I bought the parables sheets when I bought my Excalibur! Didn’t know what I was doing at the time, lol, but I love them! Thanks to you, I have dehydrated more this year than I have since I bought my dehydrator, 11 years ago. Thank you for you honest and very informative video’s! ❤️❤️
I just love your information- this mesh is a great hack!!!!!! Way before i had a dehydrator, i used to use window screens. Lol 😆 I feel like I am in pantry school with a bunch of friends! Thanks so much for all the sharing of research and experiences.
My Nesco is 15 or so years old. I knew there was a redesign after I bought mine but I wasn’t sure what was different. After seeing your video, I now know. My trays have the hole in the middle but it’s not flat like yours. It is raised up so the weight of each tray is supported in the center as well as along the exterior. On a positive note, food doesn’t fall through the center hole. However, I would have to cut a hole in the middle if I make a DIY mesh screen.
You can buy food safe mesh at sporting goods stores. Mostly ones that sell hunting stuff, they usually carry dehydrators and they have their mesh for the trays. I purchased the and cut them down to fit my dehydrator and they are food safe.
Fabulous video and hacks, Darcy! Wish I had this info before I bought all my screens and leather trays. lol However, those plastic sheets will definitely come in handy for later. Thanks for all the great info and the link below.
I picked up a Nesco dehydrator a couple of weeks ago for $7.99 at my favourite thrift store! I'm waiting until after Halloween to dry pumpkin. I'm hoping they will go on clearance! Love your videos, so much great info..😀
I do this, becauSe the ones I purchased that are the ReCommended model number has about an inch gap around the outside. Meaning I lose a lot of space on every thing I dice. Now I love the mess so much I always use the mesh.
Thanks for all the great info in this video and all your other videos! I just read your list of useful items for dehydrating. I haven’t used my coffee grinder in about 15 years and sold it earlier this year! But I do have a Vitamix and a slightly crippled Bullet blender, I did order the Nesco Gardenmaster today from Amazon. It has 8 trays and comes with fruit leather inserts and the smaller mesh inserts for all 8 trays! But this info will be awesome if I buy extra trays! I hope the inserts are good.
If you haven’t thought of it, I have taken parchment and made a lip around the edges for the Excalibur in a pinch. I use little binder clips or staples to hold the corners together. I usually have to do 2 folds it get the edges to stand up. Good for things that stain or are particularly messy
I got four food grade mesh liners for my Nesco on EBay for $8.00. They’re 100% silicone…flimsy…not solid like the one that comes with the machine. But, they work great and are easy to clean. Mine have holes in the middle as my Nesco trays are not flat in the middle like yours. 💕🌸💕
Amazon also has round silicone mesh sheets for dehydrators. I got some when I bought my Excaliber (sp) because I have a round dehydrator that didn't come with the mesh sheets. Comes in a package of 8.
I decided to try the metal splatter screen lids. I found mine at the Dollar tree and just unscrewed the handle off the middle and back t fits really get in there. Love your idea too.
I got a couple of those silicone ones with the lip, and you are so right -- everything you said about them. They take longer to dehydrate, and are a real hassle to clean -- but a keeper! I am so happy to learn of the Excalibur Paraflexx sheets -- both kinds. Both kinds are pretty expensive, but over time I believe they will pay for themselves. As someone with a 5-tray dehydrator, it is annoying to me that I have to buy an extra one when they are sold in batches of 3. (Maybe I will be getting some with the stimulus check that is coming!)
They make a product called grill mats for gas or charcoal grills that are thin and can be cut to any size. Price isn't bad and I know they come in black and gold I have a friend that even found them in purple somewhere. I am getting ready to do some peppers so may cut up one and try it.
I’m going to try the green ones, I got the package with one round, triangles and 3 edged sheets, it will be fun to make raw chips and raw pizza crust with this set.
To store Excalibur dehydrator sheets, use large mailing envelopes. Keeps them together and keeps them clean. Another option, keep a set or 2 (whatever will fit) in the bottom of your Excalibur. Cover with parchment paper to keep clean. Use a weight of some kind to hold the paper in place. Large washers from the hardware store, for example. I have a bag of cleaned "decorator" river stones that I use to hold down parchment paper DIY tray liner, if needed. For mineral deposits have you tried plain white vinegar to soak/clean? The only time I have a problem here is the usual -- when canning. That said, it seems that vinegar should help with those sheets, too. Perhaps, just in the water when you wash the sheets???
Yeah - that's where I keep everything else, but the silicone ones don't fit, too. It's fine, they are last on my rotation for using at this point, so they now get tucked away in the pantry instead of right with my dehydrator and supplies.
