EXCALIBUR DEHYDRATOR EXPERIENCE: What I love & hate about my Excalibur Food Dehydrator | DRYCEMBER

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Tips to help you choose the best dehydrator for your needs, space and budget. www.thepurposefulpantry.com/tips-for-buying-a-dehydrator/

[@brendanharlan8262]

You prolly dont care but does anyone know of a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the account password. I love any help you can give me.

[@estebancarmelo6660]

@Brendan Harlan Instablaster =)

[@SoCalKT]

I love my 5 tray Excalibur! I got it cheap from a woman who got it for Christmas 🎁. She wasn't interested in it at all, so she sold it to me brand new in the box for $30 with the non stick sheets too.

[@lizworkman9967]

I've had my Excalibur 9 tray with a timer for 25 years and never had a problem with it. I love having the timer because I can go to bed and know that the machine will turn off at the correct time. Also, if I'm going to run the machine, I want to dry the largest amount I can using the same amount of electricity.

[@dumbbunnie123]

I have two Excalibur dehydrator s,four trays...We bought them in 1981 they are now being used by my son's , never gave me a moment's trouble. I have a 9 tray Excalibur now and a 5 tray Cusinart dehydrator...I love them both. I never put them away, they have a permanent place on my counter. With sales and my garden and orchard, I never run out of things to dry...then of course the venison jerky during deer season. I agree ,don't apologise for the dehydrator you have..I'm showing my age now but ,there was a song in my youth called "Love the one you're with" that applies here!

[@sharonsalyer4912]

Great review! I Love my Excalibur! I've been using it for over 18 years and it's still going strong. A little rough looking 😏 but still works great . We raised 5 kids and I've made lots of fruit rolls, jerky, dried lots of vegs and fruits. I invested in their liners and they are so helpful! But I agree, just get the best dehydrator you can and start using ! It can save so much food waste and therefore money. If by chance you heat with wood you can purchase hanging solar dryers that you can hang next to ( not above) your woodstove. I've dried a lot of food that way too, even jerky 🤗.

[@annmcdonald7713]

Where do you buy hanging solar dryers?

[@sharonsalyer4912]

I actually don't know except I'm sure you can find them on the internet 🤗

[@judy3333]

I stack all the trays in the bottom half of the dishwasher and the screens on the top where glasses usually go. Works like a champ. I store my Excalibur in the closet and simply bring it out to the kitchen when needed. It's not heavy, so easy to move. I'm pretty noise sensitive, and don't find it loud at all. It's quieter than a room fan. I love the Excalibur 😊

[@RDens4d]

I don’t know about the other, less expensive dehydrators, but an American made product will typically cost more because the labor used to build it costs more. I’m ok paying more

[@juliemilliron849]

Terrific video. I couldn't afford an excalibur when I bought my first dehydrator, but another postive about the machine, those who have them, love them. I bought a Nesco for my first machine, great starter machine. Mine was a 600 watt. I gave it to my niece who loves it and uses it a lot. I replaced it with a cabinet style Cosori. I love this machine! It is 6 tray, stainless steel outside and metal trays. I use the silcon mats I bought and cut down and only have to wash them not the metal trays. It stays in my kitchen, because it is so quiet. It really is. The Nesco although not bad in noise, seems very loud compared to it. So I ended up thinking I wanted a bigger 10 tray and bought the samson. Looked exactly like my Cosori, but bigger. No that was sent back fairly quickly. It's temp would only get to 135 even set at a higher temp. the digital readout was set at temps Not the typical ones you use for dehydrating. Like 122, 137 and so on. You couldn't set it to what you want, you have preset temps. It said it was a 1000 watt, but took longer then the Cosori. Recently I picked up an inexpensive Presto to help me during times when I have a lot to dehydrate. the trays sit down inside each other when not in use, so it is a space saver, but it is a bit louder, so it stays in my laundry room, but works very well. I agree with what you said get what you can afford. If you can afford an Excalibur and that is what you want, you should get it. Great series.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing your feedback!

