Septree 10-Tray Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator

I’ve had this for about two and a half weeks now and I have used it almost everyday. It’s amazing. And it fits so much more than you think it will! I have only dehydrated fruits and veggies, no leathers or meats or jerky. I do not follow the “recipe” book they give you, the times and temps are wrong. It comes with 8 trays (very easy to clean by hand), 4 silicone mats (work great and are super easy to clean), a drip tray (plastic), 2 plastic containers with lids (not sure why they included these), and 2 silicone mittens. I couldn’t find anywhere what was included on this listing so that’s why I included everything above, it also doesn’t say what’s included once you receive it in the recipe book or in the instructions). I haven’t had to use the mittens but they do work I tested them when I had used our toaster oven. I haven’t added lemon, citric acid, salt, or anything else that everyone claims you need to add so the fruit or veggies don’t brown. I do steam blanch the veggies I dehydrate and I only use organic fruits and veggies. Idk if that’s why they aren’t browning? I have no idea! But I’ve done bananas, apples, pears, watermelon, beets, cucumber, rainbow carrots, baby carrots, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts (they are my little boys favorite 🐾🐾), green beans, cauliflower, broccoli, pumpkin (fresh not canned), butternut squash, kale, and zucchini. None of them have browned even a little! I do use a mandolin and slice most of them at 1/4 inch. I cubed the butternut squash.

I do recommend storing in mason jars with food grade desiccant packs. Of course you can use vacuum seal bags as well without the desiccant packs. It’s just my recommendation to add them in. I’ve seen a lot of posts saying they aren’t necessary, but they give me peace of mind since I am such a newbie! (And you can reactive the desiccant packs making them reusable!)

I did also buy an attachment for our vacuum sealer to get all of the air from the mason jars, it comes with the regular size and wide mouth size and it works great (little tip, moisten the rubber ring, mine is blue, if you use the mason jar attachment, it will save you a lot of time and frustration). I also keep everything in a bottom cabinet out of direct light.

Something else I recommend, especially if you’re new to dehydrating like I am, is a wood moisture meter, yes I know I probably sound like a crazy person, but it really works and helps! The one I bought is by the brand Erickhill (model – EWM01 even comes with batteries). The prongs are less than an inch apart which is why it makes it perfect for checking dehydrated food! Use it on the lowest setting and it will give you the moisture content (just make sure you let whatever you’re dehydrating cool down first, for a more accurate reading).

I haven’t had any problems, besides wanting to dehydrate anything and everything! I bought this so that I can make healthy treats for my little boy 🐾🐾 and also for my husband and I. Buying a food freeze dryer is next on my wish list, time to start saving (they are quite a bit more expensive, haha)!!! I haven’t used it yet for dog treats that aren’t single ingredient fruits or veggies but I do plan on using it for those as well. You won’t be disappointed with this dehydrator, it’s so easy for a newbie! Like I said I just got this about two and a half weeks ago and have no prior experience! Just a mama trying to be healthy and make healthy snacks where I know all the ingredients! 🙂

I know this is a lengthy review, being a newbie myself I had so many questions running through my head! I hope the info I provided is helpful! I did so much research on what is the “best” brand dehydrator and ultimately decided to try my luck with this one and I am so happy I did! Happy dehydrating! 🙂

Con aproximadamente 2 kilos de carne y el deshidratador a su máxima temperatura (190°F o 90°C), la máxima temperatura que alcanza en un lapso de 6 a 8 horas es de 158°F o 70°C y le tomo 1 hora en alcanzar dicha temperatura, 20 grados abajo de la temperatura fijada. Comprobé esto gracias a un termómetro que puse en el interior del deshidratador.

For those who care to read this review – this is the dehydrator you are looking for if you plan to keep it for many years to come. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. We researched. A Lot. We currently freezedry food from our garden, but have been lacking that dehydrator capability for raisins, jerky, etc. We compared dozens of models in “suitable” price range – $100-400 here, on Amazon and Septree model stacked quite high on the list.

2. The programming/temperature read is in somewhat odd place to be able to see and utilize if dehydrator is placed higher than chest level. But there is a reason for it – that whole back sections can unclip for easy maintenance of actual electrical components. It’s very easy to service if something goes wrong. Many models are built with parts within units and some serious disassembly is required to fix them (motor, heating element, etc). This model, however, has clips on each side to remove it. That means that Septree can send a whole back part to their customer with easy swap – my cat can do it. Hope that makes sense.

3. The unit performs really well. Yes, it does require patience and time to dry organic matter. We see a lot of comments from people disappointed with performance and how they want almost instantly the results. Just a reminder for such folks – even freezedrying requires time and at times will take 3 days to dehydrate “watery” fruits as well. With this unit – we have made outstanding seedless raisins from our mini-orchard (30 plants). Soon we plan to cure some lamb and run a portion of it to make jerky.

4. The unit has “rails” at the bottom (outside). It helps to keep the dehydrator off the surface and we can tell that the unit was thoroughly thought through when designed.

5. 1k watts of energy use means a typical residential outlet. There is no power surge or anything to be concerned safety-wise. However, We keep our unit about 6 inches away from the drywall (in our garage) and it vents out from the front grill of the door. No access of heat observed at the bottom or sides or back during operation. Functions very well. Motor noise is very quite – pleasant humming.

6. CUSTOMER SUPPORT! We had to contact Septree customer support due to some issues with rails that support the trays. They were very prompt in their communication and assured (professionally) of being aware of our concerns. Almost instantly new shipment was sent from China with a tracking number. Perhaps 4 days maximum – we received a perfectly-packaged box with “we are very sorry for our mistake” note. New parts fit perfectly and we were good to go.

7. We plan to keep this machine for as long as it lasts. Septree appears to care about their brand and supporting their customers. We can tell – they want us to be happy with their product. And our experience with them has been outstanding.

8. It’s built like a TANK. That semi-industrial (utility) look. We get a lot of compliments.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! A+

3 meses de uso y ya hace mucho ruido y no llega a la temperatura, no calienta