Introduction

The Hamilton Beach Food Dehydrator 32100 is a versatile and efficient appliance designed for preserving fruits, vegetables, and meats without additives or preservatives. With five stackable trays and a powerful 500-watt heating element, it ensures even drying through continuous airflow. The built-in LED display and adjustable digital thermostat allow for precise temperature control, while the integrated 48-hour timer provides flexibility for various dehydration needs. The price for this food dehydrator typically starts around $59.99, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Parts and Features

BEFORE FIRST USE: Wash all removable parts in hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry.

Specifications 

• Number of Trays: 9 stackable trays for maximum drying capacity
• Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature settings from 135°F to 160°F
• Dehydrating Capacity: Up to 9 square feet of drying space
• Compact Design: Space-saving vertical stackable trays
• Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe parts for convenient cleaning
• Additional Features: Includes a fruit roll sheet, fine-mesh sheet, and recipe book

Description

The Hamilton Beach Food Dehydrator 32100 boasts a sleek and compact design that fits perfectly on any kitchen countertop. Its vertical stackable trays allow for efficient use of space, making it ideal for small kitchens. The dehydrator features an adjustable temperature control, which is essential for ensuring the optimal drying of various foods. From delicate herbs to dense meats, this dehydrator can handle a variety of tasks with ease. The inclusion of a fruit roll sheet and fine-mesh sheet expands its versatility, allowing you to create fruit leathers and dry smaller items like herbs and tea leaves.

How to Load Trays and Screens

Dehydrator Preparation

• The top tray must always be in the top position for proper drying.
• All five trays should be used during each drying, even if some are empty.
• It is best to dry one type of similar food at a time; for example, all fruits or all vegetables.
• Always leave trays in place until drying is complete. You may remove food from trays when acceptably dried.

1. Always place food in a single layer on each tray for even drying. Do not overlap fruits, vegetables, or meats or crowd trays.
2. Use the mesh screen for drying herbs and small pieces of fruits or vegetables.
3. If using a mesh screen, place screen in tray before adding food. For best results, only use mesh screens in the top two trays.
4. Use the fruit roll sheet for drying purees from fruits.
5. If using the fruit roll sheet, place sheet in the top tray. For best results, do not use more than two fruit roll sheets and place in the top two trays. Always stack the top tray last, before the lid, for proper drying.

How to Use the Dehydrator

NOTES:

Food should be stored in an airtight container once properly cooled.

To START, PAUSE, or RESET: Press the START/PAUSE button.

To Change Time or Temperature During Drying Without Pausing or Resetting: Press the TIME/TEMP button once for time or twice for temperature. The last setting will flash. Use arrows to adjust. Unit will continue drying automatically at the new setting.

1. Plug in unit. Default time “00” will flash on the display.
2. Press the + arrow to set the drying time. Maximum drying time is 48 hours, which can be set in 1-hour increments.
3. Press the TIME/TEMP button to set the temperature. Default temperature “130” will flash on the display.

4. Press the + or – arrow to set the drying temperature. Press the TIME/TEMP button to adjust the temperature for Fahrenheit. Press and hold the TIME/TEMP button for 2 seconds while TEMP is displayed to change from ºF to ºC. Temperature can be set from 100°F to 160°F in 5° increments.

   

   NOTE: Default setting is Fahrenheit. If you reset this unit or unplug it while it is set for Celsius, it will go back to Fahrenheit.

5. Press the START/PAUSE button to start drying. The display will alternate from showing TIME and TEMP over the drying period.
6. To PAUSE to Check Food: Press the START/PAUSE button and unit will pause. Display will flash “PA.” Press the START/PAUSE button again to resume drying.
7. To RESET: Press and hold the START/PAUSE button for 2 seconds; “00” will flash in display. To continue drying, press TIME/TEMP button to set a new time and temperature.
8. To STOP “00” flashing: Press and hold the START/PAUSE button again for an additional 2 seconds. “00” will still appear in display and not flash. If drying is complete, unplug the unit.

9. If drying is complete before programmed time has ended, PAUSE or STOP unit and then unplug. Let food cool completely on trays or wire rack before storing.

   

Hamilton Beach Food Dehydrator 32100 Food Safety Tips

For food safety, to help ensure any bacteria present are destroyed, choose pretreatment or post treatment from below:

Pretreatment of Meat Prior to Dehydrating 
Heat oven to 350°F (177°C). Drain and discard marinade from meat. Pat dry with paper towels and place meat in a single layer, leaving a space around each piece on baking sheet. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C). Poultry must reach 165°F (74°C).

NOTE: This method may reduce drying time and may result in a drier texture.

Post Treatment of Meat After Dehydrating
Heat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place jerky in a single layer, leaving a small space around each piece. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Pat jerky dry with paper towels to remove any surface fats before storing.

