Solar Food Dehydrator

[@Bigelowbrook]

I said @10:05 that I didn't use it for a few days and it's also mentioned in some of the other comments. I think I'm a bright enough person to understand the risks and rewards of making something like this. You run the same risks with the dehydrators you can buy at a store, made in a foreign place with mystery plastics, or buying your food at a grocery store where you have no clue where it really comes from or how it was processed. Thanks for your concerns.

[@Bigelowbrook]

so far we've done apples, peaches, banana, and tomatoes. On a good weekend, It can be done in a day, but I usually leave it in for two days. We just leave it in overnight....so far no critters have bothered it.

[@Bigelowbrook]

We get a lot of cloudy/rainy days here too. I just keep an eye on the forecast and wait to use it until there are going to be a couple of nice sunny days.

[@csongorvarga]

I was looking for solar dehydrator videos over the last few days and could not find a single decent one. I should have known that I can always rely on you. Thanks for sharing.

[@Bigelowbrook]

It seems to vent well on it's own. A few days over the summer it got a bit hotter than I wanted so some kind of thermostat & fan would help to keep the temperature more consistent.

[@galennordland8074]

Great video instruction and great design, and thanks for pointing out key ideas like reversing the drill for the acrylic, third wheel, and the goof about accounting for the size of the acrylic sheet stock size. Kudos!

[@robindegu7294]

i wind up watching this every couple years... best diy dehydrator I've seen. well done!

[@Bigelowbrook]

thanks! And it's still working.

[@Bigelowbrook]

Even though it works well with the air flow, on a hot summer day, it can get too hot so I may put on a smaller solar panel with a fan on a thermostat.

[@Bigelowbrook]

I let this unit "cook" in the sun for a week or so before using it so it was fairly well aired out before using it (I'm not saying this is perfect answer, but there were no noticeable odors from it.) I still rather risk using this than buying some of the mystery food from the grocery store.

[@TheTruthFarm]

Man that sure does seem like a lot of work. That said, anyone that would complain about the time that this project takes to complete wouldn't be watching this video anyway. They would go to the store buying heavily processed foods then back on the couch for another round of Idol, Got Talent or some reality show, where nothing is what it seems. If there's anyone that deserves to win of all three of these shows and there are plenty all over the Internet, just like you, it's people willing to open source their projects to assist everyone. The money that you make from advertising comes from the pocket of the people who can afford this luxury, leaving the average Joe with some neat weekend projects to do into the bargain. Keep up the great work and we'll keep watching giving credit where credit is most certainly due.

[@datadev1]

Great idea. You gotta love someone who will share his ideas warts and all. I was beginning to think I was the only one who made mistakes.

[@yaredfonseca3608]

Me gusto mucho tu deshidratador, voy a implementarlo en una escuela en México y de los que he visto la tuya es la mejor idea!! Gracias!!!

[@lauraroth5555]

This looks like the best design of all I've researched, so far. (I built 4 2 foot square 'Walker Solar Dehydrators' that I've found unwieldy to move and difficult to fill/empty.) You've thought of every 'problem' I've considered. Except how to store the behemoth when not using it! :) Thanks.

[@Bigelowbrook]

+Laura Roth Yeah, I just let it sit outside. It's is a bit too large and I wish I had made it smaller.

[@dwightrose5735]

So I've been spending quite some time constructing my first Downdraft Dehydrator to dry leaves (for tea and medicine), fruits and vegetables (for preservation), and seeds and nuts for small-scale oil extraction, and I am finally finished. I ran a few tests which started yesterday, and today I found out that the roof over the chimney (the highest point on the device) was affecting the internal temperature. I am currently reconstructing the chimney (making it a bit higher and adding a different type of roof) so that the internal temperature can be stabilized during this heat wave affecting the island of Jamaica. I got internal temperatures between 35.5 (95.9 F) and 49.8 (121.28 F) degrees Celsius today (you only need 40 oC (104 F) to adequately dry plant materials and preserve nutrients). Planning to get it all sorted out tomorrow. This is a modified version ( scaled it down by 50%) of the one you built.

