Do you love sinking your teeth into savory beef jerky or tangy fruit leather? With the Excalibur 3948CDB food dehydrator, you will see the amazing benefits of preparing delicious, portable snacks for your family at a fraction of the cost of pre-made, store-bought options.
What is food dehydration? Food dehydration is one of the oldest known methods of food preservation, used by our pre-historic ancestors! It is still used globally as an ideal way of naturally preserving food. By evaporating the moisture content of meats, fruits, vegetables, and herbs, they become shelf-stable and more compact for easy storage or for grab-and-go snacks.
Excalibur 3948CDB Overview
- The 3948CDB Excalibur is a 9-tray food dehydrator with a digital 48-hr timer and adjustable thermostat, making it a versatile tool for anyone serious about food preservation. Its digital timer allows for precise dehydration, ensuring your foods are dried at the perfect temperature and duration.
- It is ideal for dehydrating a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, jerky, homemade yogurt, and more. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any kitchen, allowing you to make healthy snacks and preserve seasonal produce for year-round enjoyment.
- The unit features a clear door for easy monitoring of the drying process, so you can keep an eye on your food without disrupting the drying environment. This feature ensures that your food is dehydrated to perfection every time.
- It has a large dehydrating space of 15 square feet, making it perfect for bulk dehydration. Whether you’re preparing snacks for a large family or stocking up for the winter, the 3948CDB Excalibur provides ample space to accommodate all your dehydrating needs.
3948CDB Excalibur: A Comprehensive Review
Key Features and Benefits
- Parallexx Horizontal Airflow distributes air evenly over each tray, allowing food to dry faster and retain more nutrients. This technology ensures that every piece of food, from the top to the bottom tray, receives consistent air exposure, which is crucial for uniform dehydration. This feature is particularly beneficial when dehydrating large batches of food, as it minimizes the risk of uneven drying and spoilage.
- Hyperwave Technology ensures food temperature stays low enough to maintain enzymes and nutrients in foods being dehydrated by controlling evaporative moisture. This advanced technology works by fluctuating the temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria while preserving the food’s nutritional value. The ability to maintain these enzymes and nutrients is vital for those looking to create health-conscious snacks and meals.
- Adjustable thermostat with two temperature speeds for precise control over the dehydration process. The dual temperature speeds allow users to start the dehydration process at a higher temperature and then switch to a lower one, optimizing the drying time without sacrificing quality. This flexibility is ideal for dehydrating a variety of foods, from delicate herbs to robust meats.
- Digital timer with 48-hr capacity for convenient and hands-free dehydration. The digital timer provides the convenience of setting and forgetting, allowing users to carry on with their day without constant monitoring. This feature is especially useful for busy individuals who want to dehydrate food overnight or while away from home.
- Increased air circulation for faster and more efficient dehydration. The enhanced air circulation not only speeds up the dehydration process but also ensures that moisture is evenly removed from all food surfaces. This results in a more efficient dehydration process, reducing the risk of mold and spoilage. The increased air circulation also helps in maintaining the texture and flavor of the food, making it more appealing and enjoyable to consume.
Overall Dimensions
- Width: 17″
- Depth: 19″
- Height: 14″
- Color: Black (394CDB)
Specifications
- This is a 9 tray Excalibur dehydrator with 15 square foot capacity
- Plastic trays measure 15″ x 15″
- 48-hour digital timer
- Two time, two temperature settings for quicker drying
- Clear door to view drying progress
- Thermostat adjusts between 95ºF to 165ºF
- 7″ fan, 600 watts for increased air circulation
- Includes “Preserve it Naturally” book (a $24.95 value!)
- Limited 10-year warranty
- Made in USA
- 110/120 voltage designed for use in North America
Pros
The 3948CDB Excalibur 9 tray food dehydrator has an impressive list of features, including ease of use, portability, and a patented temperature control technology that ensures safe food preservation at home.
Versatile
The 3948CDB Excalibur 9-tray food dehydrator has 15 square feet of food space. This means you can dehydrate as little as one small berry or several pounds at once.
The adjustable thermostat is super important. The lower temperature dehydrates fresh produce and delicate herbs or flowers without destroying healthful active enzymes. The higher temperature is necessary to safely dehydrate meat for jerkies or treats for your furry friends.
