The Ultimate Excalibur 3900b Food Dehydrator Review: Is It Right for You?

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Excalibur 3900b, a food dehydrator that stands out for its advanced features, robust build, and reputation among home cooks, food preservation enthusiasts, and large families. This review of the Excalibur 3900b is designed to help you determine if this high-capacity dehydrator is the right fit for your serious dehydrating needs. Excalibur is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the food dehydrator market, with a long-standing reputation for producing reliable and high-performance appliances. The 3900b model, in particular, is celebrated for its exceptional performance, innovative technology, and suitability for those who want to dehydrate large quantities of food efficiently. Excalibur dehydrators are manufactured in the USA using domestic and globally sourced components.

Quick View Table: Excalibur 3900B Food Dehydrator

FeatureDetails
ModelExcalibur 3900B
Number of Trays9 trays
Drying Space15 square feet
Temperature Range105°F to 165°F (adjustable thermostat)
Power600 watts
Airflow TechnologyParallexx horizontal airflow
Patented TechnologyHyperwave moisture and temperature control
Tray MaterialBPA-free, FDA-approved polycarbonate
Tray TypeRemovable, dishwasher safe with mesh liners
TimerNot included (manual monitoring required)
Noise LevelQuiet operation (~twice a computer fan)
DimensionsApprox. 17″W x 19″D x 12.5″H
WeightModerate (varies by packaging)
Warranty10 years
Suitable ForLarge families, food preservation enthusiasts, professionals
Special FeaturesSuitable for fruits, vegetables, jerky, fruit roll-ups, homemade yogurt
CleaningEasy to clean; trays and liners dishwasher safe
Made InUSA (domestic and globally sourced components)

This quick view table summarizes the key features and specifications of the Excalibur 3900B food dehydrator, helping you make an informed decision quickly.

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Who Is This For?

The Excalibur 3900b is perfect for anyone looking to step up from a lower model, such as the 2400, or for those who need a dehydrator that can handle large batches. It is especially well-suited for:

  • Home cooks who want to preserve seasonal produce or make healthy snacks.
  • Food preservation enthusiasts interested in maximizing nutrient retention.
  • Large families who need to process big quantities of food at once.
  • Professional chefs and gardeners with abundant harvests.
  • Anyone seeking a reliable, high-capacity dehydrator for regular use.

If you’re still deciding which Excalibur model best fits your needs, you may find our in‑depth Excalibur dehydrator buyer’s guide helpful.

With the context set, let’s dive into the first impressions and design details of the Excalibur 3900b.

First Impressions of the Excalibur 3900b Dehydrator

Unpacking the Excalibur 3900b, the first thing you notice is its professional, robust design. The dehydrator arrives securely packaged in a sturdy box, ensuring the unit is well-protected during shipping and arrives in excellent condition. Its black exterior and solid door give it a sleek, modern look that fits into any kitchen décor. The unit is quite large with 9 trays, providing 15 square feet of drying space—enough room to dehydrate a variety of foods, making it perfect for large families, avid home cooks, or those with large gardens.

One of the unique selling points of the Excalibur 3900b is its advanced dehydration technology, noticeable even at first glance. The machine incorporates the Horizontal Parallexx drying system. The Excalibur 3900B uses Parallexx horizontal airflow to distribute air evenly over each tray, allowing food to dry faster and taste better. This unique setup allows increased air circulation, ensuring food temperature is maintained across all the trays and removes moisture evenly and efficiently. As if by magic, foods dry faster, and nutritional value is preserved. It’s clear to see the Excalibur 3900b doesn’t fall into the same category as your average cheap dehydrator.

The inclusion of an adjustable thermostat is a choice feature, allowing for precise control of the interior temperature—a key detail when dealing with different types of food. On a side note, the Excalibur 3900b also provides the chance to make homemade yogurt, a delightful something extra for this powerful appliance.

