Drying Raw Food, What Dehydrator is Best?

Published: Mon, 11/25/13

Last week, I told you about a new dehydrator, the LEM 5 Tray and 10 Tray dehydrator that is out on the market. If you were one of the people to get this new dehydrator, you won't be disappointed. 

I have more important news for you about dehydrators. 
I just found out there is a new, upgraded version of my favorite dehydrator, the Tribest Sedona dehydrator.
 
I cannot talk about dehydrators without mentioning the most popular dehydrator over the last 10 years, The Excalibur Series of dehydrators. Now for a limited time, two of the best selling Excalibur dehydrators are on sale. 
 
No matter what dehydrator you prefer, as my Mom would always tell me about a good think, "you can't go wrong."
 
What is so special about dehydrated food? 
If you are not familiar with dehydrated food, it is like eating cooked food but it is stillconsidered raw. Technically, when you dehydrate food you are cooking it, but it's different than an oven that heats food well above the safe degrees of 104, (that's when enzymes die and live food becomes dead food). 
 
Most high-quality dehydrators are able to heat or dry food at a much lower and safer temperature. Dehydration is a great way to stay raw during the cold, winter months. 
It's also a great way to excite your raw food life. 
 
When I first got into the raw food diet, dehydrated food was a big help. 
I don't use a dehydrator to make raw gourmet foods today as much as I used to, but I still enjoy a special treat every once in a while. Just recently, my wife made these amazing stuffed peppers in our dehydrator. They are one of my favorite raw food meals. 
 
I do enjoy using my dehydrator to dry different green leaves and make my own superfood powders. Just think about how much money you can save if you use green superfoods! Until I personally made them, I had no idea how simple they were to make in a dehydrator. As we speak, I have a dehydrator full of Moringa leaves and Kutuc leaves. After they are dehydrated for about 20 hours, I will just put them in a blender and blend the dry leaves. The result is a fine powder that I can store and use as often as I like. That's it! So simple and healthy. 
 
Not all dehydrators are good.
There are many dehydrators for sale at your local Walmart or Target. These versions are not good for several reasons. Some do not have an even airflow and will dry trays of food different than other trays. Other cheap brands do not correctly dry at the same temperature you set it to, leaving you with cooked food that you think is raw and safe, but it is not.  
 
Before you get confused about what dehydrator is safe or what dehydrator is best to purchase, I will tell you there are three brands I suggest. 
 
1. Lem Digital Timer Food Dehydrator
This is the newest "raw food approved" dehydrator on the market. I just added it to my website last week. The exclusive design incorporates the best food drying technology and keeps it affordable. 
The thermostat adjusts from 85 to 155 degrees F. 
There are 5 & 10 tray models. You can get more details about each model at these links:
5 tray https://www.rawlife.com/store/Lem-5-Tray-Digital-Timer-Food-Dehydrator-w-Free-Shipping.html
 
10 tray https://www.rawlife.com/store/Lem-10-Tray-Digital-Timer-Food-Dehydrator.html
 
2. Excalibur Dehydrator 
Excalibur dehydrators are the most popular dehydrators for raw foodists and have been around the longest. There are many styles and models to choose from. I have been on a raw food diet for more than 17 years, and the 9 tray excalibur dehydrator is the one I have used the most and love it. It comes in a 4 tray, 5 tray or 9 tray options. 

You can view all the excalibur models at this link: 
https://www.rawlife.com/store/_search.php?page=1&q=excalibur&x=-431&y=-144
 
I just got approval to run this sale for a limited time on the most popular models:  
 
Excalibur Dehydrator Deluxe Series Black Model 3900 was $249.00 SALE $225.00  w/Free shipping and Book
https://www.rawlife.com/store/Excalibur-Deluxe-Series-Black-Model-3900-Free-shipping-and-Book-SKU226801.html
 
Excalibur Dehydrator Deluxe Series WHITE Model 3900, was $249.00 SALE $225.00 w/Free Shipping & Book
https://www.rawlife.com/store/Excalibur-Deluxe-Series-WHITE-Model-3900-Free-Shipping-and-Book.html 
 
Excalibur Dehydrator 9 Tray WITH TIMER (Black) Model 3926T, was $299.00 SALE $289.00 w/Free Shipping 
https://www.rawlife.com/store/Excalibur-Dehydrator-9-Tray-WITH-TIMER-Black-3926T-SALE-289.00-w-Free-Shipping-SKU231651.html

Excalibur Dehydrator 9 Tray WITH TIMER (White) Model 3926T, was $299.00 SALE $289.00 w/Free Shipping 
https://www.rawlife.com/store/Excalibur-Dehydrator-9-Tray-WITH-TIMER-WHITE-3926T-SALE-289.00-w-Free-Shipping.html
 
*This sale is until December 1st. Free Shipping in the 48 states, Hawaii and Alaska shipping fee will be added. No international orders, sorry.
 
3-Sedona Dehydrator 
The top of the line. The best dehydrator out there in my opinion but also costs the most money. The other dehydrators I mentioned do just as good of a job on dehydrating the food, but if you are looking for all the bells and whistles, this is the dehydrator for you. 
 
I did a video review of the original Sedona dehydrator at this link:
https://www.rawlife.com/store/NEW-_Tribest_Sedona_Digital_Food_Dehydrator-Free_Shipping.html 
 
Sedona has just come out with an upgraded newer model! Here is my video review at this link of the upgraded model: http://youtu.be/9xJP6Q42WYc
 
As with any dehydrator, you get what you pay for. When it comes to drying my food, I like all the bells and whistles and to me the extra cost is well worth it. If I wasn't so extreme with making my raw food life as simple as possible, I would be more than happy with the other models. 
 
Now is a great time to get a dehydrator. I offer free shipping on every model and brand and if you are a member of The Raw Life Health Show, you can get an additional 10% off. 
 
To place your order visit: 
https://www.rawlife.com/store/Dehydrators/