[@ashleighnelson512]

I have the same model Excalibur (9 tray, not digital, no timer). I absolutely love it and it has a prominent spot in my kitchen where it lives year 'round. Since I don't use a microwave it lives where a microwave would on my counter. One tip I wanted to share on cleaning the crevices is to get a can of compressed air like for cleaning keyboards / computers. It makes easy work of getting the crud out of the hard to reach spots, then just wipe the inside base with a damp sponge or paper towel. 😀 Thanks for all your tips, and happy dehydrating!

[@monikaperez2100]

Ashleigh does the door has to close perfectly? I think mine doesn’t close completely

[@ashleighnelson512]

@@monikaperez2100 No, the dehydrator is not an airtight system, so it will work just fine if the door does not completely close.

[@monikaperez2100]

@@ashleighnelson512 thanks 🙏

[@dianeiverson3727]

I have had both the Excalibur (5 tray) and a Nesco FD-75A (Snackmaster). Even though multiple channels said you don’t have to rotate trays with the Excalibur, I found front to back and top to bottom rotating was still necessary. With the large trays, that was tedious. I returned the Excalibur and have found a trick to even drying in my Nesco. What I do is rotate once every hour, top to bottom (vertically) but also horizontally (I turn the trays a half turn each time as well). This finally got rid of the hot spots in the dryer where things dried more in some areas.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I only find I have to rotate my trays if I'm doing something like a fruit leather and I spin them for that. Otherwise, I don't bother rotating in my Excalibur ever.

[@mpennington27]

I have the 9 tray excalibur with the timer. I agree totally that a timer is not needed. When I purchased my excalibur 10 years ago, I tested it alongside a Nesco 10 tray garden master for one month. I compared volume and wattage cost using my electric company cost per kilowatt. The excalibur nine 14" trays produced 25% more product than the round Nesco trays. Nesco was 1,000 watts. Excalibur was only 600 watts but dried product much quicker. Also the Nesco trays were damaged when I received them and were definitely not as sturdy as the excalibur. I had a $100 coupon from a garden seed company and was able to purchase the excalibur for the same price as the garden master.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep - even with the higher wattage, the design makes a huge difference, and horizontal machines just dry better. Thanks for sharing!

[@gcook9221]

I appreciate the pros and cons! My first dehydrator was a Corosi stackable. I spent $70 on it to see if I was cut out for the dehydrating world. That was in Sept. My Christmas present is an Excalibur and I can't wait to get it going! BTW, I love your website, and the facebook group you started. It's been so helpful! Thank you.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing! And thanks for your kind words!

[@SouthernBelle_Teacher]

I have an Excalibur (9 tray) via a fantastic drawing. So far, I love it, but everything you said pretty much rings true for me. I have not done powders, though; I may choose the oven to dry them. It has not been too hard for me to clean because I clean as I go and do not do many messy things. I like to run the dehydrator during this time of the year because it warms the house a little. I'm still a newbie but learning more every day!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cindypye578]

I haven’t bought a dehydrator yet, so this definitely helps. Thank you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You're so welcome!

[@TheDenisedrake]

Fabulous tips! I LOVE my Excalibur and could not imagine how anyone could not like it... but you made some valid points. I'm going to post the link to this on The Urban Prepper's Discord server. Thank you.

[@GinaOzarks]

Thanks for being so honest. I thought that was the only machine to get, thinking others were inferior.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

There are inferior machines, but there are a to of machines out there that are great, depending on your needs and budget, etc.

[@annastory2963]

The Nesco Gardenmaster doesn’t require tray rotation (according to the manufacturer).

[@priayief]

That's an incredibly thorough review! I've owned an Excalibur for many years and never thought of the drawbacks and advantages. I do a limited number of things in my machine: dehydrating slices of chicken breasts for treats for my dogs; onion, garlic and smoked peppers (for making paprika). I'm fortunate as I have a lot of space in my home but if space was limited, I could see where noise and storage might be problematic. Yes, washing the trays is also an issue, because of their large size. Again, I'm fortunate to have a large kitchen sink and a washtub. I'm realizing how fortunate I am. Anyway, thanks for your thorough and objective review. Cheers.

