I dehydrate all kinds of things, but mostly make my own dog treats (like pigs ears and dried meat and fish). I got one from a flea market, new. It melted. I had an inexpensive round one (forget the name) and the trays got brittle after about a year. Now I have two, they are square and have a fan. I will have to get the name when I get home. It has nine trays and works great for me. Plenty of space to dry larger items and easy to clean. Besides the animal treats I also dry herbs and catnip. If you are going to be drying a lot I wouldn't get the round dehydrators. They just don't seem to be as well made and need more attention when drying because you need to rotate the trays around. The one i have now I just put the items in and check it in a couple hours to a day or two, depending on what I am drying. Herbs only take a few hours, pigs ears take about a day and a half. I got mine from EBay.
I have two, one is still air the other is forced air and I say no matter the brand get the forced air!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It dehydrates in 1/2 or less time then the still air. I will be replacing my still air w/ another forced air this year for sure.
I really appreciate all the input you guys! I've been doing a little comparison online, and reading reviews just to educate myself a little so I know what all is out there. One of the things I'm interested in doing is dehydrating soup mixes, as well as the more usual things,
( I don't know, maybe that is a usual thing ? ).
Mary, that is a good idea! I don't know why that didn't occur to me..duh. I'll have to see if he wants to part with it.