The Ronco 5-Tray Food Dehydrator: A Comprehensive Review and Buyer’s Guide

The Ronco EZ food dehydrator is a reasonably priced and smart way to dehydrate vegetables, meats, and fruits comfortably from your kitchen.

This dehydrator is made with excellent materials; the design of the Ronco food dehydrator makes dehydrating food simple. It has a white base and clear lid which makes it easy for you to keep an eye on the food drying process. This food dehydrator comes with five trays so you can dehydrate a lot more of your favorite foods. The Ronco food dehydrator is smaller but much more effective at drying food.

The Ronco EZ food dehydrator has a built-in fan that is 2 to 3 times quicker than the standard food dehydrator for dehydrating food. The other great feature the Ronco has is that it has an adjustable thermostat which gives you better flexibility and amazing results.

If you’re worried about the size of the dehydrator don’t be as it can easily be put in a kitchen cabinet or pantry, the design of the Ronco EZ food dehydrator makes it easy to do so.

With the Ronco food dehydrator, you can make a whole lot of healthy dehydrated foods such as jerky, cinnamon apples, dried herbs and more.

My Initial Interaction with the Ronco Food Dehydrator: Initial Thoughts

I must say, my first impression of the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator was quite positive. The moment I took it out of the box, I could tell this wasn’t your average home appliance. It’s quite compact and easily stored – no more bulky kitchen appliances taking up valuable cabinet space. The overall design feels robust and sturdy and you just know it’s made to last. 

One of the first things that caught my eye was the Turbo fan feature. Now, I’ve used dehydrators in the past where you’d need a calendar just to track the drying time. So this chic, turbo-powered newbie promised to be interesting. The idea of dehydrating food 2-3 times faster than regular dehydrators? Now that’s a feature that had me raring to test this beauty. 

But what truly stood out for me? The cues to healthy eating this dehydrator offers. The Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator allows the pleasure of making healthy, preservative-free snacks right at home. Ever thought of making your own beef jerky or glazed cinnamon banana chips? With Ronco, you no longer have to pine for those gourmet dehydrated snacks you see in fancy stores. 

No need to worry about the chore of cleaning up either. The dishwasher-friendly trays are BPA-free and easy to clean, making the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator as hassle-free as it gets. The trays also feel quite strong and smooth. 

One final thing I enjoyed about the dehydrator was the transparent design of the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator. Seeing what’s going on inside the machine was quite a treat. I could monitor the process without needing to interrupt the drying cycle by lifting the lid.

FEATURES

•    Comes with the new turbofan which is 2-3 times faster than the standard dehydrator

•    Gives you the total food dehydrating experience

•    It has adjustable temperature control that dries food much quicker and with amazing results

•    It is perfect for additive and preservative free snacks: banana chips, jerky, fruit leather, apple chips, and much more

•    It can be stored in the kitchen cabinets with ease

•    The trays and lid are safe for dishwasher use

PROS

•    The dehydrator dries food quickly with its Turbo fan

•    It comes with adjustable temperature control which is suitable for dehydrating different kinds of food

•    The size of the food dehydrator won’t take up too much space

•    This kitchen appliance comes with a transparent cover so you can see your dehydrated foods without switching off the dehydrator

•    The trays and lid can safely be washed in a dishwasher

•    The Ronco 5 tray food dehydrator can dehydrate a variety of foods from beef jerky to fruit leather and more

CONS

•    If you want to make fruit leather, you will need to get separate trays

•    There is no on and off switch

•    It is costly to replace the tray

•    You will need to buy a square herb screen separately

•    The food in the back dries quicker than the front

•    The time to dehydrate the food can take a bit longer

Ronco Food Dehydrator Manual

The Ronco food dehydrator manual can be accessed online for free through this link.

Size Matters: The Compact Design of the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator

Having a compact appliance is important in any kitchen, especially if you’re like me and have a small space to work with. The great thing about the Ronco EZ food dehydrator is that it’s been designed with a smaller footprint in mind. When they said ‘EZ’, they weren’t kidding around! 

