The Food Dehydrator is an old preservation machine that allows you to store food for a long time without refrigeration. Dehydrated foods can remove moisture, thus preventing the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast, which is an ideal way to store production, meat and even snacks for months or even years.
While store-bought food dehydrators can be expensive, making yourself at home is a cost-effective and meaningful project. With just a few materials and some basic knowledge, you can build a dehydrator that suits your specific needs.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through how to make a homemade food dehydrator from simple, accessible materials. Whether you want to save fruits, vegetables, or herbs, this guide will help you create a dehydrator that is both efficient and reliable.
Why do you need to make your own food and dehydrate?
- Cost-effective: Commercial dehydrators can be expensive, but by using basic materials you can save money while still enjoying the benefits of a high-quality dehydrator.
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- custom made: When you make your own dehydrator, you can adjust it to your specific needs. You can resize, design and function to suit the food you plan to dehydrate.
- DIY satisfaction: It makes some sense to build your own appliances. It brings you a sense of accomplishment and allows you to learn useful skills along the way.
With that in mind, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of building our own food dehydrator.
Materials you need
To build your own food dehydrator, you will need some basic materials and tools. Here is the list you need:
1. Wooden or plastic box
- A sturdy container with plenty of space to accommodate your food tray. Many people use large wooden boxes, plastic boxes, and even reused equipment. The container should have a removable or open lid for air circulation.
2. Plastic mesh bed sheets
- Plastic mesh paper is perfect for creating a tray where you place your food. These sheets allow air circulation and help food dry.
3. Heating elements
- The heating element is essential to the heat required to produce the dehydrated food. You can use a light bulb, a heating lamp or a small electric heating coil.
4. fan
- The fan helps circulate the air inside the dehydrator. A small electric fan, for example, for one of a computer or cooling system, can be used for this purpose.
5. Thermostat or temperature controller
- Thermostat is important for temperature regulation. You need to keep a steady temperature between 100°F and 160°F (38°C – 71°C) to ensure proper dehydration of foods is not cooked.
6. Aluminum foil or reflective material
- The reflective material helps to evenly distribute heat inside the dewaterer, thereby increasing the efficiency of the process.
7. Drill and screws
- You will need a drill to make the ventilation holes and secure the fan and heating elements.
8. Wiring and electrical components
- If you are using an electric heating element or a fan, you will need to connect them to the power supply. Make sure you have the proper electrical knowledge or guidance to ensure safety.
Step 1: Build the structure of the dehydrator
The first step in making a food dehydrator is to build its structure. You need a container that holds the tray where you place your food. A wooden box, plastic box, or even reshaped old equipment (like a refrigerator) can do a great job for this purpose.
- Step 1: Select your container: Choose a container that is large enough to accommodate multiple pallets and has enough ventilation to allow air circulation. A box with a removable lid is ideal as it makes it easy to get into the food.
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- Step 2: Prepare the container: If you are using a wooden box, you need to cut out some ventilation holes. If you are using a plastic bin, make sure it has proper airflow as the plastic bin will naturally not be ventilated.
- Step 3: Installing the Pallet Guide: Cut slots or attach wooden pins along the sides of the container to create a guide for the pallet. This will ensure that the trays sit firmly and spaced apart to allow the air to circulate correctly. The trays should be stacked together between the air flows.
Step 2: Create a tray
The tray is where your food sits when it is dry. For optimal airflow, use a plastic mesh to circulate the air under the food.
- Step 1: Slice: Measure the inside of the container and cut the plastic mesh to fit the size. If you need to create multiple layers, cut some extra sheets.
- Step 2: Install the tray: Place the mesh on the guide you created in step 1. These trays will keep your food and allow the air to circulate freely around it. You may want to make sure the tray is removable for easy loading and unloading of food.
Step 3: Install the heating element
The heating element will produce the warmth required for dehydration. The key is to provide gentle, consistent heat that won’t cook food but will dry.
- Step 1: Position the heating element: You can use a light bulb, a heating lamp or a small electric heating coil. If you use a light bulb, install it on the top of the container or inside the box to make sure it doesn’t touch the food tray. The bulb should be able to heat the air without being hot.
- Step 2: Wiring and Safety: If you are using electrical components, connect the heating element to the power supply and make sure to follow all safety guidelines to avoid electrical hazards. If you are unsure how to do this, please seek professional help.
Step 4: Add a fan for air circulation
Fans are necessary to circulate warm air and ensure that food is evenly dry.
- Step 1: Install the fan: Install the small electric fan on the bottom or side of the dehydrator. The fan sucks air into the container and circulates it to the food to ensure dryness.
- Step 2: Connect the fan: Like a heating element, connect the fan to the power supply and make sure it is securely secured. If you are using a computer fan, make sure it is small enough to hold your container and powerful enough to move the air.
Step 5: Isolate the dehydrator
Proper insulation helps retain heat and improve the efficiency of the dehydrator. Adding reflective materials inside the container (such as aluminum foil or reflective insulation) will help reflect the reflected heat towards the food, resulting in a faster dehydration process.
- Step 1: Queue internally: Cover the inner wall of the container with reflective material. This will help maximize heat resistance and speed up the drying process.
- Step 2: Leave ventilation space: Make sure there is enough space for the fan to circulate the air properly. Excessive islet box can hinder airflow, which can affect the efficiency of the dehydrator.
Step 6: Install the thermostat
Thermostat is essential for controlling the temperature inside the dehydrator. Too much calories can cook food, and too little calories can slow down the drying process. Aim the temperature between 100°F and 160°F (38°C – 71°C).
- Step 1: Install the thermostat: Install the thermostat in the dehydrator to make sure it is close to the tray where the food is located. It should be able to monitor the internal temperature of the air.
- Step 2: Set the required temperature: Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature to dehydrate the food. Typically, fruits and vegetables dry at about 125°F (52°C) at about 125°F (52°C), while meat requires a slightly higher temperature.
Step 7: Test the dehydrator
Before using a homemade dehydrator for food, do a test run to make sure everything is working.
- Step 1: Air transport the dehydrator: Turn on the dehydrator and let it last for a few hours without any food. Check the temperature to make sure it remains consistent and within the required range.
- Step 2: Adjust settings: If the temperature is too high or too low, adjust the thermostat accordingly. You may also need to reposition the fan or heating element for better airflow.
Step 8: Use a dehydrator
Once the dehydrator is fully tested and ready, you can start drying your favorite food. Here is a general guide:
- Step 1: Prepare the food: Wash, peel and cut food into even pieces to ensure dryness. Some fruits and vegetables may need to be hot before they are dried.
- Step 2: Load the tray: Place food evenly on the tray, leaving enough space between the parts for air to circulate.
- Step 3: Set the temperature and drying time: Set the dehydrator to the appropriate temperature of the type of food to be dried. Fruits usually take about 8-12 hours, while meat can take up to 24 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices.
Building your own food dehydrator is a meaningful and practical project that can save you money and help you save food for long-term storage. With some basic materials, some creativity and some DIY skills, you can create a functional dehydrator that suits your needs. Whether you’re drying fruits, vegetables, meats or herbs, a homemade dehydrator is a valuable tool to allow you to enjoy fresh, preserved food year-round.
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