[@benedictlego6642]

+Dwight Rose Wow this is great just a few modifications and we can get 33 to 37 degrees Celsius right? Can we use it to dehumidify our honey? Thanks

[@bartomiejdziubinski7509]

nie ma to jak opary olejnej farby :D Aż miło i smacznie...

[@Bigelowbrook]

I let it set out in the sun for about a week before using it. I didn't notice any smells or tastes that were odd....even so, it's still probably safer than food from a store. ;-)

[@Bigelowbrook]

I would probably just have the air intake come in through the end. Also make the shelves a couple of inches narrower than the dehydrator so you can get the air flow to go over everything properly. I push one shelf in all the way, then the next one is against the door. You sort of get a zig-zag air flow going through it instead of just through the screening. (not sure if I explained that right!)

[@markcobb6561]

im always looking for new projects, and this is the first video ive seen on solar dehydrators, honestly the thought never crossed my mind. excellent video!!! wish i could give it more than 1 thumbs up.

[@WayneMeador]

Yes you did explain it properly, very well. Thank you for the pointers, I'll probably build a small version (one that can go on the back deck) and make a video of it when I do. Thanks again! ~Wayne

[@bitluni]

you didn't mention to consider using nontoxic materials/paint as well as netting w/o plasticizer. could really matter at this long exposure at this temperatures.

[@Bigelowbrook]

No worries. I get a lot of comments of plastics and off gassing from my greenhouse and aquaponic system. It's good to be cautious and have an understanding of how toxic most everything it. ;-)

[@bignail1954]

I seriously liked your design - good job!

[@Bigelowbrook]

It's gone over 160 which is a bit too hot for dehydrating. Most of teh time it's around the 130-140 range.

[@Bigelowbrook]

Good point. So far, it hasn't been a problem. Maybe the cats are helping with that!

[@robertoandflorenciavaldivi3687]

The best dehydrator and the one which make most sense of all I wave watched. thanks

[@mytrades3241]

How much cost it takes??? Wonderful idea on dehydration method..

[@Bigelowbrook]

I'm not sure...I think they have to be done at a warmer temp.

[@hakunamatata9643]

Great job.Do you think a small solar powered auto air vent could fasten the process?

[@larryseminoff7510]

Thank you for the plans. I see it holds 5 trays of different sizes. Would like to make one with more trays.

[@milttollin1]

I just ran across your Solar Food Dehydrator video. At the beginning of the video (0:05 sec's in) your plans show the base to be 32.0" wide, but around 0:15 sec's in you say the base is 36.0" wide. I would appreciate any clarification on this detail that you can provide. Thank you.

[@Bigelowbrook]

I believe it's 36". The width just needs to match whatever the width of your glass/plexiglass cover. ;-)

[@dibrentley7915]

best solar dehydrator on youtube.

[@csongorvarga]

If you have some time I would love to hear your experience on the use of this dehydrator. Like what works with it, what does not? Do you leave the food inside overnight or take it in?

[@WayneMeador]

Very cool brother! I've been wanting to build a small solar food dehydrator myself so this was a timely video. Would you make any design changes or would you build it just like this again? Thanks in advance, Wayne

[@Southlander1000]

Love it! That gave me some ideas for one of my own that I plan to base on a repurposed RV refrigerator.

[@RobsAquaponics]

Nice build Rob.. Cheers :)

[@augustolencinas6479]

Your explanation is so perfect and you experience to teach is awesome thank for you video and congrats for you channel Addy

[@M0D0C42]

That was an ambitious project, made even more so by the decision to video the process. Glad that you did! Thanks. :)

[@Umbalafum]

As hot air is going up, the entrance has to be in the bottom, like this the air circles constantly through the shelfs without a hot spot and goes through the chimney.