[@robinbrannan5932]

I just bought a 6 tray Colzer that has temp control, timer , that is a lot like the Excalibur. I am thrilled with it and I paid less than $70 for it.

[@msdony308]

how long have you had it? and still working good?

[@redlanternhomesteadcathym105]

Thank you for this. Budget for my kitchen tools has never been an issue but value is an issue for me. Will I buy an excalibur one day? Maybe. Am I incredibly happy with my Cosori (159.99) with its stainless trays? YES. A hundred times yes. Would I like another? Yes. That would give me 12 trays going at a time but I only have so many outlets! The bonus? The Cosori is whisper quiet.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes, absolutely I recommend that one every day.

[@redlanternhomesteadcathym105]

@@ThePurposefulPantry that is one of the reasons I love your channel and group! So much great information for all levels! Thank you again for Drycember!

[@marthaadams8326]

They didn't have those when I bought my Excalibur, but they also have stainless steel trays at an extra price now.

[@IamThePedestrian]

I also have the Cosori cabinet style. The quietness is what sold me on it. I use it constantly and love it. I bought a package of silicone dehydrator sheets to go with it. They are non-stick and easy to clean. =^..^=

[@nancymweasel6561]

I live in the desert so I keep my 2 dehydrators outside on the patio.

[@mariannekemp5432]

I ordered one of these thru kohls and when it came it was damaged .I sent it back and got another one and it also came damaged. I finally gave up and bought. Presto at 59.00 and then bought a second one . And I love them , I have used them a lot and they work great. I dont think I’d ever buy an Excalibur again.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sorry you had the experience.

[@smallfarmsurvival4026]

I really appreciate this Drycember series. Lots of helpful information here!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad to help!

[@maineiachomestead7550]

Great info! Was looking at them and Amazon has them for under $250. Not too bad, but I pulled the trigger on a Nesco 075.

[@grlnexdoorable]

I have the same model and agree with everything you said. I keep mine on top of the stove on a cutting board so I can use the vent fan. Keeps the house cooler.

[@StockingMyPantry]

Super helpful! I know sometimes I have felt that what I have (Nesco) isn't "good enough." I just haven't been able to justify the price point of the Excalibur. I'm looking forward to hearing what you do and don't like about the Nesco. I just bought my second Nesco, so probably won't be buying a new dehydrator for a while, but this is till super helpful info.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ljohn1999]

I have the Nesco snack master, being it's my first and nothing to compare it to I find it does fine but should one ever go out (I have 2) I'll check into the 1000 watt ones. No matter which type I buy I have trouble finding homes for them so may as well get a cabinet one next time.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I have the FD-75 as well, and while I don't think it works as fast, it's still a very good machine and I'm glad I have it.

[@roszcutler9724]

I have one and used it in 2016. Now I’m using it again and having to wait up for at least another hour to check my green beans and peppers. They were almost done and I wanted to shut it off and resume in the morning but didn’t want any micro organisms. It’s to close to being done to let it go all night because it got started at 7:30 this morning. Thank you for sharing I’m new to your channel.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Let it go. You can't over dry.

[@michelemenard8364]

Thank you for the review and information. I would love to get a machine after the holidays so I am definitely watching your series. Thanks!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@katietheenergyworker6701]

I wish I would have found this video before I ordered last night...great info, thank you.

[@sweetjaybaby]

🌹 Great video! I’m going to go with a cheaper dehydrator and something smaller, so I can store it out of the way.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sounds great!

[@ModernStacker]

Thank you for the opening statement you made. Exactly what needed to be said.

