Food dehydrator: What to look out for when buying one

Drying food is an important method for preserving it. Fortunately, it requires far less effort today than it did just a few decades ago. With the Stöckli dehydrator, you can produce delicious dried snacks within just a few hours.

In the past, it took many days to dry food in the sun. Alternatively, it was possible to dry them in an oven, which required a lot of energy. Thanks to modern dehydrators, you can now achieve the same results while retaining full control over the process. This allows you to create tasty foods that contribute to a healthy diet.

Below, you will learn what a dehydrator is used for, how it works, and how to recognize a good device. We introduce you to the Dörrex from A. & J. Stöckli AG and explain what sets our company apart. In addition to the Dörrex, you will also find many other devices for the Swiss kitchen in our range. We look forward to welcoming you as a new customer.

What is a dehydrator used for?

In Switzerland, people have been drying food for as long as anyone can remember. Dried fruits are even part of the culinary world heritage of Switzerland. However, now that it is possible to access all foods year-round, the practice of drying has somewhat fallen out of use, since winter preservation is no longer necessary.

Still, there are many good reasons to return to the drying method. It not only preserves fruits but also opens up new ways of preparing food. Especially for those who enjoy healthy eating, a dehydrator should not be missing. It helps you create diverse, raw-food-based dishes that are enjoyed by the whole family.

Fruit is the most commonly dried food. For example, dried mango and pineapple pieces are a very popular snack. Dried apples are also delicious and very healthy. In the past, drying was the only way to provide the body with valuable vitamins and nutrients during the winter, as the gentle method preserves nearly all nutrients in the fruit.

Beyond drying fruit snacks (also known as “fruit leather”), a dehydrator offers many other possibilities. For instance, you can make crackers, energy bars, and crispbread. Ideally, you combine it with a high-performance blender, which complements the dehydrator perfectly. It helps to finely chop solid foods, making drying easier. Fully dried products can even be ground into powder in the blender.

For many people, having full control over their own food is the main advantage of drying. Always select the best ingredients and preserve them through drying. You control the entire process yourself. This makes drying not only fun but also contributes to healthier eating and greater awareness of food.

How does food dehydration work?

There are many methods to preserve food. Drying works through evaporation. Water is removed from the food, causing it to lose mass. The texture also changes during drying. For example, fruit acquires a fairly firm, leather-like consistency. By removing moisture, the shelf life of foods is extended. Many foods can last for several months in dried form.

You can dry fruit in the open air or in the oven. However, these methods are time- and energy-intensive and often do not yield the desired results. It is therefore better to use a dedicated dehydrator. It speeds up the drying process by supplying heat, circulating the air, and offering precise temperature control. This makes the process faster while remaining gentle.

With a professional dehydrator, you have full control over the entire process. You know how long it will take for the product to be finished. You can usually choose different firmness levels for fruit. Additionally, the energy consumption of a dehydrator is optimized, making it more environmentally friendly than oven drying.

A dehydrator has a drying rack on which you place the selected foods. To prevent them from dripping through the rack, you should cover them with high-quality drying sheets, which are included with good dehydrators. Extra sheets can also be purchased if needed.

The following foods are suitable for drying:

• Fruits such as apples, bananas, mangoes, or pineapples
• Vegetables
• Grains
• Herbs
• Nuts
• Mushrooms

In principle, all plant-based foods can be dried, so you can also be creative. Even meat and fish can be dried, but this requires experience. If too much water is removed, the food quickly becomes inedible. It is also more hygienic to use your dehydrator only for plant-based foods.

How can I enjoy dried foods?

You can enjoy your dried foods in many different ways. The simplest is to eat them as they are. This is especially true for dried fruits, which make excellent snacks. Dried fruits are often known as “trail mix.” For all professions, they are tasty and healthy snacks, perfect for work.

Did you know that you can also rehydrate dried foods? Their shelf life can essentially be reversed. This works particularly well with mushrooms, which can be soaked in water shortly before eating, for example in a soup. Dried tomatoes can also quickly regain juiciness when rehydrated.

