WESTON DH07 Dehydrator User Guide

DH07 Dehydrator
User Guide

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, and/or injury to persons, including the following:

1. Read all instructions.
2. This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge unless they are closely supervised and instructed concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
3. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children unless they are supervised. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.
4. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs, which may be warm. Use oven mitts.
5. To protect against the risk of electrical shock, do not immerse the cord, plug, or any part of the appliance in water or other liquid.
6. Unplug from the outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow cooling before cleaning. Allow cooling before putting on or taking off parts, or moving the appliance. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet. Never pull from the power cord.
7. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged supply cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Supply cord replacement and repairs must be conducted by the manufacturer, its service agent, or similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard. Contact Customer Service for information on examination, repair, or adjustment as set forth in the Limited Warranty.
8. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
9. Do not use outdoors.
10. Do not let the cord hang over the edge of the table or counter or touch hot surfaces, including the stove.
11. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
12. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
13. Do not use plastic dishes or plastic wrap on trays.
14. Do not use appliances for other than the intended purpose.
15. Do not operate the appliance by means of an external timer or a separate remote-control system.
16. Do not leave the appliance unattended while the appliance is connected to an electrical outlet.
17. To disconnect, turn all controls to OFF ( ); then remove the plug from the wall outlet. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet. Never pull from the power cord.
18. Place the appliance only on a dry, level, and nonflammable surface.
19. During use, provide 4 to 6 inches of air space above, behind, and on both sides for air circulation. Do not use it on surfaces where heat may cause a problem.
20. Always allow the appliance to cool down completely before putting it away. Never wind the cord around the appliance while it is still hot.
21. CAUTION: HOT SURFACE. The temperature of accessible surfaces may be high when the appliance is operating.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER CONSUMER SAFETY INFORMATION
This appliance is only intended for the preparation, cooking, and serving of foods. This appliance is not intended for use with any nonfood materials or products.
This appliance is intended for household use only.
WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard: This appliance is provided with a grounded (3-prong) plug to reduce the risk of electric shock. The plug fits only one way into a grounded outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug by modifying the plug in any way or by using an adapter. If the plug does not fit into the outlet, have an electrician replace the outlet.
The length of the cord used on this appliance was selected to reduce the hazards of becoming tangled in or tripping over a longer cord. If a longer cord is necessary, an approved extension cord may be used. The electrical rating of the extension cord must be equal to or greater than the rating of the appliance. The extension cord must be a grounding-type, 3-wire cord. Care must be taken to arrange the extension cord so that it will not drape over the countertop or tabletop where it can be pulled on by children or accidentally tripped over.
To avoid an electrical circuit overload, do not use another high-wattage appliance on the same circuit as this appliance.

PARTS AND FEATURES

Before first use:
Wash all Trays in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.

Additional Mesh Screens and Fruit Roll Trays are available for purchase.
If any components of this unit are broken, the unit does not operate properly, or you need a replacement instruction manual, visit us on the web at WestonBrands.com.

Display

|  Button: Increase time or temperature
---|---
|  Button: Decrease time or temperature
|  Time Button: Select desired time
|  Temperature Button: Adjust the temperature
|  Pause/Start Button: Pause or start
|  ON/OFF (I/ ) Button: Turn the unit on and off

Cord Wrap (on back)

DEHYDRATOR PREPARATION AND LOADING TRAYS AND SCREEN

• All 10 Trays should be used during each drying, even if some are empty.
• It is best to dry one type of similar food at a time; for example, all fruits or all vegetables.
• Always leave Trays in place until drying is complete. You may remove food from Trays when acceptably dried.
• Always place food in a single layer on each tray for even drying. Do not overlap fruits, vegetables, meats, or crowd Trays.
• Use Mesh Screen for drying herbs and small pieces of fruits or vegetables.
• If using Mesh Screen, place Screen in Drying Tray before adding food. For best results, only use Mesh Screen in the top two slots.
• Use Fruit Roll Tray for drying purees from fruits.
• If using Fruit Roll Tray, place it in the top slot. For best results, do not use more than two Fruit Roll Trays, and place them in the top two slots.

HOW TO USE THE DEHYDRATOR

NOTES:

• Food should be stored in an airtight container once properly cooled.
• To start, pause, or reset: Press or press and hold the Pause/Start Button.
• To change time or temperature during drying without pausing or resetting: Press the Time Button once or the Temperature Button once. The last setting will flash. Use or Button to adjust, then press the Pause/Start Button, and the unit will continue drying at the selected setting. If the Pause/Start Button is not pressed within 1 minute the unit will start dehydrating on the previous setting.
• Fahrenheit is the default setting. To change from Fahrenheit to Celsius, press and hold the Temperature Button for 3 seconds to switch to Celsius.