[@privateprivate8366]

I don’t know what the Excalibur costs but, for people who don’t have space, like myself, I was looking at the Sahara Folding Dehydrator. I think it comes in at 2 different price points, dependent upon whether you get the plastic or metal trays. It’s not cheap, the trays don’t store inside, but you can at least flatten it, when not in use. From the reviews I’ve seen, people are very happy with it. But, I’d trust Darcy’s reviews over reviews I’d see on websites. Although the last thing on my mind, when I bought the Breville Smart Oven Air 2 years ago, would be that I’d ever be dehydrating anything, this year changed that lickety split and that’s what it’s been mostly used for. I, sometimes have it running day and night, for a few days at a time, on the dehydrate setting. As if mentioned before, it only has 4 fry baskets, which I use for dehydrating. But, I’m not worried about taking up more space, with the apparent kitchen appliance addition I once had, for the specific purpose of a one use item. I can use it to cook a 14 lb turkey, proof, or dehydrate, etc. Still, I worry about the constant use of it now, for dehydrating. I don’t know what it takes to build a dehydrator but, from a very layperson’s point of view, for the price, what you’re getting for a few of them is a box, with some trays, a basic computer fan, a heating element on a thermostat and maybe a timer. Doesn’t seem like hundreds of dollars worth. But again, I don’t know. For me, other than the worry about killing the Breville, I prefer just having one appliance and I “think” the Breville was about the same cost, as many dehydrators might be.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's really expensive, and I use mine too much to pay that much for the idea of folding it away when it will rarely be like that. Granted, I've never used one, so my opinion can't be complete until I use one, but it's not in my plans any time soon because of the price. But I bet it's great for folks who travel in RV's and have small places and the budget.

[@privateprivate8366]

The Purposeful Pantry yeah, I like it but, I just feel I was lucky enough to find that my oven had a dehydrate setting as, the sudden cost of all of the prepping for me, was enough money flying out the door. My expectation for my personal use, is that dehydrating May level off, at some point, in part, because I will also be pressure canning and also because my space is anything but, infinite, for storing food. Fortunately, I’m just one person though, so my needs aren’t great. Sure would love to dehydrate and maybe compact all of the wet, canned cat food I have. I have a few cases stacked so, I’m thinking about setting a lamp on it and considering it a piece of furniture, although I rotate that also.

[@sherryb2855]

I bought a refurbished Sahara with plastic trays. Price-wise that's a tad above the Excalibur. It has the same warranty as a new unit if registered on Brod & Taylor's site. The plastic trays are well designed - blueberries will not roll off, ever! and they fit in my dishwasher. For tray mesh liners, I found silicone mesh on Amazon and trimmed them to fit because the dimensions are non-standard (usable area is 10x18 vs Excalibur's 14x14; stainless tray usable area is slightly larger). I'm using parchment for fruit leather. Temperature is accurate. If you're in a dusty area, you may find the air filter a nice addition. So far, I like it a lot. I can fit both the dehydrator and its bag of trays in my kitchen cabinet. For reference, I'm coming from a Nesco Snackmaster and a ginormous vintage box unit designed by OSU food labs (both were thrift finds that took up a lot of storage space).

[@privateprivate8366]

Sherry B that sounds really great and you were able to get it refurbed. Yeah, space is an issue for some of us. I know that the only reason I even brought that Breville was because it was during the holidays, when my oven died and it fits perfectly on top of my microwave. I’m going to continue to keep the Sahara on my mind, because I really don’t want to burn out the Breville for this specific use and everything has a shelf life. Caught in between because I have spent extra time buy a number of jelly roll pans that fit into the Breville, fry baskets, mats for fruit leathers and, yep, some mesh that is apparently lost in the mail right now. I never spend too dollar, except when I bought the Breville itself brand new. But, it still comes to untold dollars. It has still been great because, as I believe Darcy said, she doesn’t feel she really needs a timer but, I kind of like having one, although yeah, I know that for dehydrating use, it’s really not that necessary. Question though. Do you like the Sahara’s foldability because you dehydrate intermittently? I ask because I wonder if, for some, it’s like those nice book cases where the shelves fold up, when it’s not in use, however, it always has books on it so, it’s always in use anyway.

