STX International DEHYDRA 1200W-XLS / STX-DEH-1200W-XLS Manual

PARTS AND PLACEMENT

EDGES MAY BE SHARP!

DEHYDRATION

There are no exact rules that apply to food dehydration. Results can be affected by room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food you are drying. To become proficient, it will be necessary to experiment with your drying techniques. Too much heat, your food may harden on the outside while still being moist inside. Too little heat, your drying times will be very long with lackluster results. With a little practice you will be able to create tasty, ready to eat snacks in no time.

PRE-TREATMENTS

For best results, select the freshest foods available to dehydrate. Note that immature fruits and vegetables do not have as much color and flavor as those that are fully mature. Foods should be dehydrated as soon after purchase as possible. Foods high in sugar such as apples, pears, peaches, and bananas are prone to darken as a result of oxidative stress from sugar. Below are some pre-treatments that will help reduce this effect.

Lemon and Pineapple Juice are natural antioxidants. Place the slices in their own juice for a few minutes. Remove, drain and place on the dehydrator tray. For extra flavor, try sprinkling with cinnamon, flavored gelatin powders or other sweeteners.

Before cleaning or servicing the STX 1200W Dehydra, make sure it is unplugged and the power switch is set to the "OFF" position.

Ascorbic acid mix, a form of vitamin C which is available at most health food stores, comes in either tablet or powder form. Use 2-3 tablespoons of powder or ground tablets per 1 quart of water. Stir to completely dissolve powder. Place fruit into the solution for 2-3 minutes. Remove, drain and place on the dehydrator tray.

Blanching is used primarily to prepare fruits and vegetables for dehydrating with skins that will toughen when drying. This process helps lock in the color and flavor as well as soften the skin of grapes, cherries, prunes and plums. There are two blanching methods: water and steam.

Water Blanching – Fill a large pan approximately half full of water. Bring water to a rolling boil. Use tongs to place food directly into the water, cover the pot and boil (Blanch) for around 3 minutes. Remove using tongs, drain and place on dehydrator tray.

Steam Blanching - Using a steamer pot such as those used in Chinese cooking, put 2-3 inches of water in the pot and bring to a boil. Place food into the steamer basket, place in pan and cover. Steam for around 5 minutes. Remove and place on dehydrator tray.

CLEANING

1. Clean the racks and interior of the cabinet before using the dehydrator for the first time and after each use.
2. Allow unit to cool before cleaning. Turn the power switch to the OFF position and ensure the electrical cord is unplugged from the outlet.
3. Wipe off both exterior and interior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. Be careful not to splash water onto the heating element (located behind the screen inside the cabinet at the back.) DO NOT immerse the dehydrator in water.
4. The dehydrator shelves are dishwasher safe. Be certain ALL parts are completely dry before plugging in and powering up the product.

SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Before starting the dehydrator:

• Place the dehydrator on a clean, dry surface. The area should be well ventilated away from flammable items.
• The dehydrator should be at least 12" from any wall during operation to allow for proper air circulation. DO NOT block the air vents at the rear or on the door of the dehydrator.
• Ensure that the dehydrator is plugged into a properly grounded power outlet,
• Always monitor this device when operating and observe all fire safety procedures including the availability of fire extinguishing devices.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Note: Food dehydrators work at high temperatures for extended periods of time. They require air to flow through the unit in order to dry the food evenly. The unit will go through heat stages and cool cycles which will result in the temperature within the unit to fluctuate up to 10 degrees while it is running, this is expected and normal behavior. It is not designed to "trap the heat in", but rather to allow the heated air and moisture to escape, thus the doors are not designed to be air tight.

1. Remove the racks from the dehydrator.
2. Load the dehydrator racks with the items to be dried. Position the pieces so they do not touch each other or overlap. Allow ample space between the product for proper air circulation. Remove any extra moisture from the food. This can be done with a paper towel. Excess moisture may cause the dehydrator temperature to drop.
3. Press the Temperature Setting keys to select the desired heat setting, using the Dehydrating Guide as a reference.
4. Set the Timer Setting keys to select the desired drying time.
5. Load the filled racks into the dehydrator.
6. Hang the door on the lip of the top of the dehydrating cabinet. Make sure the sides of the door are closed securely against the cabinet.
7. Press the power switch to start the drying process.

Note: Drying times depend on many factors such as relative humidity, air temperatures, and product thickness, temperature, and fat content. The actual temperature of the dehydrator is based on an ambient temperature of 70°F. If the dehydrator is not used at an ambient temperature of 70°F, the temperature indicated on the temperature setting panel may not be achieved.

UNIT STORAGE

Allow unit to cool before storing. Always ensure the unit is OFF and unplugged when not in use.

