Homemade Sausage Making

I'm thinking about getting a good dehydrator and thought this would be the place to ask. I was looking at the D-10 on sausagemaker.com for $562.99 and really like the looks of it, but a friend told me about the 160 liter at Cabelas for $499 and he says he loves his.
Anyway was wondering if anyone had much experience with either of thesee or another that could make some suggestions or recommendations on what dehydrator to get. I have quite a few fruit trees and such so I need one for fairly large batches so I don't have to spend all my time doing small batches.
Thanks in advance.

I bought one at Academy Sports for somewhere around $240. It has 10 shelves, timer, fan and is stainless steel. You can adjust the heat too. I've found it does everything I want it to do and have even considered buying another.

Thanks Bean... couple of questions though, does it dry evenly or do you end up finding yourself having to rotate the shelves to maintain consistency? And how long have you had it?
I'm just trying to get the best bang for my buck and I've read about some of the problems people have run in to and I'm just trying to avoid them. I definitely like the price of yous much better.
Thanks again.

I've had this one I bought from Cabelas for five years now with no problems, got two extra trays to expand my capabilities to a total of six, says you can go 30. I only paid $100, which is what they are selling for right now. If and when mine ever breaks I'll just order another like it, it's done fine by me. RAY

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home-Cab ... t104294880

Huck, I've had mine for a little over a year. It dries very evenly. I don't have to rotate the shelves at all because unlike another one I have there is very little difference between the dryness of one shelf to the next. I like mine a lot and I can't see how one of the more expensive ones can do much better than this one does.

Thanks guy's.. I really appreciate the input. I think I'm probably gonna go with the LEM. It is quite a bit cheaper at academy as well. It's almost another 100 dollars at Bass Pro so, that pretty well makes up my mind.
The plastic circular ones are the ones I have heard u have to keep shifting the shelves on and such, so I'm avoiding that type... Maybe incorrectly... but since I have no experience with them yet, I'm at the mercy of information overload but I do appreciate the input Ray. Thanks to both of you.
I have a fair amount of fruit trees, such as nectarines, apricot, Apple, pears, plums, peach, mulberry and several different berry types..and it drives me crazy to see any of it go to waste.

Anyway already being said that I have no experience at dehydrating, are there any particular mistakes I should know about or tips you could give me. Any info so I don't have to learn the hard way would be very helpful and appreciated.

Hi Huckleberry - all i can say about dehydrating is that it's terrible easy. I bought my wife this one and she added more trays. She uses it a lot. Fruit, nuts, and believe it or not, kale chips. Marvelous, those kale chips!

http://www.amazon.com/Nesco-Square-Shap ... dehydrator

Cheap! And it works great. Maybe too small for you, I don't know.

What I really wanted to say is, now you can make jerky! Talk about easy...you slice the meat, marinate it, then dry it.

Cheers,
Jeff

Hey, hey, Huckleberry!
If you`d like some direct, no-nonsense, unbiased, manufacturer's answers... go to the R&D specialist, Miroslaw "Mac" Stanuszek at the Sausagemaker. He will give you the pros and cons without trying to stuff his product down your shirt. He knows what he`s talking about and he`s a member of this very forum. "Mac" will be on the level with you as a fellow member. Tell him "Chuckwagon" sent you and tell him you are a member of Wedliny Domowe. Here`s the information you`ll need:
Miroslaw "Mac" Stanuszek
Phone at Work: 716.824.5814 ext.512
Work Address:
The Sausagemaker
1500 Clinton St. Building #7
Buffalo, New York 14206

Hey Chuckwagon.. nice to hear from the big dog. What's shaken? Thanks for the information. When I get home I'll probably do just that. Been out since the middle of April probably gonna get to come in for a while around the middle of June. My moms not doing really well, and most all the family is coming from all points on the map at that time to visit with her. So I'll have a house full.
I put in for some time off at that time but not sure when exactly they will get a replacement for me. It'll be nice to see everyone. Just wish the conditions were a little different.
Still gotta keep the kids occupied, and still gotta eat. Might as well eat good.
Anyway thanks to all of you guys. This site is the best.

Clifton D., you ol' salty dog! It's nice to know that you are doing well and stayed out of the way of the tornadoes. Hey ol' pard, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. Please give her our very best regards and sincerest wishes for improved health.
Have you got a sausage project in mind when you get home? Eat all your broccoli and we'll see you in the spring!

Best Wishes,
Chuckwagon

Yeah Chuck, it'll be kinda nice, all my little nieces and nephews will be there and I'll get to be the one who keeps them entertained so I figure we'll take the boat out one day then I thought it would be fun to have them help me make some of your all beef dogs. I'm sure they've never seen how a hotdog is made. I also want to make some really good buns for them. Do you have a preferred recipe in mind. I'm open to suggestions. I love having kids around they are too much fun.