[@sherryb2855]

@@privateprivate8366 While I do have storage space (garage), I have little working counter top real estate (U-shape kitchen, 90 ft2 with about 3 LF total working space - corners have microwave and dish rack). I can't run it all the time. After a few days, it really gets in the way. The vintage box unit was so large I had to commandeer the dining table. Having the dehydrator stored in the kitchen means it will see more use but coordinated with other kitchen activities (cooking, canning, etc). Also, when stored in the garage, the others sat on a shelf more often than not. Out of sight out of mind. If money were no object, a kitchen remodel would create a permanent place for use. Spending a bit more for something I actually use works for me. One nifty feature is the two stage temperature cycle if needed. You can dry at a low temp for X hours and then ramp up temperature for Y hours. (or reversed but that would be bonkers).

[@fabricdragon]

having used the nesco for years... rotating the trays is a PAIN (literally , i have arthritis) because you have to disassemble the stack... also the round trays are very hard to clean

[@kan-zee]

I love these Dehydrator Truth bomb videos

[@melissajohnson4289]

I looked up the Advantco one, thats nice! Will be a future purchase !

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

For me? No, I don't have more room, and if I invest in another machine, ever, it will be the 24 tray Cabelas machine. HOWEVER, if, for some reason, my Excalibur dies and can't be fixed, then yes, it's one I would highly consider replacing it with.

[@melissajohnson4289]

@@ThePurposefulPantryI meant future purchase for me lol. I have a nesco knock-off right now.

[@jessicawhite1598]

Just ordered a 5 tray! I can’t wait to get it! The cheapy one we have is scorching things

[@lsankey9019]

can you dehydrate already baked banana bread? I can't find anything on this question... thx

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes - not for long-term storage, but to make short-term DIY biscotti www.thepurposefulpantry.com/make-your-own-biscotti-with-a-dehydrator/

[@marygatto4865]

Just bought another excalibur there so worth the money. I checked them all out. There also so convent. Thanks Darcy.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Enjoy!

[@oddopops1327]

Thanks for sharing 👍👍😊

[@DV-ol7vt]

I have been calling And emailing Excalibur to answer some technical questions and possibly parts for about a year now. I sent a email asking if they had any parts for my older dehydrators and if not could I change anything to make the new parts fit? And was there anyone from technical support that I could talk to? Excalibur‘s response to me was we don’t sell parts for old machines. So I called and emailed them back several times and haven’t got a response in a year.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

If they don't have old parts, I'm not sure what they can do for you because they don't support things they no longer create. You can look on KZbin to see if there are people doing it, or look to a small appliance repair shop in your area that might be able to help.

[@DV-ol7vt]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thanks for the response back! A few years back ordered a fan for my old Excaliber, They did not have the same part number and at first they said it would not work but I spoke to one of the guys in technical support and he said they were the same and it worked just fine. Nowadays you cannot even talk to someone over the phone to find out any questions, there is no technical support. I think I will just build a box and use some of the parts for my two dehydrator and make it work. How hard can it be a thermostat fan and heat.

[@KelleyGlawe]

I'm so torn about buying Excalibur. I want to promote buying American, but I fear poor customer service as reported. I'm questioning the plastic tray surface vs stainless steel. I could use silicone overtop. Being disabled, I wonder how easy it is to put on and take off the door vs a hinged glass door. Then I question the control switch on top vs the front. So I'm considering Cosori and Magic Mill, both on Amazon. But might the steel trays heat the food more to reduce nutrient value? (again, silicone?) I've had a Ronco and some other previously, and don't want to rotate trays! Any advise at all? I'm so excited by your videos!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't know what your disability is, but the door issue is not huge once you get the hang of how it's supposed to hang, but I can say that I dropped it more than once or twice. Plastic vs stainless isn't a real issue since the temperatures we use aren't high as in using a stove/oven, but you'll want something to cover the trays on a stainless machine. The Excalibur is louder than the others by a lot, but it's a great machine. I've used mine for years, but haven't used it in at least a year because the space I have for dehydrating changed and it doesn't fit there any longer. And I've been so happy with the Cosoris and the Nesco, that I haven't tried to get the Excalibur back in rotation.

[@StephanieJoRountree]

Great tips!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@carolynmoody9460]

good information 👌 Blessings

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Same to you

[@marygallagher3428]

Great video!

