Currently, the specified equipment is sold everywhere: from online stores to agricultural markets. The secret lies in the simplicity, efficiency and ease of use of the equipment. The problem is that there are many short-lived models from little-known brands that sell devices at low prices and mislead potential buyers every day. In order not to regret buying, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with top rated dryers, reviews and 5 key parameters:
- Power;
- Spaciousness;
- Pallet height;
- Construction material;
- Functions
In addition, let's talk about useful recommendations from experts.
Determined with the power of a fruit dryer
This characteristic depends on the number of installed heating elements. It is these elements of the power plant that are responsible for the number of heated air currents. If you do not know how to choose a dryer for fruits and vegetables, keep in mind that an excess of heating elements affects not only the cost, but also the ease of use. The smaller, the easier it is to adjust the temperature.
- Budget models have a power of up to 350 watts - suitable for preparing workpieces in small families (2-3 people);
- For vegetables of average power up to 450 W - used to create dried fruits for 4-5 people. Differ in rather fast work and profitability;
- Powerful models from 450 watts - suitable for owners of large gardens or vegetable gardens.
For commercial purposes, tunnel dryers are used, which are equipped with two work surfaces.
If you are interested in a model for domestic needs, please note that for the preparation of sweets additional details are needed. It is advisable that the kit included special trays. Do not forget that a certain temperature is used to prepare different foods:
- spices, herbs - 30 ° C;
- dried vegetables - 50 ° C;
- dried fruits - 60 ° C;
- bulk products, fish - 70 ° C.
Regardless of the model, the use of temperatures above 40 ° C provides for dried vegetables and fruits.
Optimum pallet capacity
To choose a good dryer for vegetables, you need to pay due attention to the capacity of the pallet. To do this, consider the recommendations from experts. Experts believe that the optimal ratio for a power of 350 W is 4-5 pallets. Accordingly, for a 450 W motor, the number of trays can be increased by 2-3 units.
However, it should be borne in mind that several pallets loaded with products are rather difficult to dry evenly regardless of the quality and cost of the model. Therefore, it is better to pay attention to models that have several fans located in different places of the structure: bottom and top. In this case, the contents of the trays will dry faster.
Which pallet is better?
To choose a good fruit dryer, you must pay attention to the height of the sides of the pallet. In this case, consider the following:
- low trays (1 cm) - used for drying small berries, herbs, slices of vegetables and fruits;
- high sides (2 cm) - are used for different products: from whole mushrooms to apples.
It is worth adding that the cost of the invention depends on this parameter. For small volumes of vegetables and fruits, a height of 1 centimeter is quite enough. But, if you have a good harvest, you will have to torment yourself to cut all apricots, apples, plums, etc. Judging by customer reviews, it is better to initially focus on a good height of the sides.
The best materials for vegetable dryers
It's no secret that one of the aspects that many manufacturers save on is the case. But, if you want to choose the right dryer for vegetables, do not underestimate the importance of the quality of the materials from which it is made:
- plastic models are lightweight, do not heat up, are characterized by mobility due to their light weight. But in order for the device to serve the house, make sure for a long time that the plastic is of high quality. Unfortunately, this can only be understood after applying the product. As a rule, low-quality products immediately emit a sharp unpleasant odor. If you buy a product online, carefully read the reviews;
- metal products are large, provide for difficulties in transportation. However, they are more durable and do not produce toxins.
Useful features
Like other electrical appliances, fruit and vegetable dryers can be equipped with additional features. Although each option costs a pretty penny, you can’t do without some:
- a temperature regulator is a useful addition, with which you can set the required temperature from 30 to 70 degrees with one click;
- timer - a convenient function that allows you to adjust the remainder of the drying process;
- cold air mode - an option that provides for the preparation of dried fruits of optimal condition (do not overdry);
- auto power off - designed to provide additional protection;
- overheat protection - to prevent breakdowns as part of an unforeseen malfunction or power surge.
Tips for choosing a dryer
- Keep in mind that juicy berries and fruits produce juice. Therefore, it is very important that the model has moisture protection of the engine. For this, a special plate is used;
- Regardless of the type of tray (high or low), the devices dry faster if several fans are installed;
- It is advisable that the trays do not have too large holes through which slices of cut vegetables and fruits may fall out;
- Pay attention to the quality of the coating, as some products are very difficult to clean;
- Electrical appliances are much cheaper than induction, and no less effectively cope with small volumes of products.
We sincerely hope that we have revealed the main issues, and now you know how to choose an electric dryer for vegetables, fruits and berries. Do not forget to read the comments, and share your opinion.