Though the Excalibur 3900 commands a notable spot on your kitchen countertop, it undeniably captures attention and piques curiosity. In its solidity and design, it speaks of promise, and the promise is drying foods to perfection while maintaining nutritional values—a much sought-after advantage in a league of Excalibur dehydrators.

Included Trays and Accessories

One of the best features is the 15 feet of drying space. That’s a lot of food that the included nine trays can fit, making this a truly interesting buy.

  • You get nine trays (racks), each with an individual capacity of 15 by 15 inches.
  • Each tray provides a stable bed for your food items, ensuring even drying and preventing food from falling through or sticking.
  • The racks are designed to offer ample space and optimal airflow for efficient dehydration.
  • If you need to dry bulky items like herbs, flowers, or granola, you can remove a tray or use another tray to create more space and improve airflow.
  • The trays have a strong weight capacity, allowing you to dehydrate substantial amounts of food for large batch processing.
  • You will also get nine mesh sheets.

The removable trays and mesh screens are made from durable, BPA-free, FDA-approved polycarbonate and are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Some people also like to use Teflon sheeting when drying certain kinds of foods, but it is not included in this package and must be purchased separately.

Product Specifications

The Excalibur 3900b 9-Tray Food Dehydrator is packed with features that make it a standout choice for anyone serious about dehydrating food at home. With a generous 15 square feet of drying space, this large capacity dehydrator is perfect for tackling big batches of fruits, vegetables, jerky, and more. Whether you’re preserving your summer harvest or prepping healthy snacks for the family, you’ll appreciate the ability to dehydrate more food at once—no need to wait for multiple rounds.

Key specifications include:

  • Adjustable thermostat with accurate temperature control from 105°F to 165°F, allowing you to fine-tune the drying process for everything from delicate herbs to hearty meats.
  • Powerful 600-watt motor and 7-inch fan for fast drying and even air distribution across all trays.
  • Each of the nine trays comes with a mesh liner, making it easy to dry smaller items like herbs or fruit leather without anything falling through.
  • Trays and mesh screens are dishwasher safe for quick and hassle-free cleanup.
  • Front-loading design for easy access to every tray.
  • Built-in timer is not included on the 3900B model; manual monitoring is required as the 3900B lacks an automatic shut-off timer.
  • Durable construction with high-quality materials and a 10-year warranty for peace of mind.

Despite its large capacity, the Excalibur 3900b is designed to be space-efficient and fits comfortably in most kitchens. It operates quietly and efficiently, so you can run it without disrupting your household. Whether you’re making fruit roll ups, drying herbs, or preparing jerky, this great product delivers on both performance and convenience.

Now that we’ve covered the technical details, let’s explore what makes the Excalibur 3900b stand out from its competitors.

Exploring the Unique Features of the Excalibur Dehydrator 3900b

Airflow Technology

So, have you ever wondered what makes the Excalibur Dehydrator 3900b so exceptional? The Excalibur 3900B uses Parallexx horizontal airflow to distribute air evenly over each tray, allowing food to dry faster and taste better. This deluxe dehydrator offers a whopping 15 square feet of drying space with nine plastic trays, providing ample room for your dehydrating projects!

Hyperwave Fluctuation Technology

The Excalibur 3900B uses Hyperwave patented technology to maintain a high interior temperature for moisture removal while keeping food temperature low to preserve nutrients. This system ensures consistent warmth throughout the unit, effectively removing moisture from your food while keeping food temperature low to preserve nutrients.

Thermostat Control

With the adjustable thermostat in place, controlling the interior temperature is a breeze. The Excalibur 3900b offers a wide temperature range from 105 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature gives you a leg up on other less versatile dehydrators, allowing you to preserve more nutrients and maintain enzymes in your dried foods, even when dehydrating at low temperatures.

Tray Design

Unlike a cheap dehydrator, the Excalibur 3900 takes care of the common problem of fluctuating temperatures with its unique Hyperwave Patented Technology. The Excalibur Tray allows food to dry faster and more evenly without having to rotate the trays. The mesh sheets or tray liners are non-stick, so nothing will stick to them, making cleanup easy.

