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The Excalibur dehydrator is a type of food dehydrator made with a vertical fan and in black color. This is an ancient technique that preserves food by removing water from it. The Excalibur dehydrator can also be used to dry herbs, jerky, fruits, and vegetables, among other foods. It has a central vertical fan that provides consistent heating and airflow to dry food evenly, efficiently, and thoroughly. This usually allows for bulk drying in multiple trays at once.
The dehydrator is moisture- and heat-proof insulated, which allows waste heat to escape. Its back has a four-inch high vent that allows most of the moisture to escape. The moisture escaping from the vent creates a dampness-free environment inside the Excalibur dehydrator, enabling the food being dried to retain its flavor.
Excalibur dehydrators come with trays that can be stacked up. The base model comes with a stack of 9 trays, while more advanced models have a stack of 15 trays. The pylon design of the Excalibur dehydrator means that users can easily reorganize the trays to create larger spaces for taller vegetables and larger meats. Some models even offer a greater maximum of up to 40 trays.
Many people prefer the Excalibur dehydrator because it is very easy to use. Users only have to determine the temperature and time, then press start. The dehydrator does the rest of the work independently
While the entire Excalibur dehydrator is typically made of plastic, the door is made of transparent Lexan, which allows users to see the food that is being dried inside the dehydrator. This provides an opportunity for one to check the progress without opening the unit and letting any moisture back inside.
Model and size
The Excalibur Dehydrator 3900 is a popular model, which has a 9-tray design and a capacity of approximately 9 square feet. For those who preferred a smaller unit, the 2400 model alternatives with 4 trays were available, and the 2500 model has 5 trays. Meanwhile, the 3500 model offers an approximate 8-square-foot capacity.
Temperature control
Many Excalibur dehydrators feature adjustable temperature controls that allow users to select specific drying temperatures. The temperature range can vary depending on the model but typically falls between 95°F (35°C) and 165°F (74°C).
Drying system
The drying system within an Excalibur dehydrator is responsible for the even distribution of heat and airflow to dry food items effectively. Some models have a horizontal airflow feature, which is designed to ensure that food is dried evenly by circulating hot air horizontally across the trays. This design helps prevent the accumulation of dry food residue within the unit, promoting cleanliness and hygiene.
Tray materials and cleaning
All Excalibur trays are made out of BPA-free plastics, which are both safe and easy to clean. Some models have a nascent tray that comes with a solid stainless steel tray. This stainless steel option is durable and long-lasting.
Regular cleaning
Dehydrators can accumulate dirt, grease, and bacteria over time, so wiping the interior and exterior of the unit regularly is crucial. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean both sides of the unit, or use a mild detergent and warm water to wipe it down. Then, use a dry cloth to wipe off any moisture or wait until it dries before plugging it back in.
Deep cleaning
Besides regular cleaning, users should also consider a thorough, deep-cleaning maintenance approach. Disassemble the removable parts of the dehydrator, including trays, filters, and drip/slide boards. Rinse them with warm water and use a brush to clean any residue carefully. Also, don't forget to clean the appliance's exterior and interior with a damp cloth.
Filter maintenance
If the dehydrator model has a rear filter, please keep track of its condition during usage. Cleaning the filter regularly, in accordance with the instructions, could help prevent dust from building up in the unit, ensuring that both the performance and air quality are maintained.
Inspect and replace parts
Users can periodically inspect the trays, heating elements, fans, and seals of the dehydrator for any signs of damage, such as cracks, clogs, or obstructions. If any of the parts are damaged, they'd need to be replaced to ensure that the dehydrator is functioning properly.
Pay attention to moisture
For those who own a dehydrator with a digital screen, it's important to set the temperature and humidity appropriately for the foods being dried. Adjust the parameters according to recipes to achieve the best drying results and maintain the longevity of the unit.
Excalibur dehydrators are not just for training nuts and nuts; they are used for commercial and industrial purposes. This is especially encouraging for people looking to start a business or add to an existing one. Here are some commercial and industrial uses for Excalibur dehydrator models.
One of the most popular industrial uses for Excalibur dehydrators is the production of beef jerky. This is a staple food for athletes and those looking to train hard daily. A dehydrator is essential for producing chewy beef jerky, which is often a significant international market. With the increasing demand for protein-rich, long-shelf-life snacks, beef jerky has a lot of potential, and many people can consider it a business idea.
