Tuesday, June 10, 2014

What To Look For As You Buy Sun Dehydrator Online

By Sally Delacruz


Food dehydrators offer a convenient way to dry various types of foods such as fruits and herbs. They are valuable additions to kitchen equipment. Unlike using a homemade machine or oven to dry foods, you can get superior results if you use a dehydrator. Since a home oven lacks a system that allows dry air to circulate, the food dehydrated in it will dry at uneven temperatures and rates. When using an oven for this purpose, it is also necessary to leave the oven door slightly open and this wastes energy.

It is easy to find an affordable sun dehydrator by shopping online. You should choose a high quality unit that will enable you to dehydrate large quantities of food. Finding high quality dehydrators is straightforward since you only have to research about the different models available. You should think about a few things as you buy sun dehydrator online.

You should begin by considering which type of solar dehydrator to get. Dehydrators are designed in two main ways. One design has horizontal air flow while the other has vertical air flow. The models that have horizontal air flow are better since horizontal flow minimizes the mixing of food flavors. These units can therefore be used to dry different types of food at the same time. The trays in such units also get equal heat penetration.

Buyers of sun dehydrators should also consider if the heating element is located on the side, back or bottom of the unit. Units that have the heating element on their sides or backs as well as a fan that circulates the dry air through the system offer better results. The dehydrators that have the heating element at the bottom may yield poor results since they do not offer a uniform dehydrating environment.

Shoppers should also look for units that have thermostat controls. To ensure that the nutritional value of dehydrated foods is retained, the heat emitted by a dehydrator should be adjusted to not more than 115 to 120 degrees Celsius. Shoppers should also pay attention to the materials used to make the trays of a dehydrator. Trays made from materials like fiberglass and steel are safer.

When shopping for sun dehydrators, prospective buyers should also consider whether the units meet their personal preferences. Those who wish to dry large amounts of food should choose models that come with 8 or 9 trays. Those who want to dry small amounts of foods can choose models that come with 5 trays. They can purchase additional trays later since most models can be expanded.

It is also essential to consider the way trays are arranged in the unit. Stackable trays are great for preparing food in the same quantity every time. Removable sliding trays on the other hand offer more flexibility. The cost of dehydrators varies depending on their features. You therefore only have to consider the features you want the device to have and your budget.

If you choose to purchase solar dehydrators online, you will have a great opportunity to easily compare the features of different models. You can visit various sites, browse through online catalogues and select the model you like. Make sure that you shop for these products at trusted websites. Reputable sellers usually provide their customers with a guarantee of at least one year.




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