Versatility

When it comes to accommodating a variety of foods, the 3900b proves itself as a real game-changer. The Excalibur dehydrator allows for drying a wide variety of foods including meat for jerky, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fruit purees for fruit roll-ups. From crisp fruits, vegetables, and delicious beef jerky, to even diversified dehydrating tasks like making homemade yogurt, or drying herbs – if you can think it, it can dehydrate it.

Nutrient Preservation

Dehydration concentrates the natural flavor, sweetness, and aromas of food, resulting in healthier snacks compared to high-fat and high-sugar options. Dehydrating food is the healthiest, easiest, and most economical way to preserve foods.

Build Quality and Safety

This 9-tray food dehydrator stands out with its solid door, protective against the light that can degrade the nutrient content of food. You can also choose a clear door variant if you prefer to monitor your drying progress visually. It contains globally sourced materials and is food-safe, making it safe for daily use.

Dehydration Guide

One more fascinating inclusion is the bundled dehydration guide, “Preserve It Naturally,” filled with great tips, recipes, and how-tos to get you started immediately. It even includes dehydrating videos, ensuring you’re never left questioning how to use your new appliance optimally.

With these features in mind, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the Excalibur 3900b.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very easy to clean and maintain.
  • Drying is even and air current is good because of the heating device and fan at the rear.
  • Long product warranty of 10 years is included.
  • Trays can be easily separated to accommodate lots of different foods.
  • Adjustable thermostat makes it easy to dry different kinds of foods safely.
  • The Excalibur 3900b dehydrator is nicely built and durable.
  • The inclusion of nine trays makes it easy to dry lots of food at one time.

Cons

  • While some users may find the Excalibur 3900b loud, it is actually noted for its quiet operation compared to other dehydrators, being about twice the sound of a computer cooling fan.
  • The 3900B model lacks an automatic shut-off timer, requiring manual monitoring.
  • The timer is not included on all models.
  • Some customers might find the operation a bit difficult.
  • Large, bulky size is a plus for drying out lots of food but can be difficult to store in a smaller kitchen.

Next, let’s see how the Excalibur 3900b performs in real-world use.

Performance Test: Excalibur 3900b in Action

Setup and Loading

To get a real feel for the Excalibur 3900b, I put it to the test, filling each tray with an array of goodies, from thinly sliced apples to beef strips for jerky. The ample drying space across the nine trays allows food to be spread out evenly, making it ideal for efficiently drying large batches of food.

Drying Results

The image shows a food dehydrator with trays filled with apple slices, strips of beef jerky, and containers of homemade yogurt, highlighting the drying process for various foods. This great machine features adjustable thermostat and accurate temperature control, making it ideal for creating delicious dried fruits and jerky.

The innovative Horizontal Parallexx drying system really shined in this test. This unique feature ensures increased air circulation across all trays, meaning no need for the tedious task of tray rotation. The unit worked superbly, drying the apple slices, beef jerky, and even homemade yogurt evenly and efficiently. The adjustable thermostat provided excellent control, ensuring the food temperature stayed within the desired range and preserving nutrients.

Cleanup Experience

The removable plastic trays are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. After a full day of dehydrating, I simply popped the trays and mesh liners into the dishwasher, saving time and effort.

When it comes to energy efficiency, the Excalibur 3900b didn’t disappoint either. Despite its high performance, the unit didn’t cause a noticeable spike in my electricity bill. This is a major plus for anyone who plans to use their dehydrator frequently.

Dehydrated foods made with the Excalibur 3900b can last up to 9 months when stored correctly in an airtight container.

With its strong performance established, let’s see how the Excalibur 3900b compares to other top dehydrators on the market.

