your Needs, ranging from 2.5 to 31 square feet of drying capacity.

Food Dehydrator Comparison Chart

Food Dehydrator Model
Drying Space
Trays
Watts
Expandable
Stainless Steel
2.5 Sq. Ft. 5 425 To 7 Trays No
3 Sq. Ft.
4
500
To 12 Trays
No
4 Sq. Ft.
4
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
8 Sq. Ft.
8
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
16 Sq. Ft.
10
800
No
Yes
31 Sq. Ft.
12
1600
No
Yes

New to Drying - Small Yield of Fruits or Vegetables...

New to Drying - Large Yield of Fruits and Vegetables...

Introduce yourself to drying with the Gardenmaster Plus Food Dehydrator or theTSM D-10 Food Dehydrator.  If you expect to do large amounts of drying,  choose the TSM D-12 Food Dehydrator to avoid having to upgrade.

Vacuum Sealing Dried Foods

Seal dried foods for longer shelf life.  For a compatible match, use the chart below to find the right size food vacuum sealer to coordinate with the food dehydrator you need.

Food Dehydrator Model
Food Vacuum Sealer
Foodsaver Vac 375

Shop With Confidence:                                                  

  • Secure Shopping
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    or Your Money Back
  • Easy Returns
  • Privacy Policy


Back to Food Dehydrators




Introduction:

Drying food for preservation dates back to the ancient Egyptians.  The Spaniards were the first explorers known to use dehydration to prepare food for their expeditions.  The method was used extensively in the days of the Lewis and Clark expedition as they charted the expanse of the Louisiana Land Purchase.  Buffalo, elk and deer were plentiful, but their success relied heavily on the proper use of this preserving method.

The D5, D10 and D12 dehydrators were designed and constructed to help you get the best results possible.  The shells are made of durable stainless steel so they are easy to clean and maintain.  They will not rust or crack when used properly.  All electric components used are UL listed for safety and reliability.  The information in this manual is intended to help you get the best results from this equipment.  Please read this booklet carefully and call the manufacturer if you have any questions. 

Dehydration:

There are no exact rules that apply to food dehydration because your results can be affected by room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food that you are drying.  To become proficient, it will be necessary to experiment with your drying techniques.  If you use too much heat, food may harden on the outside while still being moist inside.  Too little heat, your drying times will be very long.  But with a little practice, you will be creating tasty, ready to eat snacks in no time.

Important Safeguards:

  1. Read All of these instructions thoroughly before using.
  2. Save these instructions for the future reference.
  3. Never leave your dehydrator unattended.
  4. Close supervision is required if the unit will be used around children.
  5. For use only indoors in a clean, dry location, free of flammable operating.
  6. This unit gets hot.  Do not touch surfaces while operating.
  7. This unit may scratch household surfaces.
  8. Do not use if the cord or controls have been damaged in any way.  Contact the manufacturer before attempting to make any repairs.
  9. Do not use sharp utensils inside the unit.
  10. Unplug the unit when not in use
  11. Allow unit to cool before cleaning.
  12. Clean with damp cloth and mild detergent.
  13. Never immerse unit or cord in water or other liquids.
  14. Never plug unit into a damaged electrical outlet.
  15. Do not allow the cord to contact the edge of a counter, table or hot surface.
  16. The use of attachments or accessories is not recommended by the manufacturer and will void the warranty.
  17. Do not attempt to move this unit while it is operating.
  18. Continuous operation above 180 degrees F is not recommended as surfaces will become very hot.
  19. Do not operate this unit above 200 degrees F, as this may trip the safety thermo disc .  If disc is tripped, the coil will not heat again until the unit has cooled.

Preparation of Foods (Pre-Treatment):

For best results, select the freshest foods available to dehydrate.  Note that immature fruits and vegetables do not have as much color and flavor as do those that are fully matured.  Foods should be dehydrated as soon after purchase as possible.  Foods high in sugar such as apples, pears, peaches and bananas are prone to darkening as a result of oxidation of the sugars.  Below are some pre-treatments that will help reduce this effect.

Lemon and pineapple juice are natural antioxidants.  Place the sliced product in the juice for a few minutes, remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.  For extra flavor, try sprinkling on cinnamon, Jell-O powders or other sweeteners.

Ascorbic acid mix, a form of vitamin C which is available at most health food stores, comes in either a tablet or powder form.  Use about 2-3 tablespoons of powder or ground tablets per quart of water.  Stir to completely dissolve powder.  Place fruit into the solution for 2-3 minutes.  Remove and place on the dehydrator shelf.

Sodium Bisulfate can be purchased at your local pharmacy.  If you or anyone who will be eating the food has any known chemical allergies, you should check with your physician before using this chemical.  Be certain to ask for food grade safe product only.  Mix 1 teaspoon of sodium bisulfate in 1 quart of water.  Dip the sliced fruit in the solution for a few minutes.  remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.

