If you don’t live in an area that gets a lot of sun in the summertime and don’t want to be using your kitchen oven to dry fruit, this home made dehydrator is just the ticket.
It doesn’t take a lot of expensive materials to make and is pretty easy to build, even for the novice. (I know this because the first one I built was plumb easy, and as much as I hate to admit it, I ain’t the world’s greatest handyman.)
I’ve decided to stick with wood in this DIY example, but you could use metal as well. Basically, you just want to make a box that’s roughly the size of the inside of your oven. I prefer wood because it doesn’t get too hot to touch, is easy to work with and not to heavy to move.
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So let’s get to it. Here’s what you’re gonna need and do:
- You’re gonna want to get hold of six rectangular pieces of wood, four the same size and shape, and two more – the front and back – that will close the box ends. A two -foot – by – three – foot size is a good starting point. Avoid stained or painted plywood; stick with natural wood.
- Get right-angle braces. You will use these to attach the boards together with wood screws.
- Pick up some racks to fit inside the box. Usually two will do. I got mine from an old mini-fridge my son used in college.
- Screw in four right-angle metal pieces used for shelving. Put two on each wall, six inches from the top and with at least six inches distance between the first rack and the next rack.
- Pick up a light bulb socket and base, and heat light bulb, from Home Depot or Lowe’s. You will attach this with wood screws to the floor of your dehydrator.
- Pick up an outdoor thermometer and attach to sidewall midway up. (Some folks attach it to the top rack. Either way will work.)
- Drill 3-5, 1⁄2-inch holes in the ceiling or top board. Cover with screen mesh to keep bugs out.
- Drill a 2-inch hole into the sidewall to feed the electric cord out to an electrical outlet.
- But a set of hinges. Attach front of hydrator (the door) on the inside of floor so that the door opens toward you from the bottom.
- Attach an eye-screw to the top of the door and a hook to the top of the box. This will let you keep the door safely shut.
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This is all there is to it. It will look something like the one at the top of this section. Couple things to remember: when the fruit is outside drying, you’ll need to keep an eye on it. Even if it’s covered, bugs will attracted to it; as will birds once it’s uncovered.
Another thing, don’t get discouraged if your first batch or two aren’t tasting like you wanted them to. Lots of times, our tastes are influenced by store- bought fruits. Don’t let this stop you. As I said earlier, you’ll learn just how much flavoring to use as you go along.
