NESCO Gardenmaster Pro Food Dehydrator Review

The NESCO Gardenmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is a high-powered dehydrator that is perfect for drying large quantities of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meat. It comes with 8 BPA-free trays that can be expanded up to 30 trays, so you can dry a lot of food at once. It also has a wide temperature range of 95°F to 160°F, so you can dry a variety of foods safely.

Overview of NESCO Gardenmaster Pro Food Dehydrator

Unboxing Experience: Initial Impressions

Upon unboxing the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro FD-1018, the first thing that strikes you is the comprehensive package that NESCO has put together. The product packaging is designed not just for protection during transit but also for an impressive unboxing experience, giving you a glimpse of the quality and thoughtfulness that NESCO puts into their products.

Inside the box, you’ll find an array of accessories that complement the dehydrator, setting you up for a wide range of dehydrating projects right out of the gate. The FD-1018 model comes generously equipped with eight trays, providing ample space for large batches of food. These trays are designed for versatility, accommodating everything from thick slices of meat for jerky to delicate herbs.

Key Features of the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro

Adjustable Thermostat

The Gardenmaster Pro’s adjustable thermostat is central to its versatile performance. The ability to set temperatures from 95 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit allows users to tailor the drying environment to the specific needs of different foods. Delicate herbs can be dried at lower temperatures to preserve their essential oils and flavors, while tougher meats for jerky require higher settings to ensure safe and effective dehydration. This precision control helps maintain the integrity and nutritional value of foods, catering to a broad spectrum of dehydration projects.

Converga-Flow Drying System

The Gardenmaster Pro apart from conventional dehydrators. This innovative system ensures a rapid and uniform circulation of hot air across all trays, eliminating the common issue of uneven drying. There’s no need to pause the dehydration process to rotate trays, saving time and ensuring consistency. This feature is particularly beneficial when dehydrating large batches or multiple types of food simultaneously, as it guarantees that each piece receives the same amount of heat and airflow, resulting in uniformly dried products every time.

Expandable Tray System

The NESCO Gardenmaster Pro starts with eight trays, providing ample space for home dehydration projects. However, its capacity can be expanded up to 30 trays, offering unparalleled volume for more extensive needs. This expandability makes the Gardenmaster Pro suitable for everything from small household uses to larger preparations for outdoor adventures or homemade snack businesses. Despite the increased capacity, the dehydrator’s design ensures that the quality and efficiency of drying are not compromised, making it a versatile choice for users with varying needs.

Versatile Accessories

The Gardenmaster Pro The clean-a-screens are perfect for drying smaller items like herbs, berries, and diced vegetables, preventing them from falling through the tray slats. On the other hand, the fruit roll-up sheets are ideal for creating homemade fruit leathers, a favorite among children and adults alike. These accessories not only expand the range of foods you can dehydrate but also streamline the process, making it easier and more enjoyable.

Practical Use of the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro

Preparing Beef Jerky

Making beef jerky with the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro is a straightforward and rewarding process. Start by selecting a lean cut of beef; popular choices include top round, bottom round, or flank steak, as their low fat content ensures a better jerky outcome. Trim any visible fat, as fat does not dehydrate well and can cause the jerky to spoil faster.

The next step is to slice the meat. For easier slicing and more uniform pieces, partially freeze the meat beforehand. Thin slices, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick, are ideal as they dehydrate evenly and quickly. You can choose to slice the meat with or against the grain; slicing against the grain makes the jerky easier to chew, while slicing with the grain results in a chewier texture. Marinating the slices is where the flavor comes in. Create a marinade with your choice of ingredients soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, black pepper, and a touch of liquid smoke are popular options. Place the meat slices in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated, and refrigerate for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Using the Dehydrator

Once your meat is marinated and ready, the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro comes into play. Lay out the marinated beef slices on the trays, ensuring they don’t overlap, for optimal air flow and dehydration. Utilize the clean-a-screens if the slices are very small or thin to prevent them from falling through the tray slots. Set the dehydrator to the recommended temperature for making jerky, typically around 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is high enough to safely dehydrate the meat while preserving its flavor and nutritional content. The precise temperature control of the Gardenmaster Pro ensures the meat is dehydrated at the optimal condition for jerky.

The dehydration process can take anywhere from 4 to 15 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices and the desired level of dryness. It’s advisable to start checking the jerky after about 4 hours and then periodically thereafter. The jerky is done when it is dry and firm, yet still slightly pliable. Over-dehydrated jerky can become too tough and lose its flavor nuances. Once the jerky is done, remove it from the dehydrator and allow it to cool. Cooling is an important step as it stops the dehydration process and helps to stabilize the jerky for storage. Store the cooled jerky in airtight containers or bags to preserve its freshness. Properly dehydrated and stored jerky can last for several months.

Performance Review of the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro

Quality of Dehydrated Foods

The NESCO Gardenmaster Pro excels, producing results that are often comparable to, if not better than, store-bought dried goods. The adjustable thermostat plays a crucial role in this, allowing users to fine-tune the temperature to the optimal level for each type of food. This ensures that delicate items like herbs retain their color and aroma, while more robust items like meats are thoroughly dried to a safe and palatable texture.