Blanching is used primarily to prepare fruits and vegetables for dehydrating that have skins that will toughen during drying.  this process helps lock in the color and flavor as well as soften the skin of grapes, cherries, prunes and plums.  There are two blanching methods, water and steam.

Operating Instructions:

For the safest and best results, read all of the instructions first. 

  1. Exam the carton and unit for any damage that may have occurred during shipping.  Contact the manufacturer and carrier if there is damage.
  2. Fill out and return the product warranty card.  The card must be on file for your warranty to take effect.
  3. Make sure the power switch is turned off.  Place the unit on a clean, dry surface away from children or pets.  Plug into an undamaged electrical outlet.  DO not use an extension cord with your machine!
  4. Turn on the unit.  You will hear the fan start and on the D12, the number s on the control panel will flash and the unit will beep.  The unit will begin tot heat up.  You may hear the heating element cycle on and off depending on the temperature that you have selected. 
  5. Lift the door up 2-3 inched and heat until at 90 degrees F for 45 minutes to remove any moisture.
  6. If the unit stops for any reason, turn off, unplug, and call the manufacturer.
  7. Follow your recipe for the food that you wish to dehydrate than place the food evenly on the shelves provided.  The manufacturer recommends using cooking spray on the shelves to prevent sticking.  Do not over lap the food.
  8. Using  oven mitts, remove the front panel by sliding it straight up.  Set it aside on a heat resistant surface.
  9. Carefully place shelves onto the rails inside the unit and slowly slide them in.  Forcing the shelves in may damage the heating assembly.
  10. Slide the cover into place.
  11. On the D12, set the desired temperature by turning the corresponding knob.  On the D10, set the temperature by turning the knob on the top of the unit.  Monitor the internal temperature and adjust as needed.
  12. Monitor the unit to ensure that the proper temperature is maintained.  If the internal temperature exceeds 180 degrees F, it may damage the unit.  If the temperature of the unit reaches 180 degrees F, turn off and allow to cool. 
  13. If drying is uneven, use oven mitts to turn the shelves 180 degrees.
  14. For very moist foods such as tomatoes, it may be necessary to prop open the front cover 1 1/2 inches with a small block of wood for the first 2 hours of operation.  This will increase the air flow and help drive excess moisture out of the unit.
  15. Note.  Moisture may collect on the bottom of the unit during operation and can be wiped out with a paper towel.  Avoid touching the walls and shelves with your bare hands as burns may result.

Food Drying Guides:

The following charts are guidelines for the preparation of various fruits, vegetables and meats.  Drying times will vary on the room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food that you are drying.  If the moisture level is low, the drying time will be on the low end of the range.  If the moisture level is high, then the drying time will be on the high end end of the range.

Keep in mind that drying times are also affected by the amount of food placed on the shelves.  Over loading the shelves will slow the drying times and may produce poorer results.  When dehydrating foods, it is important to check on the dryness of the product.  If the product is not thoroughly dried, mold may form during storage.  To test for dryness, remove a piece of food from the dehydrator and allow to cool to room temperature.  Bend and tear the piece to check for internal moisture.

Food Drying Guide, Vegetables at least 125 degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Asparagus  

wash and cut into 1 inch pieces.

Crunchy 4-6 hours
Beans, Green or Waxed Wash, remove ends and cut into 1 inch pieces or French style. Crunchy 9-12 hours
Beets Remove 1/2 inch of top, scrub, blanch until tender.  Peel and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices. Pliable 9-12 hours
Broccoli Wash and trim.  Cut stems into 1/4 inch pieces.  Dry florets whole. Crunchy 10-14 hours
Cabbage Wash and trim.  Cut into 1/8 inch strips. Crunchy 8-11 hours
Carrots Wash and trim tops.  Peel or scrape of desired.  Cut into 1/8 inch thick slices. Pliable 7-11 hours
Celery Wash, separate leaves and stalks.  Cut stalks into 1/4 inch strips. Crunchy 3-10 hours
Corn Shuck corn and trim silk.  Steam until milk is set.  Cut kernels from cob and spread on plastic drying sheet.  Stir several times during drying. Crunchy 7-10 hours
Cucumbers Wash and trim.  Cut into 1/8 inch slices. Pliable 4-8 hours
Eggplant Wash and Peel.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Pliable 4-8 hours
Mushrooms Wash and cut into 3/8 inch slices. Pliable 4-7 hours
Parsnips Scrub, steam blanch until tender.  Peel if desired and cut into 3/8 inch thick slices. Pliable/Tough 7-11 hours
Peppers Wash and remove stems, seeds and white section.  Pat dry.  Cut into 1/4 inch thick strips or rings. Pliable 4-8 hours
Potatoes Use new potatoes.  Wash and peel if desired.  Steam blanch 4-6 minutes.  Cut french fry style.  !/4 inch slices, 1/8 inch thick circles or grate. Crunchy/Pliable 7-13 hours
Summer Squash Wash and peel.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Pliable 10-14 hours
Tomatoes Wash and remove stems.  Slice into 1/4 inch circles.  for cherry tomatoes, slice in half, dry skin side down. Pliable 5-9 hours
Zucchini Wash, peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or chips. Crunchy 7-11 hours

