NESCO FD-75 EXPERIENCE: What I Love & Hate about My Nesco FD-75 Snackmaster Dehydrator DRYCEMBER

[@RogerWilber]

Watch for old trays at Goodwill, Yard Sales, Freecycle, etc. We've managed to pick up a number of extras.

[@AuntieEm294]

I use those surge protectors as extension cords, and they have switches for on/off.

[@mollysmith6055]

I loved my Nesco and when it finally died I asked everybody in the family for a replacement for Christmas and thankfully did get one. I never broke any of my trays before but if ever I do, I'll for sure create a spacer ring with it. To get around the on/off issue I bought an adapter that has a flip switch that I plug the dehydrator into.

[@tammyohlsson7966]

Great idea! TY

[@yolondabarrette4621]

Love the tip on the spacer ring. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annamartinez7031]

Didn’t know about the spacer ring. Thanks for sharing

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You bet!

[@IJustWantToUseMyName]

I bought an FD-50 about 20 years ago and absolutely loved it! I posted on a food preservation video several weeks back that I was dreading the day it died. Jinxed myself. It’s now dead. Nesco suggested the FD-60 because of my old accessories. Some sites say the FD-75 is the same size, others say it’s not quite the same. I’m just hoping whichever one I get lasts 20+ years too. I never thought I would mourn an appliance. lol

[@IJustWantToUseMyName]

A friend fixed my FD-50, so it’s going!

[@willowsverge3046]

@@IJustWantToUseMyName congrats!

[@ThomasKelly-p2p]

You've been such a great help to me in making a final decision about purchasing a dehydrator, Darcy. I feel eternally grateful! Much love! ❤ Thank you! 🙏

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hope you love whatever you've chosen!

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Enjoying watching this series. I started out with a cheap round dehydrator that I could not adjust the temperature. Almost quit drying food because the results were so poor. Fortunately a neighbor loaned me an Excalibur. Long story short, bought one for myself maybe 20 years ago. It's still working fine. Appreciate that you are giving pros and cons. Every machine has them both. At tip that may solve your problem of not having a switch. Buy a small sized power strip and plug your dehydrator into it. Then plug the strip into your wall outlet. Use the switch on the strip to turn on your Nesco. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sure, but unfortunately - manufacturer's recommend against doing that for fire safety issues, so I don't recommend it coming from 'this place' if that makes sense ;)

[@danidunavant6978]

This is the machine I have. I bought it because it was inexpensive but it works beautifully and I have not had any problems with it at all. I have had it for about 6-7 months now and it has run a LOT! lol Thanks for he video!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing

[@kentuckyhome6637]

You could've written this for me!!! I got my Nesco this year and keep it busy. ;-)

[@kentuckyhome6637]

Thank you Darcy! I bought the Nesco to see if I was going to use a dehydrator and if I enjoyed it. I really like mine and I use it a LOT. I don't see me doing anything different unless this one breaks.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep - they are good machines! Just be careful cleaning it lol

[@sherireuther9678]

I just love your transparency and “real you” . I am returning the Excalibur and have ordered the other one you talked about yesterday. I’ll have to let you know what I think. Thanks Darcy, I am really thrilled to follow this “Drycember”. Love your content. God bless you sweet sister. 🤗🙏🙏🙏. The Excalibur is almost 2X the cost of the one I ordered.

[@StockingMyPantry]

Another great video. I haven't broken any of my trays yet. My husband did warp one by putting it on the bottom part of the dishwasher and running it through the whole cycle, including the dry cycle. I didn't know there were the trays to help expand. That is good to know. I'm thinking I'll keep my eye out at yard sales or thrift stores for used ones. You never know! Like you, I'm avoiding digital machines, for the same reason. I figure when something is so simple, there is less that can go wrong. Like you, I don't like having to unplug it to turn it off, but am kind of used to it.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That's a bummer!