Because of the patented Hyperwave™ technology and Horizontal Parallex™ drying, Excalibur 3948CDB has a continuous heated air flow that effectively dehydrates your favorite foods without heating up your kitchen.
The unit is light weight and portable enough to use or store in any room of your house.
Easy to Use
The 3948CDB model boasts an easy to set and easy to read digital thermometer and 48-hour timer. The two time, two temperature option can be set at a higher initial temperature for a specific time. When that time ends, it automatically adjusts to the second set temperature and time, reducing the need for continuous monitoring.
The PBA-free plastic mesh trays have a tighter weave that keeps small food pieces from falling through the trays, but big enough to promote maximum air flow and consistent drying temperature. The trays are easy to clean with warm, soapy water, and the machine simply needs wiped down with a damp cloth.
The glass door enables easy viewing and monitoring during the drying process without the need to disrupt the internal temperature by opening the door.
Other Delicious Benefits
By making your own delicious snacks, you can assure the quality of every ingredient. From start to finish, you know exactly what is going into your food. This is important if, like me, you have family members with food allergies or are finicky eaters.
No more expensive beef jerky or sugar-loaded fruit leather. For school lunches, backpacking, running errands, you will have high-quality, healthy dehydrated food at your fingertips.
You can also save money by taking advantage of seasonal produce and great sales at the grocery store and dehydrate in bulk.
Cons
Although in very highly rated, The 3948CDB Excalibur 9-tray food dehydrator still has room for improvement.
Recommended Improvements
The food dehydrator Excalibur 3948CDB model is somewhat noisy, not noisy enough to hear it throughout the house, but noisy enough to know it is working. To buffer the sound, it can be used in a lower-traffic area of your home.
The manufacturer could also improve the packaging, providing better protection during shipping.
Size
It is bulky and takes up a fair amount of counter space.
Necessary Accessories
The solid tray liners necessary to make fruit leather are not included with the dehydrator and must be purchased separately. Excalibur makes a silicone coated non-stick, ParaFlexx™ fruit leather sheet that fits most of their dehydrator models.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
- The 3948CDB Excalibur has an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5, with customers praising its ease of use, large dehydrating space, and advanced features. Many users appreciate the digital 48 hr timer and the adjustable thermostat, which provide precise control over the dehydration process. The unit’s ability to maintain enzymes and nutrients through its Hyperwave Technology is also a highlight for health-conscious individuals. Its capacity to handle bulk dehydration makes it ideal for those who wish to preserve large quantities of fruits, vegetables, and meats for year-round use.
- Some customers have noted that the unit can be a bit loud and that the trays can be difficult to clean. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Excalibur 9 tray dehydrator remains a popular choice due to its robust performance and reliability. To mitigate noise, users often place the dehydrator in a less frequented area of the home. As for cleaning, investing in tray liners can simplify maintenance and extend the life of the trays. Overall, the Excalibur 3948 is regarded as a valuable addition to any kitchen for those serious about food preservation.
Using the Excalibur 3948CDB
- Simply load the trays with your desired food, set the temperature and timer, and let the dehydrator do the work. The Excalibur 3948CDB is designed for user-friendly operation, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced dehydrators. Its intuitive controls ensure that each batch of food is dried to perfection, preserving the natural flavors and nutrients.
- The unit automatically adjusts after the initial setting and turns off when the second setting is complete. This smart feature allows you to start the dehydration process at a higher temperature to quickly remove surface moisture, then transition to a lower temperature to thoroughly dry the food without overheating. This dual-stage drying process is ideal for maintaining the integrity of delicate foods such as herbs and flowers.
- Use the clear door to monitor the drying process and ensure optimal results. The transparent door provides a convenient way to check on your food without interrupting the drying cycle. This feature is particularly useful for those who like to keep a close eye on the progress, ensuring that each tray receives even air distribution for consistent drying. Additionally, the clear door adds a sleek, modern touch to the design, allowing you to showcase your dehydrating skills.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Regularly clean the trays and unit to ensure optimal performance and prevent bacterial growth. This involves gently washing the trays with warm, soapy water and wiping down the unit with a damp cloth. Consistent cleaning not only extends the life of your dehydrator but also ensures that your food remains safe and uncontaminated.