Drying Guide Fruits, 135 Degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Apples Wash, core and peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices.  Dust with cinnamon if desired. Pliable 7-15 hours
Apricots Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice if desired and dry skin side sown. Pliable 21-29 hours
Bananas Wash, peel and slice into 1/8 inch slices. Pliable 7-10 hours
Figs Wash, cut out blemishes, quarter.  Dry skin side down. Pliable 22-30 hours
Kiwi Wash, peel and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Crisp 8-15 hours
Nectarines Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice of desired and dry skin side down. Pliable 8-17 hours
Peaches Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice of desired and dry skin side down. Pliable 8-16 hours
Pears Wash, core and peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or quarter. Pliable 8-16 hours
Pineapple Peel, remove fibrous eyes, remove core.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or wedges Pliable 11-18 hours
Rhubarb Wash, cut into 1 inch lengths. Pliable 6-10 hours
Strawberries Wash, cut out caps, slice 1/4 inches thick. Crisp 7-15 hours
Watermelon Cut off rind, cut into wedges and remove seeds. Pliable and sticky 8-10 hours

Food Drying Guide, Jerky at 145-150 Degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Jerky Use lean meat and remove as much fat as possible.  Fat turns rancid with time.  Cut uniform 1/4 inch thick or less slices.  Do not over lap slices on the shelves. Pliable 3-4 hours.  Meat Temperature should reach 145-150 degrees F

Food Storage:

Dried foods should be allowed to condition before being placed into a storage container.  Generally let stand about one week in a dry, well ventilated and protected area.  The conditioning time allows for further drying and removes most of the remaining moisture in the food.  Dried foods can be placed into clean, dry, insect resistant containers, preferably glass jars.  Heavy gauge plastic freezer bags can also be used.  Eliminate as much air as possible before sealing the bag.  Vacuum sealers provide ideal storage when properly used.  The less air present, the less potential for the formation of molds.  Stored foods should be checked monthly for insects and mold.  If mold is present, you can scrape it off, place he food on a cookie sheet and heat in the oven at 175 degrees F for 15-25 minutes.  Re-pack into a clean, air tight container.

Reconstitution:

Dried foods do not need to be reconstituted for consumption.  Many people prefer to eat them in their dried state.  If you want to reconstitute your food, here are some basic guidelines.  Soak food in unsalted water for 3-7 minutes and then prepare as usual.  If you are boiling them, use the same water they were soaked in to preserve nutrients.  If you plan to soak foods more than 1 hour, they should be placed in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.  One cup of dried vegetables reconstitutes to about 2 cups.  One cup of dried fruit reconstitutes about 1 1/2 cups.  Reconstitution times will vary depending on the thickness of the food and the water temperature used.  Warm water will speed reconstitution but may result in some loss of flavor. 

Cleaning:

To clean the unit, remove the shelves and wash separately.  Wipe off both exterior and interior surfaces of the unit with a damp cloth and mild detergent.  Do not use scouring pads pr abrasive cleaners.  Never immerse the unit or power cord in liquids!

Reviewing The Dehydrating Process:

  1. Use high quality food.
  2. Wash food, use clean utensils and keep work station clean.
  3. Pre-treat foods to prevent discoloration.
  4. Do not over lap foods on shelves.
  5. Drying times will vary depending on food thickness, moisture in the food, relative humidity and room temperature.
  6. Cool food before testing for dryness.
  7. Rotate trays 180 degrees F if you notice uneven drying.
  8. Let food condition in a clean, dry, ventilated area for a week before placing them into air tight containers.
  9. Reconstitute as needed.
  10. And last but not least ENJOY!


Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P Gardenmaster Plus Food Dehydrator
Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P Gardenmaster Plus Food Dehydrator

A step above the original Gardenmaster, the Gardenmaster Plus comes with four additional drying trays, four extra square feet of drying space, and more!

As your family grows, so does your need for healthy, flavorful, on-the-go snacks. The Gardenmaster Plus features all of the power and performance of the original Gardenmaster, but comes equipped with an extra four drying trays, increasing your total drying space to 8 square feet! This added space is perfect for accommodating your blossoming household.

Savor your garden a little longer this year! From tasty trail mix to delectable dried fruits, cereal toppings to garden herbs, the spacious Gardenmaster Plus will have your cupboards packed with tempting dried treats all year round.

Key Features:

8 Square Feet of Drying Space Loads of room for your fruit, meat, herbs, or anything else you can dream up! With 8 individual drying trays, you can dry a variety of different treats all at once. The abundance of drying space provided by this model allows you to dry your foods in large quantities convenient for families with many mouths to feed!

Convenient Expandability This dehydrator grows as you and your family grows! Its expandable to up to 30 trays (available for purchase separately) for the ultimate in bulk drying. The drying pressure adjusts automatically to the number of trays inside.