[@jbal6097]

I love my Excalibur, but one thing that I have a hard time with is that I can’t figure out how to clean the bottom of the dehydrator underneath the fan. I had something juicy get under there, and now it’s all sticky. Any tips or ideas how to clean that spot (without dismantling anything that shouldn’t be)? Thanks!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I use a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove all the 'stuff', and just get in with a wet cloth to sit for a moment, then wipe it dry. It's a little awkward, but that's how I get it.

[@jbal6097]

Thank you for replying :) And thank you for all your useful tips!

[@carolinavieira4820]

I would love to hear your honest feedback in regards Sedona 9 trays dehydrator. Thank you 😊 I’m based in Australia by the way.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I can't give you honest feedback about it because I've never used it or even seen one in person. If you'd like to ask, you can join my dehydrating group on Facebook and ask the members there. Dehydrating Tips & Tricks

[@shadomane]

Amazon has that model on sale right now for US$217.00, saying it is marked down from US$399.00. Is that a good deal? I hope so lol I just bought one. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I don't think I made a horrible choice.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's what I've used most of my dehydrating life. If it's a refurb, just understand what you're buying.

[@ladysparkle1576]

Thanks for the great information.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kmrjdf]

Another great video. I am looking for a new machine sho all this info helps.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful! Make sure to check out the informational post I created to give you more info. It's in the description or first comment.

[@pinschrunner]

I only want to see the POSITIVE comments because I just got an Excalibur today for my birthday! 🎉 I feel blessed! The level of electricity it uses is high compared to freeze drying and I have a small kitchen. I live in Florida so I will run it by the pool on the lanai on a stainless steel cart

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I have a hard time believing a dehydrator uses more energy than a freeze dryer = and looking online, it's $1-3 /day when my dehydrator uses less than $1/day running 24/7. Nevetheless, happy birthday!

[@SouthernBelle_Teacher]

Happy Birthday!

[@marthaadams8326]

@@ThePurposefulPantry It uses MUCH more energy than the f.d. I have a wattage reader and the Excalibur uses 650 and the f.d. uses 60 - both of these readings were throughout the whole process. So, the f.d. is much less expensive- BUT yes, it really does take up space and can't be put outside of in a non heated noncooled garage. Some use it in the basement on youtube. Also, there is more nutrition in the f.d. food - it also takes time for both to learn how to rehydrate. And, both drying methods take a lot less prep than the canning methods. And, do not need to be watched like the canner does.

[@marthaadams8326]

Happy Happy Birthday, you will love it - cons will make no difference when you see how easy it is - easiest thing I ever did was the frozen shredded hash browns from the store (rather than doing them myself) and they are PERFECT and look beautiful in the jar.

[@pinschrunner]

@@ThePurposefulPantry I had a hard time also but my Excalibur uses 650 watts for 10 hours and my friends freeze dryer uses 60 watts...hmmmm

[@paulatudor691]

Get a dehydrator that has a fan mounted in the rear any brand you choose . No stackable ones you gave to rotate the trays to get even results. I been there done that.

[@ttschrock7126]

Which is the best dehydrator for drying greens? Not having the fan suck up the greens at the back? I went onto your blog and have watched that, listened to three of your videos on choosing (but honestly listened to tons more today - especially marshamellows) and now am confused as to what is best for greens. That is what I want to do the most. Thanks!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

None are any better at doing greens. Any cabinet style machine has a fan in the back. Any stackable machine has a fan at the bottom or top and often need to be rotated to dry, and are usually less volume. You may get a little blow around - but it's fine. I just keep a sheet on the bottom of mine to collect anything. It's still fine! Just remember to never open the door with the fan running - let it come to a complete stop.

[@emilystevens7837]

For the Excalibur do you think it helps to have the see through front cover/door?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's pretty, and you can glance at things. But I still have to get into it to see things well. And I did break mine this past week. Thankfully I still have the original solid door.

[@kimdunkelberger5001]

Can you dry sauce? The trays seem to have no lip.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Watch for the video in a few days, but there are lipped trays you can get for your machine, or you can make one. You also simmer the sauce down to a syrup like consistency and dry it.

