Question 1

Does this unit have a timer? Is there a unit comparable to this that does?

Accepted Answer

This unit does not have a timer. I think there is a unit that is very much like this that does have one Excalibur 3926T 9 Tray Large Food Hehydrator with 26 hour Timer

Question 2

If price were no object, which Excalibur would be the most desirable?  Anyone willing to rank all the choices?  I have NO experience with dehydrators.

Accepted Answer

I agree with the other responses.  We started dehydrating various foods years ago and have experience with a couple of the much cheaper units.  The Excalibur 3900B was a huge move up.  It really does dry dozens of pieces at a time.  We tried apples, pears, and even experimented with summer squash and tomatoes.  It is fast and works great.  Organic apple chips with no additives at all - hard to beat!  I didn't rank ALL of the choices either, but did quite a bit of research, too.  It was well worth the purchase price for us.

Question 3

how many pounds of jerky meat will it hold at one time?

Accepted Answer

Depending on how thick you slice the meat, you could reasonably put 4-5 lbs. A friend gave me two elk roasts that weighed in about 5 lbs. I sliced it on the thin side and used 8 trays. I had the butcher slice a 3.5 lb. beef roast and only used 5 trays. I spaced the heat about 1/4 in. between pieces. I hope this answers your query. Happy Dehydrating.

Question 4

Are you happy with this dehydrator even though there is no timer?  I am trying to decide between this one and the one with the timer. Thanks!

Accepted Answer

Yes Yes Yes   I am very happy with this dehydrator.   I didn't care about the timer because I have had a Nesco dehydrator already so I am an experienced dehydrator and I already knew I didn't really need the timer.   When your food is dry you take it out of the dehydrator right away.   You might let it cool a few minutes befor you package it up but just the minute the food comes out of the dehydrator and hits the air it begins to collect moisture in the air.   So for that reason I do not want my dehydrator turning off while I am not ready to package the food up.   Your food gets dry and it never gets too dry so it doesn't hurt to let it run till I get up.   Besides if I really needed it to turn off I can buy a timer that plugs into the wall for $5.00.

Brand	Excalibur
Wattage	600 Watts
Voltage	120
Item Weight	9.98 kg
Number of Trays	9
Is Dishwasher Safe	Yes
Global Trade Identification Number	00029743390001
UPC	029743390001 603170020016 778295073817 757281990413
Department	mens
Item model number	3900B
ASIN	B004Z915M4

Excalibur 3900B Electric Food Dehydrator Machine with Adjustable Thermostat Accurate Temperature Control and Fast Drying, 600 W, 9 Trays, Black

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