Tray size
Horizontal dimensions of one dryer tray.
For round models, this paragraph usually indicates the diameter (for example, “Ø250”), for other cases — the length and width. Anyway, the information about the size allows you to estimate the total area and, accordingly, the capacity of the device. At the same time, note that a larger size affects the dimensions and weight of the structure, and also requires more heating power (ceteris paribus).
Total capacity
The total volume of all dryer trays. The larger the volume, the more products can be loaded into the device at a time. For modern dryers, a capacity of
up to 10 L is considered relatively small,
from 11 to 15 L — medium,
from 16 to 20 L — high, and the largest models can hold
more than 20 L.
Note that if you plan to dry several different types of fruits or vegetables at the same time, it is worth considering not only the total volume of the dryer, but also the number of trays (see above).
Pastila tray
Availability of a
tray for pastille in the dryer supply package.
Unlike regular trays, this device features a solid bottom without holes. This is because the primary raw material for making pastille is fruit puree, which simply wouldn't hold on a classic mesh bottom. Most often, there is one pastille tray included in the supply package, but in some models, the set may include more.
We emphasize that using such accessories for more traditional ingredients (pieces of vegetables, fruits, etc.) is undesirable: in some cases, it reduces the drying efficiency, in others, it may lead to spoilage of the contents.
Mesh for herbs and spices
A mesh for herbs and spices is included in the delivery set of the food dehydrator.
These meshes are characterized by a finely porous structure to prevent herbs and spices from falling through the mesh holes. They are made of silicone or stainless steel, and more rarely of bamboo. There are also variants with non-stick coating, which prevents food from sticking to the surface of the mesh.
