Food preservation has become more critical than ever in today's conscious eating and sustainable living world. The Excalibur dehydrator stands out as a trusted and powerful tool for those looking to take control of their food storage and nutrition. Whether you're drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, or meats, this high-performance dehydrator offers unmatched consistency, efficiency, and capacity. Its user-friendly design and advanced features make it ideal for beginners and seasoned food enthusiasts. In this guide, explore how the dehydrator can help you reduce waste, save money, and create a pantry full of healthy, shelf-stable foods—all while preserving flavour and nutrients naturally.

Overview of the dehydrator

The dehydrator is a premium food-drying appliance known for its exceptional performance, durability, and user-friendly features. Designed for both home users and professionals, it uses a horizontal airflow system and a rear-mounted fan to ensure even drying across all trays, eliminating the need to rotate them during operation.

The Excalibur offers ample space for bulk dehydrating and is available in various sizes, including 4, 5, 9, and 10-tray models. Its adjustable thermostat, typically ranging from 95°F to 165°F (35°C to 74°C), allows precise temperature control for drying everything from delicate herbs to dense meats for jerky. Some models also include a built-in timer, enhancing convenience and energy efficiency.

Constructed with high-quality materials like BPA-free polycarbonate or stainless steel, the Excalibur is built to last and withstand frequent use. The removable trays and mesh liners are easy to clean, making maintenance simple.

The dehydrator is ideal for preserving fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, and meats and fermenting or culturing foods like yogurt. Its large capacity and reliable drying performance make it a favourite among gardeners, homesteaders, and health-conscious individuals. The Excalibur is a top-tier choice for mastering food preservation at home.

History and Background

The dehydrator has a long-standing reputation as one of the most trusted names in food preservation. Introduced in the 1970s by Excalibur Products, a company based in Sacramento, California, the dehydrator was developed when interest in natural health and self-sufficiency rose. The founders saw an opportunity to create a product that supported healthier living through efficient and nutrient-preserving food dehydration.

What set Excalibur apart early on was its invention of the Parallexx horizontal airflow system, a groundbreaking feature that allowed for even drying across all trays. This rear-mounted fan and heating unit distributed warm air horizontally, ensuring consistent drying and eliminating the need for rotating trays. This issue plagued many other dehydrators at the time. The brand quickly earned a loyal following among gardeners, homesteaders, and health-conscious consumers.

Over the years, Excalibur has continuously improved its products, adding adjustable thermostats, timers, and larger capacity models to meet users' evolving needs. Its dehydrators are now available in BPA-free polycarbonate and stainless steel designs, catering to various health preferences and usage demands.

Today, Excalibur remains a top choice for food preservation in homes, restaurants, and wellness communities. Known for its durability, reliability, and user-friendly features, the dehydrator has become a symbol of quality in-home food drying, helping people reduce food waste, save money, and take control of their nutrition—naturally and effectively.

Features and Specifications

The dehydrator is designed with efficiency, versatility, and reliability, making it a top-tier choice for beginners and experienced users. One of its standout features is the Parallax horizontal airflow system. This system uses a rear-mounted fan and heating element to distribute air evenly across all trays, ensuring consistent drying without manually rotating trays.

Models typically come with 4, 5, 9, or 10 trays, offering ample space to dehydrate large batches simultaneously. Depending on the model, trays are made of BPA-free plastic or stainless steel and can be easily removed to accommodate bulkier items. Each tray provides a generous drying surface area, and mesh liners help prevent smaller food items from falling through.

Temperature control is another key feature. Most Excalibur models offer an adjustable thermostat ranging from 95°F to 165°F (35°C to 74°C), which is ideal for safely dehydrating everything from herbs to meats. Some units also include a built-in timer, allowing users to set dehydration periods up to 26 hours, promoting convenience and energy efficiency.

The opaque door design helps block out light, which can degrade the nutritional value of foods during dehydration. The exterior housing is typically made of durable polycarbonate or stainless steel and is built for long-term use.