Its base is square shaped which makes it a perfect fit for any corner in your kitchen. The core material of the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator is plastic which, despite any preconceived notions, doesn’t compromise the product’s robustness and performance, by any means. This sturdy contender in the food dehydrator segment further sweetens the deal with a neat, clean, white design that won’t conflict with your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Cleaning Up: The Easy Maintenance of the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator

One of the standout benefits of the Ronco Electric Food Dehydrator is certainly its easy maintenance. If you’ve experienced the hassle of trying to clean kitchen appliances before, I promise, this food dehydrator from Ronco won’t give you any unnecessary headaches. For starters, the base, trays, and lid of this dehydrator are all BPA-free, providing you with a safe and worry-free dehydrating environment. Not only is this a great plus for your health, but it also makes a huge difference when it comes to easy cleanup. These components do not harbor food residues or smells as much as some other materials do, making the cleaning process a breeze. And, speaking of cleaning—I believe it’s imperative to share with you the absolute gem of this product—the fact that its trays and lid are dishwasher safe. Yes, you read that right. Forget about the tedious hand washing or soaking overnight; all you need to do is pop them into the dishwasher, and you’re done! It’s an absolute game-changer. Also, the Ronco Food Dehydrator boasts a thoughtful nesting design, where the trays nest within each other to reduce the overall height by 1/3. This smart feature not only makes it an easy fit in your kitchen cabinets, but it also simplifies the storing process after a cleanup.

Comparing the Contenders: Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator vs Other Brands

Excalibur 3548CDB Electric Food Dehydrator

So let’s discuss where the Ronco electric food dehydrator stands when compared to its chief rival, the Excalibur 3548CDB Electric Food Dehydrator. The Excalibur is known for its excellent balance of power and precision, and there’s no denying its reputation in the dehydrator marketplace. One feature it boasts is its Hyperwave Fluctuation technology, which, make no mistake, is as impressive as it sounds. This tech gives it an edge by evenly distributing heat across all trays—no need for tray rotation here, folks! 

Both dehydrators are similar in size and capacity, vying for the same essential space on your kitchen counters. However, take note that the Excalibur bears a heftier price tag than the trusty Ronco food dehydrator, making the Ronco a superior choice for budget shoppers who also crave the versatile functionality of a high-grade dehydrator. Convenience lovers should note that the Excalibur touts an adjustable thermostat and offers a 48-hour timer, features that the Ronco version regrettably lacks. 

Alluding to aesthetics, the square shape of both the Excalibur and the Ronco food dehydrator allows you to optimize your countertop space. Mind you, the Excalibur carries a more ‘professional kitchen’ look. If you’re after a gadget that will add a sleek edge to your kitchenscape, the Excalibur 3548CDB might be just your ticket. 

However, rumor has it that the Ronco 5-tray food dehydrator is a touch more efficient than the Excalibur when it comes to energy consumption, which could be worth considering in the long run. We all like to save a buck or two on those energy bills, right? 

Ultimately, it’s fair to state that the Excalibur offers several extra features that the Ronco lacks. But let’s not forget about the price – the Ronco food dehydrator is a wallet-friendly alternative that still delivers impressive dehydration results. Making this choice really comes down to what you value most: saving some money, or splurging on those extra features.

Elite Gourmet EFD319

If you’re contemplating between the Ronco 5-Tray Food Dehydrator and the Elite Gourmet EFD319, you’re not alone. Both have substantially great features that cater to the different desires of food dehydration enthusiasts. 

Let’s start by laying down essential facts about the Elite Gourmet EFD319. This dehydrator is certainly an eye-catcher with its sleek design and lightweight body. Just like the Ronco, its trays are also dishwasher safe, meaning ease of maintenance is taken care of quite splendidly. 

One of the noticeable differences between the Ronco and the Elite Gourmet EFD319 is their design. The Ronco 5 Tray tolerates a more traditional square shape, which can serve as a space maximizer for more evenly spread food items. On the other hand, the EFD319 bears a round design which gives it a somewhat modern appeal. 

Then we arrive at the performance aspect. Both dehydrators have adjustable temperature controls to customize the drying process and get consistent results. Nevertheless, the Ronco might just nose ahead with its turbo fan feature, which allegedly dries food 2-3 times faster than conventional food dehydrators. A time saver indeed if rapid dehydration is on your agenda! 

Bargain Hunting: Where to Get Your Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator

According to my research, the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator is available in several online and physical stores. If you’re an online shopping enthusiast like me, you’ll be happy to know that leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and eBay often stock the Ronco food dehydrator 5 tray. Besides, occasionally, they offer attractive deals and discounts, making it a more affordable investment. 

For those who prefer to purchase home appliances from brick-and-mortar stores, well-known retailers such as Walmart and Bed Bath & Beyond usually have the Ronco dehydrator trays on their shelves. The in-store shopping advantage here is that you can see and feel the product before buying, just to ensure its condition meets your expectations. 

