Excalibur 3500 Food Dehydrator: The Best 5-Tray Digital Dehydrator

Here is a brief description of the Excalibur 3500: This electric food dehydrator features five trays, digital controls, and an adjustable thermostat, making it ideal for efficient and even dehydration of a variety of foods.

Excalibur 3500 is a premium food dehydrator that stands out in the home food preservation world. Known for its performance and durability, this 5 tray electric food dehydrator is perfect for anyone who wants to try food dehydration. With an adjustable thermostat you can dehydrate everything from delicate herbs to hearty meats while preserving the nutrients and flavors. Clear door and removable trays make it easy to monitor and clean, hassle free. Whether you’re making homemade yogurt, fruit roll ups or preserving the harvest from a few fruit trees, the Excalibur 5 tray is your kitchen sidekick for healthy snacking, meal prep, and creating tasty food.

Key Facts:

Excalibur Food Dehydrator: A Leader in the Market

• Excalibur is a well known name in food dehydration and for good reason. Recognized as a worldwide leader in dehydration technology, they’ve been around for years and have a reputation for making some of the best and most expensive dehydrators out there.
• Their range is impressive with multiple models to suit different needs, including the popular Excalibur 3500. This one stands out with its combination of innovation and practicality and is a user favorite. Excalibur pioneered the development of the Parallexx System and rear-mounted airflow design, setting new standards in the industry.
• What sets Excalibur dehydrators apart is their consistency and reliability. These machines are built to last and will be your go to food dehydrator for everything. Only Excalibur offers exclusive technology like the Turbo Charged Parallexx Drying System, which you won’t find in other brands.
• One of the best things about Excalibur dehydrators is their features. They have adjustable thermostats so you can control the temperature. This means you can dry different foods to suit and preserve their flavors and nutrients. Excalibur makes drying easy with its innovative Parallexx drying system, improving airflow and efficiency for hassle-free dehydration. Excalibur dehydrators are made in the USA, using both domestic and globally sourced components.

Key Features of the Excalibur 5 Tray Model

• This Excalibur model is a 5 tray dehydrator with digital controls and a clear door so you can see what’s happening as you dry. No more guessing!

Details:
This model features advanced digital controls, adjustable temperatures, and a spacious design for versatile food dehydration.

• With the digital interface, you have total control over the temperatures so you can set precise temperatures for drying different foods, from delicate herbs to robust meats.
• The trays are removable so cleaning and maintenance is easy. You can take them out, wash them and put them back in with no fuss.
• Lots of drying space to dry multiple foods, fruits, vegetables or make homemade yogurt and fruit roll ups.
• At the core of the Excalibur dehydrator is the patented Parallexx drying system. This means even drying across all trays, as Excalibur dries food evenly to preserve natural flavors and nutrients, with no need to rotate trays and your food will be dry every time.
• Excalibur vacuum sealers feature automatic vacuum and seal functions for solid, liquid, and powder foods.

Dehydrator Technology

The Excalibur food dehydrator stands out for its advanced dehydration technology, making it a top choice for anyone serious about food preservation. At the heart of this dehydrator machine is the patented Hyperwave technology, which works in tandem with a rear mounted equipment package and parallel air flow system. This innovative setup ensures that warm, thermostatically-controlled air circulates evenly across every tray, eliminating the need for tray rotation and guaranteeing consistent results. Whether you’re drying delicate herbs, robust meats, or juicy fruits and vegetables, the Excalibur food dehydrator maintains the perfect environment for optimal food dehydration.

The digital timer and adjustable thermostat give you precise control over the drying process, allowing you to tailor the temperature and timing to suit each type of food. This means you can lock in the nutritional value and flavor of your foods, from homemade jerky to dried fruit snacks, with confidence. The Excalibur’s technology not only makes the drying process efficient but also helps preserve the natural goodness of your ingredients, making it a must-have for anyone looking to dehydrate food at home.

An Excalibur 3500 Review for Beginners and Professionals

[A food dehydrator](https://dehydratedfoodz.com/top-affordable-dehydrators/) is a small kitchen appliance that you can set on your countertop. Through a fan and low amounts of heat, it reduces the amount of water in vegetables, meat, fruit, nuts, and other foods you decide to use.

You’re able to keep before it spoils dehydrated food for far longer. Plus, if food is adequately dehydrated, it will keep similar nutritional values.

This Excalibur model is a 5-tray food dehydrator. Its manufacturer states that it’s built to last at least 20 years with upgraded components, including improved electrics and innovative plastics. Even with this great workmanship, it comes with a 10-year warranty, reflecting its durable construction.

The unique selling point of the Excalibur 35 is its proprietary Parallexx Drying System. Mounted to the rear of the dehydrator, this system allows horizontal or parallel airflow so that your food is dehydrated evenly.

