Alexei Volkov
Excalibur is a popular dehydrator with a variety of models available. The Excalibur 9, for example, is made entirely of plastic, while other models, such as the Excalibur 5, offer stainless steel trays as an alternative to the standard plastic ones. Some Excalibur owners have replaced their plastic trays with metal ones, while others prefer to use a combination of both materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Excalibur Body Material | Metal and Plastic |
| Tray Material | Metal and Plastic |
| Tray Quality | Metal trays are cheaper and prone to warping. Plastic trays are more rigid and flat. |
| Tray Heat | Metal trays retain heat. Plastic trays have a mesh liner that helps with heat. |
| Cleanability | Metal trays are easier to clean. |
| Durability | Plastic Excaliber models are durable. |
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What You'll Learn
Excalibur dehydrator trays can be plastic or metal
Excalibur dehydrators come with trays made of plastic or metal. The plastic trays are preferred by some users because they are more rigid and flat than the metal ones. They are also easier to clean and don't get as hot. However, the plastic trays are prone to warping over time.
The metal trays are made of stainless steel and can be purchased separately as replacements or for use with other Excalibur dehydrator models. They are also super flexible, easy to clean, non-stick, and durable. However, some users have reported that they are not as rigid and flat as the plastic trays, and they can get very hot when removed from the dehydrator.
One user reported that they have been using their Excalibur dehydrator for over a decade and have never had any problems. They recommend the trays and liners, which they say are awesome, and they have never had one warp. Another user said they have an Excalibur 9-tray (all plastic) that is over 20 years old and still going strong, with no warping of the plastic trays.
Some users prefer to use metal trays for dehydrating meat, as they can be steam cleaned. However, this is a personal preference, and some users find that the metal trays hold heat more than the plastic ones.
Overall, both plastic and metal Excalibur dehydrator trays have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and specific use cases.
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Plastic Excalibur trays are prone to warping
Excalibur dehydrators are made of plastic and metal. Excalibur owners have reported using their plastic Excalibur dehydrators for over a decade without any issues. However, some Excalibur owners have replaced their plastic trays with metal ones.
The Excalibur website mentions that Excalibur dehydrators use polypropylene #5, the safest plastic for food contact. For the case material, they use polycarbonate because it is virtually indestructible. Food comes into contact with the polypropylene #5 plastic, which is recognised as safe by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Food, United Kingdom Food Standards Agency, Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, and other regulatory agencies worldwide. Excalibur's polycarbonate case material is also safe and does not give off harmful fumes when used under 160°F.
Some Excalibur owners have expressed disappointment with their purchase, feeling "ripped off" as the Excalibur 9 is made of plastic. These owners have noted that the Excalibur plastic trays are prone to warping over time. However, other owners have contradicted this claim, stating that they have never had any issues with their plastic trays warping, even after years of use.
Plastic warping is a common issue in 3D printing, caused primarily by temperature differences during filament extrusion. When the heated filament abruptly cools down, it can lead to warping. This occurs due to uneven cooling, poor ventilation, insufficient cooling fan speed, and the wrong choice of 3D printing filament. Warping can also be caused by improper bed adhesion, where the first layer of the 3D print does not adhere properly to the print bed, causing the subsequent layer to shrink and pull up the first layer.
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Metal Excalibur trays are more expensive
Excalibur trays are available in both metal and plastic. While the plastic trays are cheaper, metal Excalibur trays are more expensive. For example, Excalibur 9's all-plastic body costs $250, while the stainless steel trays cost $150.
The Excalibur 5-tray and 10-tray models are also available in both metal and plastic. The metal trays are more expensive, with the 10-tray model priced at $205. The metal trays are also known to hold heat, which can be a disadvantage.
Some users have expressed a preference for the plastic trays, as they are more rigid and flat, while the metal trays feel cheaper. The plastic trays are also known to be durable, with some users reporting that their plastic Excalibur 9 trays are over 20 years old and still in good condition.
However, metal trays might be preferred for certain use cases, such as dehydrating meat, as they can be steam cleaned. Additionally, some Excalibur owners have both metal and plastic trays and use them interchangeably depending on the specific use case.
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Metal Excalibur trays are preferred for drying meat
Excalibur is a brand of dehydrator that comes with plastic trays. Some Excalibur dehydrator owners have replaced their plastic trays with metal ones, as they are easier to clean, especially when used for drying meat.
Drying meat is a common way of preserving meat and has been used throughout history in many cultures. The process involves reducing the water content in meat, which helps prevent microbial growth and the presence of harmful substances. This is often achieved through natural sun drying or mechanical drying.
When it comes to drying meat, metal trays are preferred by some due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Meat can be dried using various methods, including sun drying, mechanical drying, and the use of dehydrators. While some people opt for plastic trays in their dehydrators, metal trays like the Excalibur's stainless steel trays can also be used. These metal trays are more durable and easier to clean than plastic trays, especially when dealing with sticky or greasy substances.
One of the main advantages of using metal Excalibur trays for drying meat is their durability. Metal trays are less prone to warping or deforming over time compared to plastic trays, which can become brittle and crack. Additionally, metal trays can withstand higher temperatures and are less likely to be damaged by heat exposure during the drying process.
Another benefit of metal Excalibur trays is their ease of cleaning. Meat drying can be a messy process, and grease or residue can build up on the trays. Metal trays are easier to clean than plastic trays as they can be washed with hot water and soap, or even steamed, to remove any stubborn residue. This ensures a more hygienic surface for drying meat, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
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Metal Excalibur models feel more premium
Excalibur offers a range of dehydrator models, some of which feature metal bodies and components, while others are made of plastic. While both materials have their advantages and drawbacks, the metal Excalibur models are often perceived as more premium.
The all-metal Excalibur dehydrators, such as the Excalibur 5-tray and Septree 10-tray models, are known for their sturdy construction and modern design. The metal body gives these appliances a sleek and sophisticated look, elevating the overall aesthetic of the kitchen or workspace. The use of metal also suggests durability and longevity, indicating that the appliance is built to last.
One notable feature of the metal Excalibur models is their glass doors. This adds to the premium feel of the appliance, allowing users to easily monitor the dehydration process without interrupting it. The metal trays in these models also contribute to the overall sense of quality. While some users have expressed concerns about the heat retention of stainless steel trays, others appreciate their durability and ease of cleaning, especially when preparing meat products.
In comparison to the plastic models, the metal Excalibur dehydrators offer a more luxurious experience. The plastic trays in the Excalibur 9-tray model, for example, have been criticised for feeling like a "big piece of plastic," with some users feeling disappointed and considering alternatives with all-steel bodies. On the other hand, Excalibur's plastic trays are known for their durability, with some users reporting that their plastic trays have lasted over 20 years without warping.
While the metal Excalibur models excel in terms of aesthetics and perceived quality, it's important to consider functionality as well. Some users have noted that their all-metal Excalibur dehydrators dry food more slowly and unevenly, requiring frequent tray rotations. This suggests that the choice between metal and plastic Excalibur models depends on individual preferences for style, durability, and functionality.
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Frequently asked questions
The Excalibur comes in both all-metal and all-plastic body options.
The all-plastic Excalibur is preferred by some users as the trays are more rigid and flat, and dry faster and more evenly.
Yes, Excalibur offers stainless steel trays as an alternative to the plastic ones.
Yes, you can replace the plastic trays with metal ones. However, some users have reported that the steel trays feel cheap, retain heat, and are not as good as the plastic ones.
