Magic Chef MCL10PFDRT Food Dehydrator User Manual

Magic Chef MCL10PFDRT Food Dehydrator

User’s Manual

Product Registration
Thank you for purchasing a Magic Chef® product. The first step to protect your new product is to complete the product registration on our website: www.mcappliance.com/register. The benefits of registering your product include the following:

1. Registering your product will allow us to contact you regarding a safety notification or product update.
2. Registering your product will allow for more efficient warranty service processing when warranty service is required.
3. Registering your product could act as your proof of purchase in the event of insurance loss.

Once again, thank you for purchasing a Magic Chef product.

Important Safety Instructions

This manual contains Safety Instructions, Installation and Operating Instructions, and Troubleshooting Tips. Please carefully read this manual before using your Food Dehydrator for instructions on how to use and maintain the product properly. Be sure to follow the safety instructions to avoid injury or damage to the product.
Keep this manual. When passing on/selling the device to a third party, the manual must be handed over along with the device.
Before calling for service, please make sure unit is installed and being used correctly, and read the troubleshooting section.

WARNING: When using your appliance, follow the precautions listed below:
NOTE: Specifications may change at any time without notice.

1. Read all instructions before using.
2. DO NOT operate any appliance that has a damaged cord or plug; or if the unit is damaged or malfunctions in any way. Contact customer service or a service technician.
3. Always make sure the power switch is in the “OFF” position before plugging in the dehydrator.
4. ALWAYS turn off and unplug from outlet before servicing, changing accessories or cleaning the unit. Allow unit to cool down completely before cleaning, moving or servicing.
5. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
6. When in use, DO NOT leave the appliance unattended.
7. DO NOT modify or repair the unit by yourself.
8. DO NOT pull the power cord to unplug.
9. CAUTION: The power cord is equipped with a 3-prong grounding plug to protect against shock hazards. ALWAYS plug the cord into a properly installed and grounded 3-prong wall receptacle. Refer to the manufacturers rating label for electrical and other technical data specific to this unit.
10. DO NOT modify or cut the power cord.
11. DO NOT let the cord hang over edge of table or counter. ALWAYS keep cord away from hot surfaces or items.
12. Be sure to place unit on a level, stable, heat resistant surface. DO NOT use on carpet, vinyl, cloth, etc. and DO NOT move during operation.
13. The dehydrator is intended for indoor use only. DO NOT use outdoors.
14. WARNING: DO NOT use the appliance in an area where it may be exposed to combustible gases or liquids, as this may cause a fire.
15. DO NOT block the air vents. Allow at least 6” (15 cm) away from any wall to allow for proper air circulation.
16. DO NOT immerse the cabinet or power cord in water or other liquid.
17. DO NOT operate the unit or handle the plug with wet hands.
18. DO NOT open or remove the back panel of the dehydrator.
19. CAUTION: After cleaning, make sure the dehydrator is completely dry before reconnecting to the power source.
20. DO NOT place on or near a hot burner or any other heat source; or in a heated oven.
21. CAUTION: When in use, some surfaces may become very hot. Use caution when handling.
22. DO NOT use while under influence of drugs or alcohol.
23. Household use only. DO NOT use the dehydrator for other than intended use.
24. Extreme caution must be used when moving the dehydrator containing hot items.
25. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

PARTS and features

• Control Panel
• Cabinet
• Tray
• Door
• Drying Guide
• Temperature Control Knob
• On/Off Power Switch

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Prior to using for the first time, be sure to clean the inside of the cabinet and the trays. Wipe the interior and exterior of the cabinet with a damp sponge or soft cloth. Be careful not to get the heating element wet (located behind the screening on the back of the cabinet) during cleaning. Water can damage the heating element and increases the risk of electric shock. DO NOT immerse the dehydrator in water. Clean the dehydrator trays with warm, soapy water. Rinse trays thoroughly with clean water and dry immediately. Remove the Teflon® drip sheet and wipe clean. Dry immediately.
Make sure that you have enough space for the dehydrator and allow for 6” of clearance for air circulation. The dehydrator should be close enough to a properly installed and grounded 3-prong outlet for the cord to reach. DO modify the 3-prong plug in any way.
WARNING: Read all instructions before operating the food dehydrator

USING THE DEHYDRATOR

1. Place the dehydrator on a clean, dry, level surface, allowing at least 6” clearance for air circulation.
2. Insert the plug into a properly installed and grounded 120V outlet.
3. Make sure all the trays are clean and dry before using.
4. Turn the power switch to the “On” position and set temperature control knob to desired temperature, allowing it to heat up for at least 5 minutes.
5. Remove any excess water from the food to be dehydrated by patting with a dry paper towel. Excess water and moisture will increase the time it takes to dehydrate the food.
6. Load the trays with the food to be dehydrated. DO NOT allow pieces of food to overlap or touch. There should be space between items of food to allow for air to flow.
7. Of water forms on the surface of the food being dehydrated, pat dry with a clean paper towel. DO NOT touch the walls of the unit while it is operating.

