The Excalibur Dehydrator is a premium food dehydrator widely recognized for its performance, durability, and versatility in food preservation. Popular among home users, chefs, gardeners, and survivalists, Excalibur has been a trusted name in dehydrating for decades. Known for its square tray design and horizontal airflow system, the Excalibur provides even drying without the need to rotate trays manually. Whether you're drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, or making jerky, this dehydrator allows users to create long-lasting, shelf-stable foods while preserving nutrients and natural flavors. The Excalibur also supports creative culinary uses, such as making yogurt, proofing dough, or drying pet treats.

What Sets Excalibur-Dehydrators Apart?

Excalibur-dehydrators are distinguished by their high-performance design, horizontal airflow system, and build quality. Unlike most round dehydrators that use vertical airflow, Excalibur uses a rear-mounted fan and heating element, which distributes air evenly across all trays. This means you never have to rotate trays during the drying process—a significant convenience.

The Parallax® Drying System ensures consistent results and minimizes flavor transfer between trays, even when drying different foods simultaneously. Excalibur-dehydrators also offer a wide temperature range (typically 95°F to 165°F), making them suitable for a variety of foods, from herbs to meats. Most models come with removable trays and adjustable thermostats, and some include timers or even digital controls.

Additionally, Excalibur is renowned for its durability and long lifespan—many users report reliable performance even after more than 10 years of use. Available in various sizes, including 4-, 5-, 9-, and 10-tray models, Excalibur caters to everyone from casual users to serious food preppers. It’s also one of the few dehydrators made in the USA, with BPA-free materials and optional stainless steel trays. These features make Excalibur a favorite among health-conscious consumers, gardeners, homesteaders, and professionals seeking superior food drying performance.

Key Features of the Excalibur-Dehydrator

The Excalibur-dehydrator is loaded with features that make it stand out in the world of food drying. One of its most notable features is the horizontal airflow system, which uses a rear-mounted fan to distribute air evenly across all trays. This eliminates the need to rotate trays, ensuring uniform drying. Most Excalibur models include removable square trays, allowing you to dry bulky or oddly shaped items with ease. Alternatively, you can remove the trays to raise bread dough or make yogurt.

The dehydrators offer a wide adjustable temperature range (typically 95°F–165°F), which makes them suitable for drying everything from delicate herbs to meat jerky. Some models include a built-in timer and automatic shut-off, making it convenient to dry foods overnight or while you're away. You can choose between plastic or stainless steel trays, and all food-contact parts are BPA-free.

Specific models, such as the Excalibur 3926TB, also feature a 26-hour timer for longer recipes. The opaque door design blocks light, which helps preserve more nutrients during the drying process. With easy-to-clean components, simple controls, and high-capacity options, Excalibur-dehydrators are well-suited for both beginners and experienced users who value efficiency, precision, and high-quality results.

Benefits of Using an Excalibur for Food Drying

Using an Excalibur-dehydrator offers numerous benefits for anyone interested in food preservation, healthy snacking, or reducing kitchen waste. First and foremost, it allows you to preserve fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, and more naturally—without additives or preservatives. The horizontal airflow system ensures even drying, which saves time and effort compared to rotating trays in vertical models.

By removing moisture at controlled temperatures, Excalibur-dehydrators retain most of the flavor, color, and nutritional value of fresh foods. They are especially beneficial for gardeners, bulk buyers, and home cooks who want to extend the life of seasonal produce. Excalibur also makes it easy to prepare healthy snacks, such as fruit leather, veggie chips, and jerky, all of which are free from added sugars and chemicals. The ability to dehydrate in large batches means fewer cycles and more efficient use of time and electricity.

Additionally, the wide temperature range enables users to do more than just drying—like making yogurt, proofing dough, or fermenting foods. The consistent results and ease of use make it an excellent tool for both beginners and experienced users. Long-lasting construction and a reputation for reliability mean your investment in Excalibur will continue to pay off for years.

How to Use the Excalibur-Dehydrator? A Step-By-Step Guide

Using the Excalibur-dehydrator is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prepare Your Food:

Wash, peel, and slice fruits or vegetables evenly. For jerky, marinate your meat beforehand. Thinner slices dry faster and more evenly.

Arrange on Trays:

Place the food items on the trays in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. This allows proper airflow and consistent drying.

Set the Temperature:

Use the adjustable thermostat to set the temperature based on what you're drying. For example, herbs may require 95°F, while jerky may need 155°F.

Set the Timer (if available):

Some models include a timer feature. Set it according to your recipe or the type of food you're preparing.

Monitor Progress:

Periodically check on the drying process. Most fruits take 6–12 hours, vegetables 4–10 hours, and jerky 6–8 hours, depending on thickness and moisture.

Cool and Store:

Once dried, allow the food to cool completely before storing it in airtight containers.

Clean Up:

Remove trays and clean them with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the interior and exterior of the machine.