[@astrialindah2773]

I am loving your guys channel!! Great work!! so informative and easy and FRUGAL!! yeah!

[@patrickconners1016]

Other than stainless mesh what would you suggest after having tested your unit? Nice work, I enjoy your channel.

[@i8BBQ4Lunch]

A trick to making the screen tight is to place two shelves next to each other on the long side. Staple the screen to the outside long edge with screen moulding. Slide a 2x4 under the outside edge of the opposite shelf and then staple the screen to the frame. Now remove the 2x4 and the screen will stretch tight. Staple screen moulding over the remaining edges then cut the cloth between frames.

[@blarg3312]

Nice job. Have you determined what your temperature range is that it can achieve?

[@acuzamendoza]

El video excelente, muy didáctico, fácil de construir, una sugerencia al colector solar si le realizas un par de orificios de 1/2" a 1" para que entre aire forzado y en la parte de arriba colocarle una chimenea de tubo ya sea pvc, metálico de unos 30 centímetros el diámetro el doble de los dos orificios inferiores o un 70%, además debes aprovechar más el espacio, apenas note dos bandejas, puedes hacerlas a todo lo hancho del cuerpo del deshidratador, me gustó tú modelo de deshidratador. Gracias mano.

[@Angelica-j7s]

Gracias desde Chile 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱👍

[@Tableaux15]

Good job. Did you try to see what kind of temperatures you are getting in it?

[@matievski1]

Did you taste or smell any spray paint in fruits after drying? How long paint dried before first food load?

[@ralphbruckart4827]

A great job keep up the good and industriously creative ideas that lead to these projects and videos...

[@sherrie9241]

very nice design, a little to complicated for my building skills, but love this one....!!

[@kifletondo4810]

Thank you very much for your information.

[@TIMBEAU1962]

Fabulous! A very clever designed dehydrator! Gave me some great ideas to build my own! I am wondering, because I live high up north if this wil work there also?! Thank you for sharing this. Warm greeting

[@MrArizonacool]

nice work, can you post a video explaining how the air flows?

[@milliosmiles5160]

Fabulous and informative how-to video.

[@amyharris7337]

Great instructions! Thank you.

[@vivy45]

After several years of use, are you still happy with this build? Is there anything you would change about? How well has it held up? Thanks

[@Bigelowbrook]

It's working well....probably too big since it's difficult to store.

[@vivy45]

@@Bigelowbrook WOW what a quick response! Thanks so much! Has the rain caused any problems? Have you made smaller ones that are easier store?

[@Bigelowbrook]

@@vivy45 I try to schedule drying were I know it will be sunny for a couple of days. This is the only one that I've built.

[@prasadsam1584]

Excellent video , very helpful. Thank you for sharing

[@RolandContreras]

Well done and eco-friendly

[@SennaContreras]

Perfect voor appelschijfjes Opa!

[@isaacsmith4862]

Mmm Urea-formaldehyde flavored fruit, yummy!

[@Bigelowbrook]

Did you ever consider that they do manufacture formaldehyde-free plywood? I'm sure the paint isn't the greatest, but once it's cured, it's very stable. I let this thing back out in the sun for a few weeks before using it.

[@psuemor1651]

You use too much plastic based products or whatever, paint, glue, what they use to cure the plywood, all of that isn't thought to be in contact with food much less in an oven, even if it is a low temperature one, they will free harmful chemicals into the dried fruit, that might not get you sick right away but in the long term, or to the fetus of a pregnant lady, the design is fine but you should use inert materials when dealing with food.

[@stephenverchinski9967]

P Suemor seems like a great startup business to rework the glues etc. Just recalled that the industrial dairy industry also brings us crib death and Elmers Glue? do not want that use either.

[@MrPVaSoldier]

wonderful craftsmanship!

[@mbeecher9921]

Some small variation in design would make a greenhouse heater too

[@apuuvah]

I suppose the air heater "slope" insides could be reflective... apart the black steel meshes, of course. And the "glass" could be screened so, that it lets the sun rays in, but not so much out. Rays get in, get scattered, don't get out (much). More heat, which hen creates more draft (air circulation).

