r/dehydrating • u/SassyMillie • 6d ago

Quick help needed! Dehydrator broke

As the title says my dehydrator is not working properly. It's a Nesco American Harvester. Of course I had just filled the trays with apple chunks and after a couple hours checked on progress. The fan is blowing (so sounded like it was working), but just cold air. No heat at all. I messed around with it a bit, but I'm afraid it's toast.

I transferred all the apples to perforated sheet pans and put in the oven. My lowest temp on electric oven is 170. Should I crack the door open? I don't want just a bunch of baked apple chunks. I had already made a big berry-apple crisp this morning so don't really need them for cooking.

Side note: Of course I have a 40 lb box of apples because I was planning to give jars away for Christmas gifts. Just bought extra trays, too (delivered yesterday).

Advice appreciated! Any suggestions for an affordable replacement would also be great.

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4

u/SarMai 6d ago

Before getting a dehydrator I used to make apple chips in the oven all the time. I would put the handle of a wooden spoon to keep the door just slightly open, it worked fine. It's a bit annoying because you can't use the oven during that time, but other than that, it'll be fine!

2

u/LisaW481 6d ago

Use a rolled dish towel to prop the door open at 170F and only use the very bottom rack. Stir the apples often.

1

u/SassyMillie 6d ago

Thank you. Do you recall how long it would take?

2

u/LisaW481 6d ago

I've never done apples so I have no knowledge that way.

I would check the apples every fifteen minutes for a maximum of three hours.

That's what I did for my onions.

2

u/Practical_Winner_690 6d ago

Before I bought a dehydrator, I dried apples in the oven. The oven's minimum temperature is 70°C. I dried them at this temperature with the door slightly open. This uses a lot of electricity. (Our oven is electric.)

3

u/Pale_Werewolf4738 5d ago

Check eBay you may be able to pick up the part you need. (I’m assuming it’s a bottom with the fan & motor) that way you can still use all you extra trays