NESCO Digital Food Dehydrator

Questions?

NESCO Customer Service is available 8 am to 4 pm CST.

Email: nescocs@nesco.com

Phone: 1-800-288-4545

Warranty/Registration

Please see warranty info included on the package and in this guide. This guide is available at Nesco.com.

Returns

Please do not return this item to the place of purchase. If you are missing any parts or need assistance, contact NESCO Customer Service.

Table of Contents

• Important Safeguards
• Before First Use
• Overview of Components
• Control Panel Functions
• Operating Instructions
• Dehydrating Tips
• Care and Cleaning
• Fruit Drying Guide
• Vegetable Drying Guide
• One Year Limited Warranty

Important Safeguards

This product is designed for HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY. When using any electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be observed including the following:

1. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces.
3. To protect against electrical hazards, do not immerse power unit or any part of the dehydrator cord or plug in water or other liquid.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow the unit to cool before putting on or taking off parts.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions, or has been damaged in any manner.
7. The use of accessory attachments is not recommended by the appliance manufacturer; may cause hazards.
8. Sharp utensils should not be used inside the dehydrator.
9. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
10. Do not use outdoors. Always dehydrate indoors on a flat surface to allow sufficient airflow. Never place base on carpet, towel, newspaper, etc., which can block airflow to the bottom of base and cause failure. Never cover entire unit with anything, as that will cause failure. The dehydrator needs an open, breathable space to function properly.
11. Do not place on or near a gas or electric burner. Do not place on top of a glass top stove or inside an oven.
12. Do not use this appliance for other than its intended use.
13. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Polarized Plug: This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce risk of electric shock, plug is intended to fit into 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 try to modify the plug in any way.

Short Cord Instructions: A short power supply cord is provided to reduce the risk resulting from becoming entangled in or tripping over a longer cord. Extension cords may be used if care is exercised in their use. If an extension cord is used, the marked electrical rating of the cord should be at least as great as the electrical rating of the appliance. A longer cord should be arranged so that it will not drape over the tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over unintentionally.

Before First Use

1. Read and follow all instructions and save this care and use guide for future reference.
2. Remove all packaging and labels. Make sure all components are included.
3. Before using your dehydrator the first time wash the trays and cover in warm soapy water, rinse and let dry. CAUTION: Do not place the dehydrator base in water or in the dishwasher. DO NOT IMMERSE IN ANY LIQUID.
4. It is necessary to run the dehydrator the first time without any food. This first operation is to remove any residue left after the manufacturing process. You may notice some odor or light smoke, this is normal and will quickly dissipate. NOTE: You will only need to do this the first time you use the dehydrator.
   1. Place dehydrator on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface. Leave at least 6 inches of free space around the entire appliance.
   2. To start the dehydrator, plug into a 120 volt electrical outlet and press the power button, the unit will start operating at the default setting. Press the "Temp/Time" button and adjust the time to 30 minutes. The dehydrator will operate for 30 minutes and then automatically shut off.
   3. When complete, unplug dehydrator from electrical outlet and allow to cool.
   4. Wipe down the dehydrator base with a damp cloth.
5. Your appliance is now ready to dehydrate food.

Overview of Components

A diagram shows the NESCO dehydrator with numbered components:

• 1. Control Panel
• 2. Power Base
• 3. Drying Trays
• 4. Cover

Control Panel Functions

A diagram illustrates the control panel with buttons labeled A-F:

• A: Pressing this button toggles between time and temperature settings. The display will blink, allowing adjustment. If no adjustment is made within three seconds, the display resumes showing the remaining time.
• B: Decreases the time or temperature setting. In temperature setting, decreases temperature in 5°F increments. In time setting, decreases time in 30-minute increments.
• C: Indicator light for time display.
• D: Indicator light for temperature display.
• E: Increases the time or temperature setting. In temperature setting, increases temperature in 5°F increments. In time setting, increases time in 30-minute increments.
• F: Powers the dehydrator on or off. When pressed while running, the display shows "OFF". The unit turns off one minute after "OFF" appears.

