Why do you need a fruit and vegetable dryer?
A dryer for vegetables and fruits is an indispensable device for those who are concerned about the issue of high-quality storage of their crops. The device is suitable for drying tomatoes, bell peppers, apples, pears and other fruits and vegetables. Housewives prepare fruit and vegetable chips and snacks in it.
The device is used for preparing berries: dried strawberries, raspberries, currants and blueberries are used to decorate desserts and side dishes. Dried mushrooms are suitable for cooking aromatic and rich soup or making casseroles.
Interesting! The dryer is used not only for culinary purposes. Home decor enthusiasts use it to dry flowers and herbs to decorate their home.
What types of dryers are there for vegetables or fruits?
The devices are convective and infrared.
The first type works on the principle of convection - hot air is constantly supplied to the dryer, and humid air is removed. The drying time for fruits and vegetables in such a device is up to 12 hours, mushrooms - up to 7 hours. Some convective models have a special fan that reduces processing time.
As a result of convection, moisture evaporates only from the surface of the food, causing it to change taste and color. Another drawback is that some vitamins and minerals are lost, so the products become less healthy.
The second type of device works like this: infrared rays penetrate food and dry it at a lower temperature. Vegetables and fruits retain their color and taste, as well as their vitamin and mineral composition. This dryer works faster and uses less energy.
Interesting! Housewives use dryers to prepare medicinal herbs - chamomile, calendula, tansy. They are added to tea or used as a folk medicine.
Principle of operation
All dryers run on electricity. Thanks to it, optimal conditions are created for drying products - the temperature rises and air flow is ensured. The air flow is generated using a fan, which can be located at the bottom, less often on the side and top of the device. The fan performs the function of wind. But, unlike natural conditions, it blows constantly and evenly, which improves the dehydration process.
The heating element (heating element or infrared) makes the flow of artificial wind hot or warm. Products are cut into small pieces or slices and placed on removable trays. The dryer body helps maintain the necessary microclimate inside the device and protect products from insects that can spoil them.
How to stick a thermal sticker on clothes? Check out the step-by-step instructions.
Find out how to care for home jasmine, how to water and propagate the plant from this article.
Comparison of all types of dryers
Dryers are differentiated by material, capacity, and additional options. Let's talk about the disadvantages and advantages of each option.
Material of manufacture
Models made from food-grade plastic are lightweight, roomy and affordable. They are convenient to take to the dacha - for drying seasonal vegetables and fruits. Dryers are also made of stainless steel. Such models are durable and environmentally friendly, but at the same time they weigh a lot.
Most devices are equipped with a glass door to make it convenient to observe the cooking process, and some models also have multi-colored lighting.
How to choose the right dryer depending on your needs
Compact dryers are suitable for those who prepare fruits and vegetables for a small family - these are models with 3-5 tiers . If a dryer is required to process a large amount (more than 10 kg) of products, then choose capacious devices with 10 or more tiers. As a rule, the capacity of one tray is 1 kg. This is the best option for gardens and farms.
The most convenient and efficient to use are models with backlighting, a digital display, and overheating protection. In them, products retain their benefits and do not lose vitamins and minerals during processing.
Attention! When choosing, pay attention to the power of the device. The higher it is, the faster the food will dry. The optimal value is from 100 to 700 W.
The method of air supply matters. The disadvantage of vertical feeding is that the products dry out, so you have to manually mix and move them.
Horizontal air supply is better - with its help, food is dried evenly. During cooking, pieces of food should not come into contact with each other.
Criterias of choice
To make the right choice when buying a dryer, you should pay attention to the following criteria:
Device capacity
This indicator directly depends on the number and diameter of trays:
- for a small family, a device with 3-5 levels is suitable: it will make it possible to dry several kilograms of food in one session;
- for people who are accustomed to stocking up on vitamins for the winter-spring period on a large scale, there are models with 6-8 tiers or more;
- you can find devices that can accommodate 15-20 trays for fruits and vegetables: they are capable of processing up to 15 kg of fresh produce.
Power
Depending on the model, power characteristics can vary from 170 to 1000 W. The speed of fruit processing depends on this indicator: the higher it is, the faster the process of drying fruits and vegetables will take place. But in this case, power consumption will be greater than that of less powerful dryers.
For full operation of a device with 4-5 pallets, a power of 350-450 W is sufficient.
