I guess a timer would be nice but I can pick up a timer at the hardware store. I really don’t use the clean-a-screens anymore, I just use the dishwasher to clean the tray’s and bottom - you just have to make sure you select “air dry” so the trays don’t get damaged. One thing you should take note of - the trays ARE dishwasher safe, but only if you turn off the heated drying cycle of your dishwasher! Otherwise the heat from the drying cycle will deform and not fit together properly anymore. The temperature settings on the lid make for fool proof dehydrating. I do recommend the mesh tray liners. I immediately sent it back to Amazon. That’s when I ordered this Nesco unit.

Two thumbs up on this one. Way better than Ronco brand.

I’m not sure how it works, but it is very even, without hot spots. The Ronco really needs careful tray rotation.

Be prepared for salivating dogs that are unwilling to leave the kitchen and fantastic dehydrated food. I LOVE this dehydrator! I have five kids and I wanted to use it to stretch our grocery budget by being able to buy foot in bulk and store them by dehydrating them. My main issue is that I can’t seem to store anything because we end up eating the food as soon as it comes out. It’s a great product and very reasonable price. Makes the best dried bananas EVER! I tracked my package and they received it in 24 hours. That was three weeks ago. The only drawbacks are the lack of an off switch and timer - minor but a little annoying. It seems to dry food evenly throughout the racks with the top being dried at the same time as the bottom.

I totally satisfied for what I bought. Great product! This is a 700 Watt unit but remember that appliances controlled by thermostat don’t run at peak power the whole time. I tested mine for 4 hours at 160 degrees and it used 1.68 kWh or an average consumption of 420 Watts per hour. It’s very easy to clean also. Preserving food has always just been a way of life for me, from growing up on a farm to bulk buying at farmers markets and having my own garden. I can honestly tell you that for the price, with this dehydrator, you get exactly what the average person needs for effective and efficient small to medium sized batch drying. of course, I wish it had an on/ off switch and a timer, but you can get a timer/ power control (similar to what you’d use for Christmas lights) and use that so it’s not a deal breaker for me- especially at this price.

May try jerky this winter when the hunters in the family have too much venison. Fast Scanner.