Excalibur 2400 4-Tray Dehydrator Review

Food dehydrators are small kitchen appliances that are used to dry or dehydrate your food, which is how they earned their name. They use a small built-in fan and a steady, light flow of hot air to reduce the overall moisture found in foods like vegetables, fruits, meats, and several other foods. They are a great way to make quick and easy snacks or dry out fruits and veggies to make other things like spices.

If this is something you enjoy, you may find great use from the Excalibur dehydrator. It has everything you need to get started. Let’s take a look at what it has to offer for you.

Unboxing the Excalibur 2400 4-Tray Dehydrator: A First Impression

Let’s kick off by getting up close and personal with the Excalibur 2400 4-tray food dehydrator. Just a glance at this machine, and you know you’re dealing with a serious player in the world of food dehydrators. Sporting a robust construction, it’s clear that Excalibur wasn’t messing around when they put this appliance together. 

With a sizeable footprint of 16 x 16 x 8.5 inches, the Excalibur Dehydrator 2400 has a distinct boxy frame that’s all business, no fluff. This unit is an exercise in minimalist design with a tough, textured, and charcoal-black exterior that hints at the machine’s robust performance capabilities. 

Designed with intention and purpose, the Excalibur 2400 4-tray food dehydrator is a classic mixture of aesthetics and efficiency.

Upon opening, you’re greeted by four large trays, each offering nearly one square foot of drying space. Every tray slides in and out with incredible ease, giving you quick and hassle-free access to your food. The trays are BPA-free, adding an extra layer of food safety you can’t help but appreciate. 

At the base of the dehydrator, there’s the heating element controlled by an adjustable thermostat. It allows you to set the required temperature for your food, ensuring food temperature stays within the desired range. From making beef jerky at high interior temperatures to creating homemade yogurt and preserving the enzymes in fruits and veg at low temperatures, the Excalibur Dehydrator 2400 gives you an impressive range of culinary choices.

Excalibur 2400 4-Tray Dehydrator Review

This food dehydrator from Excalibur features four trays that dry their contents simultaneously and evenly so that everything is ready at the same time. Dehydrating food concentrates its natural flavor, aromas, and sweetness, which leaves a flavor that is much healthier than more high-fat snacks and candies with high sugar content and that are filled with chemical preservatives.

The Excalibur 2400 Dehydrator is perfect for beginners. It offers a great 4 square feet of drying room and is ideal for trying out dehydrating for the first time. The thermostat is adjustable and features a temperature range from as low as 95°F to as high as 165°F. The Excalibur dehydrator is safe for drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, yogurts, raising bread, as well as a variety of arts and crafts.

Who Is This Product For?

As we mentioned previously, the food dehydrator Excalibur 2400 is perfect for beginners but is also great for professional chefs and DIY home cooking enthusiasts alike, which makes it one of the most versatile food dehydrators on the market.

It also boasts a whopping 4 square feet of drying space, meaning that it can be used in situations where a lot of food needs to be dehydrated and ready at the same time. The variable drying temperatures of the Excalibur 2400 make it great for use by more experienced cooks who know precisely what they want and need from a food dehydrator.

The variety of uses that the Excalibur 2400 provides makes it perfect for chefs of all skill levels. Beginners can use this as their introduction to food dehydrators, while more professional cooks can use this as their go-to dehydrator. It is also great for the everyday cook who is looking for a new way to make snacks and spices.

What’s Included?

The Excalibur 2400 food dehydrator is equipped with everything you need to dry your favorite food, which is not that much at all. Since all the magic happens inside the trays themselves, you do not need any extras or add-ons to use this dehydrator. Simply plug it into a power source, and you will be ready to dehydrate herbs, fruits, vegetables, meats, and a wide variety of other foods in no time.

The dehydrator comes with four built-in drying fans that let you dehydrate a large amount of food at once, making this the perfect food dehydrator for any kitchen. This dehydrator from Excalibur also comes with a front panel that lets you seal the device when in use, to prevent any hot air from escaping, and to prevent any cold air from entering.

