Nesco FD-79 Snackmaster Pro Digital Food Dehydrator Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides essential instructions for the safe and efficient operation of your Nesco FD-79 Snackmaster Pro Digital Food Dehydrator. Please read all instructions carefully before use and retain this manual for future reference.

Figure 1: Nesco FD-79 Snackmaster Pro Digital Food Dehydrator, a round, multi-tiered appliance with a digital control panel on top.

2. Important Safety Information

To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, always follow these basic safety precautions:

• Read all instructions.
• Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
• To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the appliance in water or other liquid.
• 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.
• 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.
• Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
• 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.
• This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.

3. Package Contents

Your Nesco FD-79 Snackmaster Pro Digital Food Dehydrator package includes:

• 1 x Nesco FD-79 Dehydrator Powerhead with Digital Controls
• 4 x 13.5-inch Diameter Drying Trays
• 2 x Fruit Roll Sheets
• 2 x Clean-A-Screens
• 1 x Sample of Jerky Seasoning & Cure
• 1 x 52-page Recipe & Instruction Book

Figure 2: The Nesco FD-79 dehydrator shown with multiple trays filled with different foods like herbs, fruits, and vegetables, illustrating its capacity.

4. Setup Instructions

1. Unpack: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain packaging for storage or shipping if needed.
2. Clean Components: Before first use, wash all trays, fruit roll sheets, and clean-a-screens in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. The powerhead should be wiped with a damp cloth; do not immerse it in water.
3. Assemble Trays: Place the desired number of drying trays onto the base. The trays are designed to stack securely. Ensure the center opening of each tray aligns.
4. Position Powerhead: Place the powerhead (top section with controls and fan) securely on top of the stacked trays.
5. Placement: Position the dehydrator on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from walls or other appliances to allow for proper airflow. Ensure the power cord can reach a grounded electrical outlet without being stretched.

Figure 3: The dehydrator's powerhead separated from the stacked drying trays, illustrating the modular design for easy assembly and cleaning.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1. Preparing Food for Dehydration

• Clean: Wash all fruits, vegetables, and herbs thoroughly.
• Slice: Cut food into uniform slices (approximately 1/4 inch thick) for even drying.
• Pre-treatment (Optional): Some foods benefit from pre-treatment (e.g., blanching vegetables, soaking fruits in lemon juice to prevent browning). Refer to the included recipe book for specific recommendations.
• Arrange: Place food in a single layer on the drying trays, ensuring no pieces overlap. This allows for optimal airflow.

5.2. Using the Digital Controls

Figure 4: A detailed view of the digital control panel on the Nesco FD-79, showing the START/STOP button, TIME/TEMP button, and up/down arrows for setting parameters.

1. Plug In: Connect the dehydrator to a grounded electrical outlet. The digital display will illuminate.
2. Set Temperature: Press the TIME/TEMP button once. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the temperature between 90°F and 160°F (32°C - 71°C). The recommended temperatures for various foods are printed on the powerhead.
3. Set Timer: Press the TIME/TEMP button a second time. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to set the desired drying time, up to 24 hours.
4. Start Dehydration: Press the START/STOP button to begin the dehydration process. The fan and heating element will activate.
5. Monitor Progress: Periodically check the food for desired dryness. Drying times can vary based on food type, thickness, and humidity.
6. Stop Dehydration: The dehydrator will automatically shut off when the timer expires. You can manually stop the process at any time by pressing the START/STOP button.

Note: The Converga-Flow fan system forces heated air down the exterior pressurized chamber, then horizontally across each individual tray, converging in the center for consistent drying without tray rotation. However, for very thick or dense items, occasional tray rotation may still be beneficial.

6. Food Preparation Guidelines

General guidelines for dehydrating various food types:

Figure 5: A dehydrator tray filled with strips of beef jerky, ready for the dehydration process.

6.1. How to Make Jerky (Video Guide)

7. Maintenance and Cleaning

1. Unplug: Always unplug the dehydrator from the power outlet before cleaning.
2. Cool Down: Allow the appliance to cool completely before disassembling or cleaning.
3. Wash Trays and Accessories: Drying trays, fruit roll sheets, and clean-a-screens can be washed in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry. These parts are generally not dishwasher safe; refer to the product manual for specific care.
4. Clean Powerhead: Wipe the exterior of the powerhead with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the powerhead in water or any other liquid. Ensure no moisture enters the fan or electrical components.
5. Storage: Store the clean and dry dehydrator in a cool, dry place.

8. Troubleshooting

9. Specifications

• Brand: NESCO
• Model: FD-79
• Material: Plastic (BPA Free)
• Color: Grey
• Wattage: 600 watts
• Voltage: 120V
• Product Dimensions: 30"D x 8"W x 6"H (Note: This dimension likely refers to packaging or a different measurement. The drying trays are 13.5" in diameter.)
• Item Weight: 6.38 pounds (2.9 Kilograms)
• Number of Trays: 4 (Expandable up to 12 trays)
• Temperature Range: 90°F - 160°F (32°C - 71°C)
• Dishwasher Safe: No (for most parts, refer to manual)
• UPC: 029517010548

10. Warranty and Customer Support

For warranty information, product registration, or customer support, please refer to the official NESCO website or contact their customer service department. Contact details are typically provided in the included product documentation or on the manufacturer's website.

NESCO Customer Care Department is available during business hours (e.g., 8 am to 4 pm CST) and offers online chat support.