[@HelpatHomeJim]

Hi, I like your channel and all the great info you give. I bought the Nesco Gardenmaster dehydrater on Amazon for either $100 or $120. It has an on/off switch and came with 8 trays, 8 inserts for fruit leathers and 8 inserts to use instead of getting the tray dirty. It has an analog control dial. Just thought I'd share.

[@lisareid7043]

Thank you for sharing

[@jms9057]

I bought a new fingernail-scrubbing brush and use that on my trays. It's soft enough not to damage them, but firm enough to get stuff off. My vintage American Harvest trays are sturdier than the newer Nesco trays, though.

[@carolynntranmer9187]

I just soak mine in the sink until they are easy to wipe off.

[@missreynolds3637]

I love my Nesco would definitely re purchase.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Good choice!

[@crystalr102]

I got this one from good will for 5.99 it works great!

[@patriciasweet9102]

I have an American Harvester. Love it!!! It's my go to one. Got another different 1 from a friend . Its a knock off from Excalibur. Kinda getting use to it.

[@ladysparkle1576]

Thanks for keeping us informed.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Any time!

[@nestpeeper]

I love my Nesco's. Got the first when I upgraded from my dinosaur ronco. Liked it so much I got a second. Even though the manufacturer says you can stack up to 12 trays I found that running 2 with shorter stacks 7-8 each dries much faster than a 12 stack. Fast enough to make the energy use of the second a wash when you add in the extra product if you run them both.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@norenedistin6473]

Love your videos!! You provide educated information! Would you consider doing a video explaining the most cost effective ways to preserve in late 2020 in the midst of canning supply storages .....for example what to can, what to dry and what to freeze. I have my own ideas but would love your perspective...thank you!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Unfortunately, I'm booked through the year, but it's something I can tackle in the winter. Thanks for the idea.

[@truthseekertoday2377]

I run my nesco trays through the dishwasher. I also run the Excalibur trays in the dishwasher too. Easy peasy.

[@denisehanuschak8223]

Same. But I take them out before heated dry.

[@GinaOzarks]

Thanks again for another great video.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

My pleasure!

[@cmoylan]

Incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@hopeburbo4372]

Very informative, I was thinking that this Nesco is like a beginners dehydrating appliance.. Thank you for your info video, yeah you've done this long ago, I'm so new, i'm working thru your videos for all and any info I need... Thank you Darcy

[@826313sherry]

thank you for all your information. I just started dehydrating a few months ago. looking forward to getting another machine next spring (with a temp. control this time)

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

awesome!

[@JaniceCrowell]

I love my new nesco garden master. It does have the on/off switch.

[@maineiacacres]

Just ordered the FD 1018A from Amazon for $118. Can't wait to load it up.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Enjoy it!

[@villagesteader3552]

I have the Garden Master and also the smaller one. The big one (Garden Master) has on off and timer. I love them both! I can’t afford an Excalibur but maybe some day. I bought the smaller one years ago and then got serious so I bought the bigger one. Each one gets used! 👍♥️🙏🇺🇸🤓

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JaniceCrowell]

I have a garden master. I thought it was the big one. But no timer. But I think I prefer not having a timer. I don’t want anything turned off when I’m not around. It is too humid here and I don’t want it turned off until I have time to put it away (after a few minutes of cooling, of course). If not, the good reabsorbs too much from the air.

[@chocolate7810]

Thank you for the extra space idea in case mine break, I will save for that!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Threadsandjars]

You can put an In-Line On and Off Switch. It mounts on the power cord. Just make sure it is suitable for the wattage of the Nesco. Blessings

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Not something I want to do because it introduces another fire hazard into the line. I'll live :)

[@hollish196]

Very useful information, especially as a new person to dehydrating.