Alternatively, you can process dried products into powder to create your own soup stock. Berries and leaves can be crushed when dried to make a flavorful powder. This can enhance your breakfast or smoothie in concentrated form.

Get creative and use your dehydrator to make muesli bars and crackers. It’s recommended to combine dried fruits with grains and flakes. These bars are perfect for sports, hiking, or as a snack at work. They are also ideal as a healthy in-between meal.

By the way, children also love fruit strips or homemade muesli bars. This way, you produce healthy snacks for school. It’s also possible to involve children in using the dehydrator, introducing them early to the benefits of healthy eating. At the same time, it becomes a fun family hobby that allows for experimentation.

What should I consider when buying a dehydrator?

When looking for a dehydrator, take enough time to make your choice. These devices are not cheap, so it is important to make a good decision. Learn about the features of the dehydrator and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of how it works.

The best dehydrators offer many adjustable settings. You should be able to set temperature and time yourself to dry your foods perfectly. This precise preparation ensures that as many vitamins and nutrients as possible are preserved. Industrial preservatives are not needed.

A dehydrator with multiple trays is particularly practical for drying several foods at once. These often larger devices are suitable for dehydrating enthusiasts. For beginners, a smaller device that takes up less space in the kitchen is sufficient.

Energy consumption is another important factor. Compared to oven drying, a dehydrator saves a lot of energy. Look for energy-efficient labels and run the device only as long as necessary.

Another consideration is how much guidance you want. Some dehydrators come with a recipe book with valuable tips for different foods, including precise drying times. With more practice, you achieve better results. Don’t be afraid to experiment and learn more about drying tips.

Some dehydrators make operational noise that can be heard in adjacent rooms. Before buying, check how loud the machine is. Silent dehydrators do not exist, but some models are significantly quieter than others. Customer reviews and manufacturer decibel specifications can help in choosing the right model.

What are the benefits of the Dörrex dehydrator?

At Stöckli, you will find high-quality dehydrators for home use. With our Dörrex dehydrator, we have developed a machine that delivers excellent results. It is ideal for dehydrating enthusiasts as well as beginners who want to preserve food.

The following benefits come with purchasing a Dörrex:

1. Large capacity with up to ten drying trays
2. Excellent results thanks to active warm air circulation
3. Made in Switzerland
4. Practical accessories
5. Friendly customer support

We offer a total of four Dörrex models. This ensures there is the perfect dehydrator for every preference and type of food. We are happy to advise you before your purchase to find the optimal model. Whether with or without a timer, metal or plastic, large or small – you will find the right choice at Stöckli.

Which Dörrex is right for me?

In the Stöckli online shop, you can quickly see which dehydrators we offer. All four models are made in Switzerland and feature the highest quality. Their prices are also in a similar range.

The biggest difference between our Dörrex devices is in the material and equipment. All of them have three trays, made either of plastic or metal. While plastic is easier to clean, metal performs exceptionally well over long drying periods and with liquid foods. Therefore, we recommend metal trays for frequent dehydrators.

For occasional use, plastic is ideal. The dishwasher-safe material is quickly cleaned, and even baked-on liquids can be easily removed. The base and lid of the Dörrex can simply be wiped with a damp cloth before drying again.

Another difference is whether the dehydrator has a timer. This feature is suitable for advanced users who want to dry foods overnight. With the timer, you can program drying times of up to twelve hours, after which the device automatically switches off.

Of course, along with your Dörrex, you also receive a selection of delicious recipes in our free recipe book. Suitable accessories, such as new drying trays in stainless steel or plastic, are available in our shop. Practical silicone liners for very juicy foods and apple corers are also offered.

Stöckli’s other offerings

In addition, we offer many other kitchen appliances. These include fondue sets, raclette grills, chestnut roasters, and our popular PizzaGrill. Other household items – from buckets to watering cans to compost bins – are also available at Stöckli. The best part is that the products are visually and functionally well coordinated.

Do you have questions about dehydrators? We are happy to help! Use the contact form to get in touch with our friendly team. We will answer all your questions.