Today, many people are looking to get a boost to their health by getting the most nutrients out of their food choices. Along these lines, many people turn to raw food options, since cooking food decreases some of the nutritional value.
In this regard, owning a food dehydrator is a great way to prepare snacks and meals that are incredibly nutrient-dense. You’ll want to find the dehydrator that fits your lifestyle so that you can make whatever kinds of foods you like most.
Check out this Kitchen Living food dehydrator review to make sure you get what you need.
Unboxing the Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator: First Impressions
Once you’ve unboxed your brand-new Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator, one noticeable factor would be its simple, straightforward design. Its compact size ensures that it doesn’t eat up too much space on your countertop, integral for anyone with a smaller kitchen. Comprised primarily of a sturdy plastic body along with five dehydrating trays, its design certainly leans more towards functionality over aesthetics.
Along with the trays, you’re also presented with an easily recognizable heating element towards the bottom of the unit. One feature notably missing is the temperature control, which might be a downside for some users. A simple on/off switch isn’t really ideal when you’re looking for a versatile dehydrating experience.
The instruction manual that comes with the dehydrator is pretty basic, covering only the most essential aspects of using the device. Here, guidelines about food dehydrating times and cleanliness are discussed, helping you understand how to get the best results from each batch you create. Cleaning is quite easy, a mild sponge and some soap can do the trick for cleaning the trays. But be aware, never pour liquids directly onto the heating element as it can damage the unit.
When it comes to setting up and using the Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator for the first time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s intended for easy household use, so you won’t require spending long hours figuring out the unit. However, as it lacks a timer setting, prepare to manually check on your dehydrating food every hour or so.
A Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator Review
In reviewing a food dehydrator, you need to be aware of a few important variables. Consider the following as you set out to see whether this dehydrator works for you:
1. Space and Capability
When you’re buying a dehydrator, you need to make sure you’re aware of the size specs, first and foremost.
This particular dehydrator has dimensions of 13 inches x 11.2 inches x 13.1 inches. It weighs a little more than 5 pounds, and should fit on any kitchen counter and can be easily stored in your cabinets.
People use this device for everything from veggie snacks and beef jerky to dog treats and different types of candy. Reviewers get a lot of bang for their buck when buying this model, and you’ll be glad that it’s so compact and powerful.
2. Power and Performance
Anytime that you buy a food dehydrator, it should pack a punch and should be able to handle multiple foods at a time. This one, in particular, comes with five 12-inch trays, which stack on top of each other and fit with ease.
The device operates at 125 watts and is noted for its quiet performance. It features a recipe book and instructions, allowing you to get what you need from it.
3. Price and Longevity
Depending on where you buy this dehydrator, you can get it for as little as $25. The price and value are one of the biggest selling points for this dehydrator, which is why people often buy more than one for their household.
When you buy it, make sure that you spring for the 2-year warranty so that you are able to get the best years out of it.
4. Durability and Maintenance
While the Kitchen Living food dehydrator may offer a great way to save money and extend the shelf life of your food, it’s essential to be aware of the unit’s limitations. One drawback of the dehydrator is its somewhat inconsistent heating element, which is mainly concentrated on one side. This means you’ll need to rotate the trays every hour or so for even drying. Additionally, there have been instances of the unit overheating and the drying trays melting under extreme conditions.
Despite such concerns, with proper care and preventive maintenance as per the Kitchen Living dehydrator manual instructions, you can prolong the lifespan of the device. Cleaning the trays isn’t a daunting task either. Just remember to use mild soap and a soft sponge for cleaning and avoid using sharp tools that can damage the trays. It’s also important not to pour liquids directly into the unit as it’s not intended to handle them.
5. User Experience and Support
For many users, the Kitchen Living food dehydrator has been a worthwhile purchase. The unit comes with five trays, offering ample space for drying a variety of foods. However, be aware that there is no temperature control or timer on the unit, which puts the onus on the user to monitor the progress.
The unit is mostly intended for household use, but that doesn’t stop avid food preservers and small business owners from using it for more extensive operations. The support can be improved from the sellers, as some customers reported unhelpful responses to their queries about the unit. That said, many were able to navigate the instructions with relative ease and found the user manual to be generally comprehensive.
Comparing the Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator with Leading Competitors
On its own, the Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator manages to stand out with its simplicity and affordability. Providing an economical avenue to dry food for those who want a taste of the dehydrating practice without the use of their traditional kitchen oven. Definitely a practical addition to any household, this unit has what it takes to provide you with good quality dried food.
For example, put this with the Nesco FD 37 and the Nesco wins due to its brand and quality However, let’s not entirely throw the Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator out of the competition just yet. Let’s remember our target audience: those looking for an affordable food dehydrator for household use. While Nesco may win in terms of brand and reputation, the Kitchen Living food dehydrator wins in terms of budget-friendly factors. Indeed, the key selling point for many is that this unit allows you to dehydrate food at a fraction of the cost of its competitors. So let’s look into its features and performance in detail.
Finding an Alternative: What Else Is Out There?
Given the concerns associated with the Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator, it may be beneficial for potential buyers to also consider alternatives before making a final purchase decision. For the discerning cooking enthusiast or business owner looking for a food dehydrator, the market offers a plethora of options that meet a variety of needs.
However, remember the most essential part of finding a food dehydrator: identifying one that works in accordance with your specific needs. You would want a dehydrator that possesses durability, excellent performance, and value for your money. So, let’s explore some of the popular alternatives to the Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator.
For those wanting superior heating elements, the Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator, for instance, is a highly-rated model that boasts a more powerful circulation system, thereby eliminating the need for hourly rotation of the trays. Additionally, it includes an adjustable thermostat, offering more precise control over the drying process.
If lid cleaning has been a consistent bother, the NESCO Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator might be worth considering. It is a 5 tray food dehydrator that has a top lid that is dishwasher safe, therefore, saving you time on maintenance and cleaning.
Those seeking budget-friendly options should turn their attention to the Hamilton Beach 32100A Digital Food Dehydrator. This model is affordable and highly rated by users for its performance and ample storage capacity.
All of these alternative food dehydrators are manufactured for household use and provide a range of features to suit various needs. Be aware of the guidelines provided in the dehydrator manual, attend to clean trays with a sponge and mild soap, and avoid pouring liquids directly onto the unit. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a dehydrator that fits your needs and your kitchen.
Where to Buy the Kitchen Living Food Dehydrator
Looking for the Kitchen Living dehydrator can be tricky because it’s not as widely known as some of its competitors and also has been a quest to find this brand anywhere apart from eBay. Aldi did have this in stock quite a while ago, but due to the company not making any new models, it’s become somewhat of a rarity. However, it does pop up on third-party seller websites every so often.
Given the Cons, Is It Worth It?
Whether the Kitchen Living dehydrator is worth your time and money largely depends on what you want out of it. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind being hands-on and closely monitoring your dehydrating foods, then this could prove to be an affordable option. Its limitations aside, it does provide value for the money, especially considering its relatively low cost compared to other food dehydrators in the market. However, if you’re looking for more advanced features like temperature controls and timers, you may want to consider other options.
Figure Out Which Dehydrator Works For You
When you are looking to get into dehydrated foods, this is a great model to start with. Make sure to take heed to this Kitchen Living Food dehydrator review so that you are able to get the best value out of it.
There are plenty of dehydrators on the market, and this is a great entry-level model that you can try out without having to pay an arm and a leg. Check for other reviews from buyers to make sure that you’re making the best purchase, and learning more about dehydrated foods as a whole.
Keep up with our site to learn the best food dehydrator tips and recipes once you’ve found the right model for your home.
