Aroma AFD-815B Food Dehydrator

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Stay connected for recipe ideas and giveaways at www.AromaTestKitchen.com.

Important Safeguards

Basic safety precautions should always be followed when using electrical appliances:

1. Read all instructions carefully before first use.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces; use handles or knobs.
3. Use only on a level, dry, and heat-resistant surface.
4. Do not immerse the cord, plug, or appliance in water or any other liquid.
5. Close supervision is necessary when used by or near children.
6. Unplug when not in use and before cleaning. Allow the unit to cool before handling parts or cleaning.
7. Do not operate with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged. Contact Aroma customer service for examination, repair, or adjustment.
8. Use of accessory attachments not recommended by Aroma Housewares may result in fire, electric shock, or injury.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Do not let the cord touch hot surfaces or hang over the edge of a counter or table.
11. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated oven.
12. Do not use the appliance for anything other than its intended use.
13. Use only with a 120V AC power outlet.
14. Do not clean with metal scouring pads; pieces can break off and create a risk of electric shock or damage the finish.
15. Always unplug by gripping the plug, never pull the cord.
16. To disconnect, flip the power switch to Off, then remove the plug from the wall outlet.
17. Do not wrap or tie the cord around the appliance.
18. Store in a cool, dry place.
19. Exercise extreme caution when using or moving an appliance containing food.
20. Intended for countertop use only.
21. Place the food dehydrator on a flat, heat-resistant surface with adequate ventilation.
22. Do not place too close to the edge of a table or countertop to prevent it from being knocked off.
23. Operate the food dehydrator on a separate electrical circuit from other appliances to avoid overloading.

Parts Identification and Controls

Parts Identification

• Temperature Control Knob
• Power Switch
• Air Vent
• Cool-Touch Body
• Removable Front Cover
• Removable Drip Tray (x1)
• Drying Tray (x6)
• Mesh Tray Insert (x6)

Controls/Functions

• Power Switch: Turns the dehydrator on and off.
• Temperature Control Knob: Manually adjusts dehydrating temperature from 95°F to 155°F.

Short Cord Instructions: A short power-supply cord reduces risks of entanglement or tripping. Longer extension cords may be used if care is exercised, ensuring the cord's electrical rating is at least as great as the appliance's and that it does not drape where it can be pulled or tripped over.

[Important Safety Warning]: DO NOT DRAPE CORD! KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN!

Polarized Plug: This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other) to reduce electric shock risk. It fits into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully, reverse it. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or a similarly qualified person.

THIS APPLIANCE IS FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.

Before First Use

1. Read all instructions and important safeguards.
2. Remove all packaging materials and check for completeness.
3. Dispose of plastic bags properly to prevent risks to children.
4. Wash removable parts (front cover, drying trays, mesh inserts, drip tray) in warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
5. Wipe the body surface with a wet cloth. Do not wash the fan or heating element.
6. After cleaning and reassembling, set the temperature knob to 155°F and turn the power switch On.
7. The red indicator light will illuminate, signifying the start of the dehydration cycle.
8. Run the cycle without food for 30 minutes. Any initial smoke or smells are normal.
9. After 30 minutes, turn the power switch Off.
10. Rinse and dry all removable parts, then reassemble. Allow the unit to cool for at least 2 hours before operating again.

[Caution]: Do not immerse the food dehydrator base, cord, or plug in water. Ensure sufficient room ventilation and at least one inch of clearance on all sides. Do not operate for more than 20 hours in a single use.

To Clean

1. Wash removable parts (front cover, drying trays, mesh tray inserts, drip tray) in warm, soapy water.
2. Use a soft brush to remove any food sticking to the trays.
3. Wipe the body surface with a wet cloth. Do not wash the fan or heating element.
4. Dry all parts thoroughly and reassemble.

[Note]: Do not wash parts in a dishwasher, as heat may cause warping. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads. The 30-minute initial run without food is only necessary before first use.

Dehydrating

1. Place pre-treated ingredients onto drying trays, ensuring they do not overlap or overload the trays.
2. Slide the loaded trays into the food dehydrator. Ensure the drip tray is in place at the bottom.
3. Slide on the front cover.
4. Ensure at least one inch of clearance on all sides for ventilation.
5. Plug the power cord into a 120V outlet.
6. Adjust the temperature control knob to the desired temperature and turn the power switch On.
7. The red indicator light will illuminate to signify the start of the dehydration cycle.
8. Allow the dehydrator to operate for the desired time, checking food periodically.
9. When finished, turn the power switch Off and unplug the power cord.
10. Allow dehydrated food to cool before serving.

[Note]: For smaller ingredients, use mesh inserts on drying trays to prevent pieces from falling through. For best results, use lower temperatures for thinner/smaller pieces or smaller loads, and higher temperatures for thicker/larger pieces or larger loads. The temperature control knob can also be used to decrease temperature as food nears completion.