[@lovinglife3954]

Awesome video as always! I had wondered about something like a space tray, thanks for sharing. I have the Nesco Gardenmaster 075, got it e den of October this year and love it for all the reasons you stated. This model has the on off switch, I agree that would be kind of annoying not to have one. It also came with eight trays plus the smaller mesh inserts and the fruit leather inserts for all eight trays, amazing value. This one holds up to 30 trays, hard to imagine setting that up but I did watch some other videos and the reviewers said they actually used thirty sometimes with success. Initially I wanted the Excalibur but when I saw the great reviews on the Neco, the expandability, and the inserts included, I grabbed it and never looked back. I am a single household, no garden other than some herbs, so mostly dehydrating from the store or what people give me (so many pumpkins). I appreciate all the time you spend educating us!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing what you love about your machine! Like I said, I'd love one if I only had someplace to store all those extra trays when not in use!

[@lovinglife3954]

@@ThePurposefulPantry mine is on my dining room table. I am past out of space for kitchen gadgets.

[@libbyleatherwood6940]

I have an Excalibur and I love it, but like you said the trays are hard to wash in your sink. But other than that, I have no problems with it.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@juliemilliron849]

Great video Darcy.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Hwyhogg]

Thanks for your content. I just ordered this model.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Hwyhogg]

@@ThePurposefulPantry btw, any surefire recipe to make liver more appealing?

[@maibeis]

Thanks for the review! I think this is the one for me. Regarding the on/off switch, I'll use a smart plug that has an power button built in or i can switch it on/off remotely wherever I am :)

[@charlyn7272]

Thank you for your videos. I find myself looking for you as my go to for canning stuff. Thank you so much is fun and relaxing.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Well, maybe for dehydrating, but not for canning! There are way better canners out there than me! (SuttonsDaze, SimplyCanning, 2LeeLouCreates and so many more!

[@MrPhilsAlabamaHotSauce]

I am drying dill pickle slices to make powder right now!

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Hi Darcy! I just got my dehydrator in November and trying to learn so I can be successful at it. I am a plant-based eater so I eat a lot of beans. I like canned beans but the cans are taking over! Can I successfully dehydrate canned beans for long term storage or would they only be good for a month or so? At what temperature do you suggest for dehydrating canned beans? Thanks Darcy! I am so happy to have found your website and you tube channel!🙏🌷

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can, but you'll find many of them will break when you dry them, so they won't be like canned whole beans all the time. But you can still do it - dry at 125F until completely done and you're good to go! Then you can just reconstitute as you go when you need them.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

@@ThePurposefulPantry 🙏 Awesome Darcy! Perfect. Thank you so much. I live alone and have very little storage space.

[@tressaza]

I dry cooked or canned pinto beans. Then make them into powder. Use the powder for refried beans, and it turns out great. I just add hot water.

[@ljohn1999]

I don't mind that there's no on off switch at all. I did buy some excalibur mesh and cut out circles for my dehydrater so now there's no center hole.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Isn't that the best hack? :D

[@JaniceCrowell]

How do you fit it on the tray with no center hole? And doesn’t that interfere with air flow to other levels?

[@jingles.1228]

Thank you so much for this video! I am a new subscriber (I found you through Leisa's channel). I am new to prepping and am looking for a dehydrator to get started with, and this one sounds perfect for the price point, but also because I live alone, and therefore don't need the quantities that a large family would require.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You are so welcome!

[@stetkal]

You can use a timer that plugs in to your outlet and dehydrator plugs into it. Set on/off time and go do whatever.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Why use a timer? It doesn't tell you when the food is done, just that the time is up.

[@stetkal]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Correct.

[@sweetjaybaby]

🌹 Great video!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thank you very much!

[@coolstamper]

I just ordered the Nesco FD-1040 1000 watt for $90.00. I hope I like it. 💕

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Me, too!!!

[@susanwilliams768]

Please keep in your prayer I have walking pneumatic

[@marygallagher3428]

Hope you feel better soon!

[@cynthia9565]

Blessings on you for a rapid recovery. I'm sure you know what that takes. God is seeing your efforts to be rid of this.

[@kristiebaker7125]

For power have you tried using a power strip and just use the on off on the strip?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

No, because they generally aren't recommended. We're good with what we do, just a bit of a pain sometimes.