1. Place the Dehydrator on a flat, sturdy surface with 6 inches of space around the appliance for proper air ventilation.
2. Make sure the Drip Tray is on the bottom of the Dehydrator to catch food pieces or drippings.
3. Plug in the unit. The dehydrator will beep for 1 second.
4. Load Trays with food into slots.
5. Close the Door.
6. Press the ON/OFF (I/ ) Button to turn it on. Default temperature 130°F (54°C) will flash continuously.
7. Press or Button to increase or decrease the temperature.
8. Press Time Button to select desired time. Default time 10 hr will flash continuously.
9. Press or Button to increase or decrease the time.
10. Press the Pause/Start Button to begin dehydrating. If the Pause/Start Button is not pressed, the unit will switch to OFF ( ) automatically.

FOOD SAFETY TIPS

• For food safety, to help ensure any bacteria present are destroyed, choose pretreatment or post-treatment from below:

• Pretreatment of Meat Prior to Dehydrating – Preheat a standard oven to 350°F (177°C). Drain and discard marinade, if used, from meat. Pat dry with paper towels and place meat in a single layer, leaving a space around each piece on the baking sheet. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C).
  Poultry must reach 165°F (74°C). NOTE: This method may reduce drying time and may result in a drier texture.

• Post Treatment of Meat After Dehydrating – Preheat a standard oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place jerky in a single layer, leaving a small space around each piece. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Pat jerky dry with paper towels to remove any surface fats before storing.

• Marinating meats helps with the flavor and texture of jerky. Do not marinate meat longer than the recipe or package directions call for.
  TIP: Post-treatment of meat after dehydrating may result in a more desirable jerky texture. Try each treatment to determine which jerky you like best.

• Visit www.usda.gov for any questions on meat and food safety.

• Never dehydrate meats with fruits and vegetables, due to cross-contamination of foods. Meats dry at a different temperature from fruits or vegetables.

• All dehydrated foods must be cooled completely before storing.

• For food safety, complete the food drying process. Do not start and stop the process for longer than 5 minutes. You may pause the process to check on the food’s dryness or to remove dehydrated pieces.

• Label and date all containers of dried foods.

DEHYDRATING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

A. Food Preparation

• Always wash your hands before starting food preparation.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before preparation.
• Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season for the best flavor.
• Discard any fruits and vegetables that have bruises or mold.
• Cut foods the same thickness, size, or shape before drying to ensure even drying.
• Some foods, like garlic, onions, cauliflower, and broccoli, have a strong smell when drying.

B. Pretreatment

• Some fruits and vegetables require pretreatment before drying. Blanch or add color protectors to preserve natural color.
  How to Blanch

• Blanching is recommended for some vegetables to help prevent color and flavor loss during drying and storage. Blanching is used to break the skins on some fruits to help shorten the drying process.

• Bring a large stockpot filled with cold water to a rolling boil.

• Place cleaned fruits or vegetables in a strainer with a handle.

• Dip the strainer into the boiling water for the recommended time.

• Make sure that all the fruits or vegetables are covered with water for even blanching.

• After blanching is complete, plunge into a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the blanching process.

• Drain and completely pat dry the fruits or vegetables before dehydrating.
  How to Protect Color

• Some fruits and potatoes may discolor during the drying process. To protect the color, follow these steps.

• Prepare a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water.

• Dip pieces into the solution; drain.

• If using a commercial fruit preservative, follow package directions.

C. Determining Dryness

• Many things influence drying time, including moisture content, type, and amount of food, shape, and evenness of food slices, air temperature, humidity, and your personal preference in the texture of your food.
• Drying charts are a guideline. Drying times and temperatures vary for different types of foods; start checking food at the minimum recommended time referenced on the chart. If the food is not listed on the chart, pick a similar food.
• Combine any remaining food to upper trays for ease of checking doneness.
• Check all trays for doneness at the minimum recommended time on the chart.
• All fruits should be able to bend and be slightly soft but not tacky, except for apples and bananas which should be crisp.
• All vegetables should be crisp and easily broken.

