How to Choose a Dehydrator for Drying Fruits and Vegetables

The technology of making dried fruits at home, as well as the possibility of drying seasonal vegetables, greens, and mushrooms, interests many, as it is an excellent way to save money or even make a profit. Home-dried fruits — a product that remains relevant throughout the year.

To obtain high-quality dried fruits or dry vegetables for long-term storage, no much effort and long waiting are required. It is enough to use a dehydrator for drying fruits, and the production process will be maximally simplified. An electric dryer — a universal tool, with which you can make a large amount of useful and tasty food products. The main thing — pay close and serious attention to choosing this device. 

Which type of electric dryer to choose 

The principle of operation of such devices is very simple — they are equipped with a fan and a thermoelement that replicate the effect of wind and sun on food products. The fan can be located at the bottom, top, or side, ensuring continuous air flow over the products. 

The device maintains the required temperature, heating the air using the thermoelement up to the set limit. The maximum temperature inside the dehydrator reaches 70 degrees Celsius. 

Products can be placed inside the dryer whole or cut into pieces of the necessary shape and size. Inside the device, a unique microclimate is created, and all preparations are reliably protected from insects. 

Two types of dehydrators 

Dryers come in two types — infrared and convective. 

The latest development on the market for such devices are infrared dryers. These devices provide optimal dehydration conditions for products, allowing to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients and not damage the structure.

However, infrared dryers are expensive, and their variety is not yet as large as the model range of convective devices, inside which high temperatures are maintained, negatively affecting the appearance and taste of dried fruits. Convective models consume a significant amount of electricity, since they are controlled by a thermostat. 

It is important to determine the power of the device 

The required power of the device depends on the products that will be processed in the dehydrator. Low-power models — up to 350 W — are more suitable for occasional home use. Medium-power dryers are quite economical and quickly dry large volumes of products. High-power models should be chosen by those who are engaged in producing dried fruits, jams, herbal collections for sale. The more powerful the electric dryer, the more resources it consumes.

This is a good opportunity to save on purchasing vegetables and fruits out of season, when prices for such products are quite high. With such a device, you can earn money by producing and selling dried fruits, long-term storage vegetables, jams, dried flowers, and medicinal herbs. With more powerful models, you can prepare meat chips and various healthy snacks. An electric dryer for fruits and vegetables will be a suitable device for any kitchen.