Gander Mountain Food Dehydrator | Premium Home Food Preservation
Our food dehydrator transforms fresh ingredients into shelf-stable snacks, preserving nutrients while eliminating additives found in store-bought alternatives. The six-tray configuration provides 7.5 square feet of drying space, enough capacity for 5 pounds of fresh jerky strips or 10 pounds of sliced fruit in a single batch.
We engineered this unit with a rear-mounted 600-watt heating element and horizontal airflow system that distributes heat evenly across every tray. The adjustable thermostat ranges from 95°F to 165°F, giving you precise control whether you're drying delicate herbs at low temperatures or preparing beef jerky at higher settings. The BPA-free trays lift out individually for easy cleaning, and the transparent door lets you monitor progress without releasing heat.
- 600-watt heating element with horizontal rear-mounted fan for consistent airflow
- Six stackable BPA-free trays (13" x 11" each) with 7.5 sq ft total drying area
- Adjustable temperature control from 95°F to 165°F with analog dial
- Transparent door with locking mechanism for heat retention
- Dishwasher-safe removable trays and mesh screens included
Temperature Control & Drying Performance
The analog thermostat gives you full control over drying temperatures from 95°F for fragile herbs and flower petals up to 165°F for meat products requiring higher heat. We calibrated the temperature range specifically for home food preservation, matching the guidelines from the USDA for safe jerky preparation at 160°F internal temperature.
Our horizontal airflow system pushes heated air from the rear-mounted fan across each tray simultaneously, eliminating the hot spots and cool zones common in vertical-flow models. This design means you won’t need to rotate trays mid-cycle. A typical batch of apple slices reaches optimal crispness in 6-8 hours at 135°F, while beef jerky strips complete the drying process in 4-6 hours at 160°F depending on thickness.
Tray Configuration & Capacity
Each of the six trays measures 13 inches by 11 inches, providing 143 square inches of usable surface area per level. The stackable design lets you remove trays when processing smaller batches or add all six for maximum capacity during harvest season. We include fine-mesh screens that sit atop the standard trays, perfect for drying smaller items like herbs, cherry tomatoes, or fruit leather without pieces falling through the gaps.
The 1.5-inch spacing between trays accommodates thicker cuts without crowding. You can load 5 pounds of marinated meat strips across all six trays, or spread 10 pounds of sliced strawberries for a full dehydration run. The trays nest together for compact storage when not in use, reducing the unit’s footprint to just 15 inches tall.
What's Included & Setup
Your Gander Mountain dehydrator ships with six stackable trays, six fine-mesh screens for small items, the main housing unit with integrated heating element and fan, and a 30-recipe guide covering everything from venison jerky to yogurt leather. We also include a quickstart card with recommended times and temperatures for the 12 most common foods.
Setup takes less than two minutes—simply stack the trays, place the transparent cover on top, and plug the 4-foot cord into any standard 120V outlet. The analog temperature dial clicks into position without requiring calibration. We recommend running an empty cycle for 30 minutes before your first food batch to burn off any manufacturing residue.
Complete Your Food Processing Setup
What people are saying
Food Dehydrator Questions
Set the thermostat to 160°F for beef jerky to ensure safe pathogen elimination according to USDA guidelines. Most jerky strips dry completely in 4-6 hours at this temperature depending on thickness. We recommend slicing meat to 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch uniform thickness for consistent results. The included recipe guide provides detailed marinating instructions and internal temperature checkpoints for various meat types.
The six trays provide 7.5 square feet of total drying area. You can process approximately 5 pounds of fresh meat strips for jerky, 10 pounds of sliced fruit, or 3-4 pounds of vegetables in a single batch. Each tray measures 13 inches by 11 inches with 1.5-inch vertical spacing. You can remove trays for smaller batches or use all six during peak harvest season when processing large quantities.
Yes, the adjustable temperature control goes down to 95°F specifically for fragile items like herbs, flowers, and yogurt. The included fine-mesh screens sit on top of regular trays to prevent small pieces from falling through. Leafy herbs typically dry in 2-4 hours at 95-105°F. The horizontal airflow provides gentle, consistent heat distribution that won't scorch delicate foods.
No tray rotation is necessary with this model. The rear-mounted fan pushes heated air horizontally across all six trays simultaneously, eliminating the hot spots common in vertical-flow dehydrators. This design ensures even drying from top to bottom, saving you time and preventing inconsistent results. We tested this extensively with both thick jerky strips and thin apple slices.
The fan operates at 48 decibels during a full drying cycle, roughly equivalent to a quiet conversation or light rainfall. Most customers run the unit overnight in their kitchen without sleep disruption. The noise level stays constant throughout the cycle since the heating element and fan run continuously rather than cycling on and off.
The trays and mesh screens are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning after each use. Wipe the interior housing with a damp cloth once cooled—never immerse the base in water. The rear fan screen detaches for occasional dusting every 20-25 cycles. The sealed heating element requires no maintenance. Proper storage in a dry location between uses extends the lifespan of all components.
Yes, the horizontal airflow design handles liquid marinades better than vertical models where drips contaminate lower trays. For fruit leathers, pour puree directly onto the included mesh screens lined with parchment paper. The 600-watt heating element and rear-mounted fan dry sticky substances efficiently. The BPA-free trays resist staining from acidic fruits and dark marinades.