Overview Of Features

The Excalibur 2400 Food Dehydrator features some of the most advanced technology that the brand has to offer, such as their Hyperwave Fluctuation technology. This feature helps keep the temperature of the food inside the device low enough to keep their enzymes active, while simultaneously keeping the temperature of the air high enough to dry the food.

This also helps overcome mold, yeast, spoilage, and other imperfections your food may have. Standard food dehydrators produce a constant, unchanging heat, which causes ‘case hardening.’ Essentially, a dry surface with moisture trapped within, which is the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria, as well as the ideal environment for yeast to form.

The Excalibur 2400 4 tray dehydrator also features Parallex Horizontal airflow, which provides dehydration that is fast and even. The heating element, fan, and thermostat are placed at the back of the appliance. Cool air is drawn in, heated, and is then evenly distributed over the trays and your food.

The dehydrator’s variable temperatures and adjustable thermostat range from 95°F to 165°F. They are safe for drying fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

How To Get The Most Out Of It

The trick to getting the most out of your Excalibur 2400 food dehydrator is quite similar to pretty much all other food dehydrators out there. The adjustable thermostat allows you to ensure that you have the right temperature for the job.

Choosing the right temperature for dehydrating your food is essential, as different foods will require different temperatures to dry adequately. General temperature and time guidelines are usually printed on the dehydrator label or are included in the appliance’s instruction manual.

You should also make sure that your foods are at least 95% dehydrated before you store them. If your food feels spongy, soft, or sticky, you should put them back in the dehydrator for a little while longer. When they are crunchy and breakable, they are done.

Finally, remember that preparation is vital. You do not need to worry about over-drying your food. Do not increase the temperature to attempt to dry the foods after – instead, let them sit in the dehydrator longer.

Pros

  • 4 square feet of drying space
  • The Excalibur Food Dehydrator 2400 is ideal for beginner cooks
  • Adjustable thermostat for custom-dried foods
  • Flexible poly-screen trays prevent foods from sticking
  • 4 fans pull moisture from food
  • Temperature is low enough to preserve active enzymes

Cons

Food Dehydrator Ratings and Reviews

The Excalibur 2400 food dehydrator reviews on Amazon have rated 4.5 out of 5 stars for its performance and ease of use.

Excalibur 2400 vs the Competition: A Comparative Study

When it comes to dehydrators on the market, the Excalibur 2400 4-tray dehydrator doesn’t stand alone. There are a considerable number of competitors vying for attention. Let’s consider other brands and see how Excalibur holds its ground. 

First up, we have the Nesco Gardenmaster. It boasts an impressive expandable tray system, allowing users to dry large volumes of food all at once. However, it falls short in terms of temperature control. The Excalibur Dehydrator 2400, on the other hand, is renowned for its precise and adjustable thermostat, ensuring food temperature remains consistent for optimal drying. 

Lastly, we have the Cosori Premium Food Dehydrator. It boasts a sleek modern design with digital controls. However, this device lacks the horizontal airflow of Excalibur’s patented Parallexx system, which ensures even drying without the need for tray rotation. 

While each of these competitors brings their features and strengths to the table, none of them seem to hit the mark in offering the ideal balance of functionality, and precise control that the Excalibur 2400 4-tray dehydrator does.

Are Excalibur Dehydrators User-Friendly? A Newbie’s Perspective

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the Excalibur 2400 4-Tray Dehydrator is incredibly user-friendly, especially for those just dipping their toes in the world of food dehydration. If the idea of preserving your favorite foods feels a touch intimidating, don’t fret. This machine has been designed with simplicity in mind to make your journey as smooth as possible. 

