Nesco Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator and Jerky Maker FD-60

Pros: Easy to use, works great, cheaper than the store.
Cons: Can take over 10 hours for some foods, some noise.

I love dried apples but I do not really like paying for them. So when my in-laws got a food dehydrator I had to try it out for myself. I knew after about 2 months of usage they would get bored of it and put in on the shelf like so many other toys they ...

Pros: Price, 500 Watt, Accessories, Good construction
Cons: Time consuming, Bulky, No auto shut off

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you say food dehydrator? That's right! Jerky and banana chips. I have wanted a dehydrator forever, but would never consider 100 dollars for one. I ran across one at Wal-mart for $40 and thought I'd...

Pros: Works well-- enclosed recipe book tells all you need to know to get started.
Cons: ONE fruit leather tray, NO fruit/small item screens. Accessories NOT available at MY local Wal-Mart

I should start by saying that I get on these kicks. In the past I have immersed myself in composting, drinking water, mandolin playing, pressure cooking, herb gardening,digital photography, wet clay cooking, quilting--you get the general idea--and this ...

Pros: easy to use, circulates very well, and has adjustable temperatures
Cons: Could use a couple more trays

I purchased this item about 1.5 months ago, and have had it running almost constantly since! In Canada, I paid approximately 75$ on sale for it at London Drugs. I had intially thought of buying one that had no temperture setting, but I'm glad that I...

Pros: Price, Ease of Use, Endless things to dehydrate
Cons: Need More trays, need lots of experimentation

Nesco FD-60 Dehydrator, picked up at my local wal-mart with the Beef jerky works kit. This puppy is definitely easy to use mixed my Ground Beef wit the Jerky packs and used the Jerk works gun to make my first batch. Here are the things I've learned ...

Pros: Works well, fast and powerful (500 Watts)
Cons: Idiotic pricing on extra trays.

This is a good unit. 500 watts makes it VERY versatile and quick (only 5 hours or so for jerky, for example).

Here's my gripe though. It comes with four trays although it will accommodate up to twelve.

Now for the stupid part. The extra trays cost thirty bucks for 4, plus shipping. :(

You can get the whole thing brand new at Wal-Mart for $39.00 and as I said, it comes with 4 trays, a drip tray and a power head. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Why do companies price their accessories that way? Just to rip people off?

Anyway, the operation of the unit has been great. Just don't expect to economically expand its capacity.

Tom

Pros: Speed of drying food,Very quiet,Nice design,Easy to use and Clean.
Cons: No on off switch.

This is my second food dehydrator that I ever owned.I must say by far it is 100 times better than my old one.It dries faster.It,s so quiet you might for get that it's on.The only thing that didn't like was you have to plug and unplug it to turn it on and off.I went to the hardware store and bought an in-line switch for $5.00 so I don't have to pull the plug any more,it works great.I like it so much I'm buying another one for my daughter.On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this a 9.

Pros: works well
Cons: pain to clean

I love the idea of making my own jerky, but boy oh boy is this machine it a pain to clean! An average roast seems to fill all four of the racks plus some, so you find yourself playing Tetris with beef so that you don't have to either waste the left over meat or buy another rack. When you are done you are left with nice jerky and a huge mess. I can't tell you how many times I've busted a knuckle on the plastic ribs. Soaking only seems to do a little bit of good. The company does sell stick-proof sheets, but unfortunately it seems as though no stores carry them so you must order them and wait. I like the machine, I like the jerky, wish it was non stick. *Note-Using only muscle meat, not kippered beef shooting gun.

Pros: Fast, easy to clean
Cons: To few racks.

Have been using this dehydrator at least 2 times per month for the past year. Some fruit - banana's and apples, but mostly for jerky. Works Great!!!!

Beef takes 5 hours, Turkey, Bison and Venison takes 4. Liver may take 5 to 6. I don't think it is loud - considering what it does. For cleaning I just soak for 1 - 2 hours in HOT soap water and rarely do I have to scrub or even wipe. Just spray it off!

The family loves jerky, and I've saved a bundle on dog treats (that's where the liver goes).

Great value - I think the fan on the top is more efficient that the bottom blower - not as messy.

Pros: Does what MFG claims. Easy to clean in dishwasher.
Cons: Minor thermostat adjustment (quality control).

This is my first experience with dehydrating, and watt a pleasant surprise it is! A 2 lb London broil turned into incredible tasting jerky in less than 6 hours. I am now drying tomatoes from my garden. My dishwasher cleans the entire food cavity (including the base) with only a few small stains left. If I have to find something to complain about, the thermostat dial is just a bit off but I can easily move it to the correct position... not a problem. The price, unbelievably low for such a product.

Pros: this is great for any drying project, food or craft.
Cons: doesn't hold enough if you do a lot of drying.

i have a little catering wagon the services the events and at the beach and work sites in town. i use the dehydrator for jerky and banana chips. they sell really well. i may have to purchase another to keep up with the demand.