GENERAL FOOD SAFETY RULES FOR MAKING JERKY
When raw meat or poultry is dehydrated at home, either in a warm oven or a food dehydrator, to make jerky which will be stored on the shelf, pathogenic bacteria are likely to survive the dry heat of a warm oven and especially the 130 to 140 °F of a food dehydrator. Included here is the scientific background behind drying food to make it safe and the safest procedure to follow when making homemade jerky.

CHOOSING FOOD TO DEHYDRATE
Use the highest quality foods. Produce in peak season has more flavor and more nutrients. Meats, fish and poultry should be lean and fresh.
DO NOT use food with bruises and blemishes. Bad produce can spoil the entire batch. Remove as much fat as possible from meats prior to dehydrating. You can use a paper towel under meat when dehydrating to absorb fat.

PRE-TREATING FOODS
With most types of cooking, preparation is important for the best results. Following a few basic guidelines will help the quality of your dried foods and decrease dehydration time.
Foods that are prepared correctly prior to dehydration will taste better and have a better appearance. There are many ways to pre-treat foods to prevent oxidation, which will discolor apples, pears, peaches and other foods while drying.

• Remove all cores, pits and skins.
• Cut, shred or dice the food uniformly. Slices should be between ¼” and ¾” thick. Meats should not be thicker than 3/16”.
• Steam or roast meat to 160°F (71°C) and poultry to 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer before dehydrating.
• The temperature of the dehydrator must be maintained at 130-140°F (55°C-60°C) throughout the dehydrating process.
• Drying fish into jerky requires a lot of preparation. It must be cleaned and de-boned properly. Rinse the fish thoroughly to ensure all the blood is washed away. Steam or bake the fish at 200°F (93°C) until flaky before dehydrating.
• Soak cut fruit in either lemon or pineapple juice for a few minutes before dehydrating.
• Ascorbic acid can be purchased from most health food stores or pharmacies. It may come in either tablet or powder form. Dissolve approximately 2-3 tablespoons in 1 quart of water. Soak the fruit in the solution for 2- 3 minutes before placing in the dehydrator.
• Waxy fruits, (such as peaches, grapes, blueberries, etc.) should be dipped in boiling water to remove the wax. This allows moisture to escape easily during dehydration.
• Blanching can be used to pre-treat foods for dehydration. There are two ways to blanch food:

1. Steam Blanching: Using a steamer pot, bring 2-3” (5-7 cm) of water to a boil. Place food in steamer basket for 3-4 minutes. Remove steamed food carefully and place on dehydrating trays.
2. Water Blanching: Fill a large pan half full with water. Bring the water to a boil. Place food directly into boiling water and cover for 3 minutes. Remove the food, pat it dry and place it on dehydrating trays.

NOTE : ALWAYS remember to use caution when handling hot foods.

DEHYDRATING TIPS

• DO NOT overlap food items. Make sure foods are flat when placing on dehydrating trays.
• Overlapped foods can greatly increase the drying time.
• Check the food after 6 hours, and then check every 2 hours until desired dryness is reached.
• Make sure foods are completely dry before removing. If you are not sure, cut a sample down the middle to check for internal dryness.
• Make sure to label containers when you store your dehydrated food.
• Proper storage helps maintain quality food. Package the food when cool. Foods can be kept longer if stored in a cool, dark and dry place. The ideal storage temperature is 60°F (16°C) or lower.
• Place dehydrated foods in plastic freezer bags before storing in metal or glass containers.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Vacuum sealing is the best way to keep dehydrated foods.
• Food will shrink approximately ¼ to ½ their original size and weight during dehydration. Make sure not to cut pieces of food to be dehydrated too small.

REHYDRATING
Although it is not necessary to reconstitute your dried foods, you can do so with ease. Vegetables can be used as a side dish or in recipes very easily after being reconstituted in the following way.

