Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator - 15 sq ft, Black

Our review of the Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator finds it best suited for home cooks, gardeners, and serious DIY snack makers who need large capacity and consistent results. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of 15 sq ft of drying space and Excalibur's Parallex Horizontal Airflow, which dries trays evenly without rotation so multiple batches finish at once. It is a workhorse for jerky, fruit leather, pet treats and preserving seasonal harvests where even drying and nutrient retention matter.

Key Features

• 9-Tray Capacity: Fifteen square feet of drying space lets users dry large quantities in one run, ideal for big families or gardeners.
• 26-Hour Timer: The built-in 26-hour timer with automatic shut off provides hands-off drying for long recipes like jerky and fruit leather.
• Adjustable Thermostat: Temperature control from 105 to 165 degrees F makes it simple to set precise low-and-slow temperatures for nutrient preservation or higher heat for faster results.
• Parallex Horizontal Airflow: Horizontal airflow circulates evenly across trays so foods dry faster and more uniformly without rotating trays.
• Included Polyscreen Inserts: Non-stick polyscreens prevent sticking and simplify cleanup, especially with purees and sticky fruit leathers.
• Made in the USA: Assembled domestically using USA and globally sourced materials, which may appeal to buyers prioritizing local manufacturing.

Who It's For

This dehydrator suits people who regularly preserve large harvests, batch-make snacks like beef jerky, or produce pet treats and fruit leather. The sizable 15 sq ft capacity and long timer mean fewer batches and less supervision for weekend food projects.

It is less ideal for those who need an ultra-compact or very quiet countertop unit; some users note the footprint and noise level can be significant compared with smaller models, so apartment dwellers with tight space or strict quiet requirements should consider smaller or quieter alternatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Large drying capacity that accommodates big loads for families or gardeners.
• Reliable timer and automatic shut off that make long drying cycles convenient.
• Even drying with Parallex Horizontal Airflow eliminates tray rotation and improves consistency.
• Easy-to-clean polyscreens and straightforward controls simplify maintenance.

Cons

• Size and noise are mixed among users; the unit is roomy but can be larger and louder than small dehydrators.

Specifications

Brand	Excalibur
Trays	9 trays
Drying Area	15 sq ft
Power	600 Watts
Temperature Range	105 to 165 degrees F
Timer	26-hour timer with automatic shut off
Accessories	9 non-stick polyscreen tray inserts and guide to dehydration

Our Verdict

The Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator is a strong choice for anyone who needs generous drying space and dependable, even results; its adjustable thermostat and Parallex airflow justify the size and price for frequent preservers. For large batches of jerky, fruit leather, or garden produce it delivers good value, though buyers with tight space or noise sensitivity should weigh those factors first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this unit dry all trays evenly?
Yes. The Parallex Horizontal Airflow is designed to circulate air evenly so trays dry without rotation.

Can it reach low temperatures for raw food dehydration?
Yes. The thermostat goes as low as 105 degrees F, allowing low-and-slow drying that preserves nutrients.

Are non-stick inserts included?
Yes. Nine flexible non-stick polyscreen tray inserts are included to prevent sticking and ease cleaning.