[@grammiejan8767]

My Excalibur is only6 months old and it is quiet. FYI. My nesco has a switch but heat from bottom.

[@JaniceCrowell]

Mine too.

[@MrVjay70]

Have the Garden Master. Drying pineapple rings now

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Enjoy!

[@JaniceCrowell]

I have the garden master too. Love it.

[@pattiking725]

Darcy, am really enjoying this series. Have learned so much from your videos and want to say "Thank You". One question: As a smaller unit to compliment your Excalibur, and if price point wasn't an issue, would you still go with the Nesco or would you pick something else for your toolbox? Just wondering. Thanks a bunch and Happy Holidays!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Not that this isn't a great machine, but I would probably go back to my FD-80 which i loved (the square Nesco) as it was a better built machine. Another option would be the Cosori stackable.

[@pattiking725]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks!

[@scottwho6271]

@@ThePurposefulPantry What makes the FD-80 a better built machine. Have been trying to decide between it and the FD-75.

[@leonieduplessis4467]

Those trays wash excellent in the dishwasher

[@patriciaparr8737]

I have a NESCO dehydrator that has that's works on jerky too.How do I reassemble it

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm not sure what you mean? Reassemble it?

[@jeanettecusic9430]

By removing my dishwasher upper shelf I can get the round dehydrator trays in the dishwasher. Wash only. No hot dry. Check out your dishwasher tray. Saves that ugly hand wash and very clean.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing. I prefer to waste the water, but good to know it's a possibility for you!

[@searchthescripturesdaily]

I have a FD61. The on/off switch is my one complaint. Unplugging it trips my GFI and any appliances have to be reset including hubby's coffee maker that is usually at delay brew 🤦. I found I can get around that by putting it to the lowest setting and let it cool down for a few minutes before unplugging it.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Thanks for sharing

[@cindypye578]

Love the information! It helps me have a better idea what i May get. I haven’t bought one partly because I was concerned about possible danger of food and plastic. I thought I would wait and get a stainless steel dehydrator because if that. Since dehydrating is done at such a low temp is there no reason for concern on that?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's only a concern you can answer for yourself. But no, I don't worry about it at all in this application. There are plenty of areas I do stay away from plastics when I can, but this one isn't one of them. But there are stainless steel machines that are affordable like the Advantco and LEM, etc.

[@cindypye578]

@@ThePurposefulPantry ok Thank you. I’ll look into that one, too. I do want to make sure best I can whatever dehydrator I get I’ll be happy with now and later. This has really helped. Thank you.

[@marygallagher3428]

I wonder if you could plug it into a power strip that has an on-off switch on it instead of plugging it into a wall outlet?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's not recommended by many of the manufacturers. They recommend straight into an approved outlet for fire safety.

[@privateprivate8366]

The Purposeful Pantry OK TY.

[@marygallagher3428]

@@ThePurposefulPantry I expect they're concerned about people plugging it in to a flimsy household extension cord that might not be grounded. Personally, I would feel comfortable plugging it in to a heavy-duty power strip that has three-pronged grounded outlets but I understand that you can't recommend that on your channel :-)

[@elizabethcope1502]

I have two plug in strips. Both are heavy duty strips. First strip is plugged into the outlet. Second strip gets plugged into first during use. I have the Nesco & a square dehydrater. That gives me double protection from electric surge & on/off of Nesco. I do the same with my TV.

[@Sabbathissaturday]

I have a nesco dehydrator and I’m using it for the first time. I harvested 3 trays of basil leaves and I started them on Wednesday at 6:40, today is Friday at 6:00 and they are still drying!!! Is this normal? The brochure says 20-24 hours for basil. I noticed that it doesn’t fit tightly. Maybe I got a lemon?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Basil takes a long time to dry - keep going!