Material
Vegetable and fruit dryers can have a plastic or metal body.
The first one is light in weight, which is very convenient for transportation. If you decide to buy a device made of plastic, then you need to choose a model whose material is of high quality and made of food-grade synthetic material. Low-quality plastic can have a negative impact on health due to the content and release of toxic substances during use.
The metal case is more durable, but the weight of such a device, as well as the cost, is much higher.
Heated air supply method
There are two feeding options: horizontal and vertical:
- the first type device evenly dries trays of fruits and vegetables;
- devices with a vertical feeding method require periodic movement of trays.
Horizontal type devices are considered more versatile, high quality and, accordingly, more expensive.
Control type
Can be mechanical or electronic control type. The first is simple and reliable, and the dryers themselves with similar controls are not too expensive. An electronic control system is installed on expensive models.
Additional functions
Additional options for the device for drying vegetables and fruits make the process of its operation easier and more convenient:
- Overheating protection will extend the life of the device and make the operating process safe;
- the presence of an auto-shutdown timer will help to automatically deactivate the dryer after a predetermined time has elapsed, which will prevent overdrying of the fruit;
- the possibility of preparing marshmallows, drying fish or meat will make the device more versatile;
- the presence of a temperature regulator will help preserve the maximum amount of vitamins and beneficial elements in the fruits.
It will help you decide on the final choice of the video, which describes the principle of operation and the main characteristics of the device:
How much do dryers cost?
The cost depends on the material, manufacturing company, and functions. Domestic devices are cheaper, the average price is 2000 rubles. The cost of electric dryers from foreign manufacturers is 2000-10000 rubles.
Metal ones are more expensive than plastic ones. The price is also affected by the presence of a timer, backlight, number of trays, capacity, power.
Note! During drying, vegetables and fruits lose moisture and shape and stick to the walls of the device. To avoid the consequences, buy models with cold air blowing. The average cost of such a device is about 4,000 rubles.
How to choose a dryer for vegetables and fruits?
Simple: according to your needs!
- For up to 2-4 kg of workpieces per day , take simple dryers with 3-5 trays. Lightweight, compact - easy transportation to and from the dacha
If you expect to dry more products (5-8 kg per day) , pay attention to those dryers whose number of pallets can be increased. / If necessary, you can simply purchase an additional 4-5 pallets .
Remember the average amount of drying: - greens (150 g) - 1.5-3 hours - apricots-plums (500 g) - 11-16 hours - apples (5 mm slices - 600 g) - 7-10 hours.
IMPORTANT: many manufacturers claim that up to 15 pallets . Technically it is possible, this is more suitable for drying greens and herbs, but for most products (according to user reviews) the most effective amount is up to 10 pallets .
- If you will dry different products at the same time (herbs and berries at the same time) and do not want some to acquire the smell of others, pay attention to dryers with horizontal airflow (Waltera 1000 Lux 5, Sukhovey M-5 and M-8).
- If you are bothered by the loud hum from the dryer (and most have a high-pitched sound), then pay attention to infrared dryers and dryers without a fan.
- If you dry medicinal herbs (herbs are dried at temperatures up to 30-40°C) , choose a dryer with temperature control. Some models are made with only one heating temperature - 60°C - be careful!
- If the quantity of workpieces exceeds ten kilograms (for example, a harvest from a large garden) , then pay attention to dryers with higher power. Such dryers are made with a larger margin of strength (made of metal) and volume: for example, Alvin SU-1 or “Ryzhik” from Petromash
Top best
They buy electric dryers in household appliance stores or online markets. In both cases, the seller is required to provide a warranty card - if the dryer breaks or is defective, the money will be returned.
We offer descriptions and characteristics of the best dryer models.
Kitfort KT-1909
Convective model with electronic control. Power 700 W, 9 trays made of transparent plastic, temperature adjustment. There is a timer, power indicator and overheat protection. Drying temperature +35…+70°С, horizontal air supply.
The device is equipped with a marshmallow preparation mode - there is a special tray without holes and a weak drying mode. The device is easy to clean. Cost about 9000 rubles.
Redmond RFD-0157/0158
Budget convective model with electronic control. Power 250 W, 5 trays, temperature adjustment. The body is plastic, transparent - it is convenient to observe the preparation of dishes.