D. Drying Fruit Rolls

• Fruit rolls can be made with peeled and pitted pureed fresh fruits; canned fruit that has been well drained and pureed; defrosted frozen fruit, drained and pureed; or with store-bought applesauce.
• Fruits that are higher in pectin (apples, apricots, blueberries, grapes, peaches, pears, pineapples, and plums) will make a fruit roll with a nice leather-like texture.
• When using a low-pectin fruit (grapefruits, lemons, limes, oranges, raspberries, and strawberries), combine with a higher-pectin fruit for an easy peelable fruit roll.
• Lightly spray the Fruit Roll Tray with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease with vegetable oil before adding your pureed fruit.
• Evenly spread about 3/4 cup to 1 cup (177 to 237 mL) puree on the prepared Fruit Roll Tray, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick.
• Add the Fruit Roll Tray to the middle slot position for drying.
• Fruit rolls should be checked for doneness starting at 4 hours.
• Fruit rolls will be slightly tacky when dried.
• Always remove the fruit roll from the Tray after cooling for 15 minutes.
• The fruit roll should be slightly warm to easily remove from the Fruit Roll Tray.
• Once rolled up, cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

DEHYDRATING MEATS AND POULTRY
Visit WestonBrands.com for recipe ideas.

STORING DEHYDRATED FOOD

• Dehydrated foods have to be cooled completely before packaging.
• Properly dried foods need to be stored in a clean, dry, airtight container, such as resealable plastic bags, plastic containers, or glass canning jars with a tight-fitting lid, to keep foods from rehydrating.
• Store all packages in a cool, dry place.
• Dried fruits stored at 60°F (16°C) may keep up to 1 year, while vegetables stored at 60°F (16°C) may keep up to 6 months.
• Fruit rolls stored at room temperature may keep up to 1 month if stored properly.
• If jerky has been properly dried, cooled, and packaged, it may be stored for up to 2 months in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Storing at higher temperature locations will shorten the storage time. Place packaged foods in the freezer for a longer storage time.
• It is a good practice to check dehydrated foods daily. Dehydrate again if you see fruits and vegetables getting soft or if they have condensation on them. Check frequently during the additional drying, since this process will be much shorter.
• Always check the condition of your food prior to consumption. When in doubt, throw it out.

DEHYDRATING FRESH HERBS

• Herb leaves that are larger such as basil, bay leaves, mint, sage, or sorrel should be picked from the stems before drying.
• Herbs such as cilantro, dill, parsley, or rosemary should be kept on the stem for drying. It is easier to remove the herbs after drying.
• Always rinse herbs with cold water and carefully remove any remaining water with a salad spinner or paper towel. Herbs must be completely dried before dehydrating begins.
• Small herbs should be placed on the mesh screen in the top slot position for the best drying results.
• Herbs are fast-drying when compared to fruits, vegetables, and marinated meats.
• Herbs crumble easily when dried.
• Herbs must be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container.

DEHYDRATING CHART FOR HERBS AT 100°F (38°C)

Fresh Herb| Dehydrating Time**| Fresh Herb| Dehydrating Time**
---|---|---|---
Basil| 4 to 6 hours| Mint| 5 to 7 hours
Chives| 5 to 7 hours| Parsley| 4 to 6 hours
Cilantro| 4 to 6 hours| Rosemary| 5 to 7 hours

**Times may vary depending on the water content of your herbs.

DEHYDRATING CHART FOR FRUITS AT 135°F (57°C)
*B = Blanching #C = Color Protector
(See “How to Blanch” and “How to Protect Color” on pages 7 and 8)

FRUIT| HOW TO PREPARE| PRE-TREATMENT/TIME| DEHYDRATING TIME**| HIGH PECTIN RUIT
---|---|---|---|---
Apples| Peeled, sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| #C| 8 to 12 hours| Yes
Apricots| Pitted, peeled, sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| #C| 15 to 19 hours| Yes
Bananas| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| #C| 6 to 10 hours| No
Blueberries| Whole| B/1 minute| 14 to 18 hours| Yes
Cherries| Pitted, halved| –| 22 to 26 hours| No
Cranberries| Whole| B/1 minute| 17 to 21 hours| Yes
Green or Red Seedless Grapes| Halved| –| 19 to 23 hours| Yes
Kiwi| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 8 to 12 hours| Yes
Lemons, Limes, or Oranges| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 17 to 21 hours| No
Mangoes| Peeled, pitted, sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 13 to 17 hours| No
Nectarines| Peeled, pitted, sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| #C| 11 to 15 hours| Yes
Peaches| Peeled, sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| #C| 11 to 15 hours| Yes
Pears| Peeled, sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| #C| 10 to 14 hours| Yes
Pineapples| Peeled, cored, sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 12 to 16 hours| Yes
Plums| Pitted, sliced in eighths| –| 23 to 27 hours| Yes
Strawberries| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 6 to 10 hours| No

**Times may vary depending on the ripeness of your fruits and the amount per tray. See “Dehydrating Fruits and Vegetables” on pages 7 and 8.