To start, one of the major high points of this model is its straightforward operation. It has an easy-to-understand temperature control feature that allows you to set your desired heat level with just a turn of a knob. Say goodbye to confusing digital controls or endless buttons that leave you puzzled over what to press next! With the Excalibur Dehydrator 4-Tray, all the guesswork has been eliminated, leaving you to focus entirely on the fun – creatively experimenting with different foods! 

Speaking of food choices, with the included user manual and recipe book, you’ll get a head start on making tasty treats right away. Whether you have a thing for homemade beef jerky or you’re more of a dried fruits fanatic, the detailed instructions and even greater tips have got you covered. Imagine making your own fruit roll-ups or dehydrated pet treats, the thought is enough to make one’s mouth water! 

Another perk for newbies is that the dehydrator is easy to clean, thanks to the removable trays and the handy drip tray which catches any food pieces that may fall during the dehydration process. Cleaning up is insuperably satisfying. It adds to the whole enjoyable experience, fills you with an increased sense of accomplishment, and invites you to try more daring culinary adventures. 

Powered by Excalibur’s Patented Hyperwave Technology and Parallexx Horizontal Airflow, the 4 trays in the dehydrator dry foods evenly and efficiently. You’re in control of the process from start to finish and can check on your food’s progress without disturbing the drying process. This may sound like a small detail but believe me, as a newbie, it’s these user-friendly features that make all the difference! 

The Perks of Excalibur’s Patented Parallexx Horizontal Airflow System

So, what is the Parallexx Horizontal Airflow System all about? Essentially, this unique feature creates a current of horizontal airflow across each tray, ensuring even heating and drying. No more rotating trays in the middle of the dehydration process, friends! With this beast of a machine, your food gets an evenly distributed warm breeze cooking it to crisp perfection. 

Furthermore, the excellent design of the Parallexx System helps maintain more nutrients in your food. How, you ask? Well, it’s designed to keep the interior temperature consistent without overheating, thus preserving the precious enzymes in your food. It’s perfect for those who love to maintain the goodness of their food while enjoying the convenience of dehydration. 

The Parallexx System isn’t just about maintaining food temperature and nutrients. It also provides greater flexibility in what you can dry. From juicy tomatoes to delicate herbs and even homemade yogurt, the Excalibur Dehydrator 2400 has got you covered. 

Overall, Excalibur’s Patented Parallexx Horizontal Airflow System is a game-changer when it comes to food dehydration. It goes beyond the traditional vertical airflow seen in many other brands, offering you more value and versatility. So if you’re contemplating getting a dehydrator, do consider this fantastic feature of the 2400 Excalibur Dehydrator.

Exploring the Variety of Foods You Can Dehydrate with Excalibur 2400

If you think food dehydrators are just for making beef jerky or dried fruits, it’s time to rethink. The Excalibur 2400 4-tray dehydrator is like a magic tool for your kitchen, adding incredible versatility to your cooking and food preservation game. Let’s get creative and explore the cornucopia of goods you can prepare with this ingenious machine. 

If you’re a fan of fruit roll-ups, then this dehydrator is a dream come true! Just purée your favorite fruits, spread them on the dehydrator’s sheet, and watch the machine do its magic. This is not just fun for kids, but it’s also a great way to ensure you’re getting more nutrients in a delicious way! 

Speaking of nutrients, the Excalibur Dehydrator 2400 uses low temperatures to preserve nutrients, thanks to its patented Hyperwave technology. This makes it an excellent tool for drying herbs without losing their aromatic essence and therapeutic properties. Store them correctly, and you will have a year-round supply of summer’s bounty. 

Another excellent way to use the Excalibur Dehydrator 4 tray is to make your pet treats! Dogs, cats, and even birds love the flavor of dehydrated meats and veggies. So why not spoil your furry companions with some delicious and healthy homemade snacks? They’ll love the taste, and you’ll love knowing exactly what’s in their treats.

Where To Buy Affordable Food Dehydrators

If you’re on the hunt for where to buy your very own Excalibur 2400 4-Tray Dehydrator, there’s no shortage of options available to you. Nowadays, you can easily get your hands on this top-notch food dehydrator from a wide range of both online and brick-and-mortar stores. But let’s face it—we all love a good bargain. 