- Check the temperature and timer settings to ensure they are accurate and functioning properly. This is crucial for achieving the desired dehydration results, as incorrect settings can lead to under or over-dried food. Regularly calibrating your dehydrator’s settings can help maintain its efficiency and reliability.
- Refer to the user manual for troubleshooting tips and guidelines. The manual is an invaluable resource for understanding the intricacies of your Excalibur 3948CDB. It provides detailed instructions on how to address common issues, such as uneven drying or error messages, ensuring that you can quickly resolve any problems and continue enjoying your dehydrator’s benefits.
Why Choose the Excalibur 9 Tray Food Dehydrator
- The Excalibur 9 Tray Food Dehydrator is a high-quality and reliable dehydrator that is perfect for home use. Its robust design and advanced technology make it a standout choice for those serious about food preservation. With nine spacious trays, it offers ample dehydrating space, allowing you to process large quantities of food at once, making it ideal for families or avid gardeners looking to preserve their harvest.
- It has advanced features such as Parallexx Horizontal Airflow and Hyperwave Technology for optimal dehydration results. Parallexx Horizontal Airflow ensures even air distribution across all trays, preventing any hot spots and ensuring uniform drying. This feature is crucial for maintaining the quality and texture of your dehydrated foods. Meanwhile, Hyperwave Technology adjusts the temperature to preserve enzymes and nutrients, making sure that your snacks are not only delicious but also nutritious.
- The unit is easy to use and control, making it perfect for beginners and experienced dehydrators alike. With a digital 48 hr timer and adjustable thermostat, you have precise control over the dehydration process. The user-friendly interface allows you to set specific times and temperatures, ensuring that your food is dried to perfection every time. Whether you’re drying fruits, vegetables, or meats, the Excalibur 9 Tray Food Dehydrator provides consistent results, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
Comparable Dehydrators
Excalibur 3900B 9 Tray Dehydrator
Excalibur 3900B 9-tray electric food dehydrator shares many of the same features as the 3948CDB model, such as the same patented technology, temperature range, plastic housing and trays, and a 10-year limited warranty. While it is two inches shorter than the 3948CDB, it still has 15 square feet of drying space. This model does not have a timer, nor does it have a see-through door for easy monitoring.
Ivation 10 Tray Dehydrator
Ivation 10 Tray Commercial Food Dehydrator has stainless-steel housing and stainless-steel dehydrating trays that are dishwasher safe. This model has a temperature range of 95ºF to 167ºF with a single 30-minute to 24-hour timer. It has a 1,000-watt rear mounted fan and is several inches longer and taller than the 3948CDB Excalibur and includes a removable drip tray, one mesh sheet, one solid sheet for fruit leather, a glass door, and a limited 1-year warranty.
Magic Mill Ten Tray Dehydrator
The Magic Mill 10-tray Food Dehydrator has a plastic housing and stainless-steel trays. This model has a single 30-minute to 24-hour timer, a temperature range of 95ºF to 165ºF, and a 600-watt rear-mounted fan. It includes a removable drip tray, a glass door, and a limited 1-year warranty.
Common Uses for the Excalibur 3948CDB
- Dehydrating fruits and vegetables for healthy snacks and meals is an excellent way to preserve seasonal produce, ensuring that you have access to nutritious ingredients year-round. Whether you’re creating apple chips, banana slices, or dried tomatoes, the Excalibur 3948CDB’s large dehydrating space allows you to process bulk quantities efficiently. This not only saves money but also reduces food waste, providing a sustainable solution for your kitchen.
- Making homemade yogurt and other dairy products is another fantastic use of the Excalibur 3948CDB. The adjustable thermostat and precise temperature control make it easy to maintain the ideal conditions for culturing yogurt, resulting in creamy, delicious homemade dairy treats. Additionally, you can experiment with flavors and ingredients to create custom yogurt varieties that cater to your family’s tastes.