Temperature Setting Recommendations

*Cook meat/poultry to 160-165°F prior to dehydrating.

Rehydrating

• Previously dehydrated food can be rehydrated by soaking in water or pouring hot water over it. Do not add seasonings, as they may alter flavor. Typically, 1 cup of water is appropriate for 1 cup of dehydrated food.
• For stewed fruits, add 2 cups of water and simmer until tender.
• Dehydrated fruits and vegetables can be soaked in cold water (1:1 water/dried food ratio) for 2-6 hours in the refrigerator. Room temperature may promote bacterial growth. Alternatively, immerse in boiling water for 5-10 minutes until desired consistency is reached.

[Caution]: Once rehydrated, food must be consumed quickly or stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoiling.

Useful Tips

Apples

Wash, peel (optional), core, and slice into 1/8"-1/4" thick slices or rounds. Soaking in lemon juice for 2-3 minutes before dehydrating can help prevent browning. Dry for approximately 7-15 hours until slightly crisp. To rehydrate, soak in hot water for 10-15 minutes.

Apricots

Wash, halve, and remove pits. Pretreatment is not necessary. Dry for approximately 10-18 hours until pliable with no moisture pockets. To rehydrate, soak in hot water for 15 minutes.

Bananas

Use ripe bananas. Peel and slice. Soaking in lemon juice for 1-2 minutes can prevent darkening. Dehydrate for approximately 6-10 hours until crisp. To rehydrate, soak in hot water for about 10 minutes.

Berries

Remove stems, wash, and shake dry. Pretreatment is not necessary. Drying time is approximately 10-15 hours. Rehydrate by soaking in hot water for about 15 minutes. Drain well before using.

[Helpful Hints]: To prevent food from sticking, brush a light coat of vegetable oil on the drying tray for easier removal and cleaning.

Food Labeling

Labeling containers with contents, date of drying, and original weight helps improve drying techniques and results.

Storage

Proper storage is essential. Wait until food is cool before storing. For best results, store in cool, dry, dark places, ideally below 60°F (16°C).

Storage Containers

Place dried food in plastic freezer bags or metal/glass containers. Avoid containers that "breathe" or have weak seals. Fill containers as much as possible, minimizing air exposure. Squeeze air out of plastic bags.

Moisture Check

Regularly check for moisture. If moisture is present, dehydrate for a longer time.

[Note]: For fruit leather, transfer to plastic bags while still warm. For other dehydrated foods, wait until cool.

Recipes

Cinnamon Apple Chips

• 3-4 apples
• 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
• cinnamon

Cut apples into 1/8"-1/4" thick slices. Place in a bowl with water and lemon juice to prevent browning. Arrange evenly on trays, sprinkle with cinnamon, and dry at 145°F for 7-8 hours until dry to the touch.

Mango Chili Fruit Leather

• 32 oz. mango chunks
• chili powder

Line 4 trays with parchment paper. Blend mango until smooth. Spread 1/4" thick puree onto each tray. Sprinkle evenly with chili powder. Dry at 135°F for 6-8 hours until no longer sticky. Cut into strips.

Berry Green Fruit Leather

• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 3/4 cup applesauce
• 1/4 cup kale, finely minced

Wash strawberries and blueberries. Remove stems from strawberries. Blend strawberries and blueberries into a puree. Add applesauce and blend for 5 seconds. Stir in minced kale. Pour mixture onto wax paper-lined trays, about 1/4" thick. Dry at 135°F for 8 hours until leathery. Cool and remove with spatula. Wrap rolls in cellophane.

For additional recipes, visit www.AromaCo.com or www.AromaTestKitchen.com.

Limited Warranty

Aroma Housewares Company warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship for two years from the provable date of purchase in the United States. Aroma Housewares Company will repair or replace defective parts at no charge, provided the product is returned freight prepaid with proof of purchase and a $35.00 shipping and handling fee. Contact Aroma customer service for a return authorization number. Allow 2-4 weeks for return shipping.

This warranty does not apply if the warranty period has expired, the product has been modified by unauthorized service centers, or the defect resulted from abuse, improper use, environmental conditions exceeding specifications, neglect, or improper installation. It also does not cover Force Majeure events like natural disasters, war, vandalism, theft, or voltage disturbances.

This warranty grants specific legal rights that may vary by state and does not cover areas outside the United States.

Service & Support

For warranty claims or service, contact Aroma customer service toll-free at 1-800-276-6286 (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm Pacific Time) or via email at CustomerService@AromaCo.com.

For your records, staple your sales receipt and record the following:

• Date of Purchase:
• Place of Purchase:

[Note]: Proof of purchase is required for all warranty claims.

Aroma Housewares Company, 6469 Flanders Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, U.S.A.