Dehydrators--Plastics, Noise, Convenience, L'Equip?

[WaturMama]

I have been spending way too long trying to figure out which dehydrator to buy. Now our plums and cherries are starting to get ripe, and I need to figure this out! Besides dehydrating fruits, I'm excited to make crispy nuts, raw crackers, fruit leather, and kale chips.

I had almost talked myself into getting an Excalibur 9-tray (so I could make yoghurt and rise bread, too), but then I learned that the case is made from polycarbonate. Even though I understand it doesn't touch the food, I don't want BPA anywhere near my food--especially because I'm trying to get pregnant.

I was originally interested in the Nesco (American Harvest, etc.), but I don't like that they aren't at all forthcoming about their plastics. I found nothing about it on their web site. I've called the company twice and talked to two different people that told me that ABS is used, but couldn't tell me if it was food-grade ABS. One was going to have the owner or a manager call me back, but he never did.

So in the 11th hour here, I'm finding myself thinking I'll get one I didn't even consider all this time: the L'Equip. They describe the plastic they use on their web site--ABS trays, polypropylene mesh insert, PET fruit leather trays. Reviews seem to sound like it is quieter which is a very nice plus, and it looks like it would fit on my counter well, which is a plus, too, because I think I'll be using it a lot. And I like that it gives a nod to rectangles (they do have a hole in the middle). The fan at the bottom and the possible need to rotate trays (it gets mixed reviews there) concern me, but it sounds like folks do okay with that.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has a L'Equip about your experience with it.

Also would love to hear if anyone has anything to add about dehydrator plastics and noise.

[WaturMama]

I went ahead and ordered a L'Equip, so I'm not needing the feedback so much, but I'll leave this here in case it helps someone else.

[RoamingWidgeteer]

Sorry this is too late to help, but I highly recommend the Excalibur dehydrators.

• They use square trays that slide in/out of an oven-like box.
• The drying is even (so no rotating trays)
• All trays are fast & easy to check for progress, and to remove any pieces that are already dry.
• They seem sturdy, efficient workhorses. Some even come with 10 year warranties.
• Stainless trays are available, and the company has an excellent page on the pros/cons of plastic and stainless

I've used the stacking type, and the Excalibur beats them in every respect. It is more expensive but well worth it :)

[Arduinna]

I had the link to one that is like the excaliber but made out of stainless steel. I'd rather have that than plastic. But I don't have the link anymore since I decided I really didn't need one anyway.

[WaturMama]

Arduinna, the one I came across like that was called "the sausage maker" I think, something with sausage in the name, but it was out of my price range.

[Arduinna]

That sounds like the one. It wasn't cheap. (not implying the one you bought is, just that the other one was $$$)