The VIVOHOME Electric 5 Trays Food Dehydrator Machine (SKU: VH810) is a domestic appliance designed for drying various food items. It features a digital control system for easy adjustment of dehydration temperature and time, making it suitable for a range of food preservation needs.
Function Description:
This food dehydrator is primarily used to remove moisture from food, thereby extending its shelf life and preserving nutrients. It operates by circulating warm air through multiple trays, gradually drying the food placed on them. The appliance is designed for domestic use and is not suitable for commercial applications or outdoor use. It allows users to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, meats, poultry, and fish. The digital control panel enables precise setting of both the drying time and temperature, ensuring optimal results for different food types.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Product Size:
- Standard (5 trays): 299×216×214mm
- Maximum (5 trays, extended height): 299×216×275 mm
- Power Supply: 120V~60Hz
- Wattage: 240W
- Timer Range: 00:30 – 99:00 (30 minutes to 99 hours)
- Thermostat Range: FAN-35°C-40℃-45℃-50℃-55℃-60℃-65℃-70℃ (Fan mode, 35°C to 70°C)
- Trays: 5 height-adjustable trays. The trays can be stacked with a clearance of 1.5 cm or 2.8 cm, allowing adjustment for different food thicknesses by simply turning them 180 degrees.
Usage Features:
- Digital Control: The dehydrator is equipped with a digital control panel featuring START/STOP, TIME/TEMP, "+" and "-" buttons for intuitive operation.
- Temperature and Time Setting: Users can set the desired drying time from 30 minutes to 99 hours and the temperature from 35°C to 70°C. Holding down the "+" or "-" buttons allows for rapid adjustment.
- FAN Mode: When the temperature is set to "FAN" mode, only the fan operates, and the heating element stops working.
- Automatic Shut-off: The dehydrator automatically turns off once the set time expires. The heating element stops first, followed by the fan running for 10 seconds. A buzzer rings 5 times ("beep" sound) and the screen displays "End" to indicate completion.
- Tray Configuration: The appliance includes five height-adjustable trays. These trays can be configured in two positions: nested within each other for smaller items or in a higher position (by turning them 180 degrees) to accommodate more voluminous foods. It is recommended to stack at least 3 working trays, regardless of whether they contain food.
- Pre-treatment: Drying time varies based on factors like food thickness, number of trays, food volume, environmental humidity, and desired dryness. Pre-treating food is recommended for the best drying effect.
- Monitoring: It is advised to check food every hour and rotate or re-stack trays if uneven drying is observed.
- Labeling: Labeling dried food with contents, date, and weight before drying, along with noting the drying time, can be helpful for future reference.
- Storage Recommendations:
- Store food only after it has cooled down.
- Keep food in a cool, dry, and dark place for longer preservation.
- Remove as much air as possible from storage containers and seal tightly.
- Optimal storage temperature is 15°C or lower.
- Avoid storing food directly in metal containers or containers that "breathe" or have a weak seal.
- Check dried food for moisture during the weeks following dehydration; re-dehydrate if moisture is present to prevent spoilage.
- For best quality, dried fruit, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and bread should not be kept for more than 1 year (or in the refrigerator/freezer).
- Dried meats, poultry, and fish should be stored for no more than 3 months in the refrigerator or 1 year in the freezer.
Maintenance Features:
- Initial Cleaning: Before first use, all parts of the appliance should be wiped. The 5 trays can be cleaned with a lightly moistened cloth and detergent. The BASE should NOT be washed in a dishwasher or immersed in water or any other liquid.
- Initial Run-in: After initial cleaning, the unit must be run for 30 minutes without food for drying. Any smoke or smells produced during this period are normal, and sufficient ventilation should be ensured. After the run-in period, rinse the racks in water and dry all parts (this is only necessary for the first time).
- Regular Cleaning:
- Unplug the dehydrator from the power supply and allow it to cool down before cleaning.
- Use a soft brush to remove any food sticking on the trays.
- Dry all parts with a dry cloth before storing.
- Clean the surface of the body with a wet cloth.
- Use paper towels to remove any excess marinade.
- Do not clean the appliance with aggressive chemicals or abrasives to avoid damaging the surface.
- Safety Checks: Regularly check the food dehydrator and power cord for damage. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons. Repairs should only be performed by a qualified electrician.
- General Care: Keep the device away from high temperatures, direct rays, and wet environments. Do not operate with wet hands. Ensure the power supply is turned off in watery environments. If the appliance is dropped into water, immediately turn off power at the outlet and remove the plug; do not reach into the water. The appliance must be inspected by a qualified technician before further use. Avoid contact with moving parts; keep hands, hair, clothing, spatulas, and other utensils away during operation.