[@timjturner]

Very nice work....Thanks for sharing your ideas.....You did a great job on it......

[@paulh2606]

Nice job! And, a thoughtful presentation!

[@michaeldeyoung570]

Good job and lots of great tips. Thanks

[@swmoboy]

Curious about your feelings and/or opinion of the screening you used for your drying trays. Is there any issues in your mind about the screen being food grade? Can regular screen wire, synthetic or aluminum, be harmful? Being the neighborhood scrapper I have quite a few yards of both. Seems I remember reading once that regular screen wire that is not made for this application can transfer toxins, etc. Not picking on anything you've done, just concerned. Great design. Thanks for sharing it.

[@Bigelowbrook]

I'm sure you should use stainless steel, but it's insanely expensive. I have two types in here. One is nice and thin, but the food sticks to it. It might have some fiberglass material in it but it's hard to tell, the other is a thicker weave and i think it's nylon. It works far better and very little sticks to it. I don't think they off-gas anything, but really don't know. It doesn't get so hot where it would melt. I did leave the whole thing out in the sun for a few weeks before using it so everything could "cook" off.

[@mcraw4d]

Fiberglass can become brittle and start to become powdery and splinter like over time, especially when subjected to heat. Something you wouldn’t want in your food, and especially in your mouth. Stainless may not be in the budget now but it is by far the better option.

[@Zerkbern]

How does the ambient humidity affect drying? I live in the other corner of the states where we have many rainy or cloudy days.

[@mohamedelhag7778]

well illustrated and good background music 👍

[@dalton1981]

awesome build! Once i get my backyard orchard going, i'll be building something like this. With all the crops/fruit trees you have, have you ever built a root cellar? I'd love to - i'll need a place to store crops that we don't eat/can right away.

[@Bigelowbrook]

I've putting in a root cellar but have been too busy with my other 1000's of projects. ;-)

[@Bigelowbrook]

Here’s a solar food dehydrator that I made up a few months ago. We’ve done peaches, apples, bananas, and tomatoes with success! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bomsdWCkrbpogZI

[@feitoamaocom]

well done!!!

[@RandomTorok]

could you use it as a smoker as well with the addition of a small hot plate in the bottom?

[@HostileHST]

Might catch the whole thing on fire, but your food would be smoked 100% lol. Still, that is a good question. Sure would be a nice smoker if you could.

[@benchkey]

Several drhydrator video's show large cumbersome units. Yours takes the prize for a compact design. I'll build one over the winter.

[@gaetanproductions]

Nice job !

[@ibakasura]

Can you make an update video on this Rob? :)

[@Bigelowbrook]

It still works! ;-)

[@charleslaferriere2138]

Beautiful work, thanks for sharing.

[@ibeneon1]

spray racks with a little vegetable oil for pain free produce removal when they are dry

[@painta76]

many people who make solar dehydrators have problems with mold growing on the food, did you encounter this problem?

[@Bigelowbrook]

no problems. Everything I dry is usually done in two days.

[@Nats307]

@@Bigelowbrook Hi, if it is no too much to ask, What is the usual humidity and temperature of your area?

[@CharlotteMaddela]

is it possible to make a mini balcony sized version or a smaller version

[@Bigelowbrook]

I've seen several smaller ones.

[@CharlotteMaddela]

just wondering, do you have any ideas on how to make one

[@Bigelowbrook]

I added some screening @8:15 for that. ;-)

[@kostasos]

the black color on the woods and the wire is suitable? will it cause any fumes that affect the food that is to be dried?

[@uncobazz3848]

whats the cats name? I have an identical fulla called Alfie

[@ozukumnaga]

Which is better up draft or down draft solar dehydrator?

[@joemoody4998]

how hot does it get where you live and how much did this project cost and how long did it take to make

[@tribalwind]

Are you still using this, How is it holding up is there anything you would change now?

