SEVERIN Food Dehydrator Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The SEVERIN Food Dehydrator is designed for the healthy and natural preservation of various foods. This appliance allows you to easily prepare dried fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs at home, retaining their natural flavors and nutrients without the need for added sugars or artificial preservatives. Its user-friendly design, featuring stackable trays and a transparent lid, makes the dehydration process simple and efficient.

2. Important Safety Instructions

Please read these safety instructions carefully before using the appliance to prevent damage, injury, or electric shock. Keep this manual for future reference.

• Always unplug the appliance from the power outlet when not in use, before cleaning, or in case of malfunction.
• Do not immerse the base unit, power cord, or plug in water or any other liquid.
• This appliance is intended for household use only. Do not use it outdoors or for commercial purposes.
• Ensure the voltage indicated on the rating label matches your mains voltage before connecting.
• Keep the appliance out of reach of children and persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities.
• Do not operate the appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
• Place the dehydrator on a stable, flat, and heat-resistant surface, away from walls or other heat sources, to ensure proper ventilation.
• Do not cover the ventilation openings during operation.
• The appliance surfaces may become hot during operation. Use caution when handling.

3. Components and Assembly

The SEVERIN Food Dehydrator consists of the following main components:

1. Base Unit: Contains the motor, fan, and heating element. Features an On/Off switch with an indicator light.
2. Stackable Trays (5x): Transparent trays with a diameter of approximately 31 cm, designed for holding food items. These trays can be adjusted to two different heights to accommodate various food thicknesses.
3. Transparent Lid: Placed on top of the stacked trays to cover the appliance during operation, allowing for easy monitoring of the drying process.

Figure 3.1: The SEVERIN Food Dehydrator with various fruits and vegetables placed on its transparent, stackable trays, ready for dehydration. The base unit with the power switch is visible at the front.

Figure 3.2: Illustration of the adjustable height feature of the dehydrator trays. The arrow indicates that the trays can be set at two different levels to accommodate thicker food items.

4. Setup

1. Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain the packaging for future storage or transport.
2. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the trays and lid in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Wipe the base unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base unit in water.
3. Placement: Place the dehydrator on a clean, dry, stable, and heat-resistant surface. Ensure there is adequate space around the appliance for proper air circulation.
4. Pre-run: It is recommended to operate the dehydrator for approximately 30 minutes without any food items before the first actual use. This helps to eliminate any manufacturing odors. A slight odor during this initial run is normal and will dissipate.

5. Operating Instructions

Follow these steps to effectively dehydrate your food items:

1. Food Preparation:
   • Wash and clean the food items thoroughly.
   • Slice food into uniform pieces (e.g., 5-8 mm thickness for fruits and vegetables) to ensure even drying.
   • For some fruits (e.g., apples, bananas), a pre-treatment with lemon juice or a sulfite solution can prevent browning.
2. Loading Trays: Arrange the prepared food in a single layer on each tray. Do not overlap food items, as this will hinder air circulation and lead to uneven drying.
3. Stacking Trays: Place the loaded trays onto the base unit, stacking them one on top of the other. The trays can be adjusted to two different heights by rotating them slightly to lock into the desired position, allowing for thicker items.
4. Placing the Lid: Securely place the transparent lid on the top-most tray.
5. Power On: Plug the power cord into a suitable electrical outlet. Press the On/Off switch (marked 'I' for On, '0' for Off) on the front of the base unit. The indicator light will illuminate, signifying that the dehydrator is operating.
6. Monitoring and Rotation: Periodically check the food items for dryness. For optimal results, you may rotate the trays (moving bottom trays to the top and vice-versa) and rearrange food items during the drying process to ensure uniform dehydration.
7. Power Off: Once the food has reached the desired dryness, press the On/Off switch to the '0' position. Unplug the appliance from the power outlet.
8. Cooling: Allow the dried food to cool completely before storing.

Figure 5.1: The dehydrator with its transparent lid lifted, revealing multiple layers of trays filled with sliced fruits like apples and bananas, and whole grapes, demonstrating the capacity and arrangement of food for drying.

Approximate Drying Times

Drying times can vary significantly based on food type, thickness, moisture content, and ambient humidity. The following table provides general guidelines:

Always ensure food is completely dry before storage to prevent spoilage. Dried food should be pliable but not sticky, or brittle depending on the food type.

Figure 5.2: The SEVERIN Food Dehydrator shown alongside a plate of various dried fruits (apples, apricots, raisins, bananas) and fresh produce (grapes, apples, bananas), illustrating the transformation from fresh to preserved snacks.

6. Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your dehydrator.

1. Before Cleaning: Always unplug the dehydrator from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Trays and Lid: The transparent trays and lid should be washed by hand using warm water and a mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and dry completely with a soft cloth. Note: These parts are NOT dishwasher safe.
3. Base Unit: Wipe the exterior of the base unit with a soft, damp cloth. For stubborn stains, a small amount of mild detergent can be used. Ensure no water enters the motor or electrical components. Never immerse the base unit in water or any other liquid.
4. Storage: Store the clean and dry dehydrator in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. The stackable design allows for compact storage.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your dehydrator, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

If the problem persists after attempting these solutions, please contact Severin customer support.

8. Specifications

• Brand: Severin
• Model Number: S72940 (Reference: OD 2940)
• Power: Approximately 250 Watts
• Voltage: 230 Volts
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 32.9 x 32.9 x 19 cm (12.95 x 12.95 x 7.48 inches)
• Weight: 2.5 Kilograms (5.5 pounds)
• Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Plastic
• Capacity: 1 Litre (referring to overall volume, trays have 31cm diameter)
• Noise Level: 44 dB
• Number of Trays: 5, stackable and adjustable height
• Tray Diameter: Approximately 31 cm

9. Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty, service, or spare parts availability, please refer to the official Severin website or contact their customer support directly. Warranty terms and conditions may vary by region and purchase date.

You can typically find contact information and detailed warranty policies on the manufacturer's official website: www.severin.com