When it comes to online shopping, you might score a great deal on popular websites like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. These platforms often offer competitive pricing, and you may get lucky with some seasonal sales, discounts, or free delivery options. Keep an eye out for such offers to get the best value for your money. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, don’t forget the benefits of fast, free shipping! 

Don’t discount the manufacturer’s website either. Shopping directly from Excalibur ensures authentic products and often comes with added advantages like warranty coverage and excellent customer service. Plus, they usually have the entire product range on display, allowing you to compare all the options and pick one that suits your needs best. 

If you like to physically inspect a product before purchase or seek in-person advice, consider heading to a local home goods store, kitchen supply store, or a wholesale club like Costco or Sam’s Club. These places frequently stock a range of Excalibur dehydrators and sometimes offer in-store discounts. 

Remember, choosing an Excalibur dehydrator is an investment. It might be a little pricier than other brands, but it is a bang for your buck considering its features and enduring performance. Happy shopping!

Alternatives

If the Excalibur 2400 food dehydrator does not interest you, you could always try the New House Compact Dehydrator. This dehydrator is multi-tiered to allow for many foods to be dehydrated at the same time. It is also far more compact than its Excalibur counterpart if space is a concern of yours.

If you are looking for something even more compact, then the Hamilton Beach 32100A dehydrator is the best choice for you. It is capable of dehydrating meats, fruits, and vegetables, in one of the most compact designs on the market, making it perfect for standard household kitchens

Is Excalibur Dehydrator 2400 Worth Your Money? An Honest Review

The Excalibur dehydrator 4-tray, specifically the 2400 model, is a heck of a machine when it comes to dehydrating foods. But don’t just take my word for it, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty together.

Have you ever wanted to make your own beef jerky or fruit roll-ups right from the comfort of your kitchen? The Excalibur 4 tray food dehydrator turns this dream into a delicious reality. Its design and features are where things start to heat up… literally. 

The Excalibur uses horizontal airflow, thanks to the patented Horizontal Parallex drying system. What does this mean for you? The heat distribution is even across the trays, ensuring food temperature is consistent – a vital element in food dehydration. One of the most impressive things about this dehydrator Excalibur 4 tray is its fine-tuned temperature control. The adjustable thermostat provides a broad range, flexible enough to handle anything from low temperatures that preserve nutrients in fruits and vegetables, to higher ones suitable for meats. 

Now, let’s talk size. With four trays offering 4 square feet of drying space, this machine has more than enough room to accommodate your dehydration needs. Whether you’re making crispy apple chips, finger-licking good beef jerky, or even trying your hand at drying herbs, the Excalibur Dehydrator 4 tray has got you covered. 

However, it’s not all roses. One point to debate is the pricing. It’s true, that the Excalibur 2400 4-Tray Dehydrator sits on the higher end of the price range compared to other food dehydrators. But remember, value is not just about price, but about whether the product delivers on its promises. So is it worth every penny? In my opinion, the answer is yes. The quality, functionality, and horizontal airflow design make it a worthwhile investment.

Let’s face it, cheap can also mean compromise, often in material quality or performance. The Excalibur, on the other hand, is built to last with globally sourced materials and comes with a solid reputation for reliability. This dehydrator will have you exploring great tips and ideas for dehydrated meals and snacks for years to come.

To wrap it up, when talking about the Excalibur Dehydrator 2400, what comes to mind is an efficient, reliable, and high-performing dehydrator. Yes, it will dent your wallet a bit more than other brands, but if you think of it as an investment in your health and culinary adventures, it’s worth every cent.

FAQs on the Excalibur 2400 4-Tray Dehydrator

Do you need to rotate trays on a dehydrator?