I was gifted a round glass parini dry/air fryer. I was able to use as dehydrater. The glass top has the heating element. Comes with 2 metal round trays. Amazon sells a plastic replacement try but it's like 13 in. I need around 12 inches. The one showed has a hoop around the tray. Anyway u can pop that hoop off ? I planned on putting the extra tray on the bottom and top of wire racks. What do u think?
Hi! What can I line the bottom of my round nesco with to keep the base clean? I was thinking the fruit tray but I worry that it will interfere with the heat? Thanks and great videos!
I don't know which Nesco you have, so can't say for sure. But if the heating element is on the bottom, I don't recommend it. If it's a top heat machine, sure - it won't matter.
Are those the GUGUJI Pack of 5 Premium Non Stick Silicone Food Dehydrator Sheets? That's what the link goes to, but they don't look the same. The ones on amazon look like they have smaller spaces. Reason I ask is that I recently bought some silicone mesh sheets and they're not like what you showed, they're far more floppy/silicone rubbery and the holes are very small. Things don't dry on it like they do on the plastic round mesh sheets that came with my Nesco.
They may have changed since I ordered them last - it's been awhile. I have placed other orders for mesh before, and you're right, it's a floppy mesh that is more like what you would put in the cupboard than the firmer set. But there are sets that are better. I'll try to do more research to find them.
Question: why not simply dry your sheets IN/ON your dehydrator? Turn them UPSIDE DOWN and power on the highest temp ... boom done in 15-20 minutes .... dehydrator work great for drying your canning bands so they won't rust as quickly too
It's what I do - I just didn't have time before I started the video, thus they were still wet, and the green silicone still is left with deposits because of the nature of it and our water.
I did mention parchment a few times - and I would use a lint-free solution for the fabric, like muslin. And if you use laundry detergent to wash it, give it an extra rinse before using.
I have started using cloth from an old, thin sheet. It has worked fantastic. I used to use parchment but this is basically free and reusable! I don’t dry at high temps either and it works great.🌻 I saw this method on Rain Country Homestead.
I have an Aroma dehydrator. Where would I get fruit leather trays? I have been using parchment paper but it is sometimes not that easy to get off and it slides around. Can I use fabric lined tablecloths that have plastic on them.?
Doubt the plastic sides of tablecloths are food grade. I wouldn't try it because you don't know what chemicals may be on either side that'll give off fumes when heated. When using parchment paper in my dehydrator, I bought some smooth river stones used for decorations in flower vases & such. Found them at one of the $ stores. Chose a few of the larger ones from the package that I wanted to use. Washed them well. Air dried. Then, "dried" them again in the dehydrator to drive off any absorbed moisture & fumes that might create. To use, simply put a few (amount depends on the size you have) on the parchment paper on the dehydrator tray. I have an Excalibur and always keep parchment paper on the bottom to aid in clean up. I use 6 stones on this, 3 at the front & 3 at the back. Keeps the empty paper in place. One of parchment paper lasts for many dehydrating sessions. When needed, just gently remove, dump whatever has accumulated, and return to the dehydrator. Hope this helps.
You can probably check on Amazon for sheets that will fit. The tablecloth wouldn't be my first choice, but I know some people use muslin for things other than leathers/liquids, and you can use cheap dollar store cutting sheets for them, too
I cannot find a fruit roll up tray, i have the same kind of round nesco ones you showed, mine are 13" over 30 years old. I did find replacment trays just not solid ones, i want to dry and poder tomatoe sauces
Go to amazon and type in fruit leather trays. They make round ones that may be a little too big out of silicone. You can cut these to size. They also carry many styles of nesco trays.
You can still do it on the trays you can find - and just simmer the sauce down quite a bit until it's more solid than liquid, and give yourself plenty of room on the edges. Measure the circumference of your tray and go by those measurements when ordering new trays. Just make sure to purchase silicone that doesn't have the fiberglass embedded between the layers and then cut it down (the green mat I use can be cut, but might roll a bit). Or find some larger food safe plastic cutting sheets to cut down.
@@volcessa thanks I was thinking of that but idk as long as they don't have fibers inside to come out when their fitting ours are 13" and center is a larger hole in center the top motor looks like a hair dryer
@@ThePurposefulPantry would a lid from an old Tupperware bowl work. They hold up well. I'll check out Amazon for the silicone ones like yours, thank you
It's the nature of some foods - if it was very water laden, it may shrink. Also if it was very thin, it may shrink that way as well. Just experiment, try again - things aren't always going to work exactly perfect every time.
