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

Excalibur has packed a whole lot of features into the 3900b, including their Hyperwave Fluctuation Technology and Horizontal Parallax Technology. It’s a fantastic step up for serious food dehydrators who want to use the whopping 15 overall feet of tray space that this specific unit provides.

Let’s get started with the Excalibur 3900b review.

First Impressions of the Excalibur 3900b Dehydrator

Unpacking the Excalibur 3900b, the first thing you notice is its professional, robust design. 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. That’s enough room to dehydrate a variety of foods, making it perfect for large families, avid home cooks, or even those with large gardens. 

One of the unique selling points of the Excalibur 3900 is its advanced dehydration technology, noticeable even a first glance. The machine incorporates the Horizontal Parallexx drying system. 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.

Who Is This for?

The Excalibur 3900b is perfect for anyone who is looking to step up from a lower model, such as the 2400. It is also great for professional chefs and those who do a lot of drying.

The nine included trays make it ideal for people who do a lot of food dehydration but it’s not certainly going to be the perfect choice for a beginner in this area.

What’s Included?

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

You get the nine trays, each with an individual capacity of 15 by 15 inches, but if you are looking to add more, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Typically, though, 15 feet of drying space should be enough for most people. You will also get nine mesh sheets.

Some people also like to use Teflon sheeting when drying certain kinds of foods but it is not included in this package. You’ll need to purchase it separately.

Exploring the Unique Features of the Excalibur Dehydrator 3900b

So, have you ever wondered what makes the Excalibur Dehydrator 3900b so exceptional? Now, we will unpack the unique features that set it apart from its competitors. First, let’s talk about its size, with nine plastic trays, this deluxe dehydrator offers a whopping 15 square feet of drying space. That’s a whole lot of room for your dehydrating projects! 

Digging deep into the core of the Excalibur 3900b, its robust fan motor stands strong. Utilizing its proprietary Horizontal Parallexx drying mechanism, the unit facilitates increased air circulation, ensuring that food temperature is maintained for optimal dehydration. It’s the kind of technology that takes food dehydration to the next level. 

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. 

Unlike a cheap dehydrator, the Excalibur 3900 takes care of the common problem of fluctuating temperatures with its unique Hyperwave Patented Technology. This system ensures consistent warmth throughout the unit, effectively removing moisture from your food. It’s notable how the Excalibur Tray allows food to dry faster and more evenly without having to rotate the trays. 

When it comes to accommodating a variety of foods, the 3900b proves itself as a real game-changer. 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. This truly makes 3900b an all-rounder, perfectly suitable for large families or anyone with large gardens. 

Furthermore, 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. To our excitement, we also found out that it contains globally sourced materials and is food-safe, making it safe for daily use. 

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. 

Summary of Features

Excalibur is known in this space for including some pretty awesome technology and the Excalibur 3900b deluxe dehydrator is no exception.

A 600-watt, seven-inch rear mounted heating unit and fan means that food is evenly dried. This is typically much better than fans that are mounted on the top or the bottom of other units because it ensures a more even air flow throughout the dehydrator.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a 600-watt motor makes this a pretty powerful unit. The biggest drawback here is that it can be noisy during normal operation.

One of the biggest problems with dehydrators is that the process can destroy vitamins and nutrients. Excalibur has minimized this by making the whole unit opaque. The door itself is dark and will not let any light in. This ensures a minimization of nutrient loss.

The unit itself is also quite large and can accommodate quite a lot of food. This makes drying lots of food in one hit a real possibility.

Since this unit also contains nine trays, this makes it adaptable to different-sized foods. Each tray can easily be removed to accommodate food of any size or type. A removable tray and door also make unit cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

Importantly, the included thermostat has an adjustable range between 105 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for not just normal food dehydration but also for drying out meats.

Hyperwave Fluctuation Technology means that the unit can alter the intensity of the heat throughout the drying cycle. This ensures a more even drying process both inside and outside the food. This technology also allows more of the natural food enzymes to be active but still prevents the growth of mold and yeast.

Horizontal Parallax Technology promotes a much more even air flow across all of the trays. This means that you won’t need to rotate them during the process of drying, thus contributing to the safety and ease of use of the Excalibur 3900b.

Pros:

  • It’s very easy to clean and maintain
  • Drying is even and air current is good because of the heating device and fan at the rear
  • A long product warranty of 10 years is included
  • Trays can be easily separated to accommodate lots of different foods
  • An 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:

  • The Excalibur 3900b 9 tray dehydrator might be a bit too noisy for some people
  • 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

Performance Test: Excalibur 3900b in Action

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. One of the instantly noticeable strengths of this unit is the ample drying space across the nine trays, allowing food to be spread out evenly. With 15 square feet of drying space, you’re not going to run out of room anytime soon.

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. In fact, it was gratifying to watch the unit work superbly, drying the apple slices, beef jerky, and even homemade yogurt evenly and efficiently. 

I also loved the control the adjustable thermostat provides, ensuring the food temperature stays within the desired range. This feature is essential because low temperatures preserve the nutrients in the food while still removing moisture. It was impressive to see how the Excalibur 3900b was able to maintain enzymes in the food by controlling evaporative moisture with the Hyperwave Technology. 

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. 