Additional specifications may include quiet operation, energy-efficient performance, and easy-to-clean removable parts. These features make the dehydrator a robust, dependable tool for preserving food naturally while retaining taste, texture, and nutritional content.

General Benefits of Using an Excalibur Dehydrator

Using an Excalibur dehydrator offers numerous benefits that make food preservation easier, healthier, and more efficient. One of the primary advantages is its ability to retain nutrients. Unlike traditional cooking methods that use high heat, the Excalibur dries food at low, controlled temperatures. This gentle drying process preserves essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, making it ideal for health-conscious individuals and those following raw food diets.

Another significant benefit is its high capacity and even drying. With models offering up to 10 trays and the Parallexx horizontal airflow system, users can dehydrate large quantities of food evenly without rotating trays. This saves time and ensures consistent results, whether you're drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, or meats.

The dehydrator also promotes long-term food storage. Removing moisture prevents the growth of bacteria and mould, allowing foods to be stored for months or even years without refrigeration. This reduces food waste and saves money, especially for gardeners, bulk buyers, or anyone interested in self-sufficiency.

Its customizable temperature settings and optional timer give users complete control over dehydration. You can tailor drying to suit different food types and personal preferences, from chewy fruit leathers to crisp veggie chips.

Additionally, dehydrated foods are lightweight and compact, making them perfect for travel, camping, or emergency supplies. The Excalibur's ease of use, durability, and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve their food storage, reduce waste, and enjoy healthy, homemade snacks year-round.

Specialized Health benefits of dehydrated food

Dehydrated foods offer a range of health benefits, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet. One of the most significant advantages is nutrient preservation. When food is dehydrated at low temperatures, especially in high-quality dehydrators like the Excalibur, essential vitamins and minerals such as A, C, potassium, and fibre are retained far more effectively than with high-heat cooking or canning methods.

Dehydrated fruits and vegetables provide a concentrated source of nutrients and natural sugars, delivering energy without adding sweeteners or preservatives. This makes them a healthy alternative to many processed snacks, which often contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. When prepared at home, dehydrated foods allow complete control over ingredients and seasoning, promoting cleaner eating habits.

Dehydration also contributes to better digestion. Many dried fruits, for instance, are high in dietary fibre, which supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. They can help satisfy hunger while promoting satiety, making them ideal for weight management.

Another significant benefit is the extended shelf life without chemicals or refrigeration. This makes having healthy snacks readily available easier, reducing the temptation to opt for processed or fast food options.

For individuals with food sensitivities or allergies, dehydrating food at home ensures safety and control, avoiding cross-contamination. Dehydrated foods offer a wholesome, convenient, and sustainable way to support a healthy lifestyle, especially using reliable tools like the dehydrator.

How to Use the Dehydrator?

Using the dehydrator is straightforward and designed to make food preservation easy and efficient. To begin, prepare your fruits, vegetables, herbs, or meats by washing and slicing them uniformly. This ensures even drying and helps maintain consistent texture across batches. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to achieve the desired thickness, typically between 1/8 and 1/4 inch.

Next, arrange the food items in a single layer on each tray, ensuring they don't overlap. Leave small gaps between pieces to allow airflow. Once the trays are loaded, slide them into the dehydrator. Close the door securely to maintain a stable drying environment.

Set the appropriate temperature using the adjustable thermostat. Most fruits dry best at 135°F (57°C), vegetables at around 125°F (52°C), and meats for jerky at 160°F (71°C). Consult the user manual for detailed guidelines based on food type.

If your model includes a timer, set it according to the recommended drying time—typically 6 to 24 hours. Periodically check for doneness by testing the texture: fruits should be pliable, herbs crumbly, and jerky firm but not brittle.

Once drying is complete, allow foods to cool before storing. To maintain freshness, place them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. Store in a cool, dark place for maximum shelf life.