There is a power indicator, timer and display. The heating period is about 20 minutes, you can set the time up to three days. The dryer takes up little space and is indispensable for a small family. Price about 2500 rub.
Rotor SSH-002
Convective model with power 520 W and five plastic trays. It works silently, the control is mechanical, there is temperature adjustment. The plastic is high quality, odorless and easy to clean. Suitable not only for vegetables and fruits, but also for herbs. Does not require special maintenance. Price about 2000 rubles.
Spectrum-Device ESOF -2-0.6/220 Veterok-2 transparent
Power 600 W, mechanical control, convective model. 6 plastic transparent trays, overheat protection, drying temperature adjustment.
The trays are deep and spacious, food is dried evenly. It works silently. Price about 3000 rubles.
Craftswoman SSH-0105
Budget-friendly and easy-to-use model with mechanical control. Power approximately 125 W, five trays made of transparent plastic. Drying temperature up to +70°C. There is no background noise during operation, fruits and vegetables dry in 10-14 hours - depending on the size of the pieces.
The body and trays are made of food-safe plastic. Price about 1500 rub.
Radio plant Dachnik-4
Metal model with a power of 800 W. The infrared dryer has 4 spacious trays, mechanical control, indicator and temperature adjustment. The model is suitable for drying not only vegetables and fruits, but also meat, fish, and dry-cured sausages.
It is durable. When infrared drying, more vitamins are retained in products. The price of the device is about 8,000 rubles.
Rawmid Dream Vitamin DDV-10
Professional dryer with a plastic body and metal trays (10 pcs.). Convective mechanism, electronic control. Power 700 W, has a display, timer and overheat protection. You can cook marshmallows and yogurt in the dryer.
There is an option to adjust the height of the tray, and a book with recipes is included. Housewives note quiet operation and convenience when loading products. Price about 15,000 rubles.
This is interesting:
How to store mangoes so that the fruit does not spoil.
Rules for storing dried fruits at home: to prevent bugs.
What temperatures should the refrigerator and freezer be in?
Rating of the best models and manufacturers
The range of electric dryers on the household appliances market is quite extensive. Let's look at the most popular models.
READ ALSO: NATURAL PAINT, OIL AND WAX FOR WOOD
Veterok 2
A productive model capable of drying up to 12 kg of products. The Veterok fruit and vegetable dryer comes with 6 plastic sections and a grease tray. In such a device you can dry fish and meat.
Voltaire 1000
Compact dryer with 5 trays for 5 kg of food. It has mechanical control, the ability to regulate the temperature within 40-60 degrees. There is a special tray for preparing marshmallows.
Mystery MDH-323
Budget dryer with electronic control. Has an LCD display and a timer up to 20 hours. It is possible to regulate the distance between sections. There are 5 of them in the device, each with a capacity of 500 g. The dryer can operate at a temperature of 35-70 degrees. You can adjust drying times and temperatures even while the equipment is running.
Read on for helpful tips on how to choose a narrow washing machine for your home.
The advantages and disadvantages of a corded vertical vacuum cleaner are written on this page.
Go to the address and learn about what a dust mite looks like and how to deal with the parasite in your home.
Zelmer FD1001
The dryer has only 4 plastic trays. Their total volume is 11 liters. With prolonged use, coloring products may affect the color of the plastic. Sections can be installed in 2 positions: folded and unfolded. While the device is operating, you can use a different number of trays.
The model has a two-level adjustment of the drying process. The dryer can operate at 250 and 500 W. Timer not set. There is a system to protect the device from overheating.
Binatone FD-2685
Model with 5 sections made of environmentally friendly SAN plastic. Has a display with an indicator of heating and drying levels. There is a timer and an auto shut-off mode is set. There are 2 levels of power adjustment, which are designed for products with low and high water content.
Dryers for vegetables and fruits help to quickly process the harvest and prepare a supply of vitamins for the whole winter. The following video contains useful expert advice on what to look for when choosing these devices for your home:
Recommendations for use
Dryers are easy to maintain; the main thing is to clean the trays on time. To do this, they are removed from the housing and washed with warm water and detergents. Some trays can be washed in the dishwasher - information about this is specified in the operating instructions. After washing, wipe the device with a dry towel.
During operation, it is important to ensure that water does not get on the motor and heating elements. Otherwise, the device will quickly fail.
Attention! Do not touch the dryer with your hands during operation - there is a high risk of burns.