Adjustable Tray Heights

Your dehydrator trays have tabs for height adjustment. Rotating trays 180 degrees from each other raises or lowers them.

Operating Position: Aligning all tabs provides the highest tray spacing for optimal drying performance.

Storage Position: Positioning trays in an alternate pattern reduces the overall height for easier storage.

Operating Instructions

1. Place the dehydrator in a warm, dry room on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface. Leave at least 6 inches of free space around the appliance.
2. Place food evenly on the trays and stack them onto the dehydrator base. Avoid overloading or overlapping food. Place the cover on the top tray.
3. Plug in the dehydrator. The control panel display will show "OFF". Press the "Power" button to turn on the unit, which will run at the default setting.
4. To set the time, press the "TEMP/TIME" button until the time is displayed. Use the "-" or "+" buttons to select the desired time, ranging from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Time selections must be made within 3 seconds, or the setting will revert to the previous time.
5. To set the temperature, press the "TEMP/TIME" button until the temperature is displayed. Use the "-" or "+" buttons to select the temperature, ranging from 95°F to 160°F. Temperature selections must be made within 3 seconds, or the setting will revert to the previous temperature.
6. Once the time and temperature are set, the unit will automatically start the drying cycle. The display shows the remaining time. You can adjust time or temperature at any time by pressing "TEMP/TIME".
7. After the countdown reaches 00:00, the display will show "OFF". The fan will run for one additional minute before shutting off.
8. Unplug the dehydrator.
9. For final clean-up, refer to the "Care and Cleaning" section of this manual.

Dehydrating Tips

Loading Trays

Arrange food pieces evenly on trays. Do not overlap food, as this creates uneven drying. Place loaded trays into the dehydrator to begin drying. Meat should be frozen or refrigerated until use. Do not let raw meat contact finished products. If marinating meat for jerky, always marinate in the refrigerator.

Drying Time

Drying times vary based on food type, quantity, slice thickness and uniformity, water content, humidity, and air temperature.

Storage

Store dried food in airtight, moisture-proof containers or vacuum-sealed bags in a cool, dry place. Dehydrated food has less moisture than the surrounding air and will absorb moisture if left exposed. Refrigeration or freezing extends shelf life if food remains properly packaged.

Jerky

1. While many jerky recipes exist, NESCO recommends using a prepackaged jerky seasoning and cure kit, available in various flavors and quantities for a quick and easy way to make jerky. Follow the kit's instructions.
2. Jerky can be made from sliced strips of meat or ground meat.
3. If slicing strips from whole meat, freeze until slightly firm (not frozen) for easier slicing. For best results, slice into 1/4" thick slices. Marinate the meat with your chosen seasoning and refrigerate.
4. If using ground meat, mix in seasoning and cure. Use a jerky gun with a strip or stick attachment to form strips to your desired length on the dehydrator tray.
5. Ensure strips or sticks do not overlap or touch. Jerky typically takes 4-8 hours to dry, depending on thickness, moisture content, and quantity.
6. When done drying, remove jerky from trays and let rest for about 30 minutes. Use paper towels to blot excess oil or fat.
7. Store finished jerky in an airtight, moisture-proof container or vacuum-sealed bag in a cool, dry place. For storage longer than a month, refrigerate or freeze the jerky.

Fruits

1. Wash fruit thoroughly in cold water to preserve freshness.
2. Fruits with skin need to be punctured to allow moisture to escape. Puncture by halving, slicing, pitting, or blanching (briefly dipping in boiling water to crack the skins).
3. For fruits that tend to brown, pretreat with ascorbic acid or a 1:1 mixture of lemon juice and water. Pineapple juice can be used instead of lemon juice.
4. Place fruit in a single layer. Do not overlap.
5. Refer to the fruit drying guidelines chart for drying times.
6. Store dried fruit in a sealed container or vacuum-sealed bag/canister in a cool, dry place, preferably below 60°F, away from direct light. Do not store in metal containers, as it may impart an unpleasant flavor.