DEHYDRATING CHART FOR VEGETABLES AT 125°F (52°C)
*B = Blanching (See “How to Blanch” on page 7)

VEGETABLE| HOW TO PREPARE| PRE- TREATMENT/ TIME| DEHYDRATING TIME**
---|---|---|---
Bell Peppers| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 9 to 13 hours
Broccoli| Small florets| B/2 minutes| 9 to 13 hours
Carrots| Sliced diagonally 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| B/2 minutes| 11 to 15 hours
Cauliflower| Small florets| B/2 minutes| 8 to 12 hours
Celery| Sliced diagonally 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 5 to 9 hours
Grape Tomatoes| Halved| –| 13 to 17 hours
Green Beans| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| B/2 minutes| 12 to 16 hours
Mushrooms| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 8 to 12 hours
Onions| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 14 to 18 hours
Squash, Yellow, or Zucchini| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 7 to 11 hours
Tomatoes| Sliced 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick| –| 10 to 13 hours

**Times may vary depending on the water content of your vegetables.

CARE AND CLEANING

WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard.

• Before cleaning, assembling, or disassembling the dehydrator, make sure the plug is removed from the outlet/power source.
• Do not immerse the dehydrator in water.
• Do not spray the dehydrator with water.

WARNING Fire Hazard.

• Clean the dehydrator after each use.
• Always unplug the dehydrator when not in use.

WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard. Disconnect power before cleaning. Do not immerse the cord, plug, or base in water or other liquid.

1. Unplug Dehydrator and let cool completely.
2. Wash Trays, screens, and Drip Tray in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.
3. Wipe the interior of the Dehydrator and base with a damp cloth.
4. Wipe the cabinet exterior with a moderately damp cloth and soap if necessary. Wipe off any residue if soap is used.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Food not drying.

• Food could be cut too thick, or peel could have been left on.
• Too much food on each tray. Remove some foods and dehydrate for a longer time.

Food drying unevenly.

• Foods need to be cut uniformly.
• Foods with uneven pieces can be rotated during the drying process.

Fruits or vegetables become soft during storage.

• Too much moisture was left in the food. Dry further to remove excess moisture.

Error Codes in Display:

• E1: Call or email Customer Service.
• E2: Call or email Customer Service.
• E9: Call or email Customer Service.

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

This warranty applies to products purchased and used in the U.S. and Canada. This is the only express warranty for this product and is in lieu of any other warranty or condition.
This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. During this period, your exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of this product or any component found to be defective, at our option. If the product or component is no longer available, we will replace it with a similar one of equal or greater value.
This warranty does not cover unauthorized repairs or service to products, products sold “as-is” by retailers, glass, filters, wear from normal use, use not in conformity with the printed directions, or damage to the product resulting from accident, alteration, abuse, or misuse. This warranty extends only to the original consumer purchaser or gift recipient and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt, as proof of purchase, is required to make a warranty claim. This warranty is void if the product is subjected to any voltage
and waveform other than as specified on the rating label (e.g., 120V ~ 60 Hz).
We exclude all claims for special, incidental, and consequential damages caused by a breach of express or implied warranty. All liability is limited to the amount of the purchase price. Every implied warranty, including any statutory warranty or condition of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, is disclaimed except to the extent prohibited by law, in which case such warranty or condition is limited to the duration of this written warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may have other legal rights that vary depending on where you live. Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on implied warranties or special, incidental, or consequential damages, so the foregoing limitations may not apply to you.
To make a warranty claim, do not return this appliance to the store. Please call 1.800.814.4895 (001.216.901.6801 outside the US) or visit WestonBrands.com. For faster service, locate the model, type, and serial numbers on your appliance.

NOTES

ATTENTION!
PLEASE INSPECT THIS PACKAGE THOROUGHLY FOR MISSING PARTS OR ANY PRODUCT DAMAGE.
IF YOUR PRODUCT CONTAINS SHIPPING DAMAGE, PLEASE CONTACT THE RETAILER FOR ASSISTANCE.
For all other questions regarding product usage, missing parts, product damage, difficulty, or warranty activation,
please contact the Weston Brands Customer Service Team:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET, Monday thru Friday
Customer.Service@WestonBrands.com
U.S. Residents Customer Service Line: 1-800-814-4895 (Outside U.S. Call: 001-216-901-6801)
Weston Brands, LLC, Southern Pines, NC 28387
WestonBrands.com
Please DO NOT return this item to the retailer before contacting
Weston Brands Customer Service.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Refer to them often and use them to instruct others.

References

• Home | Weston Brands
• USDA

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