Ronco Food Dehydrator, Yogurt Maker and Beef Jerky Machine

Some reviews refer to this machine as being less than perfect. However, I'm very pleased. It is a perfect price for a person just starting out. I can always purchase another one that has a fan, has "sheets" for certain types of dehydration, etc. I don't mind flipping the layers and rotating the meat. It's sort of like having a plain coffee maker that just brews the coffee--who wants that when you can be a barrista in your own home and have fun making coffee in a very involved and special way? I ENJOY being involved in the things necessary to use this machine. I think it adds to the fun of the whole concept of "making your own." I am recommending it to several friends!

Beef jerky is a protein rich snack that is perfect for hiking, biking, or just plain snacking. Store bought brands can run you $5.99 for a 4 oz. pouch. Making it yourself with the Ronco FD5 Food Dehydrator will cost half the price and you can control the flavors & tastes that you prefer. Experiment with different levels of pepper flavors or even some with honey flavor. It,s fun and it,s inexpensive and this machine works very easily and very well. If you like beef jerky, definately check it out.

I am not unsatisfied with my dehydrator, but after several years of use the tray are starting to warp/melt. It dries things fairly quickly, and having a large garden (3/4 acre) I use it all year long.The only thing I don't like is the uneveness of the drying. Not haveing a fan makes this a problem. The stuff on the inside of the tray dries quicker than the stuff along the rim, and things on the bottom tray can sometimes burn in 8 hours (while I am at work) since it gets much warmer near the bottom than the top. Most of the time I use an empty tray on the bottom to act as a spacer between the food and element, which helps.If you are looking to dry a few things for snacks or camping this is a good starter model. But if you are perserving a harvest that you rely on for your winter food I would suggest looking for a higher end model with a fan and thermostatic control. which is what I am looking for now.

The thing melted on me the 3rd time I tried to use it. Made jerky twice but the 3rd time was a no go. What a mess I got to clean up. Not to mention the money I lost buying it.

It works fine (given that it is convection based), but I'm surprised that the trays have melted only after a few uses! I would recommend buying one that has a thermostat so you won't burn some soft foods. The trays are cheap plastic in this one. They easily crack and mine melted at several spots :-oHaving found a few favorite items to dehydrate, I'm planning to get one with a fan and a thermostat for even and controlled dehydration.

Love this dehydrator. Have 2 others by Ronco. Use them for making beef jerky. Have all 3 of them going at Christmas,for presents. Don’t like the dehydrators with fans.

So many people have written great reviews, so I won't parrot what is pretty unanimous here. Maybe a piece of advice for potential buyers that hasn't been covered:This is a great product for the money, but if you have a larger family, eat jerky/dehydrated foods as a staple, or are impatient, I would recommend moving up to the 10-tray motorized fan version - the manual claims it will make jerky (and more of it) 400% faster. Even if it's only twice as fast, it's worth the price of admission to me.Oh, and if you're a big jerky eater, get Mary Bell's book - it's full of great jerky marinade recipes. Seriously - people are trying to pay me for jerky instead of buying it in the store!

I've had this now for a few years, use it all the time and love it. The only down side is the trays wear out over time. Depending on what you use (high acid type food) the trays become brittle. Overall, totally worth the price. Long lasting heating element.