Finally went for it...

[Multiveg]

After at least a year of thinking about food dehydrators, we've finally received one - went for the Stockli one in the organic gardening catalogue. It arrived today. Will probably post here/blog about it...

[Multiveg]

[Bionic Wellies]

Do keep us informed - we have been thinking about buying/making one of them - would be most interested in how things go.

[Multiveg]

I have been reading the manual, and then searched on here for the thread I started last year! http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,20417.0.html

Good job I did, as I forgot about one of the books I ordered last year and had to look at my order history on Amazon!

I intend to start tonight drying apples - not sure yet if I'm going to slice or wedge em. One book suggested dipping in pineapple juice as a change from using lemon (for preventing discoloration). Also, bananas and strawberries (shop bought) as well. The drying time range for the 3 is 6-15 hours, though that would depend on size, and I suppose that the more things in for drying, the longer it would take.

Jennym - how are you getting on with your Ascott one?
Leonnie - did you add to wishlist and then acquire?

[Marymary]

I'm really keen to know how you get on with it - might set OH a little challenge of making one.  :)

[Multiveg]

Ok - things on! Halved strawberries, halved-lengthways bananas and wedged apples (still with peel on). I hope to give you an update in 9 hours or so. Something should be dry by then (they've been in 2 hours nearly, well, the strawberries have)...

[Multiveg]

Interesting...... Strawberries ready - wow, how they shrunk! Apples also still shrinking as I type. Bananas look funny.
What shall I do with the tray vacated by the strawberries? More bananas or apples? Perhaps even those picota cherries from the supermarket, though they could take 10-18 hours? Should I give the dehydrator a break when the apples and bananas are done, then start fresh batch after a couple of hours?

[Multiveg]

The bananas, strawberries and apples yesterday didn't last "stored"!!! very long. Yummy.
Tried carrot, cucumber and red pepper - the cucumber looks strange, not sure about that. Carrot and pepper look ok.
Last night, started more bananas and apples, as well as cherries.
OH wants extra trays....

[manicscousers]

did you see the friends episode, chandler's flat mate was drying stuff, the melon ended up being used for a football on the table football, sounds addictive  ;D

[Multiveg]

I don't have a tv, but OH has purchased a melon..