The quality of the dehydrated foods is also a testament to the dehydrator’s design, which minimizes the risk of flavor mixing between trays. This is particularly important when dehydrating a variety of foods simultaneously, ensuring that each item maintains its distinct taste and aroma. Additionally, the opaque Vita-Save exterior of the unit helps preserve the nutritional content of foods by protecting them from light exposure, which can degrade certain vitamins and minerals.

Comparison Table of Food Dehydrators

Feature/Model	NESCO Gardenmaster Pro (FD-1018)	Excalibur 9-Tray	Presto Dehydro(06301)	Magic Mill Commercial
Power Output (Watts)	1000	600	750	600
Capacity	Expandable up to 30 trays	9 trays	Expandable up to 12 trays	10 stainless steel trays
Adjustable Thermostat (°F)	95 to 160	105 to 165	Basic presets	95 to 167
Special Features	Converga-Flow drying system, Vita-Save exterior	26-hour timer, horizontal airflow	Includes mesh screens and fruit roll sheets	24-hour timer, rear-mounted fan, stainless steel construction
Ease of Use	Simple setup, no tray rotation	No tray rotation, dishwasher-safe parts	Simple operation, trays may need rotation	Digital controls, no tray rotation
Price Point	Mid-range	Higher-end	Entry-level	High-end

Summary

• NESCO Gardenmaster Pro (FD-1018): Stands out for its high power output and expandability, making it suitable for both large-scale and versatile dehydrating tasks. The mid-range price point offers significant value given its features, especially the unique Converga-Flow system and Vita-Save exterior for nutrient preservation.
• Excalibur 9-Tray: Known for its reliable performance and horizontal airflow that ensures even drying. The inclusion of a 26-hour timer adds to its convenience, though its fixed capacity and higher price point might not suit everyone.
• Presto Dehydro: An entry-level dehydrator ideal for beginners or occasional users, featuring basic presets for ease of use. Its expandability offers some flexibility, but it lacks some of the advanced features of higher-end models.
• Magic Mill Commercial: Appeals to serious dehydrators or commercial users with its 600-watt power output, stainless steel construction, and precise digital controls. The higher price point reflects its premium features and build quality.

Pros and Cons of NESCO Gardenmaster Pro

Maintenance Tips

1. Clean After Each Use: Wipe the dehydrator base with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid immersing it in water.
2. Tray Care: Remove trays and accessories after each use and wash them with warm, soapy water. Most parts are dishwasher safe on the top rack.
3. Check the Fan and Heating Element: Regularly inspect for any debris that might obstruct the fan or heating element. Use a soft brush or compressed air to gently remove any particles.
4. Store Properly: When not in use, store the dehydrator in a cool, dry place. If storing for an extended period, ensure all parts are dry to prevent mold growth.
5. Regular Inspections: Periodically check the power cord and plug for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure all parts are securely fitted before each use.

Conclusion

In summary, the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro distinguishes itself as a high-performing dehydrator, ideal for various drying needs. Its 1000-watt power, expandable design, and Converga-Flow system ensure fast, even drying. Features like the adjustable thermostat and Vita-Save exterior help maintain food quality, making it a top choice for all levels of users. Its competitive edge lies in its blend of functionality and value. Regular upkeep guarantees its durability and efficiency, making it an essential addition for healthy eating and food preservation enthusiasts.

FAQs

1. Can I dehydrate different types of food at the same time in the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro?
Yes, the Gardenmaster Pro’s Converga-Flow system ensures even airflow, allowing for different types of food to be dehydrated simultaneously without flavor mixing.
2. How many trays can I use with the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro?
The dehydrator comes with eight trays, but it’s expandable up to 30 trays, giving you ample space for large batches of food.
3. Is the NESCO Gardenmaster Pro suitable for making jerky?
Absolutely, the adjustable thermostat allows for temperatures high enough to safely dehydrate meats into jerky, maintaining flavor and texture.
4. Do I need to rotate the trays during the dehydration process?
No, the Gardenmaster Pro’s Converga-Flow technology circulates air evenly, eliminating the need for tray rotation and ensuring consistent drying.
5. How do I clean the dehydrator after use?
Trays and accessories can be washed with warm, soapy water and are dishwasher safe on the top rack. The base should be wiped with a damp cloth; do not immerse it in water.
6. Can I dehydrate liquids like soups or sauces in the Gardenmaster Pro?
While liquids themselves can’t be dehydrated directly, the dehydrator comes with fruit roll-up sheets that can be used for semi-liquids or purees to make fruit leathers or similar treats.
7. What’s the maximum temperature the dehydrator can reach?
The Gardenmaster Pro’s thermostat can be adjusted up to 160°F, suitable for a wide range of dehydrating tasks, from herbs to meats.
8. How long does it typically take to dehydrate food?
Dehydration times vary based on food type, thickness, and moisture content, but the Gardenmaster Pro’s 1000-watt power output ensures efficient dehydration, often completing tasks in hours rather than days.