I bought the parables sheets when I bought my Excalibur! Didn’t know what I was doing at the time, lol, but I love them! Thanks to you, I have dehydrated more this year than I have since I bought my dehydrator, 11 years ago. Thank you for you honest and very informative video’s! ❤️❤️
You are so welcome!
I love your channel! Thanks for all the info!
Glad you enjoy it!
Yay! You just answered a question I asked on another video of yours!
Thank you for taking the time to run through these options; it really helps me to make a more informed decision.
I'm glad it helped!
Very helpful information, thanks!
I just love your information- this mesh is a great hack!!!!!! Way before i had a dehydrator, i used to use window screens. Lol 😆
I feel like I am in pantry school with a bunch of friends! Thanks so much for all the sharing of research and experiences.
You are so welcome!
My Nesco is 15 or so years old. I knew there was a redesign after I bought mine but I wasn’t sure what was different. After seeing your video, I now know. My trays have the hole in the middle but it’s not flat like yours. It is raised up so the weight of each tray is supported in the center as well as along the exterior. On a positive note, food doesn’t fall through the center hole. However, I would have to cut a hole in the middle if I make a DIY mesh screen.
Learning a lot never thought to look these things up you’ve opened my mind to new things ty
You can buy food safe mesh at sporting goods stores. Mostly ones that sell hunting stuff, they usually carry dehydrators and they have their mesh for the trays. I purchased the and cut them down to fit my dehydrator and they are food safe.
Great tip!
I very much appreciate your honesty! I feel your recommendations are safe to use! Thank you so very much.
That's my goal! It doesn't do much for me to recommend stuff that don't work for you!
Great hack! Thank you 😊
You are so welcome!
Thanks for sharing. Very useful.
Fabulous video and hacks, Darcy! Wish I had this info before I bought all my screens and leather trays. lol However, those plastic sheets will definitely come in handy for later. Thanks for all the great info and the link below.
You're quite welcome!
I picked up a Nesco dehydrator a couple of weeks ago for $7.99 at my favourite thrift store! I'm waiting until after Halloween to dry pumpkin. I'm hoping they will go on clearance! Love your videos, so much great info..😀
That is awesome!
I do this, becauSe the ones I purchased that are the ReCommended model number has about an inch gap around the outside. Meaning I lose a lot of space on every thing I dice. Now I love the mess so much I always use the mesh.
Thanks for all the great info in this video and all your other videos! I just read your list of useful items for dehydrating. I haven’t used my coffee grinder in about 15 years and sold it earlier this year! But I do have a Vitamix and a slightly crippled Bullet blender, I did order the Nesco Gardenmaster today from Amazon. It has 8 trays and comes with fruit leather inserts and the smaller mesh inserts for all 8 trays! But this info will be awesome if I buy extra trays! I hope the inserts are good.
Yay - welcome to the dehydrating club!
I’ve never seen those Bright kitchen silicone trays! Thank you. I’ll be getting some of those!
They have them in many shapes, too!
I purchased mesh trays specifically for my Nesco but wish I had seen this hack before.
The cost is about the same...this just doesn't have the central hole. Handy for me who makes lots of messes trying to load it :D
If you haven’t thought of it, I have taken parchment and made a lip around the edges for the Excalibur in a pinch. I use little binder clips or staples to hold the corners together. I usually have to do 2 folds it get the edges to stand up. Good for things that stain or are particularly messy
I already do - and it's even a video on the channel ;)
How do you get lip to stand up in round dehydrator?
Yay! I have this. So helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I got four food grade mesh liners for my Nesco on EBay for $8.00. They’re 100% silicone…flimsy…not solid like the one that comes with the machine. But, they work great and are easy to clean. Mine have holes in the middle as my Nesco trays are not flat in the middle like yours. 💕🌸💕
Amazon also has round silicone mesh sheets for dehydrators. I got some when I bought my Excaliber (sp) because I have a round dehydrator that didn't come with the mesh sheets. Comes in a package of 8.
Bright kitchens 12.5 " round tray with a 3" center hole these should work for my nesco, thanks for pointing out about silicone mats
Perfect!
I have hard water and have the same problem with my silicone utensils. I wash and rinse and then rinse them with my revered osmosis faucet,
I decided to try the metal splatter screen lids. I found mine at the Dollar tree and just unscrewed the handle off the middle and back t fits really get in there. Love your idea too.
That's a great idea!!
Those tan tray liners with the brown edge look like they are Roul'Pat. So pricey, but good stuff.
