Tired of spending a ton of money on store bought snacks that are basically empty calories? The Nesco American Harvest Food Dehydrator is the solution to making healthy homemade snacks in your own kitchen. With its powerful drying and user friendly design you can preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of fruits, vegetables and meats. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned dehydrator user the Nesco American Harvest has even heat distribution and adjustable temperature control so you get perfect results every time. Try homemade dehydrated foods and take control of your snacking today.
Features
The Nesco American Harvest Dehydrator comes in a couple different variations, both which are made in the United States.
Nesco FD-37
The first is the FD-37 Food Dehydrator. This dehydrator is great for people who don’t plan to dry food in large quantities.
This dehydrator features 400 watts of drying power and can expand up to 7 trays of food. It has a fan forced radial air flow, so it doesn’t require any sort of tray rotation. It also has a clear top so you can keep an eye on the food drying process.
Overall, this model will work well for people who are just starting out and learning how to dehydrate foods. It does not have an adjustable thermostat, so you will have to do a little extra work to make sure that different types of food dry properly.
Nesco FD-1018P
The FD-1018P is the granddaddy of food dehydrators. It works well for people who need to dehydrate a lot of food in a short amount of time. Planning a long hike on the Appalachian Trail and need to minimize food weight? This will make food prep a breeze.
This dehydrator features 1000 watts of dehydrating power and can hold up to 30 trays of food. It has an adjustable thermostat, and it comes with eight trays, eight fruit roll sheets, and eight clean a screens. It also comes with the book How to Dry Foods.
The FD-1018P is regarded as one of the best food dehydrators on the market. It dries food in hours instead of days. The adjustable thermostat allows you to properly dry different types of food properly. It also allows you to dry different types of foods altogether without risk of flavor mixing because the air isn’t forced through the trays.
This Nesco American Harvest Food Dehydrator is super reliable and takes the extra labor out of drying food! The reliability and functionality come at a price, however. This bad boy will cost you well over $200, but if you’re serious about high-quality dehydrated food this is a no-brainer.
Nesco FD-37
The Nesco FD-37 American Harvest Dehydrator brings a lot to the table. With 400 watts of drying power, it provides an even heat distribution that ensures your food is thoroughly dried, preserving its nutritional value and extending its shelf life. This dehydrator can handle just about anything you throw at it – fruits, vegetables, herbs, or even meat for making beef or deer jerky. The external pressurized chamber guarantees an efficient drying process, eliminating the need for tray rotation and allowing the air to flow evenly and consistently. It’s simple to regulate the temperature to ensure the perfect conditions for different types of food. However, some feedback shows that this model might be slightly noisier compared to its peers.
Nesco FD-1018P
Now, talking about the Nesco FD-1018P Gardenmaster Dehydrator, one word comes to mind, and that’s ‘powerful. This dehydrator boasts a whopping 1000 watts of drying power and comes bundled with eight trays to give you a significant drying area. If you have large batches of foods to dehydrate, there’s no need to panic as the FD-1018P can cater to your need, being expandable up to 30 trays! The adjustable temperature control ensures you get the perfect drying conditions for a wide variety of foods, giving you the liberty to dehydrate various items at once. However, due to its high power capacity, this might not be the best dehydrator for those who are concerned about energy usage.
Comparisons & Drawbacks
Nesco FD-37
Comparatively, the Nesco FD-37 American Harvest Dehydrator acts as an entry-level model with less drying power but enough capacity for small to medium dehydrating tasks. While it’s indeed a reliable choice for beginners, serious food preservation enthusiasts might find it lacking in terms of capacity and power. The fixed temperature setting won’t give you the flexibility of adjusting the heat setting for different types of food. Nonetheless, it is an excellent choice for anyone who starts experimenting with home dehydrating.
Nesco FD-1018P
On the other hand, the Nesco FD-1018P Gardenmaster Dehydrator is for power users who need to dehydrate large batches of food simultaneously. Its power and capacity significantly overshadow the FD-37. The adjustable temperature control is a significant advantage when dehydrating various foods that need different heat levels. However, its high energy consumption might be a deterrent for some, and given its large size, storage could be an issue if space is tight in your kitchen.
User Experience
Nesco FD-37
The Nesco FD-37 dehydrator offers a user-friendly experience ideal for beginners. Its stackable tray system is easy to assemble and to clean, which makes the process stress-free. Moreover, because it does not require tray rotation, you can set it and forget it until your food is dried up and ready to eat.
Nesco FD-1018P
The Nesco FD-1018P, on the other hand, provides a more sophisticated user experience with a broader scope in terms of dehydrating capacity. With its adjustable thermostat and 8-tray expandability, it offers the flexibility to handle various foods simultaneously. Some users report the machine being loud, but the noise is a small price to pay for such a powerful dehydrator.
Maintenance and Durability
Nesco FD-37
Nesco uses high-quality materials to build their dehydrators, and the FD-37 is no exception. Despite the lower price point, this dehydrator is quite sturdy and durable. Its removable trays make it easy to clean and maintain. However, like any product, it can wear out with time, especially if not maintained properly.
Nesco FD-1018P
Similarly, the FD-1018P’s construction and design are built for long-term use. The exterior pressurized chamber and heating element are designed to prevent breakdowns and ensure longevity. It also comes with a protective screen to prevent food bits from falling into the heating chamber. Remember, though, this machine demands a higher level of maintenance due to its larger size and complexity.
Value for Money
Nesco FD-37
For its attractive price point, the FD-37 offers exceptional value. It’s an ideal entry-level dehydrator for those who want to experiment with drying foods without investing a lot of money. Just remember, it’s not built for heavy-duty, continuous use and does have limitations in its capacity and versatility.
Nesco FD-1018P Gardenmaster
The FD-1018P, though more expensive, offers great value for those who need to dehydrate large volumes of food or experiment with various types. With its durable build, high capacity, and versatility, you’re making an investment in a product that can be a kitchen workhorse for years to come, delivering considerable savings over the long haul compared to buying pre-packaged dehydrated foods.
Design
Design of Nesco FD-37
Imagine a spaceship, but for food. That’s what the Nesco FD-37’s quirky and distinctive look kind of reminds us of. Far from conventional, this nifty appliance boasts of a clear top to let you monitor the drying process. If you’ve had issues with space-hoarding kitchen gadgets, the FD-37 will bring you cheer. It’s compactness scores major brownie points, fitting comfortably on a countertop without occupying too much space.
The trays are stackable – you can purchase extra trays separately and build it up to a seven-tier food dehydrator! There’s no need to worry about any heat venting issues either. Its air flow system has been designed and engineered to perfection, ensuring an even spread of heat among all tiers.
Design of Nesco FD-1018P
The Nesco FD-1018P Gardenmaster, on the other hand, is like a skyscraper in comparison. Flashing an enhanced white exterior, this robust dehydrator has a towering design that speaks volumes about its immense capacity. It comes complete with a whopping eight trays! What’s more, the design allows adding up to thirty (!) more trays. That’s an abundance of space to dry a variety of foods – fruits, veggies, meat, you name it… and all at the same time!
Like the FD-37, this model too has a top-mounted fan providing powerful airflow and generating optimum drying power. It also has a patented exterior pressurized chamber that evenly pushes air from the central pressurized chamber to ensure even heat distribution. The adjustable temperature control gives more flexibility and precision over the drying process.
Both Nesco dehydrators have user-friendly designs to ease your dehydrating process. Streamlining your food prep has never been so sleek and efficient!
Best Foods to Dehydrate with Nesco American Harvest
When it comes to dehydrating food, Nesco American Harvest Dehydrators really shine, capable of preserving an amazing variety of foods. So, what’s the best food to dehydrate using these industry-leading machines?
Fruits
Fruits are an absolute favorite and for all the right reasons. Using the Nesco American Harvest Food Dehydrator, fruits like apples, bananas, cherries, mangoes, and pineapples undergo a magical transformation, becoming delicious fruit leather or chips. Remember to use fruit roll sheets for the best results, they make all the difference when you’re drying out sticky foods like fruits.
Vegetables
Looking for some crunchy, healthy snacks? Use your Nesco Dehydrator to create amazing veggie chips. From kale to beets to sweet potatoes, these dehydrators are fabulous for turning fresh vegetables into flavorful, nutritious, and long-lasting snacks.
Jerky
Meat lovers rejoice! The Nesco American Harvest Dehydrator is your perfect partner for making jerky. Beef, poultry, or even venison – transform raw meat into delightful jerky with your ultimate dehydrator. The adjustable temperature control makes it easy to achieve the perfect drying process for jerky. Usage of clean a screens for meat is recommended for an easy cleaning process.
Herbs
Prolong the life of your garden’s bounty by dehydrating your homegrown herbs in a Nesco Dehydrator. Drying herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, and oregano takes the guesswork out of home gardening, giving you a way to store them for months without losing their potent flavors and aromas.
Nuts and Seeds
Lastly, don’t forget about nuts and seeds. You can make your own trail mix right at home by dehydrating raw, soaked nuts and seeds. The result is a crunchy and nutritious snack that you can enjoy anywhere.
The versatility and efficiency of the Nesco American Harvest dehydrators gives you endless possibilities to explore. Whether you’re dehydrating for pleasure or health, with Nesco, you’re in good hands.
Air Flow for Perfect Dehydration
- Learn how to air flow for perfect dehydration with the Converga-Flow fan system. This system ensures air flows evenly across all trays, every time. No tray rotation required, so you can focus on making your favorite snacks.
- Top down air flow for even drying and minimal heat loss. Heat is distributed evenly, no hot spots and all food is dried to perfection. Top down air flow also retains the nutritional value of the food, so your snacks are delicious and healthy.
- Air flow is important for preserving the nutritional value of your food. Proper air flow prevents moisture build up which can cause spoilage and loss of nutrients. By having good air circulation you can be sure your dehydrated foods retain their vitamins and minerals and taste great and healthy.
Delicious and Healthy Snacks
With the NESCO American Harvest Dehydrator you can make a variety of delicious and healthy snacks. Start by making crispy banana chips, a great snack that retains the natural sweetness of bananas and has a nice crunch. The even air flow and adjustable temperature control ensures your banana chips turn out perfect every time. If you like fruity snacks try making fruit roll sheets with your favorite fruits. This is a fun and healthy way to eat fruit and the 52 page recipe instruction book that comes with the dehydrator has plenty of ideas to get you started.
If you like savory snacks homemade jerky is a must try. The NESCO dehydrator allows you to get the perfect balance of flavor and texture with its powerful drying and jerky seasoning cure. Try different meats and seasonings to find your favorite jerky recipe. You can also dehydrate a variety of vegetables for a tasty and healthy snack. The top mounted fan and horizontal air flow ensures even drying, preserves the nutritional value of your veggies and gives you a crunchy snack.
Dehydrating Fruits and Vegetables
Learn how to dehydrate fruits and veggies from apples to zucchini. When using a NESCO American Harvest Dehydrator you need to slice your produce evenly so it dries consistently. Thinner slices will dry faster, thicker pieces will take longer. Pre-treat fruits like apples and bananas with lemon juice to preserve color and nutritional value. For veggies blanch them briefly before dehydrating to enhance flavor and texture.
Dehydrating fruits and veggies, preserves nutritional value, creates healthy snacks. Dehydrating locks in the essential vitamins and minerals, so you can enjoy your favorite produce all year round. It also reduces food waste by extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Dehydrated snacks are lightweight, perfect for on the go snacking, hiking or camping trips. They also take up less counter space so you can store more in a smaller area.
Get tips on how to get the perfect texture and flavor with your dehydrated fruits and veggies. Try different temperature settings on your NESCO dehydrator to find the best drying conditions for each type of produce. The adjustable temperature control from 95°F to 160°F allows you to customize the drying for different foods. For extra flavor try seasoning your veggies with herbs or spices before dehydrating. Use fruit roll sheets to prevent smaller pieces from falling through the trays and ensure uniform drying. For best results make sure the top mounted fan and horizontal air flow gives even heat across all trays.
Jerky and Other Meat Snacks
This machine can turn many types of meat into jerky. With its adjustable temperature control you can dry your jerky at the perfect temperature for the best taste and texture. The dehydrator’s powerful fan system ensures even heat distribution so every piece of jerky is perfectly dried. Whether you like beef, turkey or even exotic meats like venison the NESCO American Harvest Dehydrator lets you try different flavors and seasonings to find your perfect jerky.
Make your own jerky and enjoy the benefits of controlling ingredients and saving money. By making jerky at home you have complete control of the ingredients so you can avoid preservatives and additives found in store bought jerky. This makes your jerky healthier and you can customize flavors to your taste. Making jerky at home is also more cost effective than buying pre-packaged jerky especially when you buy meat in bulk. The NESCO American Harvest Dehydrator is the way to make delicious and healthy jerky without breaking the bank.
Try dehydrating other meat snacks, beef to turkey. The NESCO American Harvest Dehydrator isn’t just for jerky. You can also make other dehydrated meat snacks like seasoned meat chips or dried sausage bites. The expandable tray system allows for big batches so it’s perfect for family gatherings or outdoor adventures. With the included 52 page recipe instruction book you’ll have plenty of ideas to try new recipes and techniques so your homemade meat snacks are always new and exciting.
Dehydrating Herbs and Flowers
- Learn to dehydrate herbs and flowers to make your own teas, potpourri and more. This skill allows you to preserve the flavors and aromas of your favorite herbs and flowers so you can enjoy them long after the growing season is over.
- Discover the benefits of dehydrating herbs and flowers which is to preserve their flavor and fragrance and to be able to make beautiful arrangements. Dehydrating is a great way to extend the shelf life of these natural treasures so they are always available for culinary, medicinal or decorative use when you need them.
- Learn how to get the perfect texture and flavor with your dehydrated herbs and flowers. By choosing the right temperature and time you can make sure your herbs and flowers retain their essential oils and colors. Proper storage will also extend their shelf life so you can enjoy their benefits all year round.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean regularly so your dehydrator keeps on running smoothly and evenly and doesn’t retain flavors from previous batches.
- Learn the benefits of cleaning and maintenance from preventing bacterial growth to extending the life of your dehydrator. Cleaning your dehydrator not only extends its life but also your dehydrated foods are safe and free from contamination. Regular maintenance checks will help you spot any issues early so you can address them before they become big problems.
- Start by removing and washing the BPA free trays and fruit roll sheets with warm soapy water and make sure all food residue is gone. Check the top mounted fan and make sure it’s not clogged. Also inspect the unit for any damage or wear and tear like cracks on the trays or issues with the temperature control. By doing these simple steps you can keep your NESCO dehydrator in top shape and ready to make delicious and healthy snacks.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
The NESCO American Harvest Food Dehydrator has a loyal following among home cooks and snackers and has great ratings across the web. Customers love how it works and how easy to use. Many reviewers praise the dehydrator for its powerful drying and how it preserves the nutrients of the food and gives consistent results.
Users like the adjustable temperature control so they can dry different foods from fruits and veggies to meats and herbs. The expandable tray system is also a favorite feature so they can increase drying capacity without taking up more counter space. The top mounted fan and horizontal air flow is also mentioned for even heat distribution so no need to rotate the trays.
Some customers mentioned that the dehydrator is a bit noisy especially the larger models. But this is a small price to pay for its efficiency and the quality of the dehydrated food.
Overall the NESCO American Harvest Food Dehydrator has great ratings and many users recommend it as a must have for anyone who wants to make homemade snacks. Whether you want to make banana chips, jerky or fruit rolls this dehydrator is versatile and powerful.
Warranty and Support
When you buy a NESCO American Harvest Dehydrator you’re not just buying a great appliance you’re also getting great customer support and warranty. NESCO offers 1 year limited warranty on their dehydrators which covers defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty gives you peace of mind that your dehydrator is covered in case of any issues.
In addition to the warranty NESCO has robust customer support to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Whether you need help troubleshooting, need guidance on how to use your dehydrator or need recipe advice NESCO’s customer service team is ready to assist you. You can reach them through phone or email for fast and friendly support.
Having a dehydrator with great warranty and support means you can enjoy dehydrating with confidence knowing help is just a call away. With NESCO you get not only a reliable dehydrator but also great customer care.
Tips and Tricks
When I first got my NESCO American Harvest Dehydrator I was excited to start making homemade snacks. Over time I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that really helps me get the most out of my dehydrator. Here are some of my favorites:
- Try Recipes: One of the best part of using a dehydrator is the ability to try out different recipes and techniques. I love trying new flavors whether it’s adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to my banana chips or experimenting with spicy jerky seasoning. The 52 page recipe instruction book that came with my dehydrator is a great resource for ideas.
- Uniform Slicing: Consistency is key when dehydrating. I always make sure to slice my fruits and veggies evenly so everything dries at the same rate. I invested in a good mandoline slicer and it made this process so much easier for me.
- Temperature: The temperature control on my NESCO dehydrator allows me to adjust the drying process for different foods. I set it to 95°F for herbs and delicate items and 160°F for jerky and tougher foods. This has been a game changer in getting the perfect texture and flavor.
- Pre-Treatment: To enhance the color and taste of my fruits sometimes I pre-treat them with lemon juice. It helps preserve their color and adds a slight tanginess I like. For veggies I blanch them quick before dehydrating to improve their flavor and texture.
- Storage: Once my snacks are dehydrated I store them properly. Airtight containers or vacuum sealed bags work best to keep them fresh and prevent moisture from getting in.
- Troubleshooting: I’ve learned that uneven drying can happen if the trays are overloaded. I don’t overload the trays and make sure the top mounted fan has enough room for air flow. If food sticks to the trays I use fruit roll sheets or clean screens to make it easy to remove.
Is the Nesco Food Dehydrator American Harvest Right for You?
Well, let’s cut to the chase here. If you are a serious foodie who loves experimenting with flavors and textures or a health enthusiast who prefers homemade snacks over store-bought ones, then the Nesco Food Dehydrator American Harvest might be your perfect kitchen assistant. With their unique features, these dehydrators allow you to dry a variety of foods, from juicy fruits to succulent meats, preserving their nutritional value while letting you control the additives.
Let’s start with the Nesco FD-37. This beast is straightforward and easy to use, making it the ideal choice for beginners. It’s a compact food dehydrator kit with a simple design that meets the basics of food dehydrating. Perfect for individuals who love to consume dried foods without compromising their nutritional value, the Nesco FD-37 offers a top-mounted fan providing even heat distribution by pushing hot air down and horizontally across each individual tray. The result is not just efficient drying but also no need for rotating trays. Now, that’s a labor-saving feature!
If you dream about making your own beef jerky or fruit leathers, this dehydrator with its exterior pressurized chamber is sure to make it a reality. Imagine savoring homemade deer jerky or enjoying fruit roll sheets made right in your kitchen with all their natural goodness! And the best part? There’s no need to worry about raw meat contaminating other foods. Everything is dried exactly at the right temperature to ensure safety.
Moving onto the Nesco FD-1018P: this power-packed food dehydrator is another marvel from Nesco American Harvest Food Dehydrator series that’s meant for serious foodies. This robust dehydrator comes with a whopping eight trays and has amazing drying power expandable up to 30 trays. Talk about handling a large batch of different foods all at once! No wonder it’s regarded as one of the best dehydrators in the American Harvest Nesco line.
What I like about the FD-1018P is its adjustable temperature control feature, allowing proper temperatures to facilitate the dehydrating process of a variety of foods. Whether it’s herbs, veggies, or meat, it’s got you covered. It also offers an impressive horizontal air flow system, symbolizing the excellent drying power of Nesco American Harvest Dehydrators. There’s a reason why the Gardenmaster Dehydrator, another name for the FD-1018P, is considered a powerful dehydrator!
Lastly, let’s not forget about the Nesco FD-1018P’s handy “clean a screen” feature. It comes really useful when dealing with sticky foods or small items such as herbs and spices. Plus, keeping it clean is just a breeze with its easy to wash trays.
Sold On the Nesco American Harvest Dehydrator?
The best way to save big money on dehydrated foods is to do it yourself. Whether you’re a food dehydrating veteran who is a pro at making things like dog treats, or a newbie, the Nesco American Harvest Dehydrator is a great option for everyone!
Want to learn more about dehydrated foods? Check out the rest of our website for all the dehydration tips and tricks you’ll ever need!
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