The choice of household dehydrator for vegetables and fruits

One of the popular modern helpers in the kitchen are dehydrators. In fact, the device is an electric dryer for vegetables and fruits. It will evenly remove moisture from products, providing tasty and healthy food at the exit. Consider what you should focus on when choosing this useful technique.

Who needs such a device?

The idea is not new - such units have already found application in the food industry for the production of dried mushrooms, chips and various kinds of dried fruits.

Household appliances, of course, will consume much less energy than the production version.

Many people confuse the dehydrator and the dryer, but these are different aggregates. AT standard dryer there is only a heating element and a fan (the latter can be at the top or bottom).The movement of the air flow occurs only in one plane, which leads to temperature differences in certain parts of the dryer. This affects the products: from above they become covered with a crust, but inside they still remain wet, which means that they will not be able to be stored for a long time.

Scheme of hot air in the working area of ​​the electric dryers

The dehydrator will evenly dry each product placed in it. Its main difference is built-in thermostat. Here you can adjust and maintain the temperature through a system of well-designed mini-channels. This allows you to save in food special enzymes - enzymes that help in the rapid absorption of food. A simple dryer cannot do this.

The device is used to work with:

• fruits;
• vegetables;
• mushrooms;
• nuts;
• medicinal herbs (in more modern models).

But this is not all possible. In the dehydrator is prepared:

• breads;
• marshmallow;
• biscuit;
• chips;
• candies;
• pizza;
• pancakes;
• cakes for cakes.

Dehydrators will find decent use in vegetarians, raw food eaters and fasting people.. The device will help to significantly diversify vegetable food. However, other gourmets, as well as adherents of a healthy diet, will be able to evaluate the quality of drying products.

Types of dehydrators

The classification of devices is based on the principle of their operation. Because of this, such electrical devices are:

• convection;

• infrared.

In the first embodiment, the air will be forced as a result of operation. heating coil fan - most often it is located on the back of the device.

It is better to choose units where the fan is located at the bottom. This solution contributes to the uniform distribution of warm air through the chamber.

Much more interesting is the infrared model - in it drying takes place using a lamp with infrared radiation. This device surpasses its convection analogue with the quality of the result obtained: such products are stored for several years without being covered with mold or rot. Yes, and these models consume electricity at times less.

L’equip IR D5 Infrared Dehydrator

Criterias of choice

To choose a good device, you need to pay attention to the following criteria.

1. Spaciousness device is determined by its displacement (the more - the better). The dimensions of the dehydrator are determined by the number of pallets, the number of which ranges from 5 to 30 pieces.This saves time when processing large quantities of products. A typical household appliance holds up to 7 trays.
2. Power device directly affects the amount of energy they consume. But again, it is necessary to understand why the equipment is purchased. If as an ordinary dryers for berries and fruits, it is enough and 350 watts. In the case of active preparations of dried fruit and cooking desserts, it is worth looking for an option with a power of 500-1000 watts.
3. From what products you plan to dry in the device will depend on used temperature. It is better to purchase models with flexible thermostat adjustment, because in each case it will be necessary to change the settings: for fish and meat to use 68 ° C, for vegetables and fruits the temperature cannot be raised more than 38 ° C, and herbs - strictly at 34 ° C.
   

4. It is necessary to pay attention to form devices. In vertical devices, air flows are distributed through special channels, and in horizontal devices they are dried on trays. The heating element itself is located in completely different ways. For example, if in the vertical models the thermostat is at the bottom, it means that vegetables and fruits should not be put on this tray: there is a riskfluid may enter the vent. But at the same time in such cases, you can cook yogurt, wilted fish and meat.
5. Among additional options useful timer. Another useful option is adjusting the noise level (day and night options). In the latest models even provides a mode for cold drying. And, of course, auto power off is very useful.
   

Popular manufacturers

On the market of dehydrates, a large number of devices of the most diverse production are presented - the devices are “stamped” in Asia, Europe and America. Each of the manufacturers promises additional functionality, but the choice must be stopped on one thing.

So, here's a recommendation, which technique is better to purchase among overseas options.

1. Excalibur, each of the models of which is equipped with a set of additional functions. These dehydration dryers received the most loyal user feedback.
   
   

   Excalibur Premium 10 Dehydrator

2. Sedona models are also popular, but they differ in higher prices. In addition, not all models regulate the volume of the dryer.
   
   

   Sedona Combo SD-P9150 Dehydrator

3. Ezidri has adjustable power and comfort. electronic control. The brand produces a lot of interesting vertical options. However, most of them have plastic trays.
   
   

   Ezidri Ultra FD1000 Dehydrator

4. Polish Zelmer takes care to preserve maximum nutrients. For this, most models use two power modes.
   
   

   Zelmer FD1000 dehydrator

5. And the South Korean Tribest is used not only to dry meat and fish, vegetables and fruits, but also presents in its dehydrators the ability to make bread sourdough, cook ryazhenka and dry pasta.
6. Other reputable foreign manufacturers include Polaris. In many models, you can set the drying up to 48 hours, at any time to add or decrease the time and temperature.
   
   

   The dehydrator for Polaris PFD 0605D vegetables

7. Another helper will be any of the models of the brand Scarlett. Firm models consume very little electricity - The account almost does not grow. The process is carried out in the range of 35-70 degrees. Most Scarlett instruments have a mechanical, but at the same time intuitive control.
   
   

   Scarlett SC-FD421004 dehydrator

Domestic offers are no less interesting. Any expert on the request “advise Russian dehydrators” will recommend the following companies.

1. Brand "Summer resident" produces infrared dryers with great power. Note: most models still impressive size, which includes up to 7 kg of products. Another plus is the ability to cook ryazhenka or diet meals.
   
2. Devices called "Breeze" work by convection principle. Most models belong to the budget class. Maximum load is 5 kg.
   
3. Interesting model "Katrina Samobranka", which represents infrared mat. Such a home dehydrator will emit safe infrared waves that dry the raw materials at a temperature of 40 degrees. The biggest advantage is complete noiseless operation.
   
4. Finally, in case of serious blanks, one cannot do without instruments from the Hot Dry Wind. Many models fit as many as 8 pallets. The device itself determines the optimum temperature for operation, so that the products retain the most useful properties.

With any choice, buy a similar device - a great idea for the preparation of delicious and healthy treats. Moreover, with each new model, the capabilities of such devices are only being improved.