Comparing the Excalibur 3900b with Other Top Food Dehydrators of 2023

When pitted against other top food dehydrators such as the Nesco Gardenmaster and the Cosori Premium Food Dehydrator, the Excalibur 3900b holds its ground quite brilliantly. One advantage Excalibur has over its competitors is its spacious 9 tray capacity. Nesco’s Gardenmaster, for instance, starts with 4 trays, although it’s expandable to 20. Cosori’s dehydrator, on the other hand, offers only 6 stainless steel trays, making the Excalibur 3900 a more generous option in terms of drying space. If you’re comparing these brands directly, our detailed Cosori dehydrator vs Excalibur comparison breaks down the key differences.

Many users complain that cheaper round dehydrators tend to dry unevenly and have less capacity, which can be frustrating for larger batches. The Excalibur 3900B is often compared favorably against these models for its superior performance and ample space.

The Excalibur 3900 dehydrator also sets itself apart with its unique Horizontal Parallexx Airflow system, a feature that’s missing in other models. This allows for more efficient and consistent drying, maintaining food temperature to ensure better preservation of nutrients, unlike conventional models that sometimes struggle with uneven heating.

While some might argue that models like the Cosori Premium offer more modern conveniences with a digital timer and a clear door, keep in mind that these features often come with a higher price tag. For its value, the Excalibur 3900b remains a competitive choice for those needing a high-capacity, reliable, and energy-efficient food dehydrator.

Now, let’s look at what real users have to say about the Excalibur 3900b.

User Reviews and Ratings

The Excalibur 3900B is often praised for its exceptional performance, averaging 4.8 out of 5 stars in user reviews. Users consistently highlight its reliability, even drying results, and large capacity as standout features. Many appreciate the ease of cleaning and the ability to process large batches at once, making it a favorite among home cooks and food preservation enthusiasts. Some users note the lack of an automatic shut-off timer as a minor inconvenience, but overall satisfaction remains high.

With user feedback in mind, let’s explore the variety of foods you can dehydrate with this versatile machine.

Dehydrating a Variety of Foods: From Fruits to Homemade Yogurt

The image showcases a food dehydrator filled with various trays of fruits, vegetables, and homemade yogurt, highlighting the adjustable thermostat and accurate temperature control features. This great machine is designed for fast drying, allowing users to create delicious fruit roll ups, dried herbs, and jerky while maximizing drying space for more food.

Fruits

With the Excalibur 3900b 9 tray electric food dehydrator, you can easily dry a variety of fruits. This includes classics like apples and bananas, but also more exotic choices such as pineapple and mango. Plus, you can make tasty fruit leathers and roll-ups. For more ideas, check out this guide to the best foods to dehydrate for long‑term storage.

Vegetables

From bell peppers to zucchini, you can dehydrate almost any vegetable. This is a great way to preserve your garden bounty or take advantage of a sale at the supermarket, and you can explore even more options in this overview of what foods can be dehydrated.

Herbs

Do you love to use fresh herbs in your cooking but hate the price or hate having them go bad? Dry your own with the Excalibur dehydrator. Mint, basil, parsley, and more can all be dried for later use.

Meats

Are you a fan of beef jerky or want a way to preserve meats for later use? The Excalibur dehydrator is perfect for making your jerky or safely dehydrating other types of meat. For step‑by‑step directions, see this guide on using an Excalibur dehydrator for jerky, fruits, and vegetables.

Homemade Yogurt

This might come as a surprise but with the Excalibur 3900b, you can even make homemade yogurt! By controlling evaporative moisture and maintaining a low interior temperature, you can easily make delicious and nutritious yogurt right at home.

Nuts and Seeds

Want to make your own trail mix? Dehydrate your nuts and seeds. Everything from almonds to pumpkin seeds can be dehydrated, making for a tasty, nutrient-packed snack.

With so many possibilities, let’s walk through how to use the Excalibur 3900b step by step.

Using the Excalibur 3900b: A Step-by-Step Guide

No doubt, the Excalibur 3900b 9 tray electric food dehydrator is a powerhouse tool designed for those who take their food dehydration seriously. Here’s how to get the best results:

Step 1: Prepare Your Food

  • Slice fruits, vegetables, or meats evenly for uniform drying.
  • For fruit leathers, puree fruit and spread thinly on mesh sheets.

