Uses

• Dehydrators can be used to dry fruits, vegetables and herbs, as well as snacks such as beef jerky, fruit leathers and even flowers, according to a "Mother Earth News" article. In addition, some models may be used to culture yogurt, leaven bread and soften butter.
  
  

Sizes

• The "Mother Earth News" article indicates that most models can be placed on a counter top, but larger ones are free-standing.
  
  

Drying Methods

• Drying methods of electric food dehydrators include fans that are mounted on the base or in the rear of the machine; convection dehydrators have no fan.
  
  

Trays/Shelves

• Some dehydrators have stacking trays, and others have removable shelves, according to the "Mother Earth News" information. Rotating the trays or shelves during the dehydrating process is important to achieve even drying.
  
  

Considerations

• The "Mother Earth News" article indicates that you may want to consider items to assist you, such as jerky kits, tray screens and recipe books.