Those with an Excalibur dehydrator can make various flavors and options. For example, one can make spicy beef jerky or sweet beef jerky. This mainly depends on the taste and preference of customers. Many choose to experiment with flavors like barbecue, teriyaki, or chili lime. Beverages can also be added to the meat before dehydration, such as beer or wine, for more flavoring options.
Dried fruit is another more common product many people would consider when purchasing an Excalibur dehydrator. When exposed to the heat of the dehydrator, fruits like mangoes, strawberries, papaya, apples, and pineapples will lose a significant amount of moisture and will eventually become dried fruit.
One great benefit of the dried fruit industry is that it is seasonal. There are a large variety and options of fruits available throughout the world, which means that people are exposed to a large number of flavors all year round. This avoids limitations and allows one to make and sell dried fruit to several people worldwide.
Excalibur dehydrator models are popular in education because they serve as experimental tools used in classrooms and educational institutions. They are used to demonstrate principles of dehydration, preservation, and food science. In addition to this, they can be used for student hands-on activities, allowing students to dry their own foods and study the results. Students can also use them to develop their own hypotheses and experiments. Educational programs related to nutrition, healthy eating, and sustainable food practices may also involve the use of Excalibur dehydrators.
Gardens and farms can also benefit from the use of an Excalibur dehydrator. At the end of each season, farmers are often left with a large number of vegetables and herbs. This is quite a waste, especially when there is a demand for such produce throughout the year. An Excalibur dehydrator can be used to preserve these vegetables and herbs and later sell them during the offseason. This is most common with dried herbs like basil and rosemary.
Capacity and sizes
When selecting an Excalibur dehydrator, considering the capacity and sizes is essential. The dehydrator's capacity is typically expressed in square feet of drying space. Excalibur offers models ranging from 4 trays to 10 trays. More significant dehydrators like the Excalibur 3926CDTS may be well-suited for business buyers who dehydrate considerable quantities or have plans for large-scale production.
Fan and heating elements
Most Excalibur models are equipped with a 7-inch fan and a horizontal airflow system that allows for even drying. This is because the less-processed air that is heated by the power of the heating element inside the unit passes through the trays and dehydrates food, which means that there might not be any wet food excelling users need to worry about. Also, the horizontal airflow system prevents trays from being rotated, which reduces the user effort. Many commercial models have a top-mounted blower with adjustable temperature settings.
Temperature control
Temperature regulation is a key feature of the Excalibur dehydrator, enabling buyers to achieve optimal results for various types of food. It is critical for business owners to create the ideal meals for clients. It also impacts how customers use the dehydrator because it is a digital model or a manual one with some buttons. Digital Excalibur models have precise digital controls, allowing users to set precise temperature and time parameters. For example, the model with the analog control panel is 24-hour/26-hour timers, but in the digital version, users can find 1-99 hours timers.
Price and warranty
Considering the price and warranty of an Excalibur dehydrator can help business buyers make an informed decision when making a purchase. When buying this type of equipment for a business, it is essential to ensure that something will break down during usage. Knowing the warranty period and what it covers can provide additional peace of mind.
Q1: What's the difference between a dehydrator and an oven?
A1: The main difference between a dehydrator and an oven is the temperature setting and the air circulation. While dehydrators use a low-heat setting to eliminate moisture from the food, ovens cook at a higher temperature and may not remove water content from the food. Furthermore, oven food tends to dry out unevenly due to the lack of airflow, while dehydrators have fans that blow warm air around the unit, allowing food to dry evenly.
Q2: Do Excalibur dehydrators make food taste funny?
A2: If dried food is prepared properly and the dehydrator is kept clean, it shouldn't give food a funny taste. On the contrary, dehydrating foods brings out the natural taste and flavors, hence improving the taste. Nevertheless, certain foods such as fish and garlic may have strong odors. Such foods should be cooked before dehydrating to prevent the unit from producing strong smells.
Q3: Why are Excalibur dehydrators so popular?
A3: Among the many models available in the market, Excalibur tends to stand out and become very popular due to its sturdy design and exceptional performance, as well as the large capacity of some models. Some even have a timer, allowing users to set the dehydrating time and let the unit do its work without constant monitoring. Most Excalibur models also include a thermostat to adjust the temperature, enabling users to dry various foods with different moisture content.
Q4: Can an Excalibur dehydrator roll tray be washed in a dishwasher?
A4: Yes, one can wash the dehydrator roll tray in a dishwasher. However, before washing, it's important to check the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations regarding the cleaning of roll trays. While some roll trays may be dishwasher safe, others might not be. Therefore, if unsure whether the roll tray is dishwasher safe, it's better to be on the safe side and wash it by hand.