Trays Needed
2
Batches
1
Dried
4.8 oz
Time
10 hrs
Trays Needed
2
Single batch
Temp
135\u00B0F
Time
10 hrs
Energy
$1.2
Inputs
Result
Area needed: 32 / 0.12 = 267 sq in. Usable tray: 177 x 0.8 = 142 sq in. Trays: ceil(267/142) = 2. Dried: 32 x 0.15 = 4.8 oz.
Inputs
Result
Area: 64 / 0.20 = 320 sq in. Usable tray: 225 x 0.8 = 180 sq in. Trays: ceil(320/180) = 2. Dried: 64 x 0.35 = 22.4 oz.
Tray count depends on the food type and dehydrator size. One pound of fresh apple slices needs about 2.5 trays on a standard 15" round dehydrator. A 9-tray Excalibur can process about 5–6 lbs of fresh food per batch. Lighter foods like herbs need less tray area per ounce than dense foods like jerky.
| Food | Trays per lb | Dry Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Slices | 2.5 | 10 hrs | 135°F |
| Beef Jerky | 3.0 | 8 hrs | 160°F |
| Banana Chips | 2.0 | 12 hrs | 135°F |
| Herbs | 1.0 | 4 hrs | 95°F |
Drying time ranges from 4 hours for herbs to 14+ hours for tomatoes. Most fruits and vegetables dry in 8–12 hours at 135°F. Jerky takes 6–8 hours at 160°F. Humidity, slice thickness, food moisture content, and dehydrator airflow all affect timing. Check food every 2 hours after the minimum time.
Most fruits and vegetables lose 80–90% of their weight during dehydration. One pound of fresh apples yields about 2.4 oz of dried apples. Jerky retains more weight, with 1 lb of fresh meat yielding about 5.6 oz of jerky. This is because meat has less water content than most produce.
A standard home dehydrator uses 300–1,000 watts. At $0.12/kWh, running a 1,000W dehydrator for 10 hours costs about $1.20. A full batch of 5 lbs of dried fruit costs roughly $1–$2 in electricity. This is a fraction of the $15–25 you would pay for the same amount of store-bought dried fruit.
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Last Updated: Mar 20, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.