Tray size
Horizontal dimensions of one dryer tray.
For round models, this paragraph usually indicates the diameter (for example, “Ø250”), for other cases — the length and width. Anyway, the information about the size allows you to estimate the total area and, accordingly, the capacity of the device. At the same time, note that a larger size affects the dimensions and weight of the structure, and also requires more heating power (ceteris paribus).
Tray height
The size of one tray of the dryer in height. In models where, instead of separate trays, a common working chamber with removable shelves is provided, the distance between two adjacent shelves is indicated.
This size primarily determines the thickness of individual pieces of vegetables, fruits, etc., which can be placed in the device. At the same time, note that the contents should not fill the tray tightly — there should be at least a couple of millimetres of space between the products and the “ceiling”. Also note that in some models, two height values can be indicated in this paragraph — for example, “15 — 25 mm”. This means that the size of the trays can be changed, adjusting them to the specifics of the situation; usually it is a choice between two standard heights (in our example — 15 mm and 25 mm).
Power consumption
Rated power consumed by the dryer during operation.
This parameter is usually selected by manufacturers depending on the volume of the dryer: the larger the device, the more power is needed to effectively heat the working chamber. At the same time, models with the same volume may differ in power consumption. In such cases, it is worth considering that a higher power reduces the heating time, but affects the price of the device.
Tray for marshmallow
Availability
of a tray for a marshmallow in a set of delivery of the dryer.
Such a device differs from ordinary trays in the design of the bottom — it is solid, without openings. This is due to the fact that the raw material for the preparation of marshmallows is fruit puree, which simply would not have stayed on the classic grating bottom. Most often, there is only one tray for marshmallows, however, in some models it may be possible to purchase additional trays of this type.
We emphasize that it is undesirable to use such accessories for more traditional ingredients (pieces of vegetables, fruits, etc.): in some cases this reduces the drying efficiency, in others it can lead to damage to the contents.
Temperature range
The temperature range that the dryer can provide in the working chamber.
The simplest models provide only one operating temperature option, usually from 50 °C to 60 °C. More advanced devices equipped with thermostats (see above) and can have a wide range of adjustment — this is very useful, because different temperature regimes are recommended for different products. To assess the general capabilities of a particular dryer, you can use the following table of temperatures recommended for drying:
— 35...40 °C — plant stems, greens;
— 40...45 °C — bread;
— 38...42 °C (in some cases up to 45 °C) — yoghurt;
— 50...55 °C — vegetables;
— 55...60 °C — fruits;
— 65...75 °C — meat, fish.
We emphasize that these are the most general, conditional data. The specific temperature may differ from the recommended one — depending on the thickness of the slices, the specific type of food, the desired result, etc. Detailed recommendations on this matter can be found in special sources.
Control
The control panel of a fruit dehydrators.
— Control knob.
Mechanical control is carried out using rotary knobs and switches. Most parameters in such devices are set and controlled manually. In this case, the control elements are connected to the working parts of the dryer directly, without additional electronic circuits. This option is simple, reliable and low cost; however, it is only suitable for the most basic functions, but dehydrators for fruits, vegetables and mushrooms usually do not require more. But the obvious disadvantage of mechanical control is low accuracy: for example, a mechanical timer most often gives an error of a couple of minutes, which in some cases can be critical.
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Push-button. Push-button control is based on electronic circuits. Such systems are more accurate than mechanical ones (for example, the timer in such dryers can usually be set with an accuracy of several seconds), and more options and modes are provided. On the other hand, such control is more complex and more expensive than mechanical control.
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Touch. A type of
electronic control with touch switches. Compared to push-button models, it provides a high level of comfort in operation, and looks more modern and aesthetically pleasing. Touch control is found mainly in top models of dehydrators.
Shutdown timer
A special device that turns off the heating after a predetermined time.
The presence of a
timer greatly simplifies the use of the device: instead of monitoring the duration of the process and manually turning off the heater, it is enough to set the desired turn-off time in the settings. In addition, this function reduces the risk of forgetting about drying products and “overexposing” them in the dryer: this can only happen if the timer was initially set for too long.
Note that the type of timer directly depends on the type of control (see above); at the same time, mechanical timers are simple and inexpensive, but they have a rather noticeable error, and electronic ones are very accurate, but they cost accordingly more.
Overheat protection
Security system that turns off the power to the dryer when
the critical temperature in the working chambers is reached. This does not only save food from overdrying, but also prevents more serious consequences in the first place, such as a breakdown or even an ignition in the dryer, which is fraught with fire.
