Nesco FD-1040 Gardenmaster Digital Pro Food Dehydrator Instruction Manual

Introduction

The NESCO FD-1040 Gardenmaster Digital Pro Dehydrator is designed for efficient drying and preservation of various foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and jerky. This manual provides essential information for safe and effective use of your appliance.

Important Safety Instructions

• Read all instructions before using the appliance.
• 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.
• Do not use outdoors. This appliance is for household use only.
• 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 use.

Package Contents

• 1 Nesco FD-1040 Gardenmaster Digital Pro Food Dehydrator unit
• 4 BPA-Free Trays (15.5" diameter)
• 1 Fruit Roll Sheet
• 1 Clean-A-Screen
• 1 Sample of Jerky Seasoning & Cure
• 1 52-page recipe & instruction book

Setup

1. Unpack all components from the packaging.
2. Wash the trays, fruit roll sheets, and clean-a-screens in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before first use.
3. Place the dehydrator base on a clean, dry, and stable surface, ensuring adequate ventilation around the unit.
4. Stack the desired number of trays onto the base. The unit comes with 4 trays and can be expanded up to 20 trays.
5. Place the powerhead (top cover) securely on the top tray.

Operating Instructions

Preparing Food for Dehydration

For best results, ensure food items are uniformly sliced to promote consistent drying. Remove any pits, seeds, or tough skins as necessary. Pre-treatment (e.g., blanching for vegetables, soaking in lemon juice for fruits) may be recommended for certain foods to preserve color and quality.

Loading Trays

Arrange food in a single layer on the dehydrator trays. Ensure there is adequate space between food items for proper air circulation. Avoid overlapping food, as this can lead to uneven drying and longer dehydration times. For smaller items or purees, use the included Clean-A-Screen or Fruit Roll Sheet.

Setting Temperature and Time

The Nesco FD-1040 features a digital timer and an adjustable thermostat, allowing precise control over the drying process. The temperature range is typically 90°F to 160°F, and the timer can be set for up to 48 hours.

1. Plug the dehydrator into a standard electrical outlet. The digital display will illuminate.
2. Press the TIME/TEMP button to toggle between setting the drying time and temperature.
3. Use the UP/DOWN arrows to adjust the desired drying time (in hours) and temperature (in Fahrenheit).
4. Refer to the included recipe and instruction book for recommended settings for specific food types (e.g., Jerky: 160°F, Fruits & Vegetables: 135°F, Herbs & Spices: 95°F).
5. Once settings are selected, press START/STOP to begin the dehydration process. The unit will automatically shut off when the timer expires.

Making Jerky

The Nesco FD-1040 is ideal for making beef jerky. Follow these general steps:

1. Prepare your meat: Use lean ground beef or thinly sliced muscle meat.
2. Mix with seasoning and cure: Combine the meat with the provided jerky seasoning and cure sample, or your preferred recipe.
3. Refrigerate: Allow the seasoned meat to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. Form strips: Use a jerky gun or manually form the meat into uniform strips or sticks.
5. Load trays: Place the jerky strips on the dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not touch.
6. Dehydrate: Set the temperature to 160°F (71°C) and dry for approximately 4 hours, or until desired dryness is achieved.

Expanding Capacity

The Nesco FD-1040 is designed to be expandable. While it comes with 4 trays, you can add up to 16 additional trays for a total of 20 trays, allowing you to dehydrate larger quantities of food simultaneously. Additional Add-A-Trays (SKU: TR-2) are sold separately.

Maintenance and Cleaning

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

• Always unplug the dehydrator from the power outlet before cleaning.
• The trays, fruit roll sheets, and clean-a-screens are not dishwasher safe. Hand wash them in warm, soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Wipe the powerhead (top cover) and the dehydrator base with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the powerhead in water or any other liquid.
• Ensure all parts are completely dry before reassembling the unit or storing it.

Troubleshooting

Unit Does Not Turn On

• Check if the power cord is securely plugged into a functional electrical outlet.
• Ensure the START/STOP button has been pressed to initiate operation.

Uneven Drying

• Ensure all food items are sliced uniformly in thickness.
• Avoid overcrowding the trays. Arrange food in a single layer with space for air circulation.
• If using many trays, consider rotating them periodically (e.g., moving bottom trays to the top) to promote more even drying.

Food Not Drying Properly

• Verify that the correct temperature and time settings are selected for the specific type of food being dehydrated. Refer to the recipe book.
• Check for proper air circulation around and through the food items.
• High humidity in the environment can extend drying times. Adjust the drying duration as needed.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information regarding your Nesco FD-1040 Gardenmaster Digital Pro Food Dehydrator, please refer to the warranty section within the included 52-page recipe & instruction book. You may also contact NESCO customer service for assistance.

NESCO Customer Service: (800) 288-4545 (Available 8 am to 4 pm CST)

For additional resources and online support, please visit the official NESCO website.