Solar food dehydrators are a growing segment of the food dehydrating market. These products have several advantages over other types of home and commercial dehydrators that you might be wondering about. To get started in drying your items, there are several things that you should consider as you shop around for a good product. In this review article, we will show you some of the best solar food dehydrators and where to buy them.
The main thing is to consider what you want to dehydrate: vegetable, fruit, or fish? Solar food dehydrators can be used to dehydrate many foods in these three categories. Vegetables are a great way to avoid spoilage because they don’t brown well in water. Fruits, on the other hand, can be frozen or canned to extend their shelf life. Fish is another type of food that can be dehydrated by placing it in a solar food dehydrator to dry quickly and evenly. Some types of fruits can even be cooked in the same apparatus.
Airflow is another consideration, especially if you intend to dry fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Airflow is crucial because it allows water vapors to escape while preventing spoilage. Fruits and vegetables are porous, so any standing water will quickly lose moisture. However, airflow enables the air to circulate, which keeps the veggies crisper longer and prevents wilting.
If you plan to use your new solar food dehydrator at camping or home, there are pros and cons to both styles of apparatus.
Cons
Solar food dehydrators don’t have adjustable temperatures on the unit. This means that different items will retain varying amounts of moisture. However, this can cause an issue because some food items will be too moist and others too dry. If you depend on having food in perfect condition, then temperature control is a must.
It is also important to note that the hottest parts of the day are when you place your dehydrator in direct sunlight. This is true when you are using a solar dehydrator. For this reason, you should choose your devices carefully based on the time of day that you will be using them. If you plan to store your produce for extended periods, it might be best to select a larger product of higher quality. The large units will retain the heat longer than smaller models.
Pros
One of the best features of a solar food dehydrator is that they don’t need a power supply. These units are designed to maintain the right moisture levels for long periods. This can save you a lot of money on your energy bills.
Another pro feature is that they can be stored away immediately.
They are also easy to use as they don’t need any adjusting the temperature or dials,
The 3 Best Solar Dehydrators You Should Buy
What are the best solar-powered food dehydrators? This is one of question I am asked quite alot, and today I decided to write a review on the top ones available out there. There are many different types of solar dehydrators on the market, and I have decided to review them based on my own experiences. This review wont be detailed but will cover some of the basics. However, I will be reviewing the different types available out there and give you my personal opinion on which ones I think are the best.
Best Solar Food dehydrators of 2021 (or So What?) First, let’s start with some of the features you should look for when looking at solar dehydrators. You should look to find a product that has all of the following features: how many feet, large trays for bulk items, durable material, easy tray storage, what foods can you dehydrate, for example, meat, fruits, vegetables, and other items, how easy is to pack up and store. These are my favorites among the solar dehydrators I have researched and listed in this article.
So, what are some of the best solar food dehydrators on the market right now? My list of top 4 dehydrators would look something like this: The Growsun 2ft 8 Layer Black Mesh Hanging Herb Drying Rack, Duer International hanging food pantrie, RIOGOO Mesh Hanging Dryer Rack, Sun Oven Solar Energy All American.
Duer International Solar Dehydrator
I did not rate it very highly in my Duer International solar dehydrator review because of a few issues with the straps that really irked me. However, overall this is a lovely and lightweight dehydrator that does a great job with preserving foods.
Pros of the Duer International
- Although this appliance is not very cost-effective, it provides fine-quality mesh and removable plastic trays.
- I particularly like the 13-inch trays, which provide enough room for your fruits and vegs; you can even use these trays to grow seeds and grow healthy wheatgrass in your product.
- This product also makes it easier for the user to add and remove the trays because of its zipper from top to bottom; this is also great for keeping the insects and other creepy crawlies out.
- The strong plastic top defends your food against any unexpected issues. The high-quality mesh provides outstanding ventilation for quick drying.
Cons of the Duer Solar
- Straps break easily.
- Customers have stated that this is a cheaply made product.
Growsun Drying Rack
In my review of the Growsun Mesh Hanging Herb Drying Rack line, I liked that it had eight layers to dry herbs, clothes, plant fish, nuts, etc. It is also very easy to set up due to its foldable portable design, which saves you a lot of space. Sadly, this mesh drying rack does not fully close when adding or removing the food; there is no protection from insects and other bugs.
This makes the Growsun solar food dehydrator much easier to use as well. This product was rated the best seller by online retailers. Customers also provide positive reviews for the size, build of the product, and how quickly it performs. This unit has some nice features and will dehydrate foods much faster than other similar units.
RIOGOO Herb Drying Rack
This hanging herb drying rack is by RIOGOO. The diameter is about 24 inches high. The excellent quality nylon net provides for quick drying earns third place in our review. We particularly like the high-quality steel rings, which give strong support and provide fast-drying for flowers and herbs. Another great feature is the enclosed zipper. This can prevent birds and insects from entering the drying rack.
It has a large capacity for drying herbs, fish, and many different things.
What we also liked is how easy to assemble and set up., this product does not take up a lot of space.
The Velcro hanger strap at the top of the product is handy and easy to release and engage.
The con of this product is that you must be careful when opening it as it can dart out of the carry case. Overall this is rated highly online for versatility and quality. Most of the customers consider using the product for dehydrating fish, fruit, and herbs.
Sun Oven Solar Energy
However, my favorite dehydrator of the bunch is the Sun Oven Solar Energy because of all of the extra features. It includes a lightweight, portable solar oven that can reach temperatures as high as 360 to 400 degrees. They also work great in gardens and can be used as a cooking appliance alternative.
We didn’t like the fact that it has a really high-temperature range and the product’s price is too high. Most of the time, a dehydrator with a range of about 120 for drying fruits and vegetables is enough; a cheaper solar oven can do the same task. Simply remove it from the box, put the tray in the location where you want to dry food, and just leave it. This is one of the best solar food dehydrators on the market.
FAQs
What is a solar food dehydrator?
A solar food dehydrator is a device used to preserve food by removing moisture, thus making it last longer. It uses the sun’s energy to help dry the food.
What are some benefits of using a solar food dehydrator?
Solar food dehydrators help keep foods fresh for extended periods. The process also helps to reduce spoilage and make food items less prone to decay. Additionally, using solar energy is an eco-friendly option, as it eliminates the need for electricity.
Can you make a DIY solar food dehydrator?
Yes, it is possible to build your solar food dehydrator. Many guides and tutorial videos are available online with instructions on constructing one. However, it is essential to understand the materials and tools needed before embarking on this project. Additionally, careful research should be done to ensure that the design of the dehydrator is safe and efficient.
Are solar-powered food dehydrators cheaper to buy than electric ones?
Solar-powered food dehydrators usually sell for less than electric models. This is because they don’t have added features, making them cheaper to buy. However, they are not as efficient because of the lack of features. Additionally, electric models typically come with an adjustable thermostat and timer.
Summary
Of course, there are many other solar dryers on the market, so be sure to do your research. The great news is that the prices of these solar units have been going down like crazy. You can find a quality commercial grade unit for around a reasonable price. Most solar dehydrators are compact single compartment portable units that can easily be transported to different locations.
The best way to choose a model is to go to a department store or online and view these products. This will give you an sense of the size and weight of the product. If you are looking for an excellent solar energy dehydration appliance, be sure to get one made out of Non-toxic polyester mesh. This is the best material for dehydrating food at high temperatures. Also, make sure to buy one with a sturdy ceiling mount so that it can stay stuck in one place. You will also want a good warranty, so check out the various brands and features before making your purchase.