👍👍👍 excelent idea , thanks
You are welcome!
Thank you great video!
Glad it helped!
I got a couple of those silicone ones with the lip, and you are so right -- everything you said about them. They take longer to dehydrate, and are a real hassle to clean -- but a keeper! I am so happy to learn of the Excalibur Paraflexx sheets -- both kinds. Both kinds are pretty expensive, but over time I believe they will pay for themselves. As someone with a 5-tray dehydrator, it is annoying to me that I have to buy an extra one when they are sold in batches of 3. (Maybe I will be getting some with the stimulus check that is coming!)
You mentioned that the silicone ones with the lips could maybe be used for something else. Mind sharing some ideas?!
They make a product called grill mats for gas or charcoal grills that are thin and can be cut to any size. Price isn't bad and I know they come in black and gold I have a friend that even found them in purple somewhere. I am getting ready to do some peppers so may cut up one and try it.
I bought some silicone mesh…omg took for ever to do my tomatoes…just not enough air flow I think…I will get this.
Tomatoes take a long while anyway, but yes, some of that new silicone mesh is pretty densely woven.
I’m going to try the green ones, I got the package with one round, triangles and 3 edged sheets, it will be fun to make raw chips and raw pizza crust with this set.
Cool!
To store Excalibur dehydrator sheets, use large mailing envelopes. Keeps them together and keeps them clean.
Another option, keep a set or 2 (whatever will fit) in the bottom of your Excalibur. Cover with parchment paper to keep clean. Use a weight of some kind to hold the paper in place. Large washers from the hardware store, for example. I have a bag of cleaned "decorator" river stones that I use to hold down parchment paper DIY tray liner, if needed.
For mineral deposits have you tried plain white vinegar to soak/clean? The only time I have a problem here is the usual -- when canning. That said, it seems that vinegar should help with those sheets, too. Perhaps, just in the water when you wash the sheets???
Yeah - that's where I keep everything else, but the silicone ones don't fit, too. It's fine, they are last on my rotation for using at this point, so they now get tucked away in the pantry instead of right with my dehydrator and supplies.
Are dehydrators too risky if they don't have temp settings? Thank you for your videos.
No- they just don't give you as much control over how your food turns out, and depletes a few more nutrients. But if' it is all you have, then use it!
Yup this is the one I have
I was gifted a round glass parini dry/air fryer. I was able to use as dehydrater. The glass top has the heating element. Comes with 2 metal round trays. Amazon sells a plastic replacement try but it's like 13 in. I need around 12 inches. The one showed has a hoop around the tray. Anyway u can pop that hoop off ? I planned on putting the extra tray on the bottom and top of wire racks. What do u think?
It doesn't just pop off, but you have to break it a part - but yes, you could.
Hi! What can I line the bottom of my round nesco with to keep the base clean? I was thinking the fruit tray but I worry that it will interfere with the heat? Thanks and great videos!
I don't know which Nesco you have, so can't say for sure. But if the heating element is on the bottom, I don't recommend it. If it's a top heat machine, sure - it won't matter.
Are those the GUGUJI Pack of 5 Premium Non Stick Silicone Food Dehydrator Sheets? That's what the link goes to, but they don't look the same. The ones on amazon look like they have smaller spaces. Reason I ask is that I recently bought some silicone mesh sheets and they're not like what you showed, they're far more floppy/silicone rubbery and the holes are very small. Things don't dry on it like they do on the plastic round mesh sheets that came with my Nesco.
They may have changed since I ordered them last - it's been awhile. I have placed other orders for mesh before, and you're right, it's a floppy mesh that is more like what you would put in the cupboard than the firmer set. But there are sets that are better. I'll try to do more research to find them.
@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks!
I use parchment paper on mine
Question: why not simply dry your sheets IN/ON your dehydrator? Turn them UPSIDE DOWN and power on the highest temp ... boom done in 15-20 minutes .... dehydrator work great for drying your canning bands so they won't rust as quickly too
It's what I do - I just didn't have time before I started the video, thus they were still wet, and the green silicone still is left with deposits because of the nature of it and our water.
The mesh is a great idea, but I just cut up wax paper & reuse the pieces until they're "dead." Is that okay?
Wax paper isn't the best because the wax can transfer. Parchment paper is a better option.
@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks!
Love this idea but I need one for liquid Co like eggs or broth etc . Any ideas folks x
There are liners on Amazon you can purchase: www.amazon.com/shop/thepurposefulpantry/list/3Q3VGB73HUTJ2?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d
My Nesco 'Gardenmaster' has 'walls' around the inner hole. I like this machine but wish I could mesh that hole.
