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Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator Review: Versatile Food Preservation

November 23, 2024

Introduction: Why Choose the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator?

If you’re looking for an efficient and reliable food dehydrator to help you preserve your favourite foods, the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator should be at the top of your list. This model is widely praised for its impressive capacity, even drying, and ease of use. Whether you’re looking to dry fruits, vegetables, herbs, or meats, the Excalibur 9-Tray is designed to meet all your food preservation needs.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the features, benefits, and overall performance of the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator. We’ll also compare it to other popular dehydrators and explain why it stands out in a crowded market.

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Key Features of the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator

1. Large Capacity for High-Volume Drying

One of the standout features of the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator is its massive 9-tray capacity, which allows you to dry large quantities of food at once. This makes it ideal for families, homesteaders, or anyone who wants to prepare bulk amounts of dried food. The 9-tray configuration gives you ample space to dry fruits, vegetables, and even meats in one go, reducing the need for multiple batches.

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For example, you can dry up to 15 pounds of fruit or 30 pounds of meat in a single batch. This capacity is perfect for making snacks like dried apples, jerky, and fruit leathers, or even preserving harvests from your garden.

Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator Review: Versatile Food Preservation

2. Horizontal Airflow for Even Drying

The Excalibur 9-Tray utilizes horizontal airflow, which ensures that air is distributed evenly throughout the entire unit. This means that each tray receives consistent airflow, promoting uniform drying without the need to rotate trays during the drying process.

In comparison, many other dehydrators rely on vertical airflow, which can lead to uneven drying, particularly on the top and bottom trays. The horizontal airflow system used by Excalibur helps eliminate this issue, making it a superior option for consistent results.

3. Adjustable Thermostat for Precise Temperature Control

The Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator is equipped with an adjustable thermostat, allowing you to control the temperature between 105°F to 165°F. This range is perfect for a variety of foods, from delicate herbs and fruits that require lower temperatures, to meats and jerky that need higher temperatures for safe preservation.

With precise temperature control, you can ensure that your food is dried at the optimal temperature for its type, preserving the maximum amount of nutrients and flavour. The built-in timer ensures your food is dried for the perfect amount of time, without over-drying.

4. Built-in Timer for Convenience

The Excalibur 9-Tray comes with a 24-hour timer, which allows you to set your dehydrator to start and stop at your convenience. This feature is perfect for those who prefer to set the dehydrator overnight or for a specific time while they’re away from home.

Setting the timer ensures that your food will not be over-dried, and the automatic shut-off feature ensures you don’t have to worry about it running unnecessarily.

5. Durable Construction for Longevity

Excalibur is well-known for its durable and high-quality products, and the 9-Tray Dehydrator is no exception. Constructed with high-impact polycarbonate trays and a sturdy outer casing, this dehydrator is built to last for years. Additionally, the trays are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning after use.

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Benefits of Using the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator

1. Healthier Food Preservation

Dehydrating your food is one of the healthiest ways to preserve it. Unlike canning, which often requires added preservatives or sugar, dehydrating retains the natural nutrients and flavor of your food without the need for chemicals or additives. The Excalibur 9-Tray ensures that your dried foods stay nutrient-dense and healthy for long-term storage.

For example, dried fruits like apples or pears retain their vitamins and minerals when dehydrated, making them a nutritious snack option. Additionally, dehydrated vegetables and herbs can be used in soups, stews, and sauces, adding flavour and nutrients without the need for refrigeration.

Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator Review: Versatile Food Preservation

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2. Cost-Effective and Sustainable

Owning a dehydrator like the Excalibur 9-Tray can be a cost-effective way to reduce food waste. By drying excess fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you can extend their shelf life and avoid throwing away food that might otherwise spoil. Similarly, if you have a garden or buy produce in bulk, you can preserve your harvest for later use.

Not only is this sustainable, but it also reduces your grocery bills since you can stock up on seasonal produce and enjoy it year-round.

3. Versatility for Different Types of Foods

The Excalibur 9-Tray is a highly versatile machine that can handle a wide range of foods. Whether you’re drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat, or even fish, this dehydrator is capable of producing high-quality dried foods. It’s perfect for making homemade jerky, fruit leathers, and snack mixes, or for dehydrating large quantities of herbs for long-term storage.

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How to Use the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator

Using the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator is simple and straightforward. Follow these basic steps for a successful dehydrating experience:

  1. Prepare Your Food: Wash and slice your fruits, vegetables, or meats into uniform sizes. Thicker slices will take longer to dry, while thinner slices will dehydrate faster. If you’re making jerky, marinate your meat beforehand.
  2. Load the Trays: Place your prepared ingredients on the dehydrator trays. Arrange them in a single layer for optimal airflow. Avoid overcrowding the trays, as this can affect the drying efficiency.
  3. Set the Temperature and Timer: Use the adjustable thermostat to set the temperature according to the food type. For example, fruits typically dehydrate at 135°F, while jerky requires a higher temperature around 160°F. Set the timer based on the amount of time recommended for your food type.
  4. Start the Dehydrator: Turn on the machine and let it run. The dehydrator will do the work for you. For best results, check the food occasionally to ensure even drying.
  5. Store the Dried Food: Once the food is fully dehydrated, store it in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to maintain freshness. Properly dehydrated foods can last for months or even years when stored in the right conditions.
Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator Review: Versatile Food Preservation

Pros and Cons of the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator

Pros:

  • Large capacity: Perfect for bulk food drying.
  • Horizontal airflow: Ensures even drying across all trays.
  • Adjustable thermostat: Customize drying temperature based on food type.
  • Built-in timer: Convenient for set-and-forget drying.
  • Durable construction: Made with high-quality, long-lasting materials.
  • Versatile: Suitable for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and jerky.

Cons:

  • Size: The 9-tray model is large and may take up significant counter space.
  • Price: It is on the pricier side compared to smaller models.
  • Noise: While quieter than some other dehydrators, it may still produce noticeable noise during operation.
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Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator vs. Other Models

Excalibur 9-Tray vs. Nesco Snackmaster Pro

While both the Excalibur 9-Tray and the Nesco Snackmaster Pro are popular choices, the Excalibur offers superior capacity and horizontal airflow, which ensures more even drying. The Nesco Snackmaster Pro, on the other hand, is smaller and more affordable but may require you to rotate trays during use for even drying. If you’re looking for a more compact model, the Nesco Snackmaster Pro is a solid choice. However, if you need a larger capacity and superior drying performance, the Excalibur 9-Tray is the better option.

Excalibur 9-Tray vs. Tribest Sedona Express

The Tribest Sedona Express is another high-end dehydrator that offers horizontal airflow like the Excalibur, but it comes with a digital control panel for more precise temperature adjustments. While both models are excellent, the Excalibur 9-Tray is more affordable and has a larger capacity, making it a better choice for people who need to dry large batches of food.

Conclusion: Is the Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator Right for You?

The Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator is a top-of-the-line model that offers excellent performance, large capacity, and reliable drying. Whether you’re looking to preserve fruits, vegetables, herbs, or meats, this dehydrator delivers consistent results every time. With features like horizontal airflow, adjustable temperature.

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