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).
Tray height
The size of one tray of the dryer in height. In models where, instead of separate trays, a common working chamber with removable shelves is provided, the distance between two adjacent shelves is indicated.
This size primarily determines the thickness of individual pieces of vegetables, fruits, etc., which can be placed in the device. At the same time, note that the contents should not fill the tray tightly — there should be at least a couple of millimetres of space between the products and the “ceiling”. Also note that in some models, two height values can be indicated in this paragraph — for example, “15 — 25 mm”. This means that the size of the trays can be changed, adjusting them to the specifics of the situation; usually it is a choice between two standard heights (in our example — 15 mm and 25 mm).
Power consumption
Rated power consumed by the dryer during operation.
This parameter is usually selected by manufacturers depending on the volume of the dryer: the larger the device, the more power is needed to effectively heat the working chamber. At the same time, models with the same volume may differ in power consumption. In such cases, it is worth considering that a higher power reduces the heating time, but affects the price of the device.
Thermostat
The presence of a
thermostat in the dryer — a regulator that allows you to set the temperature in the working chamber. Thus, the temperature regime can be chosen at your discretion — depending on the type of processed products and on the desired degree of drying.
Note that the specific format of this function may be different. The simplest option is a sensor that monitors the temperature in the working chamber and periodically turns on the heating when the air inside begins to cool. Such devices are quite simple and inexpensive. In more advanced dryers, there is another mode: the heater constantly supplies air of a certain temperature to the trays (this temperature is controlled based on data from the temperature sensor). This format is more expensive, but it allows you to provide the most uniform heating and has a positive effect on lifetime of the device.
In turn, the absence of a thermostat means that the dryer has only one operating temperature option. This limits the possibilities accordingly. However, this option also has advantages — simple design, reliability and low cost.
Temperature range
The temperature range that the dryer can provide in the working chamber.
The simplest models provide only one operating temperature option, usually from 50 °C to 60 °C. More advanced devices equipped with thermostats (see above) and can have a wide range of adjustment — this is very useful, because different temperature regimes are recommended for different products. To assess the general capabilities of a particular dryer, you can use the following table of temperatures recommended for drying:
— 35...40 °C — plant stems, greens;
— 40...45 °C — bread;
— 38...42 °C (in some cases up to 45 °C) — yoghurt;
— 50...55 °C — vegetables;
— 55...60 °C — fruits;
— 65...75 °C — meat, fish.
We emphasize that these are the most general, conditional data. The specific temperature may differ from the recommended one — depending on the thickness of the slices, the specific type of food, the desired result, etc. Detailed recommendations on this matter can be found in special sources.