• Dehydrated food can be rehydrated by soaking in cold water for a period of 3-5 minutes. Use 1 cup of water for 1 cup of dehydrated food. Once rehydrated, the food can be cooked as usual. Using warm water to soak the food will speed up the process; however, this may result in a loss of flavor.
• Dehydrated fruits and vegetables can soaked in cold water for 2-6 hours in the refrigerator.
• WARNING: Soaking foods at room temperature allows harmful bacteria to grow.
• Adding sugar or salt during rehydration may alter the flavor of the food. It is recommended that you DO NOT add seasoning during this process.
• To make stewed fruits or vegetables after they have been dehydrated, add 2 cups of water and simmer until tender.
• Use dehydrated foods as soon as possible once the storage container is opened. Keep any unused portions in the refrigerator to avoid contamination.

MAKING JERKY

• Choose the leanest possible meat for making jerky. Using lean meat will help the food dry faster and help in clean up by decreasing fat drippings. Ground meat should be 80%-90% lean. Ground turkey, venison, buffalo and elk are all great choices for jerky.
• Jerky seasonings are available for all tastes or you can also get creative and make your own. Whenever you make jerky, you should cure the mixture with cure (sodium nitrate). The cure is used to help prevent botulism. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions on the cure packet.
• Keep raw meat and their juices away from other foods. Marinate meats in the refrigerator. DO NOT leave meat un-refrigerated. Prevent cross-contamination by storing dried jerky away from raw meat. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water prior to
• working with meat products. Make sure all utensils and equipment are clean.
• Meat and poultry should be kept at 40°F (5°C) or slightly below. Use or freeze ground meat or poultry within 2 days; whole red meats with 3-5 days. Defrost frozen meat in the refrigerator, not on the kitchen counter.
• Special consideration should be used when working venison or other wild game, as it can become contaminated during field dressing. Venison is often held at temperatures that could potentially allow bacteria to grow, such as during transportation. Refer to the USDA Meat and Poultry Department for further questions or information on meat and food safety.
• When using a dehydrator, check the temperature of the dehydrator with a meat thermometer before drying jerky. The minimum recommended temperature for drying meats is 145°F (63°C).

IMPORTANT: It is highly recommended that you heat the meat to 160°F (71°C) before beginning the dehydration process. This step ensures that any bacteria present will be destroyed by wet heat. After heating to 160°F (71°C), maintaining a constant dehydrator temperature of 130-140°F (55-60°C) during the drying process is important because:

1. The process must be fast enough for the food to dry before it spoils; and
2. It must remove enough water so the microorganisms are unable to grow.

If you are using a marinade, shake off any excess liquid before placing the meat evenly in a single layer on the dehydrating trays. Make sure to leave a space of approximately ¼” (.64 cm) between the pieces of meat.
Dry the meat in the dehydrator at 145-150°F (63-66°C) for 4-7 hours. You may need to blot fat droplets with a paper towel from the surface of the meat occasionally. Drying times may vary based on many circumstances including but not limited to: the relative humidity of the room, the temperature of the meat at the start of the drying process, the amount of meat in the dehydrator, the leanness of meat, etc.

NOTE: Always allow jerky to cool before tasting

STORING JERKY
Place jerky in a jar with a tight lid or wrap jerky in aluminum foil and store in a thick plastic food storage bag. Avoid storage in plastic containers or bags without first wrapping in aluminum foil or waxed paper. Jerky should be stored in a dark, dry place between 50-60°F (10-16°C). You can store properly dried jerky at room temperature for 1 to 2 months. You can store jerky in the freezer to extend the shelf life up to 6 months. Remember to label and date all packages.

RECIPES

Beef Jerky

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef round steak, cut into thin strips
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon meat tenderizer
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

1. Place beef strips in the bottom of a large bowl. Pour soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, brown sugar, salt, pepper, meat tenderizer, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over beef. Mix to assure all the meat is evenly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
2. Remove meat from bowl and place between two pieces of plastic wrap; pound to 1/8- inch thickness.
3. Arrange the meat strips on the tray of a dehydrator and dry at your dehydrator’s highest setting until done to your liking, at least 4 hours. Store in an airtight container or re-sealable bags.

Deer Jerky

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless venison roast
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Slice meat into long strips, 1 inch wide and 1/8 inch thick. In a large releasable plastic bag, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, ketchup, pepper, garlic powder, onion salt and salt. Place meat in, and close bag. Refrigerate overnight. Knead occasionally, to evenly distribute marinade.
2. Precook in oven to 160 °F (70 °C).
3. Place meat strips on the racks so that they do not touch each other, and dehydrate at 145-150°F (63-66°C) for
4. hours, or until desired consistency is achieved.

