The Brod & Taylor SAHARA Folding Food Dehydrator stands out for its unique blend of functionality and convenience. With stainless steel shelves and a host of advanced features, it’s designed to cater to all your food dehydration needs.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and user experiences of this innovative dehydrator. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to explore the world of food dehydration, this dehydrator promises to be a valuable addition to your kitchen.
I recently had the opportunity to use the Brod & Taylor SAHARA Folding Food Dehydrator, and it has greatly exceeded my expectations. The ability to fold it down to one-third of its size makes it incredibly easy to store, a significant advantage for those with limited kitchen space.
The dual time and temperature controls are particularly impressive. They allow for precise dehydration, ensuring that your food retains its nutrients and flavor. I’ve successfully dehydrated a variety of fruits, vegetables, and even meats, all with excellent results.
Design and Build Quality
The Brod & Taylor SAHARA Folding Food Dehydrator stands out for its innovative design and robust build quality. The dehydrator features stainless steel shelves that provide durability and ease of cleaning, making it a reliable choice for long-term use. Its foldable design allows it to collapse to one-third of its size, making it convenient for storage in small kitchens. This unique feature ensures that it doesn’t occupy valuable counter space when not in use, making it a practical addition to any kitchen setup.
Drying Area and Capacity
With over one square meter (11 square feet) of drying area, the Brod & Taylor SAHARA offers ample space for drying a variety of foods simultaneously. The nine stainless steel shelves provide plenty of room for fruits, vegetables, meats, and more. This expansive capacity is ideal for those who want to dehydrate large batches of food in one go, making it efficient and time-saving. The inclusion of a nylon zippered shelf case further adds to the convenience by providing organized storage for the shelves when not in use.
Temperature and Timer Controls
The dehydrator is equipped with digitally-controlled 700W dual heaters and automated dual time/temperature controls, allowing for precise and customizable drying. Users can set the temperature from 95 to 165 °F, ensuring the optimal drying conditions for different types of food. The dual time/temperature controls enable the dehydrator to run at a higher temperature initially for fast drying and then switch to a lower temperature to preserve nutrients and taste. Each time setting can be adjusted for up to 99 hours, providing a total of 198 hours of continuous operation.
Ease of Use
One of the highlights of the Brod & Taylor SAHARA is its user-friendly interface. The controls are straightforward, featuring a few buttons and a wheel for selecting time and temperature. The intuitive design makes it easy for users to operate the dehydrator without a steep learning curve. Additionally, the glass doors provide a clear view of the drying process, allowing users to monitor their food without opening the doors and disrupting the temperature.
Fresh Filtered Air
A notable feature of the Brod & Taylor SAHARA is its fresh filtered air system. The dehydrator comes with a washable and reusable air filter that ensures dirt and contaminants are not drawn into the drying chamber. This feature maintains the cleanliness of the dehydrator and the quality of the dried food. By using filtered air, the dehydrator reduces the risk of food contamination, making it a healthier option for preserving food.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the Brod & Taylor SAHARA is a breeze, thanks to its stainless steel shelves and removable drip tray. The shelves can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher, saving users time and effort. The plastic tray at the bottom of the dehydrator catches drips from food, preventing messes and making cleanup simple. However, some users have noted that the tray feels a bit flimsy and doesn’t cover the entire bottom, which could be a minor inconvenience.
Versatility and Performance
The Brod & Taylor SAHARA is highly versatile, capable of dehydrating a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs. Its performance is consistently reliable, providing evenly dried food with preserved nutrients and flavors. The dual time/temperature controls further enhance its versatility, allowing users to tailor the drying process to suit different food types. This makes it an excellent choice for home gardeners, food enthusiasts, and anyone looking to reduce food waste.
Energy Efficiency
The dehydrator’s 700W dual heaters are designed for high efficiency, providing powerful drying capabilities while consuming less energy. This energy-efficient design not only helps in reducing electricity bills but also makes the dehydrator an environmentally friendly option. The automated dual time/temperature controls contribute to energy savings by optimizing the drying process, ensuring that the dehydrator operates only as long as needed.
Storage and Portability
One of the standout features of the Brod & Taylor SAHARA is its foldability, which significantly enhances its storage and portability. When not in use, the dehydrator can be collapsed into a compact size, making it easy to store in cabinets or small kitchen spaces. The included nylon zippered shelf case adds to its portability, allowing users to neatly pack and transport the dehydrator if needed. This makes it a convenient option for those with limited storage space or for those who like to take their dehydrator on the go.
Warranty and Support
The Brod & Taylor SAHARA comes with a 3-year warranty, providing users with peace of mind and assurance of the product’s quality and durability. The warranty covers any manufacturing defects, ensuring that customers can rely on the company’s support if any issues arise. Additionally, Brod & Taylor is known for its responsive customer service, offering assistance and guidance to users whenever needed. This strong warranty and support system make the dehydrator a trustworthy investment for long-term use.
Pros:
- Folds down to 1/3 its size for easy storage.
- Digital controls with dual time/temperature settings for precise dehydration.
- Stainless steel shelves are dishwasher safe.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other dehydrators.
- The plastic drip tray feels flimsy.
- Metal racks are difficult to clean.
Conclusion
In summary, the Brod & Taylor SAHARA Folding Food Dehydrator is a top-tier product that combines convenience, efficiency, and versatility. Its folding design, advanced controls, and stainless steel shelves make it a standout choice for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality dehydrator.
Despite its higher price point, the features and performance justify the investment. If you’re serious about food dehydration and want a reliable, space-saving solution, this dehydrator is well worth considering.
Questions & Answers:
Question: How easy is it to store the dehydrator when not in use?
Answer: The dehydrator folds down to 1/3 of its size, making it very easy to store in a cabinet or on a shelf when not in use.
Question: Does it come with stainless steel shelves?
Answer: Yes, this model comes with stainless steel shelves that are dishwasher safe.
Question: Can I use this dehydrator for both fruits and meats?
Answer: Absolutely, the Sahara dehydrator is versatile and can be used for drying fruits, vegetables, and meats.