Best Foods to Dehydrate with Excalibur

The Excalibur-dehydrator is ideal for drying a wide range of foods, offering flexibility for various dietary needs and preferences. Fruits like apples, bananas, mangoes, strawberries, and pineapples are among the most popular items to dehydrate, transforming into naturally sweet, chewy snacks. Vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and kale also dry well and can be stored for use in soups, stews, or chips. Herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, and parsley retain their flavor and aroma when dehydrated at lower temperatures. The Excalibur also excels at making meat jerky, a protein-rich snack perfect for hikers, campers, and home pantries.

You can also prepare fruit leathers, pet treats, crackers, soaked nuts, and sprouted seeds. With its adjustable trays and temperature settings, even delicate items, such as edible flowers or yogurt cultures, can be handled effectively. Additionally, the Excalibur can be used to proof bread, ferment foods, or dry pasta and grains. Its ability to handle large quantities and dry items evenly makes it especially useful for seasonal preservation, helping reduce food waste. Whether you’re drying for health, convenience, or self-sufficiency, the Excalibur can accommodate nearly every food type with excellent results and minimal effort.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Excalibur Dehydrator

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your Excalibur Dehydrator in optimal working condition. Fortunately, it’s designed for easy disassembly and simple cleaning. After each use, start by unplugging the unit and allowing it to cool. Remove all trays and tray liners which are dishwasher safe (top rack recommended). You can also wash them by hand using warm, soapy water and a soft sponge to prevent scratching.

Wipe the interior walls and the door of the dehydrator using a damp cloth or mild cleaner—avoid soaking any electrical parts or using abrasive materials. For the fan and heating element area, use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to gently remove any dust or food particles that may have accumulated over time. Ensure proper airflow by checking vents for blockages.

Make sure all parts are arid before reassembling. Periodically inspect the power cord and controls for wear or damage. If you use your dehydrator frequently, consider deep-cleaning it once a month. Proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your appliance, ensures hygienic operation, and maintains consistent drying performance. With minimal upkeep, your Excalibur-dehydrator will remain a reliable tool for years, providing efficient and healthy food preservation.

Tips for Getting the Best Results from Your Excalibur

To achieve optimal results with your Excalibur-dehydrator, start by preparing food evenly. Uniform slice thickness ensures consistent drying. Use a mandolin slicer or sharp knife for precision. Spread food in a single layer on each tray, without overlapping, to allow proper air circulation. Preheating the dehydrator for a few minutes before loading helps maintain a stable drying temperature. Use Parallax sheets to prevent sticking on sticky foods like fruit leathers or marinated jerky, making cleanup easier.

Rotate trays occasionally if you notice uneven drying, though the horizontal airflow usually eliminates this need. Check food at intervals near the end of the drying time—foods should be leathery but pliable, not sticky or moist.

Store dehydrated food in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. For long-term storage, vacuum sealing or using oxygen absorbers can further extend the shelf life. Clean the dehydrator after each use and inspect for food debris or residue that could affect airflow. Lastly, refer to drying guides or manuals for accurate time and temperature settings for each food type. With these tips, you’ll consistently get delicious, nutritious, and shelf-stable results from your Excalibur.

Excalibur-Dehydrator Vs. Other Brands

When comparing Excalibur to other food dehydrator brands, several key differences distinguish it. First and foremost is its horizontal airflow system, which evenly distributes heat across all trays without the need for manual rotation—unlike vertical models from brands like Ensco or Presto, which often require rotation for uniform drying. Excalibur also offers larger capacity models, such as 9- and 10-tray options, making it ideal for bulk users. While other brands may have smaller footprints or stackable designs, they often sacrifice drying consistency and power.

Build quality is another significant advantage. Excalibur units are constructed from BPA-free polycarbonate or stainless steel, ensuring durability and food safety. In contrast, lower-priced brands may use lower-quality plastic that wears over time.

Advanced models of Excalibur come equipped with timers, thermostats, and digital controls, offering more power and flexibility than many of its competitors. Brands like Casoria and Magic Mill do offer digital features, but typically with fewer trays and less airflow control. Lastly, Excalibur is manufactured in the USA and backed by strong customer support and long-term warranties. For serious home users or professionals seeking reliable, high-performance dehydration, Excalibur consistently ranks as a top-tier choice.

Conclusion

The Excalibur Dehydrator is a top-tier food preservation tool known for its efficient drying, durability, and even airflow system. With its Parallax horizontal airflow, it ensures consistent dehydration across all trays without requiring rotation, thereby preserving flavors and nutrients effectively. Designed for both home and commercial use, it accommodates a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs. Its adjustable temperature settings provide precise control for different drying needs, while its user-friendly design allows easy cleaning and maintenance. As a premium dehydrator, it offers high performance, reliability, and long-lasting value, making it an excellent investment for food preservation enthusiasts.

FAQs

What makes the Excalibur Dehydrator different from other dehydrators?

The Excalibur Dehydrator uses Parallax® horizontal airflow technology, ensuring even drying without the need for tray rotation. This results in consistent dehydration and better preservation of food nutrients.

Can I dehydrate different types of food simultaneously?

Yes! The horizontal airflow system prevents flavor mixing, allowing users to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs simultaneously without cross-contamination.

How do I clean and maintain an Excalibur-dehydrator?

Most Excalibur models feature removable trays and easy-to-clean surfaces. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth and wash trays with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals to maintain longevity.