NESCO Gardenmaster FD-1040 Digital Pro Food Dehydrator

I like the fact that I can set the timer and go about my day. I bought this last summer, and after deciding I wanted to make my own seasoning blends. I have to say I am really enjoying knowing what is in my seasoning! It is trial-and-error learning the best temps for my needs. It is a little loud, but nothing I can't handle. I will be buying the extra trays soon.

The trays are large so you can fit plenty on them, and it dries evenly without moving them around. The fan is powerful but quite. The controllers are easy to use and located where they are easy to see.

I have a Nesco FD60 which was handed down to me, which I love. But I had a huge supplies of grapes I wanted to dehydrate into raisins, so I purchased the Nesco FD 1040 which is 1000 watts, figure it would work faster. Not really, but it was nice that is was a little bigger the FD60

The dehydrator looks good, have a large capacity and works well. I dried sweet potatoes, Kiwi fruits, Mangos, Bananas, pineapples and Lemons. Most of them takes about 6 to 8 hours. The machine is pretty quiet but the heat maybe too much in the kitchen, I leave it in the laundry room overnight.

I have the older version that is not digital, but I love it. I decided to treat myself to a new digital version. Love the fact that you can set it and not have to check it. Another bonus is the trays are designed so that they do not need to be rotated for even drying. Win, win! I only wish for more trays.

Definitely makes you feel like a garden master withe the ability to get extra trays. Easy to use. Works well. Typical quality plastic. I love it and its an upgrade from my last one that didnt have adjustable temps.

I use the dehydrator for almost everything I can. This is my third one. I have done fruit for snacks and cooking. Vegetables, peppers, homemade jerky. I even did dog treats when I had a couple of dogs. Truly, the possibilities are endless.

I love this unit. My old one finally died after about 10 or 12 years. The ability to stack multiple trays is wonderful. You can use one or two trays for short run or you can stack ten of them. A+.

Good for the price point. Do know that you have to set the temp with a manual dial - this is not the digital one. Also, the temp varies by 5-10 degrees from the dial setting. I used a thermometer and mine consistently was 5-10 degrees higher than the dial setting. It also does not have a timer. You have to manually unplug it to turn it off. I dried pears, apples, and peppers in it and they turned out fine.

This dehydrator works great. The only thing that keeps it from a five star rating is that the noise level is a little on the high side. Another brand that I have is very quiet but doesnt dry as well. I would recommend getting the screen trays. They make clean up super easy and offers more control for putting the dry product into jars or bags.