Customer Reviews

Nesco American Harvest FD-61 Snackmaster Encore Dehydrator and Jerky Maker

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This dehydrator is top notch for the money. I read the reviews, making note of people wanting timers, time tables in the instruction manual being incorrect and one that states they didn't like the hole in the middle, huh? That's where the fan blows hot air downward. As far as a timer and the manual being off on time tables, let me point out you don't need a timer and you don't want to rely on one. This dehydrator doesn't take days to finish, so if you have to leave the house or go to bed..unplug it. Use it when you can check on the progress. It's not a Crock Pot. As far as the time tables being off, take into consideration that people cut their foods into different thickness and a quarter inch differs from eye to eye. Humidity levels are different place to place and so many different factors are in play. So the time tables are only a guide and not the law. That's why you DON'T want to use a timer. This product can also be used WITHOUT electricity. Take the top motor off, cover the top of the trays with clear or black plastic and set in the sun. It's a great product and a good buy,

I bought this product because I am getting into raw foods. It works beautifully to dry fruits and vegetables. I have done apples, pears, mango, bananas, strawberries and pineapple. The dried watermelon and cantaloupe are the best, as they taste like candy! It also does a nice job on flax crackers. I would suggest rotating the trays mid-way, since the top and bottom trays seem to dry more quickly.

This dehydrator works just the way it should - quietly and efficiently. The jerky came out perfect and took slightly less time than was expected (about 6 hours). Given the relatively low cost and ease of use, this product is worth it. If you are going to do more than 3 pounds of meat you might want to buy additional trays. Cleanup was also quite easy. There are other products that cost more, but I doubt that they do the job any better.

Let me just start off by saying that i gave it 4 stars because there is a disadvantage to having a whole in the center. But i bought this because the dehydrator i really wanted was $200 and i wanted to make sure i would enjoy the foods i could make with it. I would actually want to give this a 4 1/2 stars.

I got this because I am switching over to a more raw diet. I got a few cookbooks that have lots of mouth watering recipes but they required a food dehydrator. I love it. This one is soft, just a low hum. I have kept it on for days at a time making lots of goodies.

One thing i noticed when i put a thermometer in the machine is that is is 10 degrees off and so i keep it at 105 to give me the perfect 115 for "cooking" raw foods. So i suggest you do the same if you get this machine. I put it in the bottom vent.

This machine is so easy to use i am having tons of fun. If you are buying your first dehydrator this is the one to get. If you are getting it for raw foods buy extra fruit roll up sheets. It comes with one but i use them a lot!

The dehydrator itself is far superior to others in its price range.

I wouldn't use the temperature settings that they suggest for jerky again though. The Jerky was kind of crunchy. I made another batch at the lowest setting and it's perfect. You are, after all, dehydrating, not cooking.

I absolutely love my dehydrator. I received it as a gift for Christmas and I have already used it a dozen times. So far I've made beef jerky and venison jerky, and I've dried fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It has already paid for itself. There are 7 heat settings and a quick heating guide on the cover. It also comes with a how-to/cook book and jerky seasonings/cure. This is the perfect item for the cook who seems to have everything, plus, it can save you money.

I read the reviews on all sorts of dehydrators before purchasing one - and everyone agreed: BUY THE NESCO. I like my nesco a lot, we use it all the time for beef jerky. We tried doing pineapple in it, but it seemed to be a waste - as the pineapple tasted better fresh than dried.

The jerky maker gun works ok, the spices are a little 'ick' that came with it. We used the jerky gun once, and then we stuck with london broils or flank steaks as our meat of choice for jerky.

Most people say my beef jerky is the best they've ever tasted. I slice london broils (bought on sale) against the grain("on the bias")very thinly. Use a very sharp filet or chefs knife. I marinate the strips in a bowl in the frig for 12-24 hours in 1cup soy sauce, 1cup teriyaki, 2 tbs brown sugar 1tbs black pepper.

My machine holds about 3 lbs of marinated jerky, and it takes around 4-5 hours to dry. I let the jerky rest/cool on a plate, then i store in a ziplock baggie.

GREAT VALUE - makes INCREDIBLE jerky. Only wish this product had a timer or an on off switch.

I would have given this a 5 star rating except there's no timer. It is very quiet though. I asked for this dehydrator as a Christmas gift from my husband so I could make homemade jerky for my dog. I'm so glad I did because now I can feel at ease knowing where my dog's jerky is coming from. It is so hard to find a healthy, all natural jerky for dogs that isn't from China (which has been the source of alot of ingredients which has caused so many dogs to become ill or die). And if you do find a jerky made in the USA, there's usually all kinds of other uneccesary ingredients and preservatives in it! I just want to feed my dog plain chicken, turkey, beef or fish jerky. I also made dehydrated apples, bananas, carrots and sweet potato chips for her and now don't have to pay the high prices for them from the specialty pet stores (which again, some were made in China). The dehydrator also came with a recipe book which included a couple of dog treat recipes. Now I know I can use/substitute different ingredients and make my own doggie treats and biscuits with this also. It is fun and will save me money reducing the need for me to spend so much in the pet stores. I will also use it as a part of my cooking regime for my family as well. I would recommend this product if you are like me and are concerned about the pet food/treat industry. Our dogs are an important part of our lives and families and deserve quality food as we do.

I received this dehydrator for Christmas. I have only done bananas and apples so far, but the drying time is much faster than other dehydrators out there. I am impressed how quiet it is and that you can adjust the temperature. Cleaning is a breeze. Great product.

I purchased this dehydrator because I wanted to dry sweet potato slices for my dogs instead of buying them all the time and while it works wonderfully for that, I've found many more uses for it. I've kind of gone through a phase where I want to try drying all kinds of foods just to see how they'll turn out, and everything from applesauce leather to zucchini chips have come out absolutely delicious. The unit isn't too loud and is easy to clean. If you are looking for a dehydrator for your kitchen, I think you'll be happy with this.