Dehydrators

Food topics, including recipes.

Dehydrators

Postby stepbystep » Wed 28 Mar, 2012 8:55 pm

I'm wondering if anyone uses stainless steel dehydrators?

I just dislike the idea of heating plastics when food is involved especially for 8hrs+
Does anyone use them, do they have any observations or opinions? Does anyone else share this concern?

Cheers, Dan
The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defenders ~ Edward Abbey
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Re: Dehydrators

Postby stepbystep » Wed 28 Mar, 2012 9:27 pm

The idea of wilderness needs no defense, it only needs defenders ~ Edward Abbey
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Re: Dehydrators

Postby Nuts » Fri 30 Mar, 2012 10:43 am

I'd like something with a larger (per tray) capacity and especially a timer, these are interesting. Oddly they (at least the first two) seem to use chrome plated shelving..
Who knows what is being emitted from plastic trays, i'd like to think the plastic is stable but yes, a long time and a lot of heat..
I did look at a commercial dehydrator but i'd imagine the smaller rounded trays are easy to handle/clean in a home kitchen/ small quantity situation.
Could be expensive to ship, be keen to see how it goes if you do grab one.
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Re: Dehydrators

Postby stepbystep » Fri 30 Mar, 2012 3:27 pm

Will let you know nuts, haven't bitten yet but think I will mrs stepbystep is keen :)
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Re: Dehydrators

Postby Nuts » Fri 30 Mar, 2012 3:47 pm

Yer, a world apart from many prepackaged meals, whatever you chose. I made some single serves for a recent walk and each on fit in a mini zip lock bag (to fill a 750ml pot)..

I thought I had read something about plastics, I didn't consider metal, think this is similar to the one i had on a list:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EXCALIBUR-9- ... 33605147bc

The Excalibur Dehydrator Quality Materials

* No harmful fumes like low-quality styrene dehydrators
* The polycarbonate is a natural heat insulator, better than single-wall stainless steel
* Virtually indestructible - trays won’t crack or break
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Re: Dehydrators

Postby stepbystep » Fri 30 Mar, 2012 5:11 pm

Yep, can't beat it. We've had a cheapy, the food has been really good(apart from a cpl of failed attempts) but the whole plastic thing worries me and my wife wants to get a bit more serious with it.

We often have really good quality excess fruit and veg and prefer not to add the petrochemicals.... :shock:
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Re: Dehydrators

Postby doogs » Fri 30 Mar, 2012 6:07 pm

I have always used a sheet of greaseproof paper under my food when dehydrating. I tend to have to turn whatever it is over after a few hours but I have taken food I have dehydrated on longs trips and it has been fine.
Disclaimer: I am a cheapskate and scrounged the dehydrator for free so have never read any instructions. If death occurs suddenly and violently from taking my advice you have been warned!!
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Re: Dehydrators

Postby stepbystep » Fri 30 Mar, 2012 6:19 pm

doogs wrote:I have always used a sheet of greaseproof paper under my food when dehydrating. I tend to have to turn whatever it is over after a few hours but I have taken food I have dehydrated on longs trips and it has been fine.
Disclaimer: I am a cheapskate and scrounged the dehydrator for free so have never read any instructions. If death occurs suddenly and violently from taking my advice you have been warned!!


lol, no I'm just a paranoid conspiracy theorist :P Not to mention it's the first bit of bushwalkng gear my wife approves of....
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