With some dehydrators, you might find yourself playing a bit of a musical chairs game – constantly rotating trays to accommodate an even distribution of heat. But with the Excalibur 4 tray dehydrator, say goodbye to the rotation headache! Indeed, thanks to the unique Horizontal Parallexx drying system, heat is distributed evenly across all trays, so rotation is not necessary. This design sends warm air from the back to the front of the machine, and not down through the trays like other brands, preventing flavor mixing and ensuring accurate temperature control for all trays. 

Can you put Excalibur trays in the dishwasher?

Excalibur 2400 trays are not dishwasher safe.

What is the maximum temperature for the Excalibur dehydrator?

The Excalibur dehydrator, specifically the Excalibur 2400 4-Tray, boasts superior temperature control, a feature that makes it a cut above many other food dehydrators in the market. Not just an adjustable thermostat, but the accurate temperature control allows a fair degree of variability to cater to a wide array of drying needs. But what’s the nature of these numbers? Just how high can this Excalibur machine’s interior temperature go? 

The impressive thing about the Excalibur 2400, and indeed many Excalibur dehydrators, is its ability to reach a relatively high temperature of 165°F (74°C). This high interior temperature makes it ideal for dehydrating a wide variety of foods, including meat for homemade beef jerky. Be it drying fruits, vegetables, or meats, this temperature ensures food temperature is uniform and high enough to effectively remove moisture. It also ensures the temperature is safe to kill any potential bacteria, making your jerky, and indeed all your dehydrated foods safer to consume. 

At the same time, the Excalibur dehydrator also supports lower temperatures, vital for preserving delicate nutrients when dehydrating other types of food. When drying herbs or making homemade yogurt, for instance, you can easily dial down the heat. This ensures that the interior temperature isn’t overwhelmingly high to damage the nutrients, but low enough to maintain enzymes and create a superior taste. This greater flexibility in setting the temperature also allows you to raise bread, dry nuts, and even make your fruit roll-ups from fruit puree. It’s no exaggeration to state that Excalibur’s 4 tray food dehydrator has made ensuring food temperature so much easier and accessible for everyone.

Why is Excalibur dehydrator so special?

What sets the Excalibur dehydrator apart, especially the fine-tuned 4-tray version we’re dissecting here, is its undeniably well-thought-out design with a special emphasis on efficient food dehydration. When it comes to ensuring optimal food temperature, the Excalibur has it aced. Their patented Parallexx Horizontal Airflow system aids in maintaining an interior temperature high enough to eliminate bacteria but low enough to preserve the integral nutrients in your food. This distinct Horizontal Parallex drying mechanism is fine-tuned to remove moisture consistently across all trays providing equal drying space for all your foods. 

Another remarkable feature of this impressive machine is the meticulous adjustable thermostat that allows for more accurate temperature control, ensuring your foods are dried at their peak. Be it homemade yogurt, juicy beef jerky, or dried fruits, this adjustable thermostat caters to various food demands, thereby offering greater flexibility. 

Founded back in 1973, the Excalibur company is no newbie in the food preservation world. With a robust commitment to quality, this brand not only delivers top-tier dehydrators but also offers astounding customer support and insightful guides to help you effectively use their machines. Their commitment to advancing food dehydration technology like the introduction of Hyperwave Patented Technology and innovating practical, efficient designs is a testament to why they lead in the dehydration industry. 

Overall, the Excalibur dehydrator’s superiority lies in its unique technology, superior construction, and user-friendly design, making it a valuable kitchen addition for anyone who values nutritious and delicious dried foods.

Can I add more trays to my dehydrator?

No, it’s not designed to hold more than the supplied four trays. The Excalibur dehydrator 4-tray model is specifically designed for optimal airflow and precise temperature control with the given number of trays. Adding more trays could disrupt that balance, leading to inefficient dehydration or uneven heat distribution. 

Is Excalibur 2400 made in the USA?

No, the 2400 Excalibur is made in China, featuring globally sourced materials and stringent quality control standards.

author avatar
Danny
Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!