which dehydrator do you use and why?

[Charlie Tango]

I am looking for a dehydrator to make ground jerky and need some opinions on them. So far I have been told to get a dehydrator with heat so it is faster, that's all the help I have so far.
Thanks

[ccoker]

I bought this one: http://www.nesco.com/products/?category=300&subcat=100&id=42
cost about 28 bucks locally

used it for the first time yesterday
I took a does hindquarter that I shot the previous weekend (had been on ice for a week) and sliced it into 1/4" thick strips and marinated in the fridge for 24hrs

I let it run about 12hrs and then turned it off for a few and then back on for a few

not crazy about the marinade I used as it was terryaki based and we aren't crazy about terryiaki flavored jerky but it worked fine

next batch will be using some liquid smoke and fajita seasoning and pepper


I bought this one because it's the one they had when I went to get my grinder, works fine
A few more racks would be nice and I may order the additional ones

[dukkillr]

I use this one:
http://www.nesco.com/products/?category=300&subcat=100&id=36

I've added 2 trays for a total of 6.  6 trays will fill a gallon ziplock with jerky, which is about my batch size.  I run it for 5-5 1/2 hours depending on which recipe I use (the thicker the marinade, the longer the dry time).  I'll have to check, but I think it's set on 135 degrees.

The secret to jerky isn't the dehydrator, and it's not the marinade either, it's the slicer.  Making your own jerky is time prohibitive if you have to cut the meat by hand.  I've got an older slicer that I'm sure they don't make anymore, but the style is still around.  It's a rotating blade like the kind you see in sandwich shops.  All stainless steel and the motor comes off so the rest can go in the dishwasher. 

I've found jerky to be a great way to get rid of ducks and geese, and each of the last 2 years I've made a whole deer into jerky.  It's easy to give away, take to parties, or munch on in the field.  I've even sent some to soldiers in Iraq.

[ccoker]

yeah, a meat slicer would be ideal