1000 Watts of Pure Drying Power No more waiting for days the 1000-watt heating element in the Gardenmaster Plus allows you to produce a batch of tasty, nutritious snacks in a record amount of time. Dry beef jerky in 4 hours apples in 4-6 hours bananas in 5-8 hours and fruit rolls in 3-6 hours!

No Tray Rotation Necessary Simply load up your goodies and walk away! The Gardenmaster does all the work.

Patented Converga-Flow Fan This exclusive, whisper-quiet fan forces heated air up the exterior pressurized chamber, then horizontally across each individual tray, for fast and even drying. This helps preserve the integrity of each food item, so you wont have to worry about flavor mixing!

Vita-Save Exterior This durable outer construction blocks light, which can rob your food of precious nutrients. With this model, the vitamins stay right where they belong in your food!

Adjustable Thermostat Not all foods were created equal! This feature gives you the flexibility you need to fine-tune your temperatures between 90 and 155 degrees. Having greater control over the temperature allows you to customize settings for the different kinds of food you are drying.

Energy-Efficient The Gardenmaster Plus needs only minimal electricity to run, costing you only an average of 1 to 3 cents per hour of use. Compare that with the cost of baking with an oven for several hours!

When your order the Gardenmaster Plus now, you also get these fantastic bonuses, absolutely free:

8 Solid Sheets: for drying semi-liquids such as soup or fruit, featuring a no-spill lip. Make tasty fruit roll-ups in a multitude of flavor combinations!

8 Clean-A-Screens: for easy drying of garden herbs, flowers, and spices. Also great for making potpourri!

Jerky Spice Packet and Cure: All you need is the beef! Create hearty, delicious beef jerky in a matter of hours.





Find the Right Food Dehydrator

The American Harvest Food Dehydrator offers the option to add additional trays.  Perfect for your growing needs. 

  • Vita-Save Exterior helps block harmful light which destroys nutrients.

  • Patented Converga Flow Drying System forces air up the exterior pressurized chamber and across the trays for fast, even drying.

The TSM Food Dehydrator is made of stainless steel with a choice of chrome plated or stainless steel shelves.  With large large areas of drying space, these models provide a large output for heavy dehydrating.

  • Heavy Duty Stainless Steel

  • Shelves Available in Chrome or Stainless Steel

  • Rear Mounted Fan

  • 1 3/4" Rheostat

Compare and Choose the Food Dehydrator That's Right for You

Food Dehydrators are available in a Full Range of Sizes to Fit Your Needs, ranging from 2.5 to 31 square feet of drying capacity.

Food Dehydrator Comparison Chart

Food Dehydrator Model
Drying Space
Trays
Watts
Expandable
Stainless Steel
2.5 Sq. Ft. 5 425 To 7 Trays No
3 Sq. Ft.
4
500
To 12 Trays
No
4 Sq. Ft.
4
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
8 Sq. Ft.
8
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
16 Sq. Ft.
10
800
No
Yes
31 Sq. Ft.
12
1600
No
Yes

New to Drying - Small Yield of Fruits or Vegetables...

New to Drying - Large Yield of Fruits and Vegetables...

Introduce yourself to drying with the Gardenmaster Plus Food Dehydrator or theTSM D-10 Food Dehydrator.  If you expect to do large amounts of drying,  choose the TSM D-12 Food Dehydrator to avoid having to upgrade.

Vacuum Sealing Dried Foods

Seal dried foods for longer shelf life.  For a compatible match, use the chart below to find the right size food vacuum sealer to coordinate with the food dehydrator you need.

Food Dehydrator Model
Food Vacuum Sealer
Foodsaver Vac 375

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  • Secure Shopping
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
    or Your Money Back
  • Easy Returns
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No Sales Tax for U.S. Residents Outside of Minnesota

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Nesco American Harvest FD-1010 Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator
Nesco American Harvest FD-1010 Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator

BESTSELLER: Nesco American Harvest FD-1010 Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator

Sample the delicious art of drying foods right in your own kitchen, with American Harvest�s most popular food dehydrator. This countertop treasure lets you prepare portable and healthful snacks for the entire family, including sweet dried fruits, mouth-watering jerky, and more. Preserve your fresh garden herbs for year-round use, or maintain the beauty of flowers from that special occasion � the possibilities are endless!

The Gardenmaster is equipped with 4 square feet of drying space to provide ample room for all of your garden delicacies. This model�s exclusive design grows with your family�s needs, expandable to up to 30 square feet. The Gardenmaster boasts 1000 watts of drying power, meaning it can dry foods in a matter of hours, not days. Because it�s so fun and easy to use, this family-friendly dehydrator is sure to be a favorite new addition to your household!

Key Features:

� 4 Square Feet of Drying Space � The Gardenmaster includes four trays measuring 1 square foot each, which means plenty of room for your fruit, meat, herbs, or anything else you can imagine! Place a different food on each tray to produce a variety of dried treats.