Pros

• The Excalibur dehydrator dehydrates food safer, better, and faster, while preserving the natural taste of your fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
• Great for preppers, large families, gardeners, sportspeople, and especially those with large gardens who need to process substantial harvests.
• It has an adjustable thermostat (105 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
• It has Hyperwave Technology and Horizontal Parallexx Airflow which is exclusive to Excalibur.
• It has five poly-screen trays equaling 8 square feet of drying space.
• Excalibur has been making dehydrators since 1973.
• Excalibur dehydrators can be used as a low-temperature oven for various cooking tasks.
• Cleaning features can vary, with some trays being dishwasher safe.

Cons

• The Excalibur dehydrator 3500 is costly.

Feature Overview

The most efficient way to dehydrate food is to dehydrate in bulk, and the Excalibur allows you to do this easily with its five trays and eight square feet of drying space. Since the trays are movable, you have the flexibility of removing some if you have taller food that needs more space.

Its components are sturdy and long-lasting with a heavy-duty 5″ fan and a 400-watt heating element.

Its adjustable thermostat allows you to dehydrate foods of all types, shapes, and sizes as the range is a generous 105 degrees Fahrenheit to 165. Even better, it also comes with a 26-hour timer that will allow you to dehydrate food while you’re at work or asleep.

The Excalibur models comes in both black and white, so you’re able to match it with the other appliances or decor within your kitchen.

Last but certainly not least, your new dehydrator also comes with the Preserve It Naturally book, often referred to as the ‘naturally book’, which is a recipe book. This is absolutely necessary for people who are new to food dehydrating as it comes with over 50 recipes with instructions on heating and timing.

Who Is a Food Dehydrator For?

A food dehydrator is great for everyone who wants a healthier snack or meal throughout the day. Vegans or people who are getting into eating more raw food will find a dehydrator necessary for an easier way to enjoy meals throughout the day.

Some people also use canning as a method of food preservation, but dehydrating offers unique benefits such as lighter weight and longer shelf life for certain foods. Dehydration is the healthiest, easiest, and most economical way to preserve foods.

People who often travel for work or who hike, camp, or bike will find that dehydrated food is easy to pack, and the nutritional benefits will keep them energized throughout the day.

Since the Excalibur 5 tray has so much space, it’s meant for those who want to dehydrate food in bulk to enjoy throughout the week. This is great if you have a big family or live with multiple people who would like to enjoy its benefits.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Excalibur 5 tray dehydrator has a majority of five-star reviews across all major review sites. Many people cite how easy it is to clean and the convenient size of the trays so that they can dehydrate more food at once. One of the most significant complaints was the noise level of the fan. This is to be expected with a food dehydrator that large.

Another major positive cited is the variable temperature controls, as it allows users to dehydrate a variety of foods without worrying about over-drying them.

• The Excalibur 35 model has received many 5 star reviews from happy customers who love how easy it is to use and how well it performs. Users say it’s easy to get started with this model whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dehydrator.
• Many have shared their recipes, saying the Excalibur 5 Tray has become their favorite appliance for healthy snacking and meals. From fruit chips to , you can make healthy foods in your kitchen.
• Rated high across multiple review platforms, the Excalibur dehydrator is a reliable and performer. Customers recommend it to others and say it delivers consistently. Whether you’re preserving your harvest or making homemade goodies, it’s your kitchen sidekick.

Comparison to Other Dehydrators

Note: Excalibur also offers a 9 tray and 9 trays model for those needing more capacity, including options with 15″x15″ trays. A stainless steel dehydrator version is available for users seeking premium materials and durability. The Excalibur dehydrator ships to various regions, including Canada, with shipping options and delivery details varying by location. Please check shipping policies for current ship times and costs.

Accessories and Compatibility

Excalibur dehydrators are designed with versatility in mind, offering a wide range of compatible accessories to enhance your food preservation experience. The Excalibur 5 tray model comes equipped with flexible polyscreen tray inserts, which prevent foods from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. For those who love making fruit leathers, rollups, or other delicate snacks, optional ParaFlexx Premium or Ultra non-stick sheets are available, ensuring even the stickiest foods release easily from the trays.

In addition to these, Excalibur offers mesh liners for drying smaller items like herbs or seeds, and a variety of replacement parts to keep your dehydrator running smoothly for years. These accessories expand the capabilities of your Excalibur 5 tray dehydrator, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of foods and recipes. Whether you’re drying fruit, vegetables, or preparing healthy snacks, Excalibur dehydrators make it easy to customize your setup for any food dehydration project. The Excalibur vacuum sealer includes a built-in roll holder and cutter for convenience.

How to Use Your Food Dehydrator

Once you purchase your food dehydrator, you are embracing a re-discovered method of preserving food—an age-old practice now made easier and more effective with modern appliances. You need to make sure you know how to use it to reap its benefits. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

The Excalibur dehydrator stands out as an essential tool in the kitchen and dining category, offering a convenient way to preserve and enjoy healthy, flavorful foods.

1. Choosing the Temperature

Make sure you have the right temperature calibrated for the type of food you’re dehydrating. Typically, manufacturers will supply their temperature requirements.

