CuiZen CFD-2040CS Professional 10-Tray Stainless Steel Dehydrator

I deliberated purchasing the CuiZen versus the Excalibur because I wasn't sure how much I'd use it - and decided to give this one a try - and I couldn't be happier. I've had it over a month and have made fruit roll-ups - jerky - kale chips and dried herbs so far - all with great results.What I especially liked?Comes with 10 trays (5 of the smaller mesh / 5 of the normal which are about 1" grid)Easy to store because the "fan/motor" is easily removable from the backThe priceEasy to cleanEasy to program and works wellHeat range from 95 - 155 degrees fahrenheitOther comments--- The front "door" slides on the unit by placing it against the frame about 1/2 way down the front face until it catches in the grooves - to get it to "shut" all the way to the bottom I have to slightly pull out on the handle.--- I can hear an occasional fan noise feedback but can stop it with light pressure on the back of the unit.I did purchase some non-stick dehydrator sheets to make the fruit roll-ups and clean up easier.

The product worked great as was described. However, when it failed, and I called the number in the manual. there was a marketing offer to get some product or another. I did get connected to a live person twice only to get disconnected. For the price paid for this dehydrator, there should be a real telephone number and product support. Would have bought a different product that could get fixed or sell me a part if needed. I do not recommend this product based on tech support or service.

I like that the dehydrator is all stainless and seems to be made well. Also like the fact that the rack guides come right out for easy clean up. I live the 2 types of racks; 5 are 1/4x1/4 mesh and the other 5 are 1x1 inch. Great for large pieces of meat, and also will hold small pieces of fruit, or whatever on the small grates. I would have rated it a lot higher, but I got no paperwork of any kind, no power cord, and it looked like a display model as it had been wiped down several times. I am not super fussy, and it will work great,but I am glad I know what a CPU cord is, and it was easy to buy one. I just don't think I should have to. I cleaned it up and bought a cord and now it works great. They owe me $20.00 for the cord and my running around. I do like the digital temp control and 15 hour timer. I'll keep it, but was a little bumbed that it wasn't al there.

Using it exclusively for jerky..... Does a near perfect job.....the stainless construction is a must.....to be perfect I would like to see a set of Teflon trays and a slide out catch crum tray at the bottom...but for now, spray Pam and tin foil works OK....not loud at all.....controls work excellent and seam accurate....

The media could not be loaded. Better than expected. The dehydrator arrived today so I put it together and let it run for about an hour. I am using it now to make about 9 pounds of deer jerky. It used about 1 pound per tray. Everything fit together well, no tools were required and on only took about 15 minutes to assemble. The dehydrator is also very quiet, I was able to let it run in the same room with the TV going. It appears to be the same one as sold in Bass Pro Shop for $299. I was glad to see that it came with five 1" grate trays and five mesh type trays for smaller items. It also looks like the bottow will be easy to clean as there isn't any lip on it.

Good:10 trays, stainless, excellent performance with fast dehydrating times and comes apart for easy cleaning.Bad:The heating element failed after about 18 months and it was out of warranty. I was able to repair myself... not a big deal.Over time the fan began making noise when it first cranked up then eventually would not start unless I helped it get going. Recently it would not start at all and cost me an entire batch of salmon. I took it apart and found the rotor was out of alignment and would not spin. I aligned it and its working again. Lets hope it works reliably again for a while.UPDATE: HEATING ELEMENT BROKE AGAIN AND NOW WON'T TURN ON. NOT HAPPY... WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!!!!!!!

thought this was new? after opening ,looked like it was used then wiped with a damp rag placed back in box and send to me. also came with no cord to plug in. not very happy about this purchase. hope that it works? would like to hear back from supplier. about this.

Does a great job! Although large, it's not heavy. Completely washable once disconnected from the fan unit. It's quiet. Holds a lot!