� Convenient Expandability � This dehydrator �grows� as your family grows! The Gardenmaster is expandable to up to 30 trays (available for purchase separately) for the ultimate in bulk drying. The drying pressure adjusts automatically to the number of trays inside.

� 1000 Watts of Pure Drying Power � Produce a batch of tasty, nutritious snacks in a record amount of time. No more waiting for days � dry beef jerky in 4 hours, apples in 4-6 hours, bananas in 5-8 hours, and fruit rolls in 3-6 hours!

� No Tray Rotation Necessary � Simply load up your goodies and walk away! The Gardenmaster does all the work.

� Patented Converga-Flow� Fan � This exclusive, whisper-quiet fan forces heated air up the exterior pressurized chamber, then horizontally across each individual tray, for fast and even drying. This helps preserve the integrity of each food item, so you won�t have to worry about flavor mixing!

� Vita-Save Exterior � This durable outer construction blocks light, which can rob your food of precious nutrients. With this model, the vitamins stay right where they belong � in the food!

� Adjustable Thermostat � Not all foods were created equal! This feature gives you the flexibility you need to fine-tune your temperatures between 90�F and 155�F. Having greater control over the temperature allows you to customize settings for the different kinds of food you are drying, which results in optimal taste and texture.

� Energy-Efficient � The Gardenmaster needs only minimal electricity to run, costing you only an average of 1 to 3 cents per hour of use. Compare that with the cost of baking with an oven for several hours!

When your order the Gardenmaster now, you also get these fantastic bonuses, absolutely free:

� 1 Solid Sheet: for drying semi-liquids such as soup or fruit, featuring a no-spill lip. Make tasty fruit roll-ups in a multitude of flavor combinations!

� 1 mesh Clean-A-Screen: for easy drying of garden herbs, flowers, and spices. Also great for making potpourri!

� Jerky Spice Packet and Cure: All you need is the beef! Create hearty, delicious beef jerky in a matter of hours.



Find the Right Food Dehydrator

The American Harvest Food Dehydrator offers the option to add additional trays.  Perfect for your growing needs. 

  • Vita-Save Exterior helps block harmful light which destroys nutrients.

  • Patented Converga Flow Drying System forces air up the exterior pressurized chamber and across the trays for fast, even drying.

The TSM Food Dehydrator is made of stainless steel with a choice of chrome plated or stainless steel shelves.  With large large areas of drying space, these models provide a large output for heavy dehydrating.

  • Heavy Duty Stainless Steel

  • Shelves Available in Chrome or Stainless Steel

  • Rear Mounted Fan

  • 1 3/4" Rheostat

Compare and Choose the Food Dehydrator That's Right for You

Food Dehydrators are available in a Full Range of Sizes to Fit Your Needs, ranging from 2.5 to 31 square feet of drying capacity.

Food Dehydrator Comparison Chart

Food Dehydrator Model
Drying Space
Trays
Watts
Expandable
Stainless Steel
2.5 Sq. Ft. 5 425 To 7 Trays No
3 Sq. Ft.
4
500
To 12 Trays
No
4 Sq. Ft.
4
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
8 Sq. Ft.
8
1,000
To 30 Trays
No
16 Sq. Ft.
10
800
No
Yes
31 Sq. Ft.
12
1600
No
Yes

New to Drying - Small Yield of Fruits or Vegetables...

New to Drying - Large Yield of Fruits and Vegetables...

Introduce yourself to drying with the Gardenmaster Plus Food Dehydrator or theTSM D-10 Food Dehydrator.  If you expect to do large amounts of drying,  choose the TSM D-12 Food Dehydrator to avoid having to upgrade.

Vacuum Sealing Dried Foods

Seal dried foods for longer shelf life.  For a compatible match, use the chart below to find the right size food vacuum sealer to coordinate with the food dehydrator you need.

Food Dehydrator Model
Food Vacuum Sealer
Foodsaver Vac 375

Shop With Confidence:                                                  

  • Secure Shopping
  • 100% Satisfation Guaranteed
    or Your Money Back
  • Easy Returns
  • Privacy Policy

No Sales Tax for U.S. Residents Outside of Minnesota

*An Additional Savings of $6.49 Based on a 5% National Sales Tax Rate Average.

Back to Food Dehydrators

See What Customers Are Saying...

"I recently ordered the Gardenmaster Plus and the Foodsaver 420 from the online store of homesteadharvest.com.  I was very happy with their products and am service rating them a 10!"

-Alex Marine
Thurmont, MD

 

"I bought two industrial pressure canners for my business.  Naturally, I looked for the best possible price, both locally and on the net.  I saved $75 by going with Homestead Harvest.  What is even better is they were shipped almost immediately and I got them a few days later, quicker than if I had ordered them from the local kitchen store.

I would do business with Homestead Harvest again, no doubt about it."

-Morgan
Maritime Herbs - Hurricane, UT

 

"We recently purchased the cider press for our elementary school.  The cost of going on class trips has significantly increased over the years.  But as teachers, we still wanted to provide the learning experience to our young kindergartners and 1st grades.