2. Dehydrate Correctly

For items to store correctly and to keep their nutritional value, you want to make sure that they’re being dehydrated by 95%. Any more and you could kill the healthy enzymes and vitamins in the food or even change its pH level.

3. Food Prep

Before you pop your meat, vegetables, fruit, or other food into the food dehydrator, make sure they’re prepped correctly. For instance, thoroughly wash all your fruits and vegetables. You can even do the extra step of spritzing your apples and bananas with lemon juice to keep them from browning.

Another trick is to slice all your food items with the same thickness and size. For efficiency, group similar items together. Dehydrate a batch of fruits and then a batch of meat afterward—don’t combine different food groups.

• The Excalibur dehydrator is all about making your food dehydration experience as easy and hassle free as possible. It has a digital controller so you can set and forget and let it do the work.
• This dehydrator starts with a higher temperature to remove excess moisture from your foods then automatically drops down to a lower more nutrient friendly temperature so your food retains its vitamins and minerals. You get the best of both worlds – speed and nutrition.
• At the core of the Excalibur food dehydrator 5 tray is the Parallexx drying system. This system circulates air across all trays so you don’t need to rotate them. Your fruits, vegetables and meats will dry evenly, saving you time and effort.
• Whether you’re a beginner or a pro you’ll find the Excalibur Dehydrator 5 Tray easy to use. It’s easy to clean with removable trays that you can wash and pop back in. Perfect for anyone who wants to get into food dehydration without the hassle.

Healthy Snacking with the Excalibur 5 Tray Dehydrator

• Make delicious healthy snacks like fruit roll ups and homemade yogurt with the Excalibur 3500. Get into healthy snacking from your kitchen.
• Dehydrate food to preserve fruits, vegetables and herbs. Imagine snacking on natural sweet apple slices or zesty kale chips made by you. Dehydration concentrates the natural flavor, sweetness, and aromas of your food.
• Turn your Excalibur 5 tray into a playground for your pets too! Make wholesome pet treats and savory jerky that your furry friends will love, free from preservatives and additives.
• Get creative and experiment with recipes and ingredients. Whether you’re dehydrating a few fruits from your trees or trying out new flavor combinations, the possibilities are endless. Find your favorite snacks and stock your pantry with vibrant nutrient dense foods that keep you energized and full.
• Using a non-stick sheet can help with drying liquids like fruit purees.

Tips for Optimal Food Dehydration

• Set the right temperature and time for what you’re dehydrating. Each food has its own sweet spot so check what’s best for your fruits, vegetables or meats.
• Keep an eye on the dehydration process to make sure everything is drying evenly. It’s a good idea to check on your food and maybe even rotate the trays if needed to get that perfect even dehydration.
• Use the Excalibur 3500’s adjustable thermostat to your advantage. This feature is great for controlling the temperature so you can fine tune it for your food. Whether it’s delicate herbs or hearty meats you can dial in the perfect heat.
• Clean and maintain your dehydrator regularly. After each use wash the removable trays and wipe down the interior. This will ensure optimal performance and extend the life of your dehydrator so it’s ready for all your future dehydrating.

Space and Energy Efficiency

The Excalibur food dehydrator is engineered to maximize drying space while keeping energy use to a minimum. The 5 tray model provides a generous 8 square feet of drying space, making it perfect for processing the harvest from small gardens or preparing snacks for the whole family. Despite its ample capacity, the unit’s compact design ensures it won’t take up too much room on your countertop or in storage.

Thanks to its efficient drying technology, the Excalibur food dehydrator allows you to dry large batches of food at once, saving both time and energy. By preserving your food through dehydration, you also reduce reliance on refrigeration and freezing, freeing up valuable space in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to dry fruits, vegetables, or even jerky, the Excalibur 5 tray model offers enough space to handle your needs while helping you achieve huge savings on energy and storage.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Keeping your Excalibur food dehydrator in top condition is simple, thanks to its thoughtful design and quality materials. The stainless steel trays are not only durable but also easy to clean—just remove them and wipe down with a damp cloth or wash with mild soap and water. Non-stick sheets and mesh liners can be quickly rinsed or placed in the dishwasher for hassle-free maintenance.

The rear mounted equipment package and parallel air flow system make it easy to access the interior of the unit, so you can clean out any food residue and prevent buildup. Regular cleaning of your food dehydrator ensures optimal performance, extends the life of your unit, and helps maintain the quality and safety of your dried foods. With Excalibur’s focus on easy maintenance, you can spend more time enjoying your homemade snacks and less time worrying about cleanup.

A Food Dehydrator for Everyone

By reading this Excalibur 3500 review, you should know that this is an excellent choice for people who want to dehydrate large amounts of food at the same time. With its variable temperature controls, its patented horizontal airflow technology, and its 10-year warranty, the makers of the Excalibur 3500 are confident that their product will last you a long time even with heavy use.

Even if you’ve never dehydrated food before, the 50 recipe book they supply will help you cover all the bases and get you started quickly and easily.

Check out more of our dehydrated food tips to get started on your healthy raw food diet today!

Further Questions

Danny Content Writer

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!

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