DEHYDRATING SAUSAGE

1. Preheat the dehydrator to 145°F. Verify the dehydrator is holding the temperature with a thermometer.
2. Slice to desired thickness, 1/4-inch strips is recommended. Sausage that is cut too thick can greatly increase drying time.
3. Put the sausage on the dehydrator trays with at least ½” space between pieces.
4. Dehydrate the sausage for four to 10 hours, checking on it regularly. When the sausage is pliable but not brittle, it is ready.
5. Put the sausage in a plastic bag or a glass jar and leave it open. Let it continue to dry for 24 hours before sealing.

FRUIT ROLL-UPS

1. Select ripe or slightly over-ripe fruits. Wash and remove blemishes, pits and skin.
2. Puree in a blender. Add yogurt, sweeteners or spices as desired. The puree should be thick in consistency.
3. Cover the dehydrator trays with plastic wrap.
4. Pour 1-1/2 to 2 cups of the puree onto the covered trays. Carefully place the trays in the dehydrator.
5. The edges will dry quicker than the center; pour the puree thinner at the center of the tray.
6. The average dry time for fruit roll-ups is 4 to 6 hours.
7. Once the fruit roll-ups are shiny and non-sticky to the touch, remove from dehydrator, cut into strips, roll up and enjoy.

DRYING FLOWERS AND CRAFTS

• Choose flowers that have reached their maximum bloom. At this stage the petals should be fully opened to allow drying to occur faster.
• Trim flowers so that leaves are removed and the stem is as short as possible.
• Place flowers in single layers on the dehydrator trays with the flowers evenly spaced. This will ensure that your flowers dry evenly.
• Allow flowers to dry overnight in the dehydrator rotating the trays periodically. Dry on the lowest setting.
• Dough art and beads can be dried in the dehydrator, temperatures may vary.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

ALWAYS turn the dehydrators power switch to the “Off” position, unplug, and allow the unit to cool completely before cleaning or storing the unit. DO NOT ever immerse or spray the unit or allow the cord to get wet.
Remove all trays and the Teflon® drip sheet from the dehydrator. Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and dry completely.
Wipe down the interior and exterior of the unit with a soft damp cloth or sponge. Be careful not to touch the heating element, behind the screen in the back, or allow it to get wet.

TROUBLESHOOTING

LIMITED WARRANTY

MC Appliance Corporation warrants each new Food Dehydrator to be free from defects in material and workmanship, and agrees to remedy any such defect or to furnish a new part(s), at the company’s option, for any part(s) of the unit that has failed during the warranty period. Parts and labor expenses are covered on this unit for a period of one year from the date of purchase. A copy of the dated sales receipt/invoice is required to receive warranty service, replacement or refund.
This warranty covers appliances in use within the contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

This warranty does not cover the following

• Damages due to shipping damage or improper installation.

• Damages due to misuse or abuse.

• Content losses due to failure of the unit.

• Repairs performed by unauthorized service agents.

• Service calls that do not involve defects in material and workmanship such as instructions on proper use of the product or improper installation.

• Replacement or resetting of house fuses or circuit breakers.

• Failure of this product if used for other purposes than its intended purpose.

• Disposal costs for any failed unit not returned to our factory.
  Any delivery/installation costs incurred as the result of a unit that fails to perform as specified.

• Expenses for travel and transportation for product service if your appliance is located in a remote area where service by an authorized service technician is not available.

• The removal and reinstallation of your appliance if it is installed in an inaccessible location or is not installed in accordance with published installation instructions.

• Refunds for nonrepairable products are limited to the price paid for the unit per the sales receipt.

• This warranty is non-transferable. This warranty applies only to the original purchaser and does not extend to any subsequent owner(s).

Limitations of Remedies and Exclusions:
Product repair in accordance with the terms herein, is your sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty. Any and all implied warranties including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are hereby limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by

• law. MC Appliance Corporation is not liable for incidental or consequential damages and no representative or person is authorized to assume for us any other liability in connection with the sale of this product. Under no circumstances is the consumer permitted to return this unit to the factory without the prior written consent of MC Appliance Corporation.
• Some states prohibit the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on implied warranties. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Model Parts Labor Type of Service
MCL10PFDRT One Year One Year Carry In

For Service or Assistance please call 888-775-0202 or visit us on the web at www.mcappliance.com to request warranty service or order parts.

CNA International, Inc. d/b/a MC Appliance Corporation. All rights reserved. Magic Chef® logo is a registered trademark of CNA International, Inc.
www.mcappliance.com Printed in China

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