Food dehydrator, worth it ?

[DeanStockwelll]

I am considering buying one but am worried that it's just going to be a dust gather.
I only have a very small kitchen so it needs to be a small model.
It will be predominantly used for fruit but I'd like it to do meat too.

If you have one what do you like / dislike about it , how many shelves does it have , what power is it ..
Any tips or advice is much appreciated.

I’ve got that function in a ninja 9in1 which is also a slow cooker, air fryer and more! I’ve used it for fruit, biltong and more recently for just the glut of mint I’ve got in the garden.

Thanks @ranoutofquinoaandprosecco , I tend to be a bit wary about things that are a 'jack of all trades ' type machines as they seem to be a master of none , is this not the case with yours ?

I have a standard air fryer (Gourmia from Costco) and it has a dehydrate setting. The default temperature for dehydration is 135 degrees Fahrenheit and default time is 8 hours. So if you have an air fryer, maybe yours can dehydrate too.

My secondary oven can be set to 130 C . I've only done panko & mushrooms, but it's worth experimenting.

I don't have a air fryer or secondary oven so unfortunately they aren't options but thanks @Noseyoldcow & @oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends for the temperature tips.

https://fatllama.com/uk/i/hire-food-dehydrator-10l-51612412

Oooh who knew , you can rent a food dehydrator at very reasonable prices as well as loads of other stuff.
Unfortunately it's well over 100 miles from me 😔

Is that you Erin?

We have just purchased one to deal with the glut of figs… must start tomorrow.

I’d love to know some recommendations of dehydrators! Watching this with interest!

I have one which I used loads for first few years but now is gathering dust. I can’t remember power options sorry. I think it helped when kids were small as dried fruit/ fruit leathers (on greaseproof) were easy snacks. I grow my own veg so it made the most of that eg dried tomatoes and slices of strawberry - although I read you shouldn’t dry chillies in them as they can make you cough/ eyes water as they dehydrate. It is large (same footprint as a microwave) with 3 or 4 shelves.

I think on balance I would recommend if you have the space but you have to commit to using it and think through practical implications like buying fruit etc, needing storage jars and space etc

I've just bought a Ninja with dehydrator function. Haven't tried it yet but first thing into it will be a kilo of baby plum tomatoes for eating with mozarella, avocado and olives. Really concentrates the flavour and dispenses with the sogginess.

That was my first thought too

We have a large garden with lots of raised beds so fruits and veg is plenty!
just looking for different ideas than what we already do (like fresh eating, freezing, soups, jams, pickles, jams, chutneys, confectionary like candied peel and fruit pastels).
We’ve a young pup and he tends to move about and pick and choose where he sleeps. We just don’t want to leave the oven on at most for 18hrs or something with the door ajar with his nosy nose poking around the place.

(Show cocker spaniel, 18 months, Watson. Velcro dog)

Oh those eyes @WigglyWatson ! Butter wouldn't melt 🐶

We won one in a raffle a few years back. We experimented with a few things but mostly it's used to dry courgettes (used in soups and stews) when we have a glut and currently trying another tray of tomatoes.
I wouldn't have bought one but are glad we have it.its quite big but spends most of the year tucked away in the box room. Am pretty sure we could do similar in the oven but it would be more effort.

You beat me to it - I couldn’t think of her name! What a bizarre case that was…

Who is Erin ?

I am undecided, I don't have a air fryer and my oven is a old one that's more the sort that is on or off or just pleases it's self but I don't use it that often so it's not worth replacing.

Was going to ask the same but @maudelovesharold made me realise it's the poisoned Wellington beef lady from Australia. If you still don't get it, google poisoned beef Wellington Australia but don't marry her

I bought one for natural and healthy dog treats. Used twice, took more than 8 hours. Nor gathering dust!

We use ours to dry pink grapefruit slices as a garnish for G&T!

Love these ideas but I would be constantly snacking on the results

I've got one from Lakeland, I love it. I grow a lot of fruit and veg and it's so handy.
I do courgettes, onions, potatoes, apples, plums, mushrooms mostly. Have done carrots. I make beef jerky style treats for the dog.

Ah yes I have heard of her but didn't recall the name.
Her dh had a lucky escape , i wonder if he suspected something on that night so didn't go.

@Onceaponceatime , this is my concern, I only have a small kitchen so I don't have space for things to gather dust.

Put your oven on its lowest setting, set the door slightly ajar, give it a couple of hours

I make 'sundried' tomatoes this way

How do you keep your over on low with the door open a bit ?
Mine roars like buggery until its up to temp. It has the drop down style door so heat escapes easily.