The NutriChef NCFD10S is a premium food dehydrator machine designed for domestic use, offering an efficient and convenient way to preserve various foods. This appliance features an automatic fan that circulates warm air, ensuring an even drying process and helping to retain the nutritional value and flavor of dried foods.
Function Description:
The primary function of the NCFD10S is to dehydrate food items such as fruits, snacks, vegetables, bread, and flowers. It operates by circulating warm air through multiple trays, gradually removing moisture from the food. This process allows for long-term preservation and creates healthy, flavorful snacks without the need for preservatives, artificial coloring, or additives. The dehydrator is equipped with a digital timer and temperature control, providing precise settings for different types of food and desired moisture levels.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: NCFD10S
- Power Output: 900 Watts
- Power Supply: AC 120V, 60Hz
- Construction Material: Food-grade Stainless Steel
- Door: Glass Front Door with Switch Door Magnetic Induction
- Trays: 10 Stainless Steel Trays
- Tray Dimensions: 15.5" x 15.34" (living drawer size)
- Capacity: Up to 13 lbs. of food can be dehydrated at once
- Temperature Range: 95°F–170°F (35°C–76°C)
- Temperature Increment/Decrement: 5°F
- Time Range: 30 minutes to 24 hours
- Air Circulation: 360° Hot Air Circulation, Horizontal Air Flow (back to front)
- Motor: Built-in Rear-mounted Motor and Internal Fan
- Display: Touch-Control LED Display
- Product Dimensions: 13.39" x 17.83" x 16.57" (inches)
- Safety Features: Overheat Protection, Automatic Shut Off when Timer is Done
Usage Features:
The NCFD10S is designed for ease of use with its intuitive controls and thoughtful features.
- Control Panel: Features a START/STOP button and a TEMP/TIME button for setting and adjusting parameters.
- Digital Timer and Temperature Control: Users can set the drying time from 30 minutes to 24 hours and the temperature from 95°F to 170°F. The temperature can be adjusted in 5°F increments, and the time in 30-minute increments.
- LED Display: Shows the current time and temperature settings.
- Loading Trays: The dehydrator comes with 10 stainless steel trays. Users should avoid overloading trays and ensure food does not overlap to allow for proper air circulation. Each tray can hold up to 0.3 kgs of food.
- Adjustable Tray Height: For thicker food items, one or more trays can be removed to increase the height between the remaining trays.
- Monitoring Progress: The transparent glass front door allows for easy monitoring of the drying process without opening the door.
- Memory Function: The device may retain previous settings or operational state.
- Quiet Operation: Designed to be safe and quiet during use.
- Recipe Book: Includes a free recipe book with 50 original recipes to help users get started.
- Accessories: Comes with a mesh screen and a fruit roll sheet for different types of food.
Maintenance Features:
Maintaining the NCFD10S is straightforward to ensure its longevity and hygienic operation.
- Cleaning Before First Use: Before initial use, all parts of the appliance, including the trays, damper door, and slag pans, should be wiped with a lightly moistened cloth and detergent. The host part (motor/fan unit) should not be immersed in water.
- Initial Run-in: After cleaning, the unit should be run for 30 minutes without food to eliminate any manufacturing smells or smoke. Adequate ventilation is recommended during this period.
- Regular Cleaning: After each use, the dehydrator should be unplugged and allowed to cool down. A soft brush can be used to remove any food sticking to the trays. All parts should be dried thoroughly before storage.
- Body Cleaning: The surface of the dehydrator body can be cleaned with a wet cloth. Paper towels can be used to remove excess marinade.
- Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use aggressive chemicals or abrasives for cleaning, as these can damage the surface of the appliance.
- Dishwasher Safe: Some parts are specified as dishwasher safe, though the manual generally advises against it for all parts unless explicitly stated.
- Storage: Food should be stored only after it has cooled down, in a cool, dry, and dark place. Optimal storage temperature is 15°C/59°F or lower. Air should be removed from storage containers, and they should be tightly sealed. Avoid metal containers or those with weak seals. Dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and bread are best kept for no more than 1 year, while dried meats, poultry, and fish should be stored for no more than 3 months in the refrigerator or 1 year in the freezer.
Safety Instructions:
The manual emphasizes several safety precautions:
- Always operate on a flat, level, and sturdy surface.
- Do not leave the dehydrator unattended during use.
- Keep out of reach of children under 8 years old.
- Ensure voltage and power supply match the rating label.
- Unplug when not in use, before cleaning, or during repairs.
- Keep the power cord away from sharp edges, hot objects, and open flames.
- Never immerse the dehydrator or plug in water or any other liquid.
- Do not use with wet hands.
- Regularly check the dehydrator and power cord for damage.
- If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or a qualified service agent.
- Repairs should only be performed by a qualified electrician.
- Do not use unauthorized attachments.
- Avoid contact with moving parts.
- Do not run the appliance for more than 24 hours continuously; allow a 2-hour cooling period after 24 hours of operation.
- The temperature of accessible surfaces may be high during operation.