Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator Machine 9-Tray Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator Machine 9-Tray is designed for efficient food preservation through dehydration. This appliance concentrates the natural flavors, sweetness, and aromas of food, offering a healthy alternative to processed snacks. It features a large drying capacity and precise temperature control for optimal results.

Image: The Excalibur 9-Tray Food Dehydrator, showcasing its capacity with multiple trays loaded with sliced fruits and vegetables.

Key Features:

• Large Capacity: Equipped with 9 easy-to-clean trays, providing 15 square feet of drying space.
• Accurate Temperature Control: Features a built-in on/off switch and an adjustable thermostat with a range of 105°F to 165°F (40°C to 74°C). This allows for precise drying temperatures suitable for various foods, from delicate herbs to meats.
• Efficient Drying: Utilizes patented Excalibur Hyperwave technology and horizontal Parallex drying, which ensures even drying across all trays without the need for rotation.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, jerky, fruit leather, pet treats, and more.

2. Setup and Assembly

2.1 Unpacking

1. Carefully remove the dehydrator and all its components from the packaging.
2. Verify that all 9 drying trays and the main unit are present and undamaged.
3. Retain packaging materials for future storage or shipping.

2.2 Placement

Place the dehydrator on a stable, flat, and heat-resistant surface. Ensure there is adequate air circulation around the unit, especially at the rear where the fan is located. Avoid placing it directly against a wall or in an enclosed cabinet during operation.

Image: Product dimensions (19"D x 17"W x 12.5"H) for proper placement consideration.

2.3 Initial Cleaning

Before first use, wash all drying trays and the front door in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. Wipe the interior and exterior of the main unit with a damp cloth.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Preparing Food

• Wash and prepare your food items (e.g., slice fruits, vegetables, or meat).
• Arrange food in a single layer on the drying trays, ensuring adequate space between pieces for air circulation. Do not overlap food.
• For liquid items like fruit leather, use non-stick sheets (e.g., silicone sheets) placed on the trays.

Image: Trays partially extended, illustrating the mesh screens for food placement.

3.2 Loading Trays

Slide the loaded trays into the dehydrator. Ensure they are seated correctly and the front door closes securely. The horizontal airflow design ensures even drying without the need to rotate trays during the process.

Image: Parallexx Airflow diagram, showing horizontal air circulation for even drying.

3.3 Setting Temperature and Time

1. Plug the dehydrator into a 120V electrical outlet.
2. Turn the unit ON using the built-in on/off switch.
3. Adjust the thermostat dial to the desired temperature. Refer to the guide below for recommended temperature ranges for various food types.
4. The dehydrator operates continuously until manually turned off. For specific drying durations, an external timer can be used.

3.4 Temperature Guide

The thermostat dial provides recommended temperature settings for different food categories:

Note: These are general guidelines. Actual drying times and optimal temperatures may vary based on food thickness, moisture content, and desired dryness.

4. Maintenance and Cleaning

4.1 Cleaning Trays

The drying trays are dishwasher safe for convenient cleaning. For manual cleaning, wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before storage or next use.

4.2 Cleaning Unit

Wipe the interior and exterior of the dehydrator unit with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water. Ensure the unit is unplugged and completely cool before cleaning.

4.3 Using Silicone Sheets

For drying liquid items like fruit leather or to prevent small pieces of food from falling through the mesh, consider using silicone sheets. These can be placed directly on the drying trays and are easy to clean.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Uneven Drying

While the Excalibur dehydrator is designed for even drying, slight variations may occur, particularly towards the back of the trays. If you notice consistently uneven drying, consider rotating the trays halfway through the drying cycle, or adjusting the food placement to ensure optimal airflow.

5.2 Rattling Noise

If a rattling noise occurs after the unit has warmed up, check if the trays are pushed too far back and are hitting the fan cage. Gently adjust the trays. If the noise persists, it may be related to the fan assembly; in such cases, contact customer support.

5.3 Food Not Drying Properly

• Ensure the temperature setting is appropriate for the food type (refer to the Temperature Guide).
• Check that food slices are of uniform thickness. Thicker slices require longer drying times.
• Avoid overloading trays, as this can restrict airflow and lead to inefficient drying.
• Ensure the front door is securely closed to maintain consistent internal temperature.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

For warranty information or product support, please refer to the official Excalibur website or contact their customer service. Extended protection plans may be available for purchase separately.

The product includes a digital download of the "Guide to Dehydration" to assist users in learning various food dehydration techniques.

Image: The included Guide to Dehydration, offering comprehensive instructions and recipes.