• Marinating meats helps with the flavor and texture of jerky. Do not marinate meat longer than recipe or package directions call for.

TIP: Post treatment of meat after dehydrating may result in a more desirable jerky texture. Try each treatment to determine which jerky you like best.

• Visit https://www.usda.gov   for any questions on meat and food safety.
• Never dehydrate meats with fruits and vegetables, due to cross-contamination of foods. Meats dry at a different temperature from fruits or vegetables.
• All dehydrated foods must be cooled completely before storing.
• For food safety, complete the food drying process. Do not start and stop the process for longer than 5 minutes. You may pause the process to check on the food’s dryness or to remove dehydrated pieces.
• Label and date all containers of dried foods.

Dehydrating Fruits and Vegetables

A. Food Preparation

• Always wash hands before starting food preparation.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables before preparation.
• Choose fruits and vegetables that are in season for the best flavor.
• Discard any fruits and vegetables that have bruises or mold.
• Cut foods the same thickness, size, or shape before drying to ensure even drying.
• Some foods, like garlic, onions, cauliflower, and broccoli, have a strong smell when drying.

B. Pretreatment

• Some fruits and vegetables require pretreatment before drying. Blanch or add color protectors to preserve natural color.
  How to Blanch (see *B on pages 10 and 11)
  Blanching is recommended for some vegetables to help prevent color and flavor loss during drying and storage. Blanching is used to break the skins on some fruits to help shorten the drying process.
• Bring a large stockpot filled with cold water to a rolling boil.
• Place cleaned fruits or vegetables in a strainer with a handle.
• Dip strainer into the boiling water for the recommended time.
• Make sure that all the fruits or vegetables are covered with water for even blanching.
• After blanching is complete, plunge into a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the blanching process.
• Drain and completely pat dry the fruits or vegetables before dehydrating.
  How to Protect Color (see #C on page 10)
  Some fruits and potatoes may discolor during the drying process. To protect the color, follow these steps.
• Prepare a solution of equal parts lemon juice and water.
• Dip pieces into the solution; drain.
• If using a commercial fruit preservative, follow package directions.

C. Determining Dryness

• Many things influence drying time, including moisture content, type and amount of food, shape and evenness of food slices, air temperature, humidity, and your personal preference in texture of your food.
• Drying charts are a guideline. Drying times and temperatures vary for different types of foods; start checking food at the minimum recommended time referenced on the chart. If the food is not listed on the chart, pick a similar food.
• Combine any remaining food to upper trays for ease of checking doneness.
• Check all trays for doneness at the minimum recommended time on the chart.
• All fruits should be able to bend and be slightly soft but not be tacky, except for apples and bananas which should be crisp.
• All vegetables should be crisp and easily broken.

D. Drying Fruit Rolls

• Fruit rolls can be made with peeled and pitted pureed fresh fruits; canned fruit that has been well drained and pureed; defrosted frozen fruit, drained and pureed; or with store-bought applesauce.
• Fruits that are higher in pectin (apples, apricots, blueberries, grapes, peaches, pears, pineapples, and plums) will make a fruit roll with a nice leatherlike texture.
• When using a low-pectin fruit (grapefruits, lemons, limes, oranges, raspberries, and strawberries), combine with a higher-pectin fruit for an easy peelable fruit roll.
• Lightly spray the fruit roll sheet with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease with vegetable oil before adding your pureed fruit.
• Evenly spread about 3/4 cup to 1 cup (177 ml to 237 ml) puree on the prepared fruit roll sheet about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick.
• Add the fruit roll sheet to one of the top two trays for drying.
• Fruit rolls should be checked for doneness starting at 4 hours.
• Fruit rolls will be slightly tacky when dried.
• Always remove the fruit roll from the sheet after cooling for 15 minutes.
• The fruit roll should be slightly warm to easily remove from the fruit roll sheet.
• Once rolled up, cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Storing Dehydrated Food

• Dehydrated foods have to be cooled completely before packaging.
• Properly dried foods need to be stored in a clean, dry, airtight container, such as resealable plastic bags, plastic containers, or glass canning jars with a tight-fitting lid, to keep foods from rehydrating.
• Store all packages in a cool, dry place.
• Dried fruits stored at 60°F (16°C) may keep up to 1 year, while vegetables stored at 60°F (16°C) may keep up to 6 months.
• Fruit rolls stored at room temperature may keep up to 1 month, if stored properly.
• If jerky has been properly dried, cooled, and packaged, it may be stored up to 2 months in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Storing at higher temperature locations will shorten the storing time. Place packaged foods in the freezer for a longer storing time.
• It is a good practice to check dehydrated foods daily. Dehydrate again if you see fruits and vegetables getting soft or if they have condensation on them. Check frequently during the additional drying, since this process will be much shorter.
• Always check the condition of your food prior to consumption. When in doubt, throw it out.