[@pureblood8712]

Just found one for 80$ will be picking up in the morning brand new has temp control and timer, your reviews convinced me and all the comments heavy duty long lasting is what sold me as far as clean up I’ve got a farm house sink that should be big enough as far as the cracks and crevices a paint brush might work for that but for 80$ it’s worth it to me, thank you for your reviews.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@sydneydrake2789]

I love my excal so much! but cleaning it is awkward, so true.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

A handheld vacuum is my secret! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ7MmZWGjbdje5I

[@amerruru2443]

Thank you so much 🌻

[@jennifercline6866]

I miss my Excalibur working, lasted a good 15 years and constant use last 10. Heating element went ugg. The Cabellas I bought was working Ok but as I walked by it today there are recent cracks in side and top casing. It's only been used regularly for about 8 months. Not good.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sorry :(

[@jennifercline6866]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks. My birthday is coming up, plus I got extra summer grant pay. I'll be getting a new one soon, might just get a taller Excalibur.

[@cliffclof]

This is the best review!! I’m curious what you think about the Cabela’s 80L.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I've never used it, so can't say - only so much money to keep buying them to test them - but I hear great things about them from my readers.

[@loreherrera6914]

My Excalibur 9 tray just arrived. Is it normal for the door to not close shut? It just kind of hangs and the only thing that holds it is the two little hooks at the top and will Fall off at the slightest touch. Also, is it normal to have a gap on one side? When I place the door it doesn’t close the entire front, it leaves about a 1/3 inch gap. I just want to know if perhaps the gap is intentional for ventilation. Anyone who can answer thank you in advance.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes - that's how it was created - the gap is necessary for proper airflow. I'm not sure how your machine is manufactured, but mine has a whole channel at the top that holds the door on. But the gap is necessary.

[@danielebanks7354]

So I am new to dehydrating with the Excalibur 3900. Is the fan suppose to come on at all temperatures or just beyond a certain temperature. I could not find anything in the manual.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

The fan should come on all the time - it's what pushes the air across the food.

[@PeaceOfGrace]

Thank you, I was amazed at the inexpensive price of the webrestaurant dehydrator! If you could afford one, would you want a Freeze Dryer? We have tried 'survival canned' freeze dried meat and we were not impressed.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

No. It's not worth the investment to me with the maintenance it requires - I would never use it. And I can purchase a lot of freeze dried foods with no fuss with that $, and I'm not really interested in freeze drying 'meals'. It's just not something I want to mess with for the amount of money it costs. I use freeze dried foods a lot in our long-term storage, but I don't want to mess with a machine. The companies you purchase from make a big difference. I prefer Thrive, Augason Farms and Legacy from the all the companies I've tried.

[@marthaadams8326]

@@ThePurposefulPantry industrial freeze dried food is not tasty. My freeze dried foods taste just like the food I put in there. It uses almost no electricity and with the oilless pump, it does not have the constant oil changes. Also, I garden and I prefer to preserve my food to keep the most nutrition that I can and that is the f.d. It pays for itself. Yes, I still use my excalibur and prefer some foods done in it. i.e. onions - no to doing them in the house and I love cinnamon apples better from the dehydrator. The dehydrator uses 645 about Watts steady during drying time. My f.d. uses ~65 watts during the whole freeze drying process. So, it saves money. The major down side is that it takes time. A friends deer sausage is in their right now and I can assure that my G.S dog and I love it. Oh, and my Excalibur (the onions) is on a table on my closed in back porch and the f.d. is in the back BR in the house.

[@sandrarobyn972]

Should there be airflow coming out the sides of the door?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

yes

[@julya400]

Hello! :) thank your for the great info!!... I think I will go for the Excalibur! :) ...but right now I have Ninja Oven with dehydrate fonction with only one metal tray. So far I only tried dehydrating bananas and strawberries but they stick to the tray ... I have had time to remove them from the tray!! Is it because of the metal tray? I am new to dehydrating... nice channel you have!! I am subscribing! :)

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes - they can stick - it's helpful to flip them during the process one or twice as they begin to dry to help stop the sticking. Or you can use parchment paper.

