Let’s Talk About Excalibur Model 3900B 9-Tray Dehydrators
The Excalibur Model 3900B 9-Tray Dehydrators is a workhorse appliance for anyone serious about food preservation. Manufactured by Excalibur, this dehydrator boasts a generous 15 square feet of drying space and an adjustable thermostat, making it a versatile tool for creating everything from jerky to fruit leather. Its black finish is understated and blends well with most kitchen decors.
I was looking for a reliable and spacious dehydrator to expand my jerky-making capabilities and process the abundance of fruits and vegetables from my garden. I was tired of small, inefficient dehydrators that required constant rotation and yielded uneven results. The Excalibur name has always been synonymous with quality in the dehydration world, so it was a natural choice.
Upon unboxing the Excalibur Model 3900B, I was immediately impressed by its sturdy construction and spacious interior. The plastic trays felt durable, and the overall design seemed well-thought-out. It wasn’t overly heavy, but it felt substantial, indicating good build quality.
I considered the Nesco Gardenmaster and the Tribest Sedona Express. The Nesco seemed flimsy, and the Sedona Express was significantly more expensive. The Excalibur Model 3900B offered the best balance of capacity, features, and price.
My first impression was one of excitement. I was eager to put it to work and see if it lived up to the Excalibur reputation. I was hopeful that it would simplify my food preservation efforts and allow me to create high-quality, shelf-stable foods.
Real-World Testing: Putting Excalibur Model 3900B 9-Tray Dehydrators to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test involved dehydrating 12 pounds of thinly sliced beef for jerky, a staple in my outdoor adventures. I ran it in my garage, as the process of dehydration can sometimes be quite aromatic. The conditions were typical for late summer – warm and humid.
The Excalibur performed admirably. The jerky dried evenly across all nine trays, a testament to its superior airflow design. It was remarkably easy to use; I simply set the thermostat to 160°F and let it run for about six hours.
One initial drawback was immediately apparent: the lack of an on/off switch. I had to plug and unplug the unit to start and stop it, which felt a bit inconvenient and dated. This was a minor annoyance, but one that I hoped wouldn’t become a recurring frustration.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Excalibur Model 3900B has become an indispensable part of my food preservation routine. It consistently delivers excellent results, whether I’m making jerky, drying fruits, or preserving herbs. It is easy to load and unload, and the controls are intuitive.
Durability has been excellent. There are no signs of wear and tear, even after repeated use. The plastic trays are still in perfect condition, and the unit operates quietly and efficiently.
Cleaning is straightforward. The trays are easily removable and can be washed with soap and water. I simply wipe down the interior of the dehydrator with a damp cloth. It is a massive improvement from my previous dehydrators, which were difficult to clean and prone to warping.
Compared to my old round dehydrator, the Excalibur is a game-changer. It’s more efficient, more spacious, and far more reliable. The horizontal airflow ensures even drying, eliminating the need for tray rotation and resulting in superior results.
Breaking Down the Features of Excalibur Model 3900B 9-Tray Dehydrators
Specifications
- The Excalibur Model 3900B boasts a 9-tray design, providing 15 square feet of drying space. This generous capacity allows for large batches of food to be dehydrated simultaneously.
- It features an adjustable thermostat ranging from 105°F to 165°F. This temperature range accommodates a wide variety of foods, from delicate herbs to dense meats.
- The unit utilizes a 7-inch fan and 600 watts of power for increased air circulation. This ensures even and consistent drying across all trays.
- It comes with a guide to dehydration, offering helpful tips and recipes. This is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced dehydrators.
- The Excalibur Model 3900B is backed by a limited 10-year warranty (factory direct). This provides peace of mind knowing that the unit is protected against defects.
These specifications are crucial for performance because they directly influence the dehydrator’s ability to dry food evenly and efficiently. The large capacity and adjustable thermostat allow for greater versatility, while the powerful fan ensures consistent results.
Performance & Functionality
The Excalibur Model 3900B excels at its primary job: dehydrating food. It consistently produces high-quality results, with even drying and minimal shrinkage. There are no noticeable hot spots or cold spots, ensuring that all trays receive the same level of heat and airflow.
Its primary strength is its ability to handle large batches of food without compromising quality. The lack of an on/off switch is its biggest weakness, along with the basic controls compared to newer digital options. Overall, the product performs as expected.
It exceeds my expectations in terms of drying consistency and capacity. I am consistently impressed by the quality of the dehydrated food.
Design & Ergonomics
The Excalibur Model 3900B features a simple and functional design. The black plastic casing is durable and easy to clean, and the rectangular shape maximizes drying space. The weight is manageable, making it relatively easy to move and store.
It is reasonably user-friendly. The adjustable thermostat is straightforward, but there is a slight learning curve in terms of determining optimal drying times for different foods.
Durability & Maintenance
The Excalibur Model 3900B is built to last. The sturdy construction and high-quality materials suggest that it will provide many years of reliable service. The 10-year warranty offers peace of mind.
It is easy to maintain and repair. The removable trays make cleaning simple, and the unit itself requires minimal maintenance. Replacement parts are readily available should the need arise.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Excalibur Model 3900B comes with a dehydration guide. The main customization is the ability to purchase non-stick sheets for drying sticky foods or liquids.
It is compatible with a variety of third-party accessories, such as silicone mats and jerky-making kits. These accessories can enhance the dehydrator’s versatility and allow for greater creativity in food preservation.
Pros and Cons of Excalibur Model 3900B 9-Tray Dehydrators
Pros
- Large Capacity: The 9-tray design and 15 square feet of drying space allow for dehydrating large batches of food at once.
- Even Drying: The horizontal airflow system ensures consistent drying across all trays, eliminating the need for rotation.
- Adjustable Thermostat: The wide temperature range allows for dehydrating a variety of foods, from fruits and vegetables to meats and herbs.
- Durable Construction: The sturdy plastic casing and high-quality components ensure long-lasting performance.
- Easy to Clean: The removable trays make cleaning quick and easy.
Cons
- Lack of On/Off Switch: The absence of an on/off switch is an inconvenience and feels outdated.
- Basic Controls: Compared to newer digital models, the Excalibur Model 3900B has simple, manually-adjusted controls.
Who Should Buy Excalibur Model 3900B 9-Tray Dehydrators?
This dehydrator is perfect for serious food preservers, homesteaders, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to create their own healthy and shelf-stable snacks. Anyone who wants to make jerky, dried fruits, vegetable chips, or other dehydrated goods will find this machine very useful.
People who prefer digital controls or need a very compact dehydrator should skip this product. If you are on a tight budget and are only dehydrating small amounts of food, a smaller, less expensive model may be more suitable.
Must-have accessories include non-stick sheets for drying sticky foods and a good vacuum sealer for long-term storage of dehydrated goods.
Conclusion on Excalibur Model 3900B 9-Tray Dehydrators
The Excalibur Model 3900B 9-Tray Dehydrators is a reliable and efficient machine that delivers excellent results. Its large capacity, even drying, and durable construction make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about food preservation. The lack of an on/off switch is a minor drawback, but the overall performance and quality of the dehydrated food more than make up for it.
The price is justified by its performance, durability, and capacity. It is more expensive than some other dehydrators on the market, but its superior quality and features make it a worthwhile investment.
I would personally recommend the Excalibur Model 3900B to anyone looking for a high-quality and reliable dehydrator. It is a workhorse appliance that will provide years of dependable service. If you’re ready to take your food preservation game to the next level, invest in the Excalibur Model 3900B and start enjoying the benefits of homemade dehydrated goods.