[@grammiejan8767]

Finally got I on time

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

LOL - it's okay - the videos will be here awhile ;)

[@thistree9028]

Exactly what I was wondering! How to manage bulky greens, quiet is good too..thanks! Another concern - does it have a plasticky smell when new? Is it bpa free? Thanks again, your presentation is always thoughtful, straightforward and generally delightful!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

All plastics have a plasticky smell when new - and it's why it is recommended to run the machine for 30-60 minutes before using - no matter what kind you get - even stainless. My understanding is that they are BPA free, but check with the manufacturer if you want confirmation.

[@thistree9028]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks!

[@melissaadams3957]

Thank you, I just bought one but haven't opened it up was going to get the regular one Walmart sells for 40, but it was huge. Maybe can make something.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can do it!! Good luck - what are you going to try first?

[@melissaadams3957]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Not sure, ATM peeling lemons to make lemonade, was thinking maybe hydrated lemon peeling. Lol.

[@gailewalker1025]

I just found your channel and I love it. I'm learning so much. I found a nesco professional on marketplace. I have dehydrated strawberries and canned peaches. They have taken 2-3 times the hydrating time. Is that normal? I'm hoping I didn't get a lemon dehydrator. Thank you

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

They will almost always have a longer dehydrating time than any mentioned times in books or articles based on your food, the wattage of your machine, your home's humidity, etc.

[@gailewalker1025]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you 😊

[@deedeemat3991]

this is the machine i have and noticed over the years hat the vents get dust inside the lid. have you had this problem? and if so how did you do this? TIA

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

no, I haven't had that problem, but you can try using a can of air to see if it will blow out.

[@deedeemat3991]

great idea! @@ThePurposefulPantry

[@marianeculek3261]

Hi! I just bought a square dehydrator but this style with the whole in the middle. If I were going to use a silicone mat for fruit leather, do I need to cut a whole fot the middle? Didn't know if that would block something if used whole

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I know you said you watched another video for the answer, so I just wanted to make sure you had it answered sufficiently :) Mesh cut and over that hole is fine. I wouldn't do it with a fruit leather sheet.

[@melissaleavitt1496]

I just found you. I am really enjoying learning from you. I have this machine and live in a very dry climate but things take so long to dry. I suspect it is not getting hot enough. How do I measure the temperature? Thanks.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Things take a long time to dry. This isn't like an oven - dehydrating is a patience test ;) You can use an oven thermometer to test. One that is an instant read is easier for this style of machine.

[@thecappy]

I know this is an older video. I can get the nesco digital garden master 1000watt for about $20 more. Worth it?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes - since it can expand to so many extra trays. If it's used, just make sure it actually works and heats to the correct temp.

[@thecappy]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you

[@lilygarcia6482]

I bought one at a yard sale but it does not work. 😭 I plug it in and it doesn't turn on. I was so happy when I found it.😭

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sorry to hear that. Keep looking!

[@thedestroyer4097]

Mine turns off when it gets hot is that normal?!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That should be a safety feature of it. But if it does turn off a lot, you have a problem. Make sure to have it with plenty of airspace around it, that the vents are clean, that it's not in direct sunlight if you have it outside, that it's plugged into an approved outlet that isn't being stressed having too much on it.

[@carolynntranmer9187]

Wow, I have used my Nesco for years & years & never broke a tray. You sound like my daughter, she goes about things with a vengeance. I love mine for all the reasons you do. My only dislike is same as yours & that’s the round design.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Or maybe the ones made 40 years ago were better quality plastic and not quite as easily broken. That was my experience with my older Nesco vs this new one.

[@6996katmom]

Our humidity here on the coast of TX is always so high. I bought a dehydrator and was afraid to leave it plugged in all the time. It took a few days to do bananas and then they were still sticky so I froze them and put the machine up. I am not sure if I wanted to try again.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Bananas are problematic in the best circumstances :) It's why I don't recommend them as a easy first project. But try something else again!

[@billhill839]

I just spray my racks with non stick cooking spray when making jerky. Also wash on the top rack of the dish washer.