Types of Food Dehydrator
There are two basic designs for dehydrators.
- Horizontal air flow units have the heating
element and fan located on the sides.
- Vertical air flow unit have the heating element
and fan located at the base.
The dehydrators can also be classified as:
- Electric Food Dehydrator : Prepare food and
place on rack and then it operates electrically to dry the prepared
food.
- Solar Food Dehydrator : Prepare food and place
on racks and then adjust the position of the food throughout
daylight hours to keep in direct sunlight.
Buying Considerations for Food Dehydrators
Buyers should take into account the following considerations before
buying a food dehydrator:
- Capacity : The capacity should be adequate for
the largest amount of food to be dried. The amount of drying area
needed varies with the type and thickness of food dried.
- Design : The machine should be round or
rectangle.
- Weight : Lightweight units are preferable for
the easy moving.
- Walls : Metal and high grade plastic walls are
superior to wood for safety, durabilty and ease of cleaning.
- Air intake vent : It should be washable and
easy to replace filter and be adjustable to permit more fresh air
flow.
- Air escape vent : It should be located on or
near the top and should be screened to prevent the entry of insects.
- Door : The door should open and close easily or
be removable for easy access to trays.
- Trays : Good tray design and construction let
air circulate freely on all sides of the food.
- Heat source : The heating element should
provide a stable temperature to ensure continuous drying.
- Control : The on-off switch and the heat
selection dial or indicator should be located at the front.
- Fan : A fan helps removes moisture. So, it is
an essential component of the unit.
Disadvantages of Food Dehydrator
The major disadvantage of the food dehydrator is its limited capacity.