Step 2: Load the Trays

  • Arrange food in a single layer on each tray, leaving space between pieces for airflow.
  • Use all nine trays or as many as needed, distributing food evenly.

Step 3: Set the Temperature

  • Use the adjustable thermostat to select the appropriate temperature for your food type.
  • Lower temperatures preserve nutrients in fruits and herbs; higher settings are ideal for meats.

Step 4: Start Dehydrating

  • Slide trays into the dehydrator and close the door.
  • Monitor the process, as the 3900B does not have an automatic shut-off timer.

Step 5: Check and Store

  • Check food periodically for dryness.
  • Once done, let food cool and store in airtight containers or Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for long-term storage.

Now that you know how to use it, let’s discuss the value proposition of the Excalibur 3900b.

A Look at the Pricing: Is the Excalibur 3900b Worth the Investment?

Alright folks, let’s talk dollars and cents. When eyeballing the price tag of the Excalibur 3900b 9 tray electric food dehydrator, some of you might be a little taken aback. It’s true, this isn’t the cheapest dehydrator on the block. But here’s the question you need to ask yourself: ‘Am I looking for a food dehydrator, or am I looking for THE food dehydrator?’

If you’re in the latter camp, then the Excalibur 3900 is definitely worth your hard-earned coin. Yes, it’s pricier than some of its rivals, but with those extra dollars, you’re investing in a high-quality, durable, and versatile appliance. The Excalibur 3900B comes with a 10-year warranty, which is a significant factor when considering its price. With its 9 trays allowing for increased drying space, an adjustable thermostat ensuring consistent food temperature, and Horizontal Parallex drying controlling evaporative moisture, this is truly a top-tier food dehydrator.

Plus, don’t forget, that Excalibur is no amateur in the dehydration game. They’ve been around for a hot minute, and they know their stuff. They’ve taken all that expertise and poured it into the Excalibur 3900b. The result is a food dehydrator that delivers on its promises, offering superior performance, longevity, and, ultimately, fantastic value for money.

Sure, if all you’re after is occasionally turning a few bananas into chic, edible, wallpaper, then yeah, a cheaper unit could possibly suffice. But for those of you who appreciate the importance of low temperatures to preserve nutrients, the allure of homemade yogurt, the thrill of jerky made from various meats, or the distinctive crunch of dehydrated fruits and veggies, then the Excalibur dehydrator 3900b is well worth the investment. And who knows? Given its large capacity, maybe you could even turn your dehydrating hobby into a nice little side hustle. I hear dehydrated fruits are all the rage these days!

So, in sum, if you’re serious about your food dehydration business and you value a machine that delivers on quality, features, performance, and customer satisfaction, the Excalibur 3900b 9 tray food dehydrator could be just what you’ve been waiting for.

Let’s move on to some practical tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Excalibur 3900b.

Making the Most of the Excalibur 3900b: Tips and Tricks

Load Balancing and Airflow

  • Balance your load by distributing food evenly across trays to prevent energy waste and encourage efficient dehydration.
  • Leave enough room between food pieces on the tray to allow for increased air circulation. Too much overlap can lead to uneven drying.

Temperature Settings

  • Use the adjustable thermostat to set the ideal temperature for your food.
  • Low temperatures help preserve nutrients and enzymes in living foods, while higher temperatures adequately dehydrate meats.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

  • Avoid cranking up the temperature to speed up the process, as this can result in the outside of the food drying quickly while the interior remains moist, leading to spoilage.

Experimentation

  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with various foods—try fruit leathers, herbs, or even homemade yogurt.

Cleaning and Maintenance

  • The plastic trays are dishwasher safe, making clean-up a snap.
  • Regular cleaning after each use prevents buildup, prolongs the life of your dehydrator, and ensures that flavors don’t mix among different rounds of dehydration.

