If you are looking for an inexpensive and fast way to preserve some of your favorite foods, a dehydrator is the way to go. The process of drying foods is very ancient, from figs being warmed by the Mediterranean sun to herbs air drying in the wind for tea.
The Excalibur 2900ECB 9-Tray Economy Dehydrator is an electric dehydrator that can quickly and efficiently dry some of your favorite foods. It is equipped with a temperature gauge and an adjustment dial as well as a fan, which allows you to control drying time and keep your surrounding environment cool.
If you are thinking about purchasing an electric dehydrator, check out the review below to learn more about this amazing product!
Excalibur 2900ECB 9-Tray Economy Dehydrator
Features
The Excalibur 2900ECB 9-Tray Economy Dehydrator is perfect for bulk dehydrating, and it has user-friendly controls that allow you to cook with minimal clean-up.
Overall Dimensions
- Width: 17″
- Depth: 19″
- Height: 12 1/2″
- Color: Black (3926TB)
Specifications
- Nine-tray, 15 square foot capacity
- BPA-Free Plastic Trays with Mesh Screens measure 15″ x 15″
- 26-hour timer
- 110/120 Voltage and 600 Watts
- Adjustable Thermostat 105°F to 165°F
- 7’’ fan for increased air circulation
- Includes Guide to Dehydration (value $6.95)
- Limited 10-year warranty
- Made in the USA
Pros
The Excalibur 2900ECB 9 Tray Economy Dehydrator has many pluses, including portability, clear controls, and unique technology.
Adjustable Temperature
The adjustable thermostat ranges from 105 degrees F to 165 degrees F. The temperature range is low enough to preserve active enzymes in fruits and vegetables and high enough to meet safety standards for dehydrating meat for jerky. Water is removed from food with a continuous flow of heated air using Horizontal Parallex technology.
Ease of Use
Trays do not need to be rotated during dehydration. They can also be removed if necessary to increase the height needed to dehydrate bulky items or raise dough. Additionally, the polyscreen tray inserts are easy to wash.
The controls are clear and easy to use, and the power button is built-in. The unit is 22 pounds and measures 19 x 17 x 12.5 inches, so it’s easy to move.
Creates Wonderful Snacks
You can make arts and crafts, dehydrate your favorite fruits and vegetables, raise bread dough, create pet treats, or dry herbs and flowers. The unit comes with a guide that teaches you to dehydrate all types of foods.
Cons
The Excalibur 2900ECB 9-Tray Economy Dehydrator has a few areas that need improvement, including noise level, lack of a timer, and location of the control food.
Price
The price is high for a nine tray model.
Size
It is larger than other dehydrators on the market. It might take up more counter space than you wish.
Accessories
The Excalibur dehydrator machine does not come with sheets for fruit leather (sold separately).
Rack Spacing
The trays have a space of 3/4″ between them. This can pose a challenge when dehydrating “taller” foods such as kale, broccoli, and cauliflower, making it tough to utilize all nine trays effectively.
Lacks Some Features
The Excalibur 2900ECB 9 Tray Economy Dehydrator does not have some features that other models have. There is no transparent door so the cooking must be monitored.
It can be noisy compared to other units, and the warranty varies by country. The location of the control food is behind the dehydrator, which can be inconvenient.
Product Overview
The Excalibur 2900ECB 9-Tray Economy Dehydrator is a high-quality mid-sized home food dehydrator. 15 square feet of drying capacity and nine stacked trays allow for a lot of adaptability in dehydrating fruits, vegetables, nuts, and meat.
The system is also very user-friendly with clear controls that can be customized according to your specifications. Because it does not have a timer, the user does not have to start and stop the process or keep checking on the food.
One of the major advantages of the Excalibur 2900ECB is its changeability. The temperature range of 105°F to 165°F gives the user the ability to treat each product differently.
The lowest temperature on the thermostat allows users to dehydrate fruits and vegetables while still preserving the natural enzymes. This allows nutrients to be preserved.
The higher temperature setting allows the user to dehydrate meat safely.
What Is The Lowest Temperature Setting On The Excalibur 2900ECB?
- 105 degrees Fahrenheit
Tips To Keep Your Dehydrator Running Smoothly
Below are some tips that will ensure this machine performs at its peak for you.
Regular Cleaning
Every speck of food particle left behind is a potential performance disruptor. So, post every use, don’t forget to give those trays and the interior a good scrub. Trust me; your dehydrator will thank you for it!
Mindful Loading – Less is More
The Excalibur 9-tray electric food dehydrator is a spacious beast, no doubt about that. But here’s the catch – overloading can be a fun spoiler. It can lead to uneven drying and longer drying times. So, remember, when it comes to loading, less is indeed more!
Tray Rotation
Even drying is the secret sauce to perfect dehydration and rotating the trays is your ticket to achieve it. Some models come with an automatic tray rotation feature, but if yours doesn’t, don’t fret! Simply rotate the trays.
Air Circulation
Ensure your dehydrator is placed somewhere airy. Good air circulation helps it perform better and more efficiently.
Frequent Checks – Keep an Eye Out
When you’re new to the world of dehydration, frequent checks are your best friend. This ensures your food is drying properly and not turning into overdried food.
Food Pre-Treatment
Some foods tend to turn brown during drying. To keep them looking fresh and appealing, pre-treat them with a little lemon juice or an ascorbic acid solution.