Overall, in my experience, the performance of the Excalibur 3900b was exceptional. Whether you’re planning to make dehydrated bananas, fruit leathers, or beef jerky, this unit is up to the task. Plus, the removable plastic trays are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze.

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. 

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.

Dehydrating a Variety of Foods: From Fruits to Homemade Yogurt

  • 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 as pineapple and mango. Plus, you can make tasty fruit leathers and roll-ups.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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. From making chewy beef jerky and wholesome dried fruits to delicious homemade yogurts, this deluxe dehydrator truly makes the magic happen. Let’s take a closer look at how to use this fantastic kitchen tool to its fullest extent, following a step-by-step guide that ensures optimal results every time. 

First off, let’s talk about food preparation. The Excalibur tray allows food to be spread thinly and evenly, facilitating better drying. When using your Excalibur dehydrator, remember that even thinly sliced foods ensure a uniform end product. Whether it’s uniformly chopped vegetables or evenly cut meat strips you’re dehydrating, initial preparation is integral for a successful dehydration session. 

Following food preparation, the next step is loading up the trays. One of the benefits of having an Excalibur 9 tray food dehydrator is that you’ve got ample drying space. Each tray can be filled up with your food of choice, ensuring that the maximum amount of food is dehydrated at once. By utilizing the adjustable thermostat, you’re ensuring food temperature is controlled, thereby maintaining enzymes and nutrients. 

Once your trays are filled, slide ’em into the dehydrator, set the temperature using the temperature control, and let the Excalibur 3900 work its magic. The Excalibur dehydrators use Horizontal Parallex drying, which allows for increased air circulation and even heating, removing moisture, and effectively dehydrating your foods. It’s all about controlling evaporative moisture to ensure your foods dry evenly and thoroughly. 

The great thing about this Excalibur dehydrator 3900b is its ability to work on low temperatures which preserve nutrients in living foods, making the food you consume more nutritious than other cooking methods.

The final and perhaps the most satisfying step is to enjoy your food. From dry herbs to dehydrated bananas or making jerky, there’s no end to what you can create with the Excalibur 3900b. More than just a machine, this Excalibur food dehydrator is a channel for creativity running straight from your kitchen countertop to your plate. Serve up your dehydrated treats right away, or store them in airtight containers if you have plans to save some for later dates. 

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. 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.

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

Like any tool, the Excalibur 3900b 9 tray electric food dehydrator performs its best when the user understands how to leverage its full potential. So, here we have a few tips and tricks to make your dehydrating journey a breeze. 

First off, remember to balance your load. Try to fill all trays evenly preventing energy waste and encouraging efficient dehydration. This doesn’t mean you need to wait until you have enough food to fill all nine trays, but try to distribute the food you have evenly across them. This rule applies to both fruit slices for a fruit dehydrator and meats for your homemade beef jerky recipes

Don’t forget about the adjustable thermostat. It’s a key feature of the Excalibur 3900b that allows you to set an ideal temperature for your food. Low temperatures help preserve nutrients and enzymes in living foods, while higher temperatures adequately dehydrate meats, creating delicious homemade jerky with ease. The only difference is the time it’ll take for the dehydration process. Remember, the lower the temperature, the longer it’ll need to properly dehydrate. 

And while it may be tempting to crank up the temperature to speed up the process, remember this can result in the outside of the food drying quickly, while the interior remains moist. This might lead to spoilage in stored foods, a pitfall many users of less sophisticated dehydrators commonly encounter. 

Maintaining proper airflow with the Excalibur 3900b’s Parallexx Horizontal Airflow technology is crucial for successful dehydration. Remember to leave enough room between food pieces on the tray allowing for increased air circulation. Too much overlap can lead to uneven drying. 

Experimenting is the name of the game. Don’t be scared about testing this unit with various foods. Try out fruits for some delicious fruit leathers or roll-ups, create your own herbs with its low temperatures, or even venture into making homemade yogurt with the Excalibur dehydrator. The Excalibur 3900b provides enough room for your culinary adventures. 

Last but not least, never underestimate the importance of cleaning your Excalibur dehydrator. The plastic trays are dishwasher safe, which makes 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. 

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.

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

While both models from Excalibur’s well-regarded line of food dehydrators—3900b and 3926tb—are high performers, there are some defining differences that set them apart. The 3926TB packs a few more features than its corresponding model, which are reflected in its slightly higher price tag. 

First off, the 3926TB comes equipped with an auto shut-off functionality. This is a great tool to have if you have a set timeframe for drying your foods but don’t want to continuously monitor the process. It enhances and reinforces the ease of use that Excalibur dehydrators are known for, allowing the user more freedom to attend to other tasks while the dehydrator works its magic. 

Another unique feature of the 3926TB is its built-in timer. This is a feature that the 3900b lacks and could be a decisive factor for those who need to be exact about their dehydrating schedules for optimal results. With a timer at your disposal, you can set your dehydrator to run for a specific period, ensuring that your foods are never under or over-dehydrated. 

While these additional features on the 3926tb contribute to its higher cost relative to the 3900b, they could well be worth the minor increase in price for some users. The convenience of having an auto shut-off function and timer 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. Both models offer excellent performances, but the finer touches on the 3926TB might be what swings your decision.

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

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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!