LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator Review

First Thoughts on the LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator

The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator arrives promising a cost-effective entry into the world of home food preservation, a concept I’ve long considered but never fully committed to. LEM Products is a name synonymous with quality butchering and meat processing equipment, so I entered this review with high expectations for a durable and functional dehydrator capable of handling a variety of foods. This dehydrator boasts even drying, a digital control panel, and ample space across its six trays; features that immediately piqued my interest.

My interest in a dehydrator stems from my constant need for lightweight, nutrient-dense snacks for backcountry hunts and hikes. Store-bought jerky is expensive and often loaded with sodium and preservatives. The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator offered the promise of crafting my own healthier and more affordable options.

Unboxing revealed a well-packaged unit, surprisingly lightweight considering its size, but constructed of what appeared to be robust, fire-retardant polypropylene and ABS housing. The acrylic door offered a clear view of the interior, and the magnetic closure felt secure. Compared to a friend’s older, round dehydrator with only five trays, the LEM MightyBite’s rectangular design and larger capacity immediately felt more practical for dehydrating jerky and larger fruits.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The plastic construction raised a few questions about long-term durability, but the LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator’s thoughtful design and features seemed to offer a compelling value proposition for the price.

Real-World Testing: Putting LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test run with the LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator involved a batch of venison jerky, prepared with a classic marinade I’ve perfected over the years. I wanted to assess even drying and temperature control, critical for safe meat preservation. The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator sat in my garage, and the process went down at 35 degrees Fahrenheit with no humidity.

The digital controls were indeed intuitive, allowing me to easily set the temperature to 160°F and the timer for eight hours. After four hours, I rotated the trays as a habit – horizontal airflow is great, but slight variations are inevitable. No surprises, after eight hours I pulled a perfectly dried batch of delicious jerky.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator has become a staple in my food prep routine. I’ve dehydrated everything from apple slices and banana chips for trail snacks to dried herbs from my garden. The unit has consistently delivered uniform drying, though rotating trays remains a prudent practice, particularly with dense or unevenly sliced items.

So far, durability has been satisfactory. The polypropylene trays show no signs of warping, even after several cycles at higher temperatures. Cleanup is straightforward, with the removable drip tray catching any stray liquids. I found hand washing to be easier than using the dishwasher. Compared to a friend’s stainless-steel dehydrator, cleaning the plastic trays requires a gentler approach, but the process is still relatively quick and painless.

Breaking Down the Features of LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator

Specifications

• The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator boasts an 800-watt heating element, providing ample power for consistent and efficient drying. This translates to quicker dehydration times and more even results, especially when dealing with thicker items like meat.
• It features a rear-mounted fan with rear venting for horizontal airflow. This ensures that air circulates evenly across all six trays, promoting uniform drying and preventing moisture buildup.
• The dehydrator offers a temperature range of 95°F to 167°F, adjustable in 2-degree increments. This precise control is crucial for safely dehydrating various foods, from delicate herbs to meats requiring higher temperatures to prevent bacterial growth.
• The 24-hour timer is adjustable in 30-minute increments. This flexibility allows for precise control over the drying time, preventing over-drying and ensuring optimal texture.
• The dehydrator provides 7.14 sq. ft. of drying space across its six trays. This generous capacity is suitable for processing large batches of food, making it ideal for families or individuals looking to preserve significant quantities of produce.
• The unit measures 19.1″ L x 14.17″ W x 11.73″ H, and the trays measure 14.65″ L x 11.7″ W. This compact footprint makes it easy to store when not in use, while the tray size is sufficient for accommodating a variety of foods.
• The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator weighs 15.6 lbs. This light weight makes the dehydrator easy to move and store when not in use.

Performance & Functionality

The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator performs admirably, consistently delivering evenly dried food with proper temperature and time settings. The horizontal airflow design truly shines, minimizing the need for frequent tray rotation. However, it’s still recommended to rotate the trays periodically for best results.

The dehydrator’s main strength lies in its consistent performance and easy-to-use controls. The only weakness is its plastic construction, which may not be as durable as stainless-steel models. The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator largely exceeds my expectations, especially considering its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator boasts a functional and straightforward design. The polypropylene and ABS housing feels robust, while the acrylic door offers a clear view of the drying process.

The digital control panel is intuitively laid out and easy to operate, making it simple to adjust the temperature and timer. The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator boasts a minimal learning curve, perfect for beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator is built with durable materials, the fire-retardant polypropylene and ABS housing and reinforced polypropylene trays should provide a long life. The trays and drip pan are dishwasher safe.

Maintenance is simple: wipe down the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator is easy to maintain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator comes with six polypropylene drying trays and a removable drip tray. Stainless steel dehydrating trays are sold separately for those prioritizing metal construction.

No other major customization options exist for this model. However, its compatibility with standard-sized dehydrator sheets and accessories ensures a versatile user experience.

Pros and Cons of LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator

Who Should Buy LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator?

The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator is perfect for hunters seeking to make their own jerky, hikers looking to dehydrate meals for the trail, gardeners wanting to preserve their harvest, and budget-conscious individuals eager to explore the world of home food preservation.

Those prioritizing maximum durability and willing to invest more in a stainless-steel model should consider alternatives. Optional must-have accessories are dehydrator sheets and jerky making supplies.

Conclusion on LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator

The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator is a solid choice for anyone looking to get into home food dehydration without breaking the bank. Its intuitive controls, even drying performance, and ample capacity make it a versatile and user-friendly appliance.

The price is absolutely justified. The LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator offers exceptional value for the price.

I would definitely recommend it! If you’re ready to ditch store-bought snacks and embrace the world of homemade jerky and dehydrated delights, the LEM MightyBite 6-Tray Dehydrator is a fantastic place to start.