Food Dehydrator

[mstngchic2012]

I was looking for some treats for Mater and it was brought to my attention that a dehydrator would be a good way to make some dog treats. So I was wondering if anyone could recommend a decent dehydrator that isn't super expensive. I would probably be willing to spend around $80 for one because I would use it not only for dehydrating meats but for fruits and things like that for myself.

[jdatwood]

We're gonna give Alton Brown's method a try soon...
Good Eats w/ Alton Brown - A cheap, simple, home food dehydtator

[mstngchic2012]

I actually had some one recommend that to me on another forum. But I'm looking for something a little more reusable because like I said I would like to dry fruits for myself.

[lilbabyvenus]

This is the one we got, but it was on clearance at Mills Fleet Farm for $37 after Christmas. We actually got it with the intention of drying meat for the dogs, and ended up making a lot of jerky for us too. I like this one because it has an adjustable thermostat.
The Official Online Store for Nesco Dehydrators

[mstngchic2012]

This is the one we got, but it was on clearance at Mills Fleet Farm for $37 after Christmas. We actually got it with the intention of drying meat for the dogs, and ended up making a lot of jerky for us too. I like this one because it has an adjustable thermostat.
The Official Online Store for Nesco Dehydrators

How long did it take for the meat to dry? And how long does the dried meat stay good?

[lilbabyvenus]

How long did it take for the meat to dry? And how long does the dried meat stay good?

Usually overnight(started it at about 8 pm and took it out when we got up at 9 or 10 am) for thickly cut (about a quarter inch thick) and maybe 6 or 7 hours for thinner cut meat. I'm not sure how long it stays fresh, the longest we've had anything before it was all eaten was about a week lol I'm very happy with it though. It also comes with an insert (you can buy extras) to puree fruit and make homemade fruit roll-ups :D lol The book that comes with it tells you how you can cut, what temp, and how long to dry fruits and vegetables, and also flowers for decorations and crafts.

[mstngchic2012]

Well it looks like I'll be ordering one in a week or so when I get paid. Thanks a bunch :)

[lilbabyvenus]

Well it looks like I'll be ordering one in a week or so when I get paid. Thanks a bunch :)

No problem :) Glad I could help!

[wags]

Gosh I cant think of the brand of dehydrator we have it plastic proabably not the best but I put mine outside becasue I dehydrate beef liver and just stinky stuff for the dogs its so smelly I got a cheap one and it wroks gee just as well as any of them I htink! Since I do like I said put it outside you have to try the liver and whew its too smelly to do in the house PEW! But the beef liver and such takes for me over a day to be done actually I am thinking 2 days I have not done this in a little while beacuse of the winter and now its rainy! But I do have two beef livers in the freezer. I cut them up pretty discusting and messy then dry them in my cheap dryer I will have to go look at the brand and the dogs love this I mean love it! Happy dehydrating!