Herbs

1. Wash herbs in cool water to remove dirt or debris.
2. Lightly dry herbs and place them on the dehydrator trays.
3. Drying times for herbs vary from 1 to 8 hours, depending on thickness, quantity, and temperature setting.
4. Herbs are considered dry when they crumble easily.
5. Once dried to your liking, allow herbs to cool for 30 minutes.
6. Store dried herbs in an airtight, moisture-proof container or vacuum-sealed bag. Exposure to air and light can cause flavor loss. Store in a cool, dry place, preferably below 60°F.

TEMPERATURE SUGGESTIONS:

Vegetables

1. Wash vegetables thoroughly to remove dirt. Peel if desired, and slice into even sizes for uniform drying.
2. Pretreatment is necessary for all vegetables to neutralize natural enzymes. Steam blanching is the preferred method.
3. Bring a large pot filled 75% with water to a boil. Place vegetables in a colander or basket and carefully place in the pot, ensuring a small gap for steam to enter. Cover with a lid. Refer to the vegetable drying guidelines chart.
4. After blanching, place vegetables in cold water to cool them.
5. Remove vegetables from water and dry them.
6. Place in a single layer on dehydrator trays, ensuring they do not touch or overlap.
7. To check for doneness, remove a few pieces from different trays. If a vegetable cannot be broken in half with little effort, return it to the dehydrator for more time. Repeat until finished.
8. Once dried to your liking, allow vegetables to cool for 30 minutes.
9. Store in a sealed container or vacuum-sealed bag in a cool, dry place away from direct light, preferably below 60°F.

Care and Cleaning

1. Before cleaning, disconnect the dehydrator from the power supply and allow it to cool thoroughly.
2. Wipe the dehydrator base with a soft, damp cloth. DO NOT use metal scouring pads, abrasive cleaners, or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the appliance. NEVER IMMERSE THE BASE IN WATER OR ANY OTHER LIQUID.
3. The mesh sheets, drip tray, and drying trays should be washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed, and dried thoroughly.
4. Before storing the dehydrator, ensure all parts are completely cool, clean, and dry.

Fruit Drying Guide

Humidity, temperature, food moisture content, and slice thickness affect drying times. Stated drying times are a guide only.

*Pretreatment - Use ascorbic acid or a lemon juice mixture to prevent fruit from browning.

Vegetable Drying Guide

Humidity, temperature, food moisture content, and slice thickness affect drying times. Stated drying times are a guide only.

*Pretreatment - Follow blanching instructions on page 8.

One Year Limited Warranty

The Metal Ware Corporation warrants the original purchaser that your product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase. The product must be used for personal or sole household usage in accordance with the instructions. Should your product prove defective within one year from date of purchase, contact our customer service team at 1-800-288-4545 or email at nescocs@nesco.com with an explanation of the claim. If a viable warranty claim is determined, a customer service member will provide you with the necessary details to have your unit replaced. Under this limited time warranty, we undertake to replace any parts found to be defective at our sole discretion. This limited time warranty is void if the unit is connected to an unsuitable electrical supply or dismantled or interfered with in any way or damaged through misuse. This warranty is not transferable.

LIMITATION OF REMEDIES AND DAMAGES: Except for the limited time warranty and remedies expressly stated above, The Metal Ware Corp shall not be liable to you, or to anyone claiming by or through you, for any obligations or liabilities, including, but not limited to, obligations or liabilities arising out of breach of contract, breach of warranty, statutory claims, negligence or other tort or any theory of strict liability, with respect to the product or The Metal Ware Corp's acts or omissions or otherwise. Buyer agrees that in no event shall The Metal Ware Corp be liable for incidental, compensatory, punitive, consequential, indirect, special or other damages. Warranty does not cover consequential or incidental damages such as property damage and does not cover incidental costs and expenses resulting from any breach of this warranty, even if foreseeable. Some states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you depending on the state or province of purchase.

Register your product on our website: https://www.nesco.com/customer-service/warranty-registration

The Metal Ware Corp

NESCO FD-5TC Series / Digital Food Dehydrator

Two Rivers, WI. USA