Nesco FD-1018P 1000 Watt Food Dehydrator Kit User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Nesco FD-1018P 1000 Watt Food Dehydrator Kit. This appliance is designed to efficiently dry a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, jerky, and herbs, preserving their nutritional value and flavor. Featuring a patented Converga-Flow drying system and an adjustable thermostat, this dehydrator ensures even drying without the need for tray rotation. Please read this manual thoroughly before initial use to ensure safe and optimal operation.

Image: The Nesco FD-1018P Food Dehydrator, a white cylindrical unit with a control dial and power switch on the base.

Important Safety Instructions

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury to persons. Please observe the following:

• Read all instructions before operating the dehydrator.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse the powerhead, cord, or plug in water or other liquids.
• Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
• Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
• Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner. Contact manufacturer for examination, repair, or adjustment.
• The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
• Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
• Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to “off”, then remove plug from wall outlet.
• Do not use appliance for other than intended household use.
• Ensure the dehydrator is placed on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface with adequate ventilation.
• Do not block the air vents on the dehydrator base or lid during operation.

Package Contents

Upon unpacking, please verify that all components are present and in good condition:

• 1 x Nesco FD-1018P Dehydrator Base with Powerhead
• 8 x Drying Trays
• 8 x Fruit Roll Sheets
• 8 x Clean-a-Screens
• 1 x Recipe and Instruction Book
• 1 x Original Jerky Spice Pack with Cure

Image: Included accessories for the Nesco FD-1018P, showing fruit roll sheets, clean-a-screens, a recipe book, and a jerky spice pack.

Setup

1. Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain packaging for future storage or transport.
2. Initial Cleaning: Before first use, wash the drying trays, fruit roll sheets, and clean-a-screens in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. Wipe the dehydrator base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base in water.
3. Placement: Place the dehydrator on a clean, dry, stable, and heat-resistant surface. Ensure there is adequate air circulation around the unit and that the air vents are not obstructed.
4. Assembly: Place the desired number of drying trays onto the dehydrator base. The trays are designed to stack securely. If using fruit roll sheets or clean-a-screens, place them inside the drying trays.

Image: The Nesco FD-1018P Dehydrator with multiple trays stacked, demonstrating its expandable design. The unit can expand up to 30 trays.

Operating Instructions

1. Food Preparation

• Slicing: Cut food into uniform slices for even drying. Thinner slices dry faster.
• Pre-treatment: Some fruits and vegetables benefit from pre-treatment (e.g., blanching, ascorbic acid dip) to retain color and prevent spoilage. Refer to the included Recipe and Instruction Book for specific recommendations.
• Loading Trays: Arrange food in a single layer on the drying trays. Do not overlap food, as this can hinder air circulation and lead to uneven drying.

Image: Various foods like sliced fruits and vegetables arranged on the dehydrator trays, ready for drying.

2. Dehydrator Operation

1. Stack Trays: Place the loaded drying trays onto the dehydrator base. Ensure the lid is securely placed on top of the uppermost tray.
2. Plug In: Insert the power cord into a standard 120V AC electrical outlet.
3. Set Temperature: Use the adjustable thermostat dial on the base to select the desired drying temperature, ranging from 95°F to 155°F. Refer to the Recipe and Instruction Book for recommended temperatures for different foods.
4. Power On: Flip the power switch to the 'ON' position. The fan will begin to operate, and the heating element will activate.
5. Drying Process: The Nesco FD-1018P utilizes a patented Converga-Flow system, which forces heated air down the exterior pressurized chamber and horizontally across each individual tray. This design ensures even drying, eliminating the need to rotate trays during the process.
6. Monitoring: Periodically check the food for desired dryness. Drying times vary based on food type, thickness, moisture content, and ambient humidity.
7. Completion: Once food is dried to your preference, flip the power switch to 'OFF' and unplug the unit from the wall outlet. Allow the food and trays to cool before handling and storing.

Image: The Nesco FD-1018P Dehydrator showing the adjustable temperature control dial on its base, with temperature settings from 95°F to 155°F.

Image: A cross-section diagram illustrating the Nesco FD-1018P's Converga-Flow system, showing how 1000 watts of drying power provides even heat distribution across all trays.

Maintenance and Cleaning

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

1. Unplug: Always unplug the dehydrator from the electrical outlet and allow it to cool completely before cleaning.
2. Trays and Accessories: Wash drying trays, fruit roll sheets, and clean-a-screens in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. These components are not recommended for dishwasher use to prevent warping or damage.
3. Dehydrator Base: Wipe the exterior of the dehydrator base with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent. Do not immerse the base or powerhead in water or any other liquid.
4. Storage: Once clean and dry, store the dehydrator in a cool, dry place. Stack the trays neatly on the base and cover with the lid.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Nesco FD-1018P Dehydrator, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Dehydrator does not turn on:
  • Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a functional electrical outlet.
  • Check if the power switch is in the 'ON' position.
  • Verify that the electrical outlet is receiving power (test with another appliance).
• Uneven drying:
  • Ensure food is sliced uniformly.
  • Avoid overloading trays; arrange food in a single layer with space for air circulation.
  • Check that the air vents on the base and lid are not obstructed.
• Food not drying sufficiently:
  • Confirm the thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature for the food type.
  • Increase drying time if necessary.
  • Consider ambient humidity, which can affect drying times.
• Dehydrator is noisy:
  • A certain level of fan noise is normal during operation, as the unit uses a powerful fan for efficient air circulation.
  • Ensure the unit is on a stable, level surface to minimize vibrations.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For specific warranty details, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official NESCO website. If you require technical assistance, replacement parts, or have questions not covered in this manual, please contact NESCO customer support.

NESCO Customer Support:

• Website: www.nesco.com
• Phone: Refer to your product documentation for the most current contact number.