Dehydrating Chart for Fruits at 135°F (60°C)

Dehydrating Chart for Vegetables at 125°F (55°C)

**Times may vary depending on the water content of your vegetables.

Dehydrating Fresh Herbs

• Herb leaves that are larger such as basil, bay leaves, mint, sage, or sorrel should be picked from the stems before drying.
• Herbs such as cilantro, dill, parsley, or rosemary should be kept on the stem for drying. It is easier to remove the herbs after drying.
• Always rinse herbs with cold water and carefully remove any remaining water with a salad spinner or paper towels. Herbs must be completely dried before dehydrating begins.
• Small herbs should be placed on the mesh screen for the best drying.
• Herbs are fast-drying when compared to fruits, vegetables, and marinated meats.
• Herbs crumble easily when dried.
• Herbs must be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container.

Dehydrating Chart for Herbs at 100°F (40°C)

Dehydrating Jerky

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water before preparation of jerky.
• Choose lean cuts of meat for jerky.
• Trim any fat from meat before marinating.
• Wrap meat in plastic wrap and freeze for a minimum of 1 hour for easy slicing before marinating.
• Marinate in a heavy-duty resealable plastic zipper bag or a glass dish. Do not use a metal pan for marinating, since it causes a flavor change and a possible reaction of the marinade to the metal of the pan.
• Always marinate meats for jerky in a refrigerator; drain and discard marinade before drying.
• Dehydrate jerky according to the recipe or follow jerky preparation according to package directions.
• Check jerky after 4 hours and every 30 minutes after.
• Jerky is dry when it cracks without breaking when bent.
• Pat jerky dry with a paper towel to remove any surface fats and cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
• If jerky has been properly dried, cooled, and packaged, it may be stored up to 2 months in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Always slice meats against the grain for a more tender jerky.
• Meat slices should be no more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick, 4 inches (10.2 cm) long and 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide.
• Never marinate meat at room temperature. Always refrigerate meat when marinating.
• Always follow the recipe directions.
• Label and date all containers of jerky.

NOTE: For food safety, to help ensure any bacteria present are destroyed, choose pretreatment or post treatment from below:

Pretreatment of Meat Prior to Dehydrating 
Heat oven to 350°F (177°C). Drain and discard marinade from meat. Pat dry with paper towels and place meat in a single layer, leaving a space around each piece on baking sheet. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (72°C). Poultry must reach 165°F (74°C). NOTE: This method may reduce drying time and may result in a drier texture.

Post Treatment of Meat After Dehydrating 
Heat oven to 275°F (135°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place jerky in a single layer, leaving a small space around each piece. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. Pat jerky dry with paper towels to remove any surface fats before storing.

Setup Guide

To operate the Hamilton Beach Food Dehydrator 32100, 

1. Start by assembling the unit according to the included instructions. 
2. Place the trays on top of each other and attach them to the base unit.
3. Next, plug in the dehydrator and set your desired temperature using the control knob. 
4. Arrange your food items evenly on the trays to ensure proper airflow and efficient drying.
5. Once you've loaded your food, close the lid and select the appropriate drying time. The dehydrator will automatically operate until it reaches the set time or temperature.

Care and Cleaning

WARNING Electrical Shock Hazard: 
Disconnect power before cleaning. Do not immerse cord, plug, or base in water or other liquid.

1. Unplug unit when through drying. Let cool.
2. Wash in warm, soapy water.
   DISHWASHER-SAFE: DO NOT use the “SANI” setting when washing in the dishwasher. “SANI” cycle temperatures could damage your product.
3. Wipe the base with a damp, soapy cloth. 

Troubleshooting

Hamilton Beach Food Dehydrator 32100 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact Design: Ideal for small kitchens with limited counter space.
• Easy Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning a breeze.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for dehydrating a wide range of foods including fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs.
• Affordable Price: Offers great value for its price point.
• Additional Accessories: Includes fruit roll sheet and fine-mesh sheet for added functionality.

Cons

• Noisy Operation: Some users find it slightly noisy during operation.
• Temperature Limitations: Maximum temperature limit of 160°F may not be sufficient for some high-temperature applications.
• Tray Space Limitation: While it has multiple trays, each tray's space is limited, requiring multiple batches for large quantities.

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise the Hamilton Beach Food Dehydrator 32100 for its ease of use and effective performance. Many appreciate the additional accessories that come with it and find it to be a great value for the price. However, some users have noted that it can be slightly noisy and that the maximum temperature limit may not be suitable for all types of food dehydration. Overall, it is well-regarded by those looking to start or continue their food dehydration journey.

Common complaints include noise during operation and limitations in tray space. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of users find this dehydrator to be a reliable and efficient addition to their kitchen appliances.

Warranty

This product is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase in Canada and one (1) year from the date of original purchase in the U.S. During this period,