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
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Price as of Jul 24, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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: Jul 24, 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.