- Creating jerky and other meat snacks is made simple with the Excalibur 3948CDB’s advanced features. The dual temperature speeds and Hyperwave Technology ensure that meat is dried safely, preserving its texture and flavor. Whether you’re preparing beef, turkey, or even fish jerky, this dehydrator provides consistent results, making it a favorite among jerky enthusiasts.
- Dehydrating herbs and spices for cooking and baking is a breeze with the 3948CDB Excalibur . Its efficient airflow and precise temperature control allow you to dry herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme quickly, preserving their essential oils and flavors. This not only enhances your culinary creations but also provides a convenient way to store herbs long-term, ensuring you have a ready supply for all your cooking and baking needs.
Choosing the Right Food Dehydrator
- Consider the size of the dehydrator and the amount of food you plan to dehydrate at one time. A larger unit like the Excalibur 9 tray food dehydrator offers ample space, making it ideal for families or those who frequently dehydrate large batches. Conversely, a 5 tray food dehydrator might be more suitable for smaller households or occasional use.
- Look for a dehydrator with adjustable temperature and timer controls for precise control over the dehydration process. A food dehydrator with digital features, such as a digital 48 hr timer, allows for more accurate settings, ensuring your food is dried to perfection without constant supervision.
- Check for features such as Parallexx Horizontal Airflow and Hyperwave Technology for optimal dehydration results. These technologies ensure even air distribution and temperature control, which are crucial for maintaining the quality of dehydrated food by controlling evaporative moisture and preserving nutrients.
- Read customer reviews and ratings to get a sense of the dehydrator’s performance and reliability. Pay attention to the average rating value and specific feedback on aspects such as noise levels, ease of cleaning, and overall durability. This will give you insight into the quality of the product and its value for money.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Food Dehydrator with Digital 48 hr Timer
- Use the digital timer to set precise dehydration times and temperatures. This feature is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your dehydrated foods, as it allows you to tailor the drying process to the specific requirements of each type of food. Whether you’re drying juicy fruits or lean meats, the digital timer ensures that each batch is dehydrated to perfection without the risk of over-drying or under-drying.
- Experiment with different temperature and timer settings to find the optimal dehydration method for your desired food. Adjusting these settings can help you discover new textures and flavors in your dehydrated snacks. For instance, you might find that a slightly lower temperature preserves the vibrant color of fruits or that a longer drying time enhances the chewiness of homemade jerky. By experimenting, you can customize your dehydration process to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.
- Use the clear door to monitor the drying process and ensure optimal results. The transparent door not only allows you to keep an eye on your food without interrupting the dehydration cycle but also adds a modern aesthetic to your kitchen. Observing the drying progress can help you make real-time adjustments to the temperature or time settings, ensuring that every tray receives even air distribution for consistent drying. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy being hands-on in the kitchen, as it provides a visual cue to the progress of your dehydrating efforts.
Summary of the Excalibur 3948CDB 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
Excalibur has been making dehydrators since 1973 and consistently attains high reviews for quality and longevity, with a 10-year limited warranty. The Excalibur 3948CDB 9-tray food dehydrator is one of the company’s larger models with coveted features such as a glass door for easier monitoring, a two time, two temperature option for faster, low-maintenance dehydrating
This model has a 600-watt rear-mounted fan for even heat and air distribution, and patented technology that maintains consistent internal temperatures, even if external temperatures fluctuate.
Included are nine BPA-free plastic, easy to clean mesh trays that efficiently dehydrate small, wet, or sticky foods. However, you will need to purchase solid, silicone-based tray sheets separately to make fruit leather.
If you desire to spend less money on delicious, healthy snacks and wish to spend less time in the kitchen, dehydrating is the ticket!
For further information and tips on food dehydration, check out these helpful articles.
FAQ
Do You Leave Empty Trays in a Dehydrator?
Leaving empty trays in a dehydrator, such as the Excalibur 3948CDB, is generally not recommended. Empty trays can disrupt the airflow within the unit, potentially leading to uneven drying of the food on other trays. The Excalibur’s advanced Parallexx Horizontal Airflow technology is designed to distribute air evenly across all trays. Removing unused trays can enhance this airflow, ensuring that each piece of food receives consistent exposure for optimal dehydration. If you don’t need all the trays for your current batch, simply remove the empty ones to improve efficiency and achieve better results.
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