How a food dehydrator works

There are different ways to preserve food for a longer time. One method is drying. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be preserved this way. The most effective method of drying is using a dehydrator. But how does a dehydrator work? Find out more in the following article!

What is a Dehydrator?

A dehydrator, also called a drying device or food dehydrator, is a device used to dry food. Primarily, it is used to dry fruits and vegetables. However, herbs, fish, or meat can also be dried. During drying, water is removed from the food. This process takes place at relatively low temperatures.

Modern dehydrators offer the option to regulate the temperature. They also come with a timer. Compared to an oven, a dehydrator consumes significantly less energy. Additionally, the airflow circulates better in a dehydrator than in an oven.

How is a Dehydrator Constructed?

Dehydrators come in different designs. They allow for even drying of food. Food is gently dried on stacked racks. For foods with a high water content, a silicone insert can additionally be used.

A food dehydrator is equipped with a fan and a heating unit. Through a corresponding ventilation hole in the lid of the dehydrator, air and the resulting moisture can escape. We also offer dehydrators with timers for proper drying. These can be programmed for a specific duration. Furthermore, our devices are also equipped with a thermostat.

What Types of Dehydrators Are There?

A dehydrator operates with electricity. However, these devices are available in different designs and versions. Generally, a distinction is made between devices with individual tiers and those with drawers. Tiered dehydrators consist of several stacked layers. At the bottom of the device, there is a hot air blower.

Dehydrators with drawers are more similar to an oven. They also contain a hot air blower, which is mounted on the back wall of the device. This causes the air to flow horizontally through the unit. They are opened from the front side.

Additionally, the individual devices are equipped with different extra features depending on the model. The most important additional components include a timer, a thermostat, and interchangeable trays.

Timer and Thermostat

Most modern dehydrators are equipped with a timer as well as a thermostat. The operating time of the device can be set using the timer. It can be set for several hours. The thermostat, in turn, regulates the drying temperature. Good devices feature stepless temperature control.

The Trays

Important elements of dehydrators are the mesh trays on which the food is dried. Since not all foods are the same size, the height of the trays can be adjusted. There are models with plastic trays and others with metal trays.

How Does a Modern Dehydrator Work?

Modern dehydrators allow food to be dried on multiple tray levels. Foods such as fruits or vegetables are first sliced or cut into strips. The air is blown through the device using a fan, allowing it to circulate. The air temperature ranges between 20 and 70 degrees Celsius.

The fan and the resulting air circulation ensure that the food is dried evenly. The moisture can escape together with the air through a hole in the lid of the unit. This method guarantees gentle dehydration of the products. The less residual moisture the dried products have, the longer they will last.

How Long Does the Drying Process Take in a Dehydrator?

Various types of fruits and vegetables can be dried simultaneously in a modern dehydrator. However, a uniform temperature is important. The fruit and vegetable slices must be placed on the trays so that they do not overlap or touch each other. If they do, an even drying result cannot be achieved.

Some fruits and vegetables, however, require different drying times. Apples and pears with a thickness of 15 to 20 millimeters, for example, need six to ten hours. Quartered or halved bananas take ten to 18 hours.

Drying culinary herbs is also possible with dehydrators. However, the drying time for herbs is much shorter. Some herbs are not suitable for drying. When drying herbs, the temperature must not be too high, as this can cause the loss of aroma. The drying time for herbs is usually two to four hours.

Meat or fish can also be dried in dehydrators, but this requires some experience. Some manufacturers provide their own recipe books with the devices for this reason.

What Foods Can Be Made in a Dehydrator?

The primary purpose of dehydrating is to make food last longer. Additionally, dehydrating is used to make healthy snacks, such as apple rings and vegetable chips. Many different types of foods can be dried for this purpose, including:

• Pome fruits and stone fruits
• Various types of vegetables
• Culinary and medicinal herbs
• Mushrooms
• Meat, poultry, or fish

When Is It Worth Getting a Dehydrator?

In many households, dehydrators are considered a basic kitchen appliance. With a dehydrator, food can be preserved cost-effectively. When you dehydrate your own food, you also know where it comes from.

Compared to commercially packaged dried foods, homemade dehydrated foods are significantly more affordable. Hobby gardeners, in particular, like to preserve their harvest naturally using a dehydrator. Dried plums and apple rings are just a few examples.

Dehydrating with Innovative Dehydrators

Dehydrators equipped with timers, thermostats, and flexible trays allow for efficient drying. By setting the appropriate drying time, as many vitamins as possible are retained. These devices also save a lot of energy. Those who want to dehydrate a large amount of fruits and vegetables can opt for models with multiple tiers.

Most modern dehydrators are designed to produce very little operational noise. They operate quietly, although a completely silent dehydrator does not yet exist. To achieve noise reduction, the housings of the devices are made from suitable materials.

For the best results, modern dehydrators are recommended. At Stöckli, you can find the dörrex dehydrator in various versions. It is manufactured in Switzerland and comes with three drying trays in the standard version. Additionally, it is supplied with useful accessories. If you want a high-quality dehydrator, you can find the dörrex in our online shop.

Over our long company history, we have earned an excellent reputation as developers of innovative kitchen appliances. For example, in 1969, we invented the world’s first raclette portion oven. We offer a wide range of products for cooking. For questions or messages, it is best to use our contact form.