Proper Storage
Once your food is optimally dehydrated, store it in a cool, dark place. If you’re planning for long-term storage, a vacuum sealer could be a worthy investment. After all, good storage is the icing on the cake!
Remember, every dehydrator and food type is unique, so feel free to tweak these tips as per your needs.
How to Use The Excalibur 9 Tray Dehydrator
Unboxing Your Dehydrator: A New Dawn in Your Kitchen
As you unseal the box, brace yourself for an exciting culinary journey. Gently remove the dehydrator, ensuring all its parts are present and accounted for. You’ll find the main unit, nine trays (15″ x 15″), a flexible poly screen tray, and a detailed instruction manual.
Understanding Your New Culinary Companion
The Excalibur food dehydrator 9-tray is a sleek, compact machine boasting a powerful 600-watt heater and a rear-mounted fan for uniform air circulation. Each tray can hold a generous amount of food, while the adjustable thermostat (105◦F t – 165◦F) ensures optimal temperature control.
Assembling Your Dehydrator: Building Your Food Fortress
Assembly is a piece of cake! Simply place the trays inside the dehydrator, ensuring they sit securely within the slots. The poly tray could be placed on the tray – they’re your first line of defense against small pieces of food sticking to the tray.
Preparation: Cleanliness is Next to Deliciousness
Before using your dehydrator for the first time:
- Give it a thorough clean.
- Remove the trays and wash them with warm soapy water, then dry completely.
- Wipe down the interior of the unit with a damp cloth.
This step ensures a pristine environment for your dehydrating adventure.
Loading Your Trays: A Symphony of Flavors
Now comes the fun part: adding your food onto the tray. Arrange the pieces evenly, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows the air to circulate freely, resulting in evenly dehydrated food. From succulent strawberries to mouthwatering meats, the sky’s the limit!
Dehydrating Your Food: The Magic Begins
Set the temperature according to the type of food you’re dehydrating (your manual will guide you here). Then close the door, press start, and let the Excalibur work its magic. The whisper-quiet operation means you can carry on with your day undisturbed while your food transforms into tasty treats.
Storing Your Dehydrated Delights: The Finishing Touch
Once your food is dried, allow it to cool before storing it. Use airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to maintain freshness. Store in a cool, dark place. Voila! You’ve unlocked a treasure trove of healthy, homemade snacks.
Comparing Dehydrators
When shopping for dehydrators, it’s good to compare the different models on the market.
I’d like to compare the Excalibur 2900ECB to three other home dehydrators so that you can see each of their features compare to one another, making your buying decision easier.
The Excalibur 2900ECB is a lot larger than other food dehydrators with similar functions. For people that want to dehydrate a lot of food, this may be ideal. However, there are also smaller food dehydrators available on the market.
For example, the Samson “Silent” Dehydrator weighs just 14.57 pounds compared to the 22 pounds of the Excalibur 2900ECB electric food dehydrator. The Samson model is much more portable than the Excalibur model.
The Excalibur 2900ECB has many of the same features and functions that other same-sized models have. However, the Excalibur model does provide some benefits not available on competitor models.
The Aicok Food Dehydrator and the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster dehydrators are both competitor models that only feature five trays. The NESCO, however, can be expanded to 12 trays, which is a feature the Excalibur does not have.
One of the other features that distinguish the Excalibur from these models is its higher temperature limit. These models can only reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The Excalibur 2900ECB can reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature differential can make speed up the dehydrating process.
To compare further, have a look at our other food dehydrator reviews.
The Ultimate Excalibur Dehydrators – My Other Top Three Selections
1. “Excalibur 2400 – The Petite Dynamo”
Let’s kick things off with the “Excalibur 2400”. Don’t underestimate this little dynamo – it’s compact yet mighty, ideal for those of you grappling with limited kitchen space.
2. Excalibur 3948CDB
The Excalibur 3948CDB dehydrator is a technological marvel equipped with digital controls and a transparent door that allows easy monitoring.
3. “Excalibur 3900B – The Expert’s Pick”
Rounding off my list, behold the “Excalibur 3900B”. Championed by experts worldwide, this model offers nine spacious trays, ensuring ample room for all your drying needs. If you’re passionate about food dehydration, this is the Excalibur dehydrator for you.
So, there you have it! My top three Excalibur dehydrators, each with its own unique charm and capabilities. Embark on your food dehydration journey with confidence. Happy dehydrating!
Summing Up the Excalibur 2900ECB 9-Tray Economy Dehydrator
The Excalibur 2900ECB 9-Tray Economy Dehydrator is from a well-known dehydrator manufacturer and it is a top seller that consistently gets good reviews from consumers.
This dehydrator is more affordably priced than other models of the same brand and is ideal for budget-conscious shoppers.
It’s unique in that it offers horizontal drying, with the fan and the heating element located on the back side of the machine. The thermostat ensures that the internal temperature never changes during the drying process.
Although this unit does have a great thermostat, it does not have a timer. A separate timer must be used, and the food will have to be checked periodically.
The tray inserts are ideal for sticky and wet foods, but if you want to make fruit leather, you will have to buy drying sheets.
Although the Excalibur is larger than some of its competitors, it offers quick and even drying, an adjustable thermostat, easy cleaning, and user-friendly trays.
Whether you are a mom looking to making healthy snacks for your kids, or a hiker seeking portable, nutritious snacks to stash in your backpack, the 2900ECB Dehydrator is sure to deliver.
For more tips on food dehydration, be sure to check out the following article.