The press was easy to put together and making the apple cider brought great joy and excitement to the children.  It was a great learning experience!  We are looking forward to many years of making cider with this great press!"

-Ellen Igo
Hawthorne Elementary School

 

"After years of use my Canner finally gave out and developed a crack in the aluminum pot. ( It was over 35 years old). After checking numerous web sites I found your's and surprisingly your price for the American 921 canner was the lowest of all places I had searched, including Ebay.  It arrived undamaged and in a very timely manner.
I greased up the seals and "seasoned" it with heat and vegetable oil. I've found that this takes care of some of the discoloration from boiling water.

So far i have used it to can my first 4 bushels of tomatoes, 30 quarts of beets, 7 quarts of string beans and this weekend I'll be putting up around 20 quarts of Pasta sauce. The canner has performed flawlessly and your helpful hints on your website have been appreciated."


Thanks,

Paul Coffey, CEC
Owner, The Eclectic Gourmet

 

"The Pea Sheller that I purchased from you guys has been a life saver.  It has performed excellent and is still the talk of the neighborhood."

Roy J Breaux Sr.
Project Manager
Vulcan Power Services L.L.C.



TSM D-10 Stainless Steel Dehydrator with Stainless Steel Shelves
TSM D-10 Stainless Steel Dehydrator with Stainless Steel Shelves

Stainless Steel Dehydrator with Stainless Steel Shelves

Detailed Description Our Best Selling Dehydrator. It's all you will need to make that jerky you always wanted. No more gas station brands that use so much artificial flavoring that leave the meat nearly undetectable. This Stainless Steel Dehydrator has been a great success because of its performance and longevity. Made of strong 22 Gauge Steel, this is the perfect machine for anyone interested in dehydrating foods.

Great for drying jerky, fruit, herbs and vegetables. Comes with:  Rear mounted fan  800 Watt 110 Volt Heating Element  Adjustable thermostat with a 95 - 150 range  INCLUDES(10) Stainless Steel Shelves 16-1/4" x 14-1/2" with 1/4" Square Holes  Outside Dimensions: 17" Depth x 19" Width x 16-1/4" Height  16 square feet of drying space.  Weighs approximately 65 pounds.



Introduction:

Drying food for preservation dates back to the ancient Egyptians.  The Spaniards were the first explorers known to use dehydration to prepare food for their expeditions.  The method was used extensively in the days of the Lewis and Clark expedition as they charted the expanse of the Louisiana Land Purchase.  Buffalo, elk and deer were plentiful, but their success relied heavily on the proper use of this preserving method.

The D5, D10 and D12 dehydrators were designed and constructed to help you get the best results possible.  The shells are made of durable stainless steel so they are easy to clean and maintain.  They will not rust or crack when used properly.  All electric components used are UL listed for safety and reliability.  The information in this manual is intended to help you get the best results from this equipment.  Please read this booklet carefully and call the manufacturer if you have any questions. 

Dehydration:

There are no exact rules that apply to food dehydration because your results can be affected by room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food that you are drying.  To become proficient, it will be necessary to experiment with your drying techniques.  If you use too much heat, food may harden on the outside while still being moist inside.  Too little heat, your drying times will be very long.  But with a little practice, you will be creating tasty, ready to eat snacks in no time.

Important Safeguards:

  1. Read All of these instructions thoroughly before using.
  2. Save these instructions for the future reference.
  3. Never leave your dehydrator unattended.
  4. Close supervision is required if the unit will be used around children.
  5. For use only indoors in a clean, dry location, free of flammable operating.
  6. This unit gets hot.  Do not touch surfaces while operating.
  7. This unit may scratch household surfaces.
  8. Do not use if the cord or controls have been damaged in any way.  Contact the manufacturer before attempting to make any repairs.
  9. Do not use sharp utensils inside the unit.
  10. Unplug the unit when not in use
  11. Allow unit to cool before cleaning.
  12. Clean with damp cloth and mild detergent.
  13. Never immerse unit or cord in water or other liquids.
  14. Never plug unit into a damaged electrical outlet.
  15. Do not allow the cord to contact the edge of a counter, table or hot surface.
  16. The use of attachments or accessories is not recommended by the manufacturer and will void the warranty.
  17. Do not attempt to move this unit while it is operating.
  18. Continuous operation above 180 degrees F is not recommended as surfaces will become very hot.
  19. Do not operate this unit above 200 degrees F, as this may trip the safety thermo disc .  If disc is tripped, the coil will not heat again until the unit has cooled.

Preparation of Foods (Pre-Treatment):

For best results, select the freshest foods available to dehydrate.  Note that immature fruits and vegetables do not have as much color and flavor as do those that are fully matured.  Foods should be dehydrated as soon after purchase as possible.  Foods high in sugar such as apples, pears, peaches and bananas are prone to darkening as a result of oxidation of the sugars.  Below are some pre-treatments that will help reduce this effect.

