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Choosing a new dehydrator. Which one?

coheed196

coheed196

So I'm getting ready to replace my old Oster dehydrator. I got it as a gift from a coworker a few years ago when I first started getting into supers. It's just a basic model with no bells or whistle, just an on/off switch.

Anyways I've narrowed it down to 3 different models. I know I want the adjustable thermostat Andrew both of these brands are well known and have been around forever. Just want a few opinions on the choices.

First is the well known and highly used Nesco FD-60
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LNVUJQ

500 watt and adjustable from 95°F-155°F $49.96

Second up is the Presto 06301
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008H2OEKK

500 watt, adjustable from 90°F-165°F. One of the best things about this one is that it's digital. Also has a digital timer along with digital thermostat. $73.82

Last up is the Presto 06302
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008H2OENC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1380675307&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

It's basically the same as above except it's a dial-type thermostat and doesn't have a timer. $60.35

Thanks for your advice and opinions
 
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I just bought my first dehydrator a few months ago off Amazon, and got the Nesco FD-60 you have listed. Have used it to dry some peppers for myself for powders, and fruit for my wife to snack on. Have had 0 problems so far and am loving it, but in saying that it doesn't get used a lot, so can't comment on longevity. 
 
i would go with the one with a timer.
i use the square nesco fd80, who ever came up with the dumb idea of a round dehydrator? that being said, there are many times i would like the dehydrator to turn off without me babysitting it.
 
I highly recommend a square or rectangular dehydrator over a round one any day, too. I have the same Nesco FD80 that Mark has, and have been very happy with it. I agree, having a timer would be nice. However, you can get an inexpensive timer at Walmart or most hardware stores, and plug the dehydrator into that instead of directly into the outlet. For me, though, the timer is a non-issue. The length of time to dehydrate depends on current conditions (is it dry or humid? Sunny or rainy?) as well as your temperature setting. I like to dry mine low to retain color and ensure the seeds remain viable, so I know it's going to take several days. I don't even check them before the 3rd or 4th day now, especially if I'm drying thick-walled pods. 
 
Yea I couldn't fit that one into the budget lol.

I actually did buy one last night, it wasn't either of the ones I posted. I went with the square designed Nesco FD-80.

Supposed to be here Monday. I'm freaking excited. It'll make saving seeds a million times easier. Thanks for all of your input
 
We use this one
 
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Yea I'm too impatient to let regular air do its thing. Although I have done it with just a table fan going over a plate of cut in half pods. I just really wanted an adjustable temp. Cause my Oster would be so hot that bright yellow pods would end up brownish lol
 
We use this:

flamethrower11.jpg


Seriously though:  anything with a heat gauge,  mine is plug and go and it burns the hell out of the pods 
 
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