With minimal prep and simple controls, the dehydrator offers a reliable way to create healthy, homemade snacks and pantry staples easily.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Dehydrators

Cleaning the Trays and Accessories Thoroughly

After each use, remove all trays and mesh inserts for cleaning. Most are dishwasher-safe (top rack only), but hand washing with warm, soapy water helps prolong their lifespan. Use a soft brush or sponge to remove any stuck-on food. Avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch the surfaces. Dry all components completely before reinserting them into the unit to prevent moisture buildup and mould growth.

Wiping Down the Interior and Exterior of the Unit

Over time, the dehydrator's interior and door can collect crumbs or fine particles. Unplug the unit and use a damp cloth to wipe the inside walls and door. Do not use excess water or immerse any part of the main housing. A gentle cleaner and soft fabric for the exterior will help maintain its appearance. Ensure all vents remain clean and unobstructed for optimal airflow.

Regular Maintenance and Proper Storage Practices

Inspect the power cord, thermostat, and timer regularly for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any issues, stop use and contact the manufacturer. Store the dehydrator in a dry, dust-free area when not in use, ideally with trays removed to prevent odour buildup. Periodically run the unit empty at low heat to remove lingering odours or residues. Proper care ensures a longer lifespan and more efficient operation.

Comparisons with Other Types

When compared to other food dehydrators, the dehydrator stands out due to several key differences in performance, capacity, and convenience.

Stackable dehydrators, often more compact and affordable, consist of trays stacked on each other with a heating element at the base. While they are suitable for small batches, they often require tray rotation for even drying. Airflow can be inconsistent, resulting in uneven dehydration, especially for thicker or denser foods. In contrast, Excalibur's horizontal airflow system (Parallexx) ensures uniform drying across all trays without manual rotation.

Round dehydrators are another common type. They are typically lightweight and budget-friendly, making them ideal for beginners. However, like stackable models, they struggle with uniformity and may have limited temperature controls. Conversely, the Excalibur offers precise temperature settings and better energy efficiency for larger batches.

Commercial-grade stainless steel dehydrators are built for heavy-duty use, often featuring more robust construction and higher capacity. While they can match or exceed the Excalibur in terms of durability, they usually come at a significantly higher price and may be less intuitive for home users.

Overall, the dehydrator strikes a strong balance between user-friendliness and high performance. Its horizontal tray layout, adjustable thermostat, and timer make it more versatile and convenient than most entry-level models. At the same time, its reliability and consistency compete well with more expensive professional units. For many home users, it offers the best value and long-term utility.

Conclusion

The Excalibur dehydrator is a reliable, efficient, and versatile tool for anyone serious about food preservation. It’s even drying technology, spacious tray design, and precise temperature control offer superior performance compared to many other dehydrators on the market. The Excalibur makes the process simple and effective, whether creating healthy snacks, storing seasonal produce, or preparing emergency food supplies. Its durability and ease of use make it a long-term investment for home cooks and health enthusiasts. By incorporating an dehydrator into your kitchen, you gain a practical appliance and a gateway to healthier, more sustainable eating. It's an ideal solution for turning fresh ingredients into flavorful, shelf-stable food all year round.

FAQs

1. How long does dehydrate food in the Excalibur dehydrator take?

Drying times vary depending on the type and thickness of the food but generally range from 6 to 24 hours. Fruits take about 8–16 hours, vegetables 6–12 hours, and jerky 4–10 hours. Using the thermostat ensures more accurate drying.

2. Can I dehydrate multiple types of food at once in the Excalibur?

Excalibur's horizontal airflow system allows you to dry different foods on separate trays without mixing flavours. However, it is best to group similar foods to avoid cross-aroma or flavour transfer.

3. Is it safe to leave the Excalibur dehydrator running overnight?

Yes, it is designed for continuous operation and includes safety features. The built-in timer and temperature control ensure safe and effective overnight drying.