You might also check out the brand’s official website. They not only sell the Ronco 5-tray food dehydrator, but they also provide comprehensive support, such as user manuals and recipe guides. On their website, you can also read customer reviews which will give you an insight into the real-life performance of the device. 

One tip I have to share from my personal experience – always compare prices before making a purchase. Different platforms may offer varying rates, and a few ten minutes spent on comparison could save you a decent amount of money. After all, every penny counts, doesn’t it? 

And let’s also not forget about second-hand options. Websites like Craigslist or neighborhood garage sales could present you with a barely used Ronco food dehydrator for just a fraction of the brand-new price. Make sure for these options that the dehydrator works properly, and that all parts are included. 

Remember that the best purchasing choice depends on your personal preference, comfort, and trust in the chosen platform.

Where Can I Buy Replacement Ronco Dehydrator Trays

So, you love your Ronco 5-tray food dehydrator but perhaps you’ve misplaced or damaged some trays. No worries! Replacement trays for the Ronco food dehydrator are easy to find. Your go-to spot for these should be eBay. You can find a variety of Ronco dehydrator trays listed, ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Just type “Ronco dehydrator trays” into the site’s search bar, and done; plenty of options available for you to choose from.

Dehydration for Beginners: How to Use the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator

Getting started with your new Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator is easier than you might think! Let’s break down the steps: 

Step 1: Preparation: Begin by washing and slicing your chosen food item. For fruits and vegetables, try to keep your slices about 1/4 inch thick. If you’re dehydrating meat for jerky, trim off any fat first, then cut the meat into thin strips. 

Step 2: Arrangement: Lay out the slices neatly on the dehydrator trays. Remember, don’t overlap the food slices as this affects the drying process. Everything needs room to “breathe.” 

Step 3: Start Dehydrating: Now just add your trays into the Ronco EZ Food Dehydrator.

Step 3: Set the Temperature: The adjustable temperature control is there to give you the exact results you’re looking for. For most fruits and veggies, a temperature around 135°F is optimal. If you’re making jerky from beef or poultry, bump up the heat to around 165°F. 

Step 5: Be Patient: Dehydration isn’t a speedy process. In fact, it’s slow and steady – fruits may take between 4-12 hours, vegetables could take 6-16 hours, and meat for jerky usually stretches out between 4-15 hours. Trust me, your patience will pay off with tasty, dehydrated snacks. 

Step 6: Check Your Progress: Don’t be shy — it’s okay to pull out a tray and check how things are going. Some pieces may dry quicker than others due to their size or location in the dehydrator. Feel free to remove these as they finish. 

Step 7: Storage: Once your food is properly dehydrated, let it cool to room temperature before storing it. For best results, put your dried goodies in airtight containers and store them in a cool, dark place. Now you’ve got healthy homemade snacks ready to eat! 

Making the Decision: Is the Ronco 5 Tray Food Dehydrator Right for You?

When you’re browsing through the multitude of food dehydrators on the market, it’s natural to question if the Ronco 5 tray food dehydrator is the right choice for you. After spending some time with this little beauty, let me share my insights, which might just help you make an informed decision. 

One of the major selling points of the Ronco food dehydrator is its impressive turbo fan. Outperforming many of its competitors, it dehydrates food 2-3 times faster than the average dehydrator. I’ve tested it with everything from vegetables to meat, and the speed certainly lives up to the hype. Plus, the adjustable temperature control has been a game-changer, ensuring consistent results every single time. 

The Ronco 5-tray food dehydrator also gets a big tick for its practical design. It’s a common gripe with food dehydrators that they’re cumbersome and awkward to store, but not with this machine! It astoundingly reduces its height by 1/3 for easy storage. So, keeping it in kitchen cabinets is a breeze. 

With all these glowing points in its favor, it’s also important to consider some areas the Ronco electric food dehydrator could potentially improve. For instance, the trays and base are made of plastic, which might not be to everyone’s taste. I personally found them robust and easy to clean – as they’re dishwasher safe – but if you’re looking for a stainless-steel dehydrator, then this might not be the one for you. 

In conclusion, the Ronco 5 tray food dehydrator has so much going for it: impressive speed, practical design, easy cleaning, and it’s BPA-free. We all crave healthier snacks and this tool simply takes ‘eating right’ up a notch. If you’re considering taking the plunge into food dehydration, this dependable model might just be your perfect companion. 

author avatar
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!