The ElectriQ Digital Dehydrator with Timer, model EDFD06, is a versatile appliance designed for easy, convenient, and safe food dehydration. It features adjustable trays, a turbo vortex technology fan, and a digital timer and temperature control, making it suitable for drying a wide variety of foods.
Function Description
The primary function of this dehydrator is to remove moisture from food, thereby preserving it and extending its shelf life. The turbo vortex technology fan ensures efficient air circulation, producing evenly dried foods in less than half the time of standard dehydrators. The digital temperature control allows for accurate temperature management, with settings ranging from 35°C to 70°C, adjustable in 5°C increments. The digital timer can be set for up to 48 hours, allowing for precise control over the drying process.
The dehydrator is designed to preserve the natural flavor, nutrients, and enzymes of food. It can be used to dry fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat, and fish, enabling users to create healthy snacks, ingredients for meals, and preserved foods without the need for chemical additives. The appliance is particularly useful for those looking to reduce food waste and enjoy homemade, healthy alternatives to store-bought items.
Important Technical Specifications
- Model: EDFD06
- Voltage: 220-240V, 50/60Hz
- Power: 200-240W, 13 Amps
- Thermostat: 35°C – 70°C
- Timer: 0-48 hours
- Tray Size: 28.3 x 27.5 cm
- Number of Trays: 6 (adjustable)
- Unit Size (wxdxh): 43.5 x 29.3 x 21.5 cm
- Safety: Class I appliance, connected to a 220-240 V / 50 Hz earthed outlet.
Usage Features
- Adjustable Trays: The dehydrator comes with six adjustable trays, offering maximum flexibility for drying different food thicknesses. For drying thick food, trays can be set to 25mm height, while for fast drying thin food, they can be adjusted to 15mm height. This allows for efficient use of space and accommodates various food types. The trays can be stacked in two ways: "tall" (about 3cm height) or "short" (about 1.5cm height), indicated by arrows on the side of the tray.
- Digital Control Panel: The control panel features a "START/STOP" button, "TEMP" button to set temperature, and "TIMER" button to set the drying time. Plus and minus buttons allow for incrementing or decrementing settings. The LED display shows the current temperature and remaining time.
- Operation:
- Temperature Setting: Press the "TEMP" button, then use the +/- buttons to select the desired temperature between 35°C and 70°C.
- Timer Setting: Press the "TIMER" button, then use the +/- buttons to set the drying time from 0 to 48 hours.
- Start/Stop: Press the "START/STOP" button to begin or end the dehydration process. The machine will run for 10 minutes more than the set time in standby mode to cool down before completely shutting off.
- Food Preparation Guidelines: The manual provides extensive guidelines for preparing various foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat, and fish. This includes advice on pre-treatment (e.g., blanching, pre-soaking in ascorbic acid solution), slicing thickness, and recommended drying times and temperatures for optimal results.
- Drying Fruits: Recommendations include pre-treating fruits to prevent discoloration and enhance flavor. Specific instructions are given for apples, apricots, bananas, blueberries, cherries, citrus, cranberries, figs, grapes, kiwi, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, prunes, rhubarb, and strawberries, with average drying times ranging from 3 to 20 hours at 45-55°C.
- Drying Vegetables: Similar to fruits, vegetables often require blanching or pre-treatment. Guidelines are provided for artichoke, asparagus, beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, corn, aubergines, garlic, mushrooms, onions, peas, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and zucchini, with drying times typically between 3 and 18 hours at 55-70°C.
- Drying Herbs: Herbs are generally dried at lower temperatures (around 40°C) to preserve their volatile oils and flavors. Instructions cover preparation (washing, patting dry) and storage. Specific herbs like anise, basil, caraway, chili peppers, chives, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, marjoram, mint, mustard, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme are listed with drying times from 1 to 24 hours.
- Drying Meat: Meat must be pre-cooked before dehydrating and dried at 70°C. Lean cuts are recommended, sliced thinly. The manual provides guidance on preparing jerky and other dried meats.
- Drying Fish: Lean fish is recommended for dehydration. Fish strips should be marinated and dried at 70°C until firm and crumbly.
- Recipes: The manual includes recipes for various dehydrated foods, such as Tastiest Kale Chips, Sundried Tomatoes Crackers, Marinated Veggie Salad, Nutty Cookies, Tasty Brownies, Sprouted Chips, Squash Tortillas, and Gardener Crackers.
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning: The dehydrator should be unplugged before cleaning. The base unit, which contains electrical components, should never be immersed in water. It can be wiped clean with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. Trays and lids are dishwasher safe (top rack only) or can be washed by hand with warm, soapy water. A soft-bristle brush can be used to remove food particles.
- Storage: Ensure all parts are clean and dry before storing. The trays can be stacked compactly for storage. Dried foods should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to maintain quality.
- Troubleshooting: A troubleshooting guide is provided to address common issues such as the machine not turning on, display lights not working, fan or heater not working, and insufficient drying. Solutions range from checking power connections and fuses to contacting customer support.
- Product Disposal: The appliance should not be disposed of with unsorted waste. It should be taken to a local civic amenity site for recycling to ensure proper environmental management.
The ElectriQ Digital Dehydrator is a user-friendly and efficient appliance designed to help users create healthy, preserved foods at home.
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