I have had an American Harvest (Nesco) dehydrator for close to 30 years, and have been quite pleased with it. It is fairly quiet, has enough drying space for my needs (expands to 30 trays, though I "only" have 12), and I have seldom found that I needed to rearrange the trays for even drying (as, I have read, others have complained about). But, unfortunately, the heating element has finally quit working, and DH says he doesn't think it can be fixed.
I have heard many good things about the Excalibur, and am thinking of replacing the A.H. with one of them. But I've never seen/heard it in action, and would appreciate any thoughts you might have. Is it loud?
I could replace the one I have with another like it - thus being able to continue using the trays I have - but I can afford the Excalibur now, where I couldn't 30 years ago, and wonder if it is worth the extra money. I rather like the idea of being able to remove trays to make room for bulkier items, or a bowl of bread dough.
Your thoughts?
I have heard many good things about the Excalibur, and am thinking of replacing the A.H. with one of them. But I've never seen/heard it in action, and would appreciate any thoughts you might have. Is it loud?
I could replace the one I have with another like it - thus being able to continue using the trays I have - but I can afford the Excalibur now, where I couldn't 30 years ago, and wonder if it is worth the extra money. I rather like the idea of being able to remove trays to make room for bulkier items, or a bowl of bread dough.
Your thoughts?
) cool and humid. The cool, wet air does not allow for easy drying. I found this out last night (which is what prompted the research I have been doing this morning) I had a few apples that needed to be dealt with immediately, so they got peeled and sliced, and popped in the dehydrator; I figured the moving air, though cool, would do the job. Some hours later there was no difference! Still moist and pliable. I could easily see that the slices would mold before drying. (This is why I can't hang out laundry in the Winter here either, even though my laundry line is on a covered deck; the clothes just mildew). The apples went into the oven, on low, and have dried just fine, but that isn't a good long term solution. 
