The Pyle NutriChef PKFD12 is a budget-priced electric countertop food dehydrator. Food dehydrators are an excellent way to preserve your food and retain nutrition. You may be surprised to learn that food dehydrating is actually healthier than canning or freezing.
The unit is cylindrically shaped, comes in white, and measures 12 x 7.5 x 13 inches. It is priced so affordably compared to many high-end food dehydrators that I initially had doubts about its quality, durability, and performance. I was very eager to jump in and learn as much as I could about this dehydrator. Read below as I share with you what I found through my research.
A Small Budget Priced Dehydrator
The NutriChef PKFD12 is a small food dehydrator and will fit on your counter or cabinet without any issues. It’s a good-looking machine, so you might want to put it on display in your kitchen.
You can adjust the trays to accommodate thicker food items like meats. The perforated stack-able trays are engineered so as to allow for even airflow and even heat distribution. However there are some that claimed that the air flow and even heat distribution aren’t so even.
For example, it was reported that when dehydrating bananas, the bananas furthest from the center (where the air flow comes from) were slightly chewy while the ones closer to the center were completely crispy. I feel that there are always nuances and quirks that you have to get used to in small appliances. But for some this could be something to think about.
The heating element is located on the bottom of the unit. The heat and air flow originates from the center of the machine. I’ve read stories about oil and other food stuff leaking down onto the fan or heating element and damaging it. So, you could run into some issues with food getting on the fan. From the pictures though, it seems that the trays and heating elements are self-contained.
Now, back to the price. Have you ever heard of the phrase “pay now or pay later”? Well, for me, it’s sometimes “pay now and pay later”. Whenever I try to go the cheapest route, I end up paying the price. Last year, I purchased a water hose that cost’ about nine bucks from Wal-mart; it didn’t last. This year, I had to “invest” in a more expensive albeit more durable water hose.
The point is, compared to the Mercedes Benz of food dehydrators, Excalibur, the Nutrichef is cheap. But, as I began to price popular food dehydrators, I was pleasantly surprised that there are quality food dehydrators that share the same price range as the Nutrichef.
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Features/Specs.
- Measures 12 x 7.5 x 13 inches
- Color: white
- Retains about 97% of nutrients
- 6 Removable Adjustable Trays
NutriChef PKFD12 Compared to Other Food Dehydrators
You will certainly find food dehydrators that have comparable features to the NutriChef PKFD12. I think that if you keep your expectations in check, then you could be satisfied with this food dehydrator.
However, the lack of a top-mounted fan is something to consider. On the other side, there are other quality food dehydrators to consider. Take a look at the competition below. There could be a feature or quality that convinces you to buy it over the Nutrichef.
VS Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
The Nesco FD-75A snack master Pro is a food dehydrator that has been around for a while. It measures 13 by 13 by 10-inch. Unlike the NutriChef, the Nesco has a top-mounted fan.
The heating element for the NutriChef is at the bottom. I think that top-mounted is better as you won’t have to worry about food getting on it. In fact, the location of the fan is one of the details that separate the good dehydrators from the bad ones. Other than the fan, these machines share many of the same features.
But, the Nesco FD-75A has a proven track record and a top-mounted fan. Overall, the Nesco seems to be a better choice.
Click here to see the Nesco FD-75A
Summary
The NutriChef PKFD12 is a budget food dehydrator. It seems to be an okay option, but honestly, there are better options out there. Sure, some of these options are more expensive, but its probably worth it here. Its bottom mounted fan leaves a bit to be desired.
Food stuff will probably drop on it as some customers have reported. There are also reports of uneven food drying which is a common issue with cheap food dehydrators. But, if you are fine with this products’ apparent limitations then, go for it. It does have an attractive price. Otherwise, pony up, and check out the competition. You can always go with a more proven model. Maybe the Nesco machine mentioned above.
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