[@imwatching2320]

Does any one know how old my Excaliber dehydrator is. I bought it about 25 years ago at a thrift store it is a 500 model, 9 tray , with a turn dial, and no timer. I could not find any owner manual on the internet, or at the Excaliber site. It is working just fine after 15+ years in storage.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You don't really need a manual for it. Do you have a question about how it works?

[@imwatching2320]

@@ThePurposefulPantry No. It seems to be working just fine just was curious. As old as it is. When my kids were home I used it quite a bit. Jerky and such. It was great to find it after so long a time, and it worked. Did't have internet then.

[@l6089]

I have the Excalibur 9 tray. Do you have issues with the gaps on the sides of the door? I feel as though the heat escapes due to the door not fully closing.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That's the way it was designed for air flow.

[@l6089]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you so much for the info

[@fitblkpa]

I’m worried about being able to use dehydrators for different things. E.g. fish then using it for fruits with the fruits taking on fish smells. Any advice?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It'll be fine! Wash it well between each use, use parchment if you're concerned the mesh might stain or absorb flavor. But I do onions and never have an issue with flavor hanging around. IF you do, you can always stick the trays and mesh to soak in some sun to help deodorize. But unless you're using a very inexpensive machine made from plastic that will absorb smell from anything, you'll be fine!

[@labnine3362]

Anyone have a slicer/chopper they can recommend for food prep before dehydrating? Thanks in advance.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Fullstar Vegetable Chopper, a good mandoline (OXO, Benriner) or a Dash mandoline, Food processor

[@straightshooter2454]

I purchased one but needed to cancel 3 hours later and thats when the ride began...their customer service link is no longer working...its disconnected when you try to email them ...there is NO PHONE number,,,the ones listed are disconnected...I tried the online assistant and three times sent "Cancel order" requests and each time I was ignored....this site may be no longer functional except for taking your money...now I am filing a fraud with the bank...I thought these were good pieces of equipment and the company reputable....

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Try this #: 1-954-567-4500 and yes, their customer service has been lacking the last couple of years, but the machines are good. It's why I'd order through Amazon ;)

[@straightshooter2454]

@@ThePurposefulPantry This new number is good...I got through to them and hopefully they remedy the login, phone numbers on the site, the Bot assistant, and the links that dont work...sounds like a scam doesn't it...while it isn't its a poor way to do business...I had to call UPS to get them to not ship...what a fiasco...excalibur should be ashamed...

[@motionmuse5684]

Am I supposed to leave the front cover on while it's dehydrating? I'd think so but have no idea. I can't find this anywhere in the book or online.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes, the cover needs to go on

[@motionmuse5684]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you!

[@jeniferlynnfitch260]

Just ordered mine from Amazon and it is not solid it came defective and the one wall is loose and not attached properly. What a disappointment :(

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Send it back and get a new one. I'm not sure what you mean by solid, but if there is an issue - send it back.

[@teresasant3140]

Have you tried a biochef dehydrator?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

No, sorry.

[@JeTVas]

Hi, I have a question, I had a 5 tray excalibur for a long time, recently costco had a sale on the 9 tray excalibur and I got one, I find it strange that the first (top) tray doesnt even have head space for a thick slice of eggplant.. Is it normal? I dont see this with my 5 tray. I dont know if the design is so or if I have a wrong piece. Thank you..

[@ohioartist2921]

I have the same problem and bought mine through Amazon. My neighbor has one and we compared the space above the first tray. It’s visibly wider in her machine. I think maybe there was a defective batch.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

it does have less space than the rest, but I don't usually have trouble with anything there except greens. i keep everything I do cut thin for better drying, but yes, there is less space on it than the rest of the trays.

[@JeTVas]

@@ohioartist2921 Thank you for the reply..

[@JeTVas]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Good to know. Thank you.. I am going to learn to live with it, it was a very good deal so not going to crib too much!