[@Bigelowbrook]

It still works! I probably would have made it smaller....it's hard to store it.

[@tribalwind]

@@Bigelowbrook thanks! I'm considering which design to build now and I rather liked yours here, wondered if all that space was able to adequately dry things in reasonable time.

[@BroganTDB]

Great project! I’m going to have to build one now! Oh… Thanks for adding music to this video! The music makes it!! LOL!!

[@asamirkhan]

Good project thanks

[@anaml3879]

Amazing. Great job!!!. Thank you for sharing

[@appliedsciences2250]

Can this drier be used for drying grains?

[@iambiscience]

Love the design but for some reason when the plans come up, it's way too blurred to see the dimensions. Is there anywhere else that you have the dimensions posted?

[@WarrivarNeo]

Interesting! I have seen some models where the heat is drawn in from the top and pushed out through the bottom, reasons were because apparently the reverse method lets more humidity inside the unit. is there any truth to this?

[@nicehedgehog]

Nice work! I saw some similar things made with beer/soda cans. Drill through the top and the bottom and the top of the cans, tape together to form pipes. Paint the pipes black, build them in under the acrylic/polycarbonate sheet and ti works the same way. A big advantage of it is that if you turn your collector to south the sunlight will be always perpendicular to the aluminum pipes. (The effect maybe the same with the steel sheets you have installed.) I wanna build one too! :)

[@84adl2012]

Nice system, I would splurge and get the stainless steel screen. Not sure if the fiberglass would stick and get fibers stuck on the food.

[@cathylumetta4234]

Have you tryed meat in it

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

How did you decide which materials to use for your screens? I have read that some materials can be toxic or can not withstand the heat or sag after heated up.

[@Bigelowbrook]

some of these are nylon and some are fiberglass. I wanted to use stainless but it was too expensive. Neither types have sagged.

[@muhammadpervez4009]

nice work

[@dane8758]

I wonder how good it works for Cron!

[@ImASurvivorNThriver]

This was great! Thanks for sharing it.

[@nsirimsamueleberechi4180]

is this possible to dry fish, or aquatic products

[@MrMcGillicuddy]

Hey that's nice. I was going to build something slightly different for humid Northeast areas. I'm in Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I'm struggling with deciding what design is most efficient and you can control the heat best plus still work on cloudy days. The Appalachian State University design has a heat collector like that on except the heat goes up and into a drying box and then hot air goes out the top. Are you familiar with this design? It's supposed to work well. Main thing is I want control over the temp so I can learn to open and close draft depending on if I want 90 degrees for herbs and things that I want to keep RAW which is under 115 degrees and all the way up to 160 for dehydrating meats. I'm thinking I'll make seperate trays just for meats. Do you have any insight on whether it's better and more effective draft when you have it like your dehydrator? The up down them up again kind of draft I mean. Thanks any input would be helpful.

[@Bigelowbrook]

I saw the Appalachian design. I didn't want to have the food so high up but I'm sure it would work fine. On a good summer day, I can easily get the temp up to 160.

[@MrMcGillicuddy]

Thanks for the response. I heard downdraft designs like yours make more sense but the only thing I was wondering is can you control the temp by covering the intake vent slightly like that design I was talking about or are you just letting it be whatever temp it gets to? Dehydrated stuff that I'm going to rehydrate and cook I don't care what temp they dehydrate at but things that I'm going to eat without cooking I'd like to leave the enzymes nutrients more intact. I realize not everyone is concerned about that but I really like the downdraft concept better than the appalachian design. The only reason I wouldn't build the downdraft is if it's harder to control the temp than the appalachian design.

[@Bigelowbrook]

SAMIS666 I do have to watch the heat on really sunny days as it gets hotter than I would like. I was thinking about installing a simple solar panel with a fan on a thermostat to help regulate the temp a little better. Maybe this year if I have a free minute! ;-)