You can wash and reuse parchment paper
Sure - a couple of times, and then you still throw it away. It's fine to use, just not for me.
Can you use thin cotton fabric, or parchment paper..........
I did mention parchment a few times - and I would use a lint-free solution for the fabric, like muslin. And if you use laundry detergent to wash it, give it an extra rinse before using.
I have started using cloth from an old, thin sheet. It has worked fantastic. I used to use parchment but this is basically free and reusable! I don’t dry at high temps either and it works great.🌻 I saw this method on Rain Country Homestead.
@@moonviolet27 Thank you I will give that a try.
I use t-shirts, cut them the size I need and lay it over the trays.
Great idea! I used nylon window screen. I like your idea since I can throw them in the washing machine 😊
Rain Country has video about using cotton sheets.
@@elizabethcope1502 That's where I got my idea from. She has a lot of good information.
That's brilliant! Thank you!
I have an Aroma dehydrator. Where would I get fruit leather trays? I have been using parchment paper but it is sometimes not that easy to get off and it slides around. Can I use fabric lined tablecloths that have plastic on them.?
Doubt the plastic sides of tablecloths are food grade. I wouldn't try it because you don't know what chemicals may be on either side that'll give off fumes when heated. When using parchment paper in my dehydrator, I bought some smooth river stones used for decorations in flower vases & such. Found them at one of the $ stores. Chose a few of the larger ones from the package that I wanted to use. Washed them well. Air dried. Then, "dried" them again in the dehydrator to drive off any absorbed moisture & fumes that might create.
To use, simply put a few (amount depends on the size you have) on the parchment paper on the dehydrator tray. I have an Excalibur and always keep parchment paper on the bottom to aid in clean up. I use 6 stones on this, 3 at the front & 3 at the back. Keeps the empty paper in place. One of parchment paper lasts for many dehydrating sessions. When needed, just gently remove, dump whatever has accumulated, and return to the dehydrator.
Hope this helps.
You can probably check on Amazon for sheets that will fit. The tablecloth wouldn't be my first choice, but I know some people use muslin for things other than leathers/liquids, and you can use cheap dollar store cutting sheets for them, too
these mesh screens are like the canvas in the craft department ? The canvas can be used as the mesh you talk about ?
they are 'like' the plastic canvas but they are actually food grade which the plastic canvas are not.
@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you
Just trying to think out side the box
Can you use the very bottom of dehydrater like a tray?
Sure, but things won't dry well.
I cannot find a fruit roll up tray, i have the same kind of round nesco ones you showed, mine are 13" over 30 years old. I did find replacment trays just not solid ones, i want to dry and poder tomatoe sauces
Go to amazon and type in fruit leather trays. They make round ones that may be a little too big out of silicone. You can cut these to size. They also carry many styles of nesco trays.
You can still do it on the trays you can find - and just simmer the sauce down quite a bit until it's more solid than liquid, and give yourself plenty of room on the edges. Measure the circumference of your tray and go by those measurements when ordering new trays.
Just make sure to purchase silicone that doesn't have the fiberglass embedded between the layers and then cut it down (the green mat I use can be cut, but might roll a bit). Or find some larger food safe plastic cutting sheets to cut down.
@@volcessa thanks I was thinking of that but idk as long as they don't have fibers inside to come out when their fitting ours are 13" and center is a larger hole in center the top motor looks like a hair dryer
@@ThePurposefulPantry would a lid from an old Tupperware bowl work. They hold up well. I'll check out Amazon for the silicone ones like yours, thank you
You can dry tomatoes 🍅 by slicing them and once dry put in your blender. That’s how I did mine.
Hello, I was making fruit leather using "Bright Kitchen" with Nesco machine "circle". The leather shrank a lot, what did I do wrong?
Maybe there was lots of water content in the leather puree. What were you drying, what was in it, etc. If it's very watery, it's likely to shrink.
@@ThePurposefulPantry
I pureed 1 whole papaya with some lemon juice and poured onto 2 1/2 tray on the "Bright Kitchen" mat. Any it shrank a lot.
It's the nature of some foods - if it was very water laden, it may shrink. Also if it was very thin, it may shrink that way as well. Just experiment, try again - things aren't always going to work exactly perfect every time.
Is this plastic canvas for craft projects?
No - this is food safe silicone mesh sheets.
doing eggs in my Excalibur i us food grad bucket lids. i can pot more egg and go to bed and let it do it thing and it ready win i get up.
What about butcher paper?
I don't recommend it.