With these tips, you’ll be able to maximize the performance and longevity of your Excalibur 3900b.

Are There Any Alternatives?

The Excalibur 3900b is great value for money but if you’re a beginner, you might want to look at a budget model. The Excalibur 2900 series is lower in price but still includes their even air flow technology. Another solid option for smaller batches is the Excalibur 3500 5‑tray digital dehydrator.

Having said that, the 3900b is the upgraded model and is generally made from longer-lasting components. It has a longer product warranty because of this and is a good buy for people who are serious about food dehydration.

Excalibur 3900b vs 3926TB: Feature Comparison

FeatureExcalibur 3900bExcalibur 3926TB
Trays99
Drying Space15 sq. ft.15 sq. ft.
Adjustable ThermostatYesYes
TimerNoYes (built-in)
Auto Shut-OffNoYes
Warranty10 years10 years
PriceLowerSlightly higher
Best ForManual monitoring usersUsers wanting automation

While both models from Excalibur’s well-regarded line of food dehydrators—3900b and 3926tb—are high performers, the 3926TB comes equipped with an auto shut-off functionality and a built-in timer, which the 3900b lacks. These features may be invaluable to busy households, large families, or amateur chefs who prefer a more hands-off approach to food dehydration.

Ultimately, the choice between the 3900b and 3926tb should hinge on your own personal preferences, usage frequency, and budget constraints. If you need even more capacity and stainless steel trays, the Excalibur EXC10EL commercial‑style dehydrator is another strong contender.

Conclusion: Is the Excalibur 3900b the Right Food Dehydrator for You?

Having put the Excalibur 3900b through its paces, it’s clear that it’s not just another run-of-the-mill food dehydrator. This machine is a serious contender for the top spot in your kitchen gadget lineup. Its standout feature is undoubtedly the expansive 9 trays that allow for a generous amount of drying space; it’s a must-have for large families or folks who have big gardens.

Working with the Excalibur 3900 is a delight, thanks to the adjustable thermostat that puts you in control of food temperature, ensuring each ingredient dries at its optimum level. It efficiently uses low temperatures to preserve nutrients, making it ideal for those desiring to maintain enzymes in living foods. But if your interest lies in making beef jerky or homemade yogurt, the Excalibur 3900b has got you covered too. Just prepare your food, set it, and forget it!

Though not a cheap dehydrator, the Excalibur 3900b’s performance and features justify its price tag. Its sturdy, well-built design ensures it will stand the test of time. Plus, it’s energy efficient, which means it’s gentle on your utility bills, as well as the environment.

But, as with any product, the Excalibur 3900b has a few drawbacks. For one, it’s quite large, making it a challenge for those with limited kitchen countertop space. And, although it’s food-grade safe, the dehydrator’s plastic trays require careful handling to avoid cracking or breaking.

So, is the Excalibur 3900b right for you? If you’re a serious dehydrator user who values capacity, precise temperature control, and energy efficiency, it’s hard to go wrong with this model. If you’re willing to invest in quality and performance, the Excalibur 3900b could very well be the food dehydrator you’ve been searching for.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Excalibur 3900b Dehydrator

Why is Excalibur dehydrator so special?

Excalibur dehydrators, renowned for their top-notch food dehydrating appliances, often come outfitted with their patented Hyperwave Technology, making them a fantastic option when you’re in the market for a new dehydrator.

Is a dehydrator the same as a freeze dryer?

No, a dehydrator like the Excalibur 3900b simply removes moisture from food at a low temperature over a prolonged period, while a freeze dryer rapidly freezes the food before reducing the surrounding pressure and adding heat to let the frozen water in the food sublimate directly from the solid phase to the gas phase.

Do you leave empty trays in dehydrator?

With the Excalibur 3900b food dehydrator, it’s fine to leave some trays empty if you don’t have enough food to fill all of them. The air will still circulate effectively, ensuring that your food dries evenly and efficiently.

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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!