Dehydrator questions

JF7FSU · January 25, 2011, 08:49:48 PM

I am in the market for a dehydrator, and don't know much about them. I usually do jerky 5-10 lbs at a time. I see quite a few on Craigs list and various brands. I also see some with fans and heat controls and some without. I see round and square ones and from 4 to 10 trays. I read that Excalibur is a good brand but I see some 10 tray machines on ebay for $110-120.

What exactly should I be looking for as a jerky maker?

FLBentRider · January 26, 2011, 03:35:17 AM

I have a Cabelas 80L.

Depending on how you slice it, it will hold about 15lbs of sliced whole muscle jerky.

The Excalibur was my second choice.

NePaSmoKer · January 26, 2011, 03:47:46 AM

I have a Cabelas 80L which works good
And a Cabelas digital which puts a hurt on my 80L
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home-Cabin/Food-Processing/Food-Dehydrators

Its like $149. 10 Tray digital

If you go with an Excalibur make sure it has the new temp body housing. I went through a few of them because the body kept cracking.

RAF128 · January 26, 2011, 04:36:59 AM

Look for one that it has a temp control. We use our for more than doing jerky. Different fruit and veggies can be dehydrated.
Get one with as many trays as possible.

TheHardWay · January 26, 2011, 06:41:38 AM

I have the Excalibur 9 tray and love it. I messed up and got the one without a timer on it. I bought a plug in timer to use since I know exactly how long I like to dry my jerky. If go the excalibur route, I would recommend getting the one with a factory timer. I usually make 10-15 pounds of ground meat jerky, and there is enough room to fit it all.

KyNola · January 26, 2011, 06:50:04 AM

I have the Excalibur 9 tray with the temp controller and timer THW mentioned. I have been well pleased with the performance. I have had 10 pounds of jerky in it with no problems. The body of mine has not cracked like NePaS mentioned although I'm pretty sure I have the newer body style.

Up In Smoke · January 26, 2011, 06:54:45 AM

I have the Cabelas 80L also, i have done up to 10 lbs of jerky with no problem.
i have also dried peppers, orange slices and other goodies for rubs and storage.
I have been very pleased with it.

JF7FSU · January 26, 2011, 07:39:43 AM

Thanks for the responses. I guess I am down to the digital calbelas 80L which is $179 and the excaliber for $219. A bit moe than I wanted to spend but I guess the Cabelas is looking pretty good. Maybe I can get a coupon discount or something.

Up In Smoke · January 26, 2011, 08:50:43 AM

Quote from: JF7FSU on January 26, 2011, 07:39:43 AM
Thanks for the responses. I guess I am down to the digital calbelas 80L which is $179 and the excaliber for $219. A bit moe than I wanted to spend but I guess the Cabelas is looking pretty good. Maybe I can get a coupon discount or something.

Sometimes if you call Cabelas to place your order they will do a little research for you, and let you know if there are any specials coming
up on the item you are looking at.
I recently purchased 2 stainless tables from them, i called ahead and customer service spent 15 minutes trying to help save some money.
We were unsuccessful on that run but they took the time to try!

TheHardWay · January 26, 2011, 08:59:49 AM

You might also check these bad boys out.

http://www.lemproducts.com/product/4177/61

Also check on their refurbished products (from the list on the left). Right now they don't have any refurb dehydrators, but if you aren't in any hurry, one may come up and you scan score a great deal.

NePaSmoKer · January 26, 2011, 09:18:48 AM

Quote from: JF7FSU on January 26, 2011, 07:39:43 AM
Thanks for the responses. I guess I am down to the digital calbelas 80L which is $179 and the excaliber for $219. A bit moe than I wanted to spend but I guess the Cabelas is looking pretty good. Maybe I can get a coupon discount or something.

JF

The digital is $149 in the Cabelas in PA. Call em and say why is it this price in store and higher online.

JF7FSU · January 27, 2011, 06:47:57 PM

Thanks Nepas. Is there only one store in PA? Also when did you see the price. I'm gonna try to get at that price but want to have my ducks in a row. ;D

josbocc · January 28, 2011, 04:12:32 AM

Cabelas 80l now, LEM Stainless before that, and Excalibur prior to that. Cabelas is by far the best I have used. 15 lbs of meat at a time with room to spare. Digital timer and temp control. LEM stainless was OK, but as your jerky dried, that metal on metal contruction made it louder than a busted chainsaw. Excalibur worked well, but as someone already mentioned, housings will crack over time.

Good Luck,
Jeff

mjdeez · January 28, 2011, 06:21:38 AM

Cabelas has coupons every other week. I get a catalog, coupon, flyer, or email from them every week. Usually its $10 off $50 or more, or $20 off $100 or more, sometimes free shipping.

I've noticed these are posted on slickdeals.net as well as Cabelas.com when they're going on. Not sure if these coupons apply to all purchases though. Even free shipping may not be total free with a large / heavy item. They have $8 or $16 surcharges for the heavy stuff.

NePaSmoKer · January 28, 2011, 06:57:57 AM

Quote from: JF7FSU on January 27, 2011, 06:47:57 PM
Thanks Nepas. Is there only one store in PA? Also when did you see the price. I'm gonna try to get at that price but want to have my ducks in a row. ;D

Yeah only 1 Cabelas in PA. When i worked there they bend over backwards to please the customer. Call the 800 Cabelas and Beatch at em until they give you the store price.

Its still the 149 when i was there monday.

Like i said this little guy runs circles around my 80L. If your a card carrying Cabelas Visa holder you get some $ off sometimes.

Dehydrator questions

NePaSmoKer

NePaSmoKer

NePaSmoKer