Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator Review: Snack Heaven?

I've been experimenting with the Elite Gourmet Food Dehydrator, and I'm impressed by its versatility. This handy appliance has become (one of my three) dehydrator choices for creating healthy snacks and preserving food. (Nesco and Excalibur are my other dehydrator brands I use).

The Elite Gourmet has five BPA-free trays and adjustable temperature controls, and I've found it easy to dry everything from fruits and veggies to herbs and jerky. The 350-watt power ensures quick drying, while the temperature range of 95°F to 158°F lets me tailor the process to different foods.

I love how simple it is to use. I just prep my ingredients, set the temperature, and let it work its magic. The clear see-through trays let me check on my snacks without interrupting the process. I love that! (Nesco and Excalibur trays are opaque).

Cleaning is pretty easy too. The trays are dishwasher safe, but I often just wash them with soap and water. It's compact enough to fit on my counter without taking up too much space.

A BIG reason I purchased the Elite Gourmet is the ability to ADJUST the height of the trays to make more room for taller foods.

How did they do that? Simple. All you do is align the tabs (shown in the instruction booklet!) et voilà - more space between trays instantly! See the video:

Bottom Line

For anyone looking to make healthy, preservative-free snacks at home, I highly recommend giving the Elite Gourmet Food Dehydrator a try. It's user-friendly, efficient, and opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

Click here to get your own Elite Gourmet Food Dehydrator and start creating delicious dried snacks today!

Overview of the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator

This compact unit packs a punch with 350 watts of drying power. I love the adjustable temperature control, which lets me dry different foods just right. The five BPA-free trays give plenty of space for my fruits, veggies, and jerky projects.

The air circulation system works well, evenly drying my snacks without needing to rotate trays. Its air circulating fan and heating element is in the bottom. It's surprisingly quiet too. Clean-up is a breeze since the trays are dishwasher safe.

While it's great for beginners, I did find the plastic a bit delicate. The unit is smaller than my Nesco, and sometimes wish it was bigger. Despite these minor drawbacks, I'm impressed with how it preserves nutrients without additives. It's opened up a world of healthy, homemade snacks for me.

Adjustable Temperature Control

I love how much control this dehydrator gives me. (Read more about dehydrators here). The temperature dial lets me set it anywhere from 95°F to 158°F, perfect for different types of foods. When I made beef jerky, I cranked it up to the max.

For delicate herbs, I kept it low. The fan spreads heat evenly, so everything dries consistently. No need to rotate trays or babysit it. I just set it and forget it until my snacks are ready. It's so easy to get great results every time.

Creating Healthy Snacks

I've been having a blast with my Elite dehydrator! It's opened up a whole new world of healthy snack options. I love drying fruits like apples and bananas for sweet treats without added sugar.

Making veggie chips is another favorite - kale and zucchini turn out amazingly crispy. The adjustable temperature control lets me dial in the perfect setting for each food. I can even make my own jerky now.

The five roomy trays give me plenty of space to prep snacks for the whole week. Clean-up is a breeze too since the trays are dishwasher safe. It's so satisfying knowing exactly what's in my snacks - no weird additives or preservatives. My only gripe is that it can take a while for some foods to fully dry, but the results are worth the wait.

Crafts and Pet Treats

I've had a blast using my Elite dehydrator for crafts and pet treats! It's perfect for drying flowers and creating homemade potpourri. I love how it preserves the delicate petals and fragrances.

For pet owners, this machine is a game-changer. I've made countless batches of healthy, all-natural dog treats. My pup goes crazy for the dehydrated sweet potato treats!

The adjustable temperature lets me dry different ingredients safely. Clean-up is a breeze too - the dishwasher-safe trays are so convenient. Overall, I've found this dehydrator opens up a world of creative possibilities beyond just food prep.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Setting up this dehydrator is a breeze. I simply plugged it in, arranged my food on the trays, and set the temperature. The adjustable controls let me fine-tune the heat for different foods. I love how easy it is to add or remove trays as needed.

Cleaning is straightforward too. The trays are dishwasher safe, which is a huge time-saver. For quick cleanups, I just wash them with warm, soapy water. The base unit wipes clean easily.

One minor gripe is that food residue can sometimes stick to the trays, requiring a bit of scrubbing so I soak them in a sink full of hot soapy water to loosen the gunk. But overall, I find this dehydrator very user-friendly and low-maintenance.

Safety and Efficiency

I've found this dehydrator to be a safe and efficient kitchen helper. It runs at a modest 350 watts, which is plenty of power without being excessive. The adjustable temperature control lets me fine-tune the settings from 95°F to 158°F, ensuring optimal drying for different foods.

I appreciate that the trays are BPA-free, giving me peace of mind when preparing snacks for my family. The fan distributes heat evenly, so I don't need to rotate trays. As an ETL-listed appliance, I feel confident about its safety for home use. The clear see-through trays are handy for monitoring progress without opening the unit and that's a major reason why I chose this unit! (Plus the price is awesome...)

Pros and Cons

After spending a few weeks with the Elite Gourmet dehydrator, I've discovered some great features and a few drawbacks. Let's dive into what I found:

Pros

• Adjustable temperature control is a game-changer. I can set it anywhere from 95°F to 158°F, perfect for different foods.
• The five BPA-free trays are spacious at 11.4 inches each. I fit a lot of fruits and veggies in one go.
• Cleaning is a breeze. The trays are dishwasher safe!
• It's surprisingly quiet. I can run it overnight without disturbing anyone's sleep.
• The clear trays lets me check on my food without opening the unit.
• It's great for making healthy snacks. I've made some delicious dried fruit and jerky without any additives.

Cons

• The plastic feels a bit delicate. I'm careful when handling the trays to avoid cracks.
• Drying times can be longer than expected. My beef jerky took a bit more time than the manual suggested.
• While the fan distributes heat, it's OK to rotate trays for even drying.

I've enjoyed using this dehydrator for various projects. It's user-friendly and performs well for its price point. While it has some limitations, it's a solid choice for home use.

Customer Reviews

I've been using this Elite food dehydrator for a while now, and I'm impressed with its performance. Many users praise how easy it is to operate, with adjustable temperature controls and stackable trays. I found it simple to clean and durable enough for regular use. The ability to change tray spacing is a nice touch, especially when drying different foods.

Some users report great results with fruits, vegetables, and even meats. I've had success with herbs and garlic slices myself. The unit runs quietly, which is a big plus in my book.

Not all feedback is glowing, though. A few users mention plastic parts being delicate, and dehydration times sometimes exceed those listed in the manual. Despite these minor issues, most reviewers, including myself, find it a good value for the price. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to preserve foods at home.

Conclusion

After using the Elite Gourmet dehydrator, I'm impressed with its performance and value. It's a great entry-level option for those new to food dehydration. The adjustable temperature controls and five BPA-free trays offer versatility for drying various foods. While it may take longer than expected for some items, the results are generally satisfying. The unit is quiet and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners.

I found it particularly effective for herbs and fruits. Clean-up can be a bit tricky when the trays are sticky (poet and I know it), but overall maintenance is straightforward. For its price point, this dehydrator delivers solid results and is a worthwhile investment for home food preservation enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

After using the Elite Gourmet dehydrator for a while, I've gathered some common questions that might help you decide if it's right for your needs.