FOOD STORAGE

Dried foods should be allowed to condition before being placed into a storage container. Generally, let the dehydrated food stand about 1 week in a dry, well ventilated and protected area. This conditioning time allows for further drying and removes most of the remaining moisture in the food. Dried food can be placed into clean, dry, insect resistant containers, preferably glass jars. Heavy gauge plastic freezer bags can also be used. Eliminate as much air as possible before sealing the bag.

When properly used, vacuum sealers provide ideal storage. The less air present, the less potential for the formation of molds. Stored foods should be checked monthly for insects and mold. If mold is present, discard the whole container and start over, double checking your next batch to make sure that moisture levels in food are low and the container is airtight.

REHYDRATING

Dried foods do not need to be rehydrated for consumption. Many people prefer them in their dried state. If you want to rehydrate your food, the basic guidelines are to soak food in unsalted water for 3-7 minutes and then prepare as usual. If you are boiling them, use the same water they soaked in to preserve nutrients.

If you plan to soak foods for more than 1 hour, they should be placed in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. One cup of dried vegetables will rehydrate to about 2 cups. One cup of fruit will rehydrate to about 1 ½ cups. Rehydration times will vary depending on the thickness and the water temperature used. Warm water will speed rehydration but may result in flavor loss.

FOOD DRYING TIPS

• Drying times will vary depending on the room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels in the food you are drying. If the moisture level is high, the drying time will be longer.
• Keep in mind that drying times will be affected by the amount of food placed on the trays. Over loading the trays will slow the drying times and may produce poor results.
• When dehydrating foods, it is important to occasionally check on the dryness of the product. If the product is not thoroughly dried, mold may form during storage (See Food Storage). Check dryness after 6 hours, then check every 2 hours until the food has achieved your desired dryness.
• Foods will shrink approximately 1/4 to 1/2 their original size and weight during the dehydration process, so make sure not to cut pieces too small. One pound of raw meat will yield approximately 1/3 - 1/2 lb. of jerky.

JERKY DRYING TIPS

• Choose lean meat. Using lean meat will help the meat dry faster and aid in clean up by decreasing fat drippings. Fat is also known to spoil quicker.
• Ground meat can be used to make jerky. It should be 80-90% lean. Ground turkey, venison, buffalo and elk are other excellent choices for jerky.
• It is easier to cut meat into thin strips when the meat is partially frozen.
• If you would like more chewy jerky, slice the meat along the grain. If you prefer more tender jerky, slice the meat against the grain.
• Marinate meat in the refrigerator, do not leave un-refrigerated.
• Wild game should be completely frozen prior to making jerky. Special considerations should be used when using venison or other wild game since it can become highly contaminated during field dressing. Wild game is often held at temperatures that could allow bacteria to grow, such as when it is being transported. Refer to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline for further questions or information on meat and food safety.

GENERAL SAFETY RULES

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

FIRE HAZARD
PLEASE READ!!

• This unit will get very hot. Do not touch surfaces while operating.
• DO NOT attempt to move the unit while it is operating.
• Do not operate this device on or near flammable or combustible materials.
• Do not position this device under an overhead cabinet during use.
• Do not plug another high wattage device into the same electric outlet as this dehydrator during use.
• Observe all fire safety precautions while using this device including having proper fire extinguishing devices available.
• Surface temperatures on this device can reach levels where contact with skin can cause injuries; always wear protective gloves or oven mitts when device is in use.

Refer to them often and use them to instruct others on the proper use of this product.

READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS PRIOR TO USING THIS UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PROCEDURES AND SAFE GUARDS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! THIS UNIT WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY IF ASSEMBLED OR USED INCORRECTLY!

1. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS - THIS IS NOT A TOY! NEVER LEAVE RUNNING UNIT UNATTENDED. Always monitor the unit while in use and never leave the unit plugged in around an unmonitored child/pet. Teach your children the proper respect for all electrical appliances. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF ANY CHILDREN IN THE VICINITY OF THIS UNIT WHEN IT IS AND/OR IS NOT IN USE! ADULT/ PARENTAL SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES!
2. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS PRIOR TO USE. Check that all parts are operating properly and perform their intended functions. Check for any conditions that may affect the unit's operations. DO NOT use if the power cord is damaged or frayed, or if at any time the power cord becomes damaged or frayed or if the unit does not seem to be functioning as it normally has for you in the past.
3. ONLY for use indoors in a clean, dry, well ventilated location that is free of flammable fumes and/or objects and /or humidifiers/equipment that causes condensation.
4. NEVER immerse unit or cord in water or other liquids.
5. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THIS UNIT FROM THE POWER SOURCE BEFORE SERVICING, CHANGING ACCESSORIES OR CLEANING THE UNIT. UNPLUG THE UNIT WHEN NOT IN USE. DO NOT PLUG INTO AN ALREADY DAMAGED ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
6. MAKE SURE THE POWER SOURCE/POWER BUTTON IS IN THE OFF POSITION PRIOR TO UNPLUