A food dehydrator can help you save a ton of money by making your own snacks, jerky or dog treats at home. It can become a way of discovering new recipes and help you with healthier snacking habits.
You can use fresh produce for fruit rolls that might otherwise have spoiled, or you can create your own spices right out of your garden. If you are looking to buy a new one, we are here to help with a quick review of the Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator 4 trays. We will give you an overview of its features and tell you more about its pros and cons.
The Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator is a 500-Watt drying and heating unit with a top mounted fan. The position of the fan ensures that the liquids do not drip into the heating chamber. It has the added feature of an adjustable thermostat from 95-155°F. It has a Converga flow drying system which means you do not have to spend your valuable time to rotate trays.
On top of that, it has a sheet for fruit rolls, and it is expandable. It comes with 4 trays but you can extend it to a larger quantity of twelve. You also get some jerky spice and cure packets with your purchase. But let’s see if it really delivers on its promises.
Getting to Know the Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator
Unpacking the Nesco FD-60: A First Look at Features and Functionality
When it comes to features and functionality, the Nesco FD Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator surely does pack a punch. Right out of the box, the first thing you’ll notice is its sleek, compact design. But don’t be fooled by its petite exterior – this little champ caters to both small and larger batches of food with equal efficacy.
The Nesco Snackmaster FD is a coveted food dehydrator, admired for its adjustable thermostat, which ranges between 95 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. This wide temperature range makes it versatile enough to accommodate all sorts of foods. Whether you’re drying fruits, and veggies, or making thin, delectable strips of beef jerky, this adjustable thermostat has got you covered.
It’s no secret that the secret behind the Nesco FD’s remarkable drying power lies in its patented Converga-Flow drying system. This unique engineering ensures fast, even heat distribution without the need for tray rotation. The fan, strategically located at the top, prevents liquids from dripping into the heating chamber, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
If there’s one thing the Nesco Dehydrator FD60 does exceptionally well, it’s the efficient utilization of space. The dehydrator is compact; yet, it comprises four high-quality food-grade plastic trays offering a considerable drying area. What’s more, it also has an expandable capacity, as you can add up to 12 trays, that’s right, the Add A Trays feature allows you to stack up, making it perfect for those times when you’re handling large batches of food.
And let me tell you, folks, the trays are not any ordinary trays; they are crafted from durable high-quality food-grade plastic. Yes, the Nesco FD 60 dehydrator trays are made in the USA, and they’re not just durable, they’re also dishwasher-safe ( just be sure to remove them once your dishwasher shifts into the drying cycle, as stated in the product’s guidebook). So you can skip the hand wash routine after every use and let your dishwasher do the dirty work for you.
Note to all: The Nesco Snackmaster FD is definitely the dehydrator to beat when it comes to functionality and intuitive design.
Last but certainly not least, the Nesco Snackmaster FD is equipped with a Vita-Save exterior that effectively blocks harmful lights that could potentially destroy the nutritional content of your food during the dehydration process. And no worries about the loud noises – the FD-60 operates relatively quietly, ensuring a disturbance-free environment.
Features
- The Nesco Food Dehydrator FD 60 has 500 Watts of power
- It has a top mounted fan that prevents liquids into the heating chamber
- It comes with an adjustable thermostat from 95 to 155°F (35 to 68°C)
- It has a Converga flow drying system
- There is no need to rotate trays
- It includes a fruit roll sheet
- The Nesco FD 60 Snackmaster Express food dehydrator 4 trays has a circular form
- It is expandable, it comes with 4 trays but can operate with up to 12
- It comes with jerky spice and cure packets
- Dimensions: 13.6 x 9.8 x 13.5 in (34.54 x 24.89 x 34.29 cm)
- Weight: 7 pounds (3.17 kg)
Pros
- The plastic trays are BPA free
- The trays are dishwasher safe (You can easily clean the trays by simply soaking them in the sink or briefly placing them on the top rack of your dishwasher. Just remember to take them out after a few minutes of washing, and avoid running a full cycle!)
- It is very easy to clean the Nesco FD 60
- It can run continuously for a long time
- There is a temperature chart on the lid
- It is very simple to use
- It has large trays and dries food quickly
Cons
- It runs quite loud and you will smell the food while it is drying
- Garlic or onion smells will stay in the plastic and are not the best foods to use with this dehydrator
- It does not have a power button so you have to unplug it
- It does not have an automatic timer
- It does not work well in very humid areas
- The motor is not very durable
Making the Most of Nesco FD-60 Dehydrator Trays: Maximizing Your Drying Area
Let’s dive into the heart of the Nesco FD – the dehydrator trays. What makes these trays worth the hype? Well, as a proud owner, I can assure you, these are anything but ordinary trays. The standard package comes with four Nesco FD-60 dehydrator trays but the beauty is, you can easily stack up to 12 trays providing plenty more drying area. Preparation of larger batches of your favorite foods? You bet it’s no problem for this gadget.
Every tray is a masterstroke of practical design, crafted from high quality food grade plastic that promises durability and safety.
These trays thoughtfully designed, provide plenty of space for drying a variety of foods effectively and evenly. You can lay out your cut fruits, vegetables, spices, or my all-time favorite – the beef jerky, neatly across the trays, without worrying about overcrowding or uneven drying. This ‘even drying’ feature is a game-changer since it eliminates the need to rotate trays throughout the process.
Durability is another feather in the cap. These trays are made of a high-quality food-grade plastic that not only endures the test of time but also is safe for food preparation. I’ve used mine for a fairly long time now and they’ve held up impressively well. Talk about value for money!
And on the days when you’ve got more food than trays, the Nesco Snackmaster FD 60 is compatible with the Add A Trays series, so you can easily expand your drying area. And guess what? You won’t have to fear running out of space again while making those large batches for the end-of-year party or holiday celebrations. Need to dry strawberries, apples, and bananas all on the same day? Consider it done!
From Beef Jerky to Bananas: Testing the FD-60’s Drying Power
If you’re looking for a food dehydrator with some real drying muscle, let’s dive into the Nesco FD-60’s performance. Does it have the strength to transform everything from succulent beef to ripe bananas into perfectly preserved snacks? Spoiler alert: Yes, it does.
One of the standout features of the Nesco FD is its powerful 500-watt motor. This is where the FD-60 thrives, delivering consistent drying power to ensure even and efficient dehydration. Whether it’s succulent meat for beef jerky, ripe bananas for a healthy snack, or delicate herbs for your culinary endeavors, the Snackmaster handles them all with ease.
- Beef Jerky: In a test run with beef, this kitchen appliance had me (and my carnivorous family) smiling from ear to ear. The meat is dehydrated evenly – no spots were too dry or too moist. The texture was perfect, a nice balance between chewy and succulent that made for some exceptional beef jerky.
- Fruits: When it came to fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries, the FD Snackmaster was equally impressive. It’s no small feat to maintain the natural sweetness of fruit while removing all the moisture, but this machine managed it admirably.
- Spices: With spices, the machine demonstrated its versatility. It handled everything from rosemary to mint, drying them perfectly while preserving their potent aromas and flavors.
Another noteworthy feature is the NESCO’s Converga-Flow system. Instead of a usual bottom-mounted fan, Nesco Snackmaster FD features a top-mounted fan, eliminating the need for rotation of trays and promising even drying from top to bottom. And I have to admit, they’ve delivered on that promise.
In summary, when it comes to drying power, the Nesco Snackmaster FD-60 hits it out of the park. No matter what you throw at it, this product consistently delivers high-quality results.
So, to answer my initial question: Yes, the FD-60 can handle everything from beef jerky to bananas. And it does so with aplomb.
Adjusting to Your Needs: The Nesco FD-60’s Adjustable Thermostat
The versatility of the Nesco FD-60 lies in its adjustable thermostat. This feature isn’t just a fancy add-on; it’s central to the real-world functionality of this machine. Picture this: you’ve loaded up your Nesco Snackmaster FD-60 trays with an array of foods, from fruits and vegetables to more daring experiments like spices and beef jerky. Now comes the challenge: how do you ensure each type of food dries at just the right temperature to maintain its flavor, nutrition, and texture, without mixing or ruining others? Enter the Nesco FD-60’s adjustable thermostat.
This is where the FD-60 really shines — its adjustable thermostat, which can be set anywhere between 95°F and 155°F. It conveniently allows you to set and maintain your chosen temperature throughout the dehydration process. There’s no need to worry about overheating or underheating your food. You are in control.
Why does this matter, you might ask? Consider the goal of food dehydration — you want to remove moisture from foods leaving them safe from bacteria and extending their shelf life, all while retaining nutritional value. An adjustable thermostat allows you to apply just the right amount of heat for the right duration, ensuring maximum food quality. For example, herbs and spices need a lower temperature compared to meats. With the Nesco FD’s range, you can easily adjust to these differences.
Moreover, the adjustable thermostat is not something you see on every food dehydrating machine, especially in this price range. This gives the Nesco FD Snackmaster an edge over its competitors. Some models come with a fixed temperature setting, which limits what you can do. But not with the Nesco FD. Whether you are a dehydrating rookie or a seasoned pro, you’ll appreciate the level of control this gives you.
Comparing Nesco FD-60 with Other Top Dehydrators: A Market Showdown
Comparing dehydrators can be overwhelming with numerous options on the market. However, when it comes to the Nesco FD-60, it faces the competition head-on with its remarkable features, standing as a champion in its class.
Against many competitors, the Nesco FD-60 shines in its ability to maintain an even drying environment. Many dehydrators struggle to keep an even temperature across all trays, resulting in unevenly dried foods. However, the Converga-Flow system in the FD-60, which forces hot air down the exterior pressurized chamber and across each tray, ensures evenly dried food every time.
When compared to Excalibur models, a popular choice among consumers, the Nesco FD-60 offers superior value. Excalibur dehydrators are often priced higher and although they offer a larger drying space, for many home users, the four tray capacity of the Nesco FD Snackmaster is more than ample. Furthermore, the FD-60 has the added feature of expandability, allowing up to 12 trays to be used, providing a capacity rivaling that of the larger Excalibur models at a fraction of the price.
In terms of durability, Nesco FD stands head and shoulders above many of the low end dehydrators in the market. Constructed of high-quality food-grade plastic, this dehydrator not only promises longevity but also ensures that your food is safe from harmful toxins.
Overall, when drawing comparisons, the Nesco FD60 remains a strong contender in the market due to its unique features, affordability, and excellent performance. Regardless of what brand it’s up against, the FD-60 continues to impress, making it an exceptional choice for consumers looking for a top-notch food dehydrator.
Can I Stock More Trays in My Nesco Dehydrator FD 60?
So, you’ve fallen in love with your Nesco FD and you’ve started dehydrating all sorts of goodies. Before you know it, you’ve got more fruits, vegetables, and jerky lined up than your Nesco Snackmaster FD 60 trays can handle. Can you add more trays to your nifty dehydrator? Let’s get into it.
The Nesco Snackmaster FD-60 comes stock with four trays, affording you a decent amount of space to dry your food. But here’s the kicker: the Nesco FD-60 is designed to accommodate up to 12 trays. Yes, you read it right! Which means you can ramp up your capacity and do larger batches at once. A dream come true for those enthusiastic about bulk dehydrating.
But how do you go about expanding this drying area? It’s simple, you purchase Nesco’s Add-A-Trays separately. Each pack typically contains two additional trays. So if you’re aiming for the maximum capacity of your dehydrator, you’ll need to purchase four packs. Now, why would you want to do this?
- Efficiency: More trays mean more drying space. This increased capacity will allow you to dehydrate larger batches in one go, saving precious time and electricity. Imagine quickly preparing enough beef jerky for an entire camping trip, or having a pantry full of dried fruits and veggies ready for use.
- Flexibility: Maybe you’re not into bulk drying, but there’s a variety of foods you’d like to dehydrate. More trays would mean dedicating separate trays to different kinds of foods, giving you the flexibility to dehydrate a variety – from fruits to vegetables and spices – all at the same time.
Let’s talk quality. The Add A Trays are made from durable quality food-grade plastic, the same as the original trays that come with your Nesco FD-60. They can be hand-washed for cleanup.
But remember, while expanding your drying capacity seems like a great deal (and it indeed is for the most), it could require a slightly longer drying time. Sounds fair, right? After all, the benefit of loading up with more trays generally outweighs the fact that it might take a bit longer for your delicious dried creations to be ready.
Juicy fruit roll-ups, irresistible beef jerky, and a variety of other dried foods; your Nesco Snackmaster FD-60 just became a powerhouse of potential. So, if you’re curious to explore the world of dehydration more fully, stocking up on a few extra trays might be a smart move. And guess what, those extra trays also come in handy if you accidentally lose or break one!
It’s all about getting the most from your appliance and making your food last longer. Whether you’re planning for your next adventurous trip, prepping for an NHL marathon weekend, or simply love the art of preserving foods, having extra trays for your Nesco FD-60 can certainly be a game changer!
Making the Purchase: Where and How to Buy Your Nesco FD-60
If you’re now convinced that the Nesco FD60 Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator is your perfect kitchen companion, the next question on your mind might be, “Where can I get my hands on one?” Well, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a mini-guide to help you secure your purchase.
It’s important to note the Nesco FD-60 is easily available both online and offline. Online platforms such as Amazon, the Nesco official website, and other home appliance stores like Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond stock the product regularly. Of course, the availability might vary a bit, thanks to the Nesco FD-60’s popularity. So, if you find it in stock, don’t hesitate to grab one!
If you have a preference for in-person shopping, consider checking out any well-stocked appliance department in your local retail stores. You might just find the Nesco Snackmaster FD 60 sitting pretty on the shelf.
Buying Online vs. In-Store: What to Consider
Now, should you buy online or in-store? Here are a few things to think about:
- Convenience: If you prefer the convenience of having your purchase delivered straight to your doorstep, you will find online shopping more suitable. Most online stores offer home delivery, some even at a global level.
- Price: Online shopping often provides a chance to snag a great deal. Discounts and sales run quite frequently, and you might just get your Nesco FD-60 dehydrator trays at a lower price. But, definitely shop around a bit to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- Experience: Some people prefer shopping in a traditional retail environment. It gives them the chance to evaluate the product physically before making a purchase. If that’s your style, go for it!
Here’s a pro tip: Remember to check out user reviews and ratings if you’re buying online. It will give you a real-world feel about the product.
Protecting Your Investment
Another important consideration before hitting that ‘buy’ button is thinking about your product’s longevity. The Nesco Dehydrator FD-60 boasts of durable high-quality food-grade plastic construction, but to enhance its life further, remember to follow the manual’s cleaning instructions diligently. The trays are not dishwasher safe, and hence, require a gentle hand wash. Following these small steps will ensure a longer life for your product and a lifetime of delicious dried fruits, veggies, and meat!
Where to Find Nesco FD 60 Manual
You can find these manuals on the official Nesco website. You can also search Nesco FD 60 manual on several other sites online.
Summary
The Nesco Snackmaster gives you the opportunity to create a large variety of snacks because it has large trays and comes with adjustable temperature settings. Some of its best features are that the plastic trays are also BPA free and dishwasher safe (make sure to not put it on full cycle).
This means it really is easy to keep clean. It can run continuously for quite some time and if you are unsure of what temperature and time you need, there is a handy temperature chart right on the lid. You can also add additional trays so you can create quite an amount of jerky, treats, or dried fruit in one go.
On the negative side, we have to mention that it is not the quietest of food dehydrators. So you might not be able to run it at night when people want to sleep nearby. It also does not have a power button, so to power off, you need to unplug it. It does not have an automatic timer and it does not like high humidity. This puts extra strain on the motor and it will not run very well.
Verdict
If you are in the market for a basic food dehydrator that is very simple to use, can handle anything from jerky to pineapple, peppers or dog treats and you don’t need any fancy settings or timers, the Nesco Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator is for you. It is easy to clean and you won’t need to study a manual for hours to know how to use it. The adjustable thermostat is a really nice addition for food dehydrators in this price range.
On the negative side, it is not the most durable of food dehydrators available and it does not come with any automatic features. So if you need it to do more, you might need to put some extra cash aside. It really won’t break the bank and will help you save even more money in the long run. With this dehydrator, you can preserve produce, create snacks and treats, and eliminate unnecessary waste. So it is a good mid-budget choice.
