Introduction
Thank you for choosing the NESCO 8-Tray Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator. This appliance is designed for efficient and precise dehydration of various foods, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, jerky, and pet treats. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating your dehydrator to ensure safe and optimal performance. Keep these instructions for future reference.
Important Safeguards
When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- 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.
Parts and Features
Familiarize yourself with the components of your NESCO Food Dehydrator:
- Control Panel: Digital display for time and temperature, with touch controls.
- Glass Door: Transparent door for easy monitoring of the drying process.
- Stainless Steel Housing: Durable and easy-to-clean exterior.
- Stainless Steel Trays (8): Removable racks for holding food items.
- Drip Tray: Collects moisture and food particles for easy cleanup.
- Internal Fan: Circulates air for even drying.
- Internal Light: Illuminates the interior for better visibility.
Image: Front view of the NESCO 8-Tray Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator, showcasing its digital control panel and glass door.
Before First Use
- Unpack the dehydrator and all its components. Remove any packaging materials.
- Wash the stainless steel trays and drip tray in warm, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
- Wipe the interior and exterior of the dehydrator housing with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the main unit in water.
- Ensure all parts are dry before assembly and use.
Setup
- Place the dehydrator on a stable, flat, heat-resistant surface. Ensure there is adequate air circulation around the unit.
- Insert the drip tray at the bottom of the dehydrator chamber.
- Slide the eight stainless steel trays into the designated slots. Ensure they are seated properly.
- Close the glass door securely.
- Plug the power cord into a standard 120V AC electrical outlet.
Image: A hand demonstrating the insertion of a tray filled with sliced strawberries into the dehydrator.
Operating Instructions
Control Panel Overview
The control panel features a digital display and touch-sensitive buttons:
- Power Button (⏻): Turns the dehydrator on/off.
- Time Button (⏱): Activates time setting mode. Use ▲/▼ to adjust.
- Temperature Button (TEMP): Activates temperature setting mode. Use ▲/▼ to adjust.
- Light Button (💡): Turns the internal light on/off.
- Up (▲) / Down (▼) Buttons: Adjust time and temperature settings.
Image: A close-up view of the dehydrator's digital control panel, showing the time display and touch buttons.
Setting Time and Temperature
- Press the Power Button (⏻) to turn on the dehydrator. The display will illuminate.
- Press the Time Button (⏱). The time display will flash. Use the Up (▲) and Down (▼) buttons to set the desired drying time from 1 to 24 hours in 30-minute increments.
- Press the Temperature Button (TEMP). The temperature display will flash. Use the Up (▲) and Down (▼) buttons to set the desired temperature from 90°F to 160°F in 5°F increments.
- Once both time and temperature are set, the dehydrator will automatically begin the drying process after a few seconds. The display will show the remaining time.
- To turn on the internal light, press the Light Button (💡). Press again to turn it off.
Loading Trays
- Prepare your food by washing, slicing, and pre-treating as necessary.
- Arrange food in a single layer on the stainless steel trays, ensuring there is space between pieces for air circulation. Do not overlap food.
- Insert the loaded trays into the dehydrator.
- Close the glass door.
Image: The NESCO dehydrator filled with various fruits on its trays, illustrating its capacity and clear viewing door.
General Drying Guidelines
The following table provides general recommendations. Actual drying times may vary based on food thickness, moisture content, and ambient humidity.
| Food Type | Temperature (°F) | Approximate Time (Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits (e.g., Apples, Bananas, Berries) | 135 - 145 | 6 - 12 |
| Vegetables (e.g., Carrots, Zucchini, Tomatoes) | 125 - 135 | 4 - 10 |
| Jerky (Beef, Poultry) | 155 - 160 | 4 - 15 |
| Herbs | 90 - 100 | 2 - 6 |
| Pet Treats | 145 - 155 | 6 - 12 |
Image: A glass jar filled with dried jerky, with fresh berries in a bowl and the dehydrator visible in the background, illustrating potential results.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular cleaning ensures the longevity and hygiene of your dehydrator.
- Before Cleaning: Always unplug the dehydrator from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely.
- Trays and Drip Tray: The stainless steel trays and drip tray are dishwasher safe. Alternatively, wash them in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely.
- Dehydrator Housing: Wipe the interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they may scratch the surface.
- Fan Area: Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to gently remove any food particles or dust from the fan area at the back of the unit. Do not spray water directly into the fan.
- Storage: Store the dehydrator in a clean, dry place when not in use.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your dehydrator, refer to the table below for common problems and solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dehydrator does not turn on. | Not plugged in; power outlet malfunction; unit not powered on. | Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a working outlet. Press the power button. Check circuit breaker. |
| Food is not drying evenly. | Overloaded trays; uneven food thickness; poor air circulation. | Do not overload trays. Ensure food is sliced uniformly. Arrange food with space for air flow. |
| Dehydrator is too noisy. | Fan obstruction; unit not on a flat surface. | Check for any obstructions near the fan. Ensure the unit is on a stable, flat surface. |
| Temperature or time settings are not responding. | Control panel issue; temporary glitch. | Unplug the unit for 5 minutes, then plug it back in and try again. If the issue persists, contact customer support. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | NESCO |
| Model Number | FD-8TSS |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Black, Gray |
| Wattage | 650 watts |
| Product Dimensions | 12.99"D x 12.99"W x 12"H |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Item Weight | 13.3 Pounds |
| Number of Trays | 8 |
| Temperature Range | 90-160 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Dishwasher Safe Parts | Trays, Drip Tray |
Warranty and Customer Support
NESCO products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official NESCO website. If you have any questions, require technical assistance, or need to report a problem, please contact NESCO Customer Service:
- Website: www.nesco.com
- Customer Service Hours: 8 am to 4 pm CST (Monday-Friday)
Please have your model number (FD-8TSS) and purchase date available when contacting support.