Lemon and pineapple juice are natural antioxidants.  Place the sliced product in the juice for a few minutes, remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.  For extra flavor, try sprinkling on cinnamon, Jell-O powders or other sweeteners.

Ascorbic acid mix, a form of vitamin C which is available at most health food stores, comes in either a tablet or powder form.  Use about 2-3 tablespoons of powder or ground tablets per quart of water.  Stir to completely dissolve powder.  Place fruit into the solution for 2-3 minutes.  Remove and place on the dehydrator shelf.

Sodium Bisulfate can be purchased at your local pharmacy.  If you or anyone who will be eating the food has any known chemical allergies, you should check with your physician before using this chemical.  Be certain to ask for food grade safe product only.  Mix 1 teaspoon of sodium bisulfate in 1 quart of water.  Dip the sliced fruit in the solution for a few minutes.  remove, drain and place on the dehydrator shelf.

Blanching is used primarily to prepare fruits and vegetables for dehydrating that have skins that will toughen during drying.  this process helps lock in the color and flavor as well as soften the skin of grapes, cherries, prunes and plums.  There are two blanching methods, water and steam.

Operating Instructions:

For the safest and best results, read all of the instructions first. 

  1. Exam the carton and unit for any damage that may have occurred during shipping.  Contact the manufacturer and carrier if there is damage.
  2. Fill out and return the product warranty card.  The card must be on file for your warranty to take effect.
  3. Make sure the power switch is turned off.  Place the unit on a clean, dry surface away from children or pets.  Plug into an undamaged electrical outlet.  DO not use an extension cord with your machine!
  4. Turn on the unit.  You will hear the fan start and on the D12, the number s on the control panel will flash and the unit will beep.  The unit will begin tot heat up.  You may hear the heating element cycle on and off depending on the temperature that you have selected. 
  5. Lift the door up 2-3 inched and heat until at 90 degrees F for 45 minutes to remove any moisture.
  6. If the unit stops for any reason, turn off, unplug, and call the manufacturer.
  7. Follow your recipe for the food that you wish to dehydrate than place the food evenly on the shelves provided.  The manufacturer recommends using cooking spray on the shelves to prevent sticking.  Do not over lap the food.
  8. Using  oven mitts, remove the front panel by sliding it straight up.  Set it aside on a heat resistant surface.
  9. Carefully place shelves onto the rails inside the unit and slowly slide them in.  Forcing the shelves in may damage the heating assembly.
  10. Slide the cover into place.
  11. On the D12, set the desired temperature by turning the corresponding knob.  On the D10, set the temperature by turning the knob on the top of the unit.  Monitor the internal temperature and adjust as needed.
  12. Monitor the unit to ensure that the proper temperature is maintained.  If the internal temperature exceeds 180 degrees F, it may damage the unit.  If the temperature of the unit reaches 180 degrees F, turn off and allow to cool. 
  13. If drying is uneven, use oven mitts to turn the shelves 180 degrees.
  14. For very moist foods such as tomatoes, it may be necessary to prop open the front cover 1 1/2 inches with a small block of wood for the first 2 hours of operation.  This will increase the air flow and help drive excess moisture out of the unit.
  15. Note.  Moisture may collect on the bottom of the unit during operation and can be wiped out with a paper towel.  Avoid touching the walls and shelves with your bare hands as burns may result.


Food Drying Guides:

The following charts are guidelines for the preparation of various fruits, vegetables and meats.  Drying times will vary on the room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food that you are drying.  If the moisture level is low, the drying time will be on the low end of the range.  If the moisture level is high, then the drying time will be on the high end end of the range.

Keep in mind that drying times are also affected by the amount of food placed on the shelves.  Over loading the shelves will slow the drying times and may produce poorer results.  When dehydrating foods, it is important to check on the dryness of the product.  If the product is not thoroughly dried, mold may form during storage.  To test for dryness, remove a piece of food from the dehydrator and allow to cool to room temperature.  Bend and tear the piece to check for internal moisture.

Food Drying Guide, Vegetables at least 125 degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Asparagus  

wash and cut into 1 inch pieces.

Crunchy 4-6 hours
Beans, Green or Waxed Wash, remove ends and cut into 1 inch pieces or French style. Crunchy 9-12 hours
Beets Remove 1/2 inch of top, scrub, blanch until tender.  Peel and cut into 1/4 inch thick slices. Pliable 9-12 hours
Broccoli Wash and trim.  Cut stems into 1/4 inch pieces.  Dry florets whole. Crunchy 10-14 hours
Cabbage Wash and trim.  Cut into 1/8 inch strips. Crunchy 8-11 hours
Carrots Wash and trim tops.  Peel or scrape of desired.  Cut into 1/8 inch thick slices. Pliable 7-11 hours
Celery Wash, separate leaves and stalks.  Cut stalks into 1/4 inch strips. Crunchy 3-10 hours
Corn Shuck corn and trim silk.  Steam until milk is set.  Cut kernels from cob and spread on plastic drying sheet.  Stir several times during drying. Crunchy 7-10 hours
Cucumbers Wash and trim.  Cut into 1/8 inch slices. Pliable 4-8 hours
Eggplant Wash and Peel.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Pliable 4-8 hours
Mushrooms Wash and cut into 3/8 inch slices. Pliable 4-7 hours
Parsnips Scrub, steam blanch until tender.  Peel if desired and cut into 3/8 inch thick slices. Pliable/Tough 7-11 hours
Peppers Wash and remove stems, seeds and white section.  Pat dry.  Cut into 1/4 inch thick strips or rings. Pliable 4-8 hours
Potatoes Use new potatoes.  Wash and peel if desired.  Steam blanch 4-6 minutes.  Cut french fry style.  !/4 inch slices, 1/8 inch thick circles or grate. Crunchy/Pliable 7-13 hours
Summer Squash Wash and peel.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Pliable 10-14 hours
Tomatoes Wash and remove stems.  Slice into 1/4 inch circles.  for cherry tomatoes, slice in half, dry skin side down. Pliable 5-9 hours
Zucchini Wash, peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or chips. Crunchy 7-11 hours

Drying Guide Fruits, 135 Degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Apples Wash, core and peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices.  Dust with cinnamon if desired. Pliable 7-15 hours
Apricots Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice if desired and dry skin side sown. Pliable 21-29 hours
Bananas Wash, peel and slice into 1/8 inch slices. Pliable 7-10 hours
Figs Wash, cut out blemishes, quarter.  Dry skin side down. Pliable 22-30 hours
Kiwi Wash, peel and slice into 1/4 inch slices. Crisp 8-15 hours
Nectarines Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice of desired and dry skin side down. Pliable 8-17 hours
Peaches Wash, halve and remove pit.  Slice of desired and dry skin side down. Pliable 8-16 hours
Pears Wash, core and peel if desired.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or quarter. Pliable 8-16 hours
Pineapple Peel, remove fibrous eyes, remove core.  Cut into 1/4 inch slices or wedges Pliable 11-18 hours
Rhubarb Wash, cut into 1 inch lengths. Pliable 6-10 hours
Strawberries Wash, cut out caps, slice 1/4 inches thick. Crisp 7-15 hours
Watermelon Cut off rind, cut into wedges and remove seeds. Pliable and sticky 8-10 hours

Food Drying Guide, Jerky at 145-150 Degrees F

Food Preparation Test Time
Jerky Use lean meat and remove as much fat as possible.  Fat turns rancid with time.  Cut uniform 1/4 inch thick or less slices.  Do not over lap slices on the shelves. Pliable 3-4 hours.  Meat Temperature should reach 145-150 degrees F

Food Storage:

Dried foods should be allowed to condition before being placed into a storage container.  Generally let stand about one week in a dry, well ventilated and protected area.  The conditioning time allows for further drying and removes most of the remaining moisture in the food.  Dried foods can be placed into clean, dry, insect resistant containers, preferably glass jars.  Heavy gauge plastic freezer bags can also be used.  Eliminate as much air as possible before sealing the bag.  Vacuum sealers provide ideal storage when properly used.  The less air present, the less potential for the formation of molds.  Stored foods should be checked monthly for insects and mold.  If mold is present, you can scrape it off, place he food on a cookie sheet and heat in the oven at 175 degrees F for 15-25 minutes.  Re-pack into a clean, air tight container.

Reconstitution:

Dried foods do not need to be reconstituted for consumption.  Many people prefer to eat them in their dried state.  If you want to reconstitute your food, here are some basic guidelines.  Soak food in unsalted water for 3-7 minutes and then prepare as usual.  If you are boiling them, use the same water they were soaked in to preserve nutrients.  If you plan to soak foods more than 1 hour, they should be placed in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.  One cup of dried vegetables reconstitutes to about 2 cups.  One cup of dried fruit reconstitutes about 1 1/2 cups.  Reconstitution times will vary depending on the thickness of the food and the water temperature used.  Warm water will speed reconstitution but may result in some loss of flavor. 

Cleaning:

To clean the unit, remove the shelves and wash separately.  Wipe off both exterior and interior surfaces of the unit with a damp cloth and mild detergent.  Do not use scouring pads pr abrasive cleaners.  Never immerse the unit or power cord in liquids!

Reviewing The Dehydrating Process:

  1. Use high quality food.
  2. Wash food, use clean utensils and keep work station clean.
  3. Pre-treat foods to prevent discoloration.
  4. Do not over lap foods on shelves.
  5. Drying times will vary depending on food thickness, moisture in the food, relative humidity and room temperature.
  6. Cool food before testing for dryness.
  7. Rotate trays 180 degrees F if you notice uneven drying.
  8. Let food condition in a clean, dry, ventilated area for a week before placing them into air tight containers.
  9. Reconstitute as needed.
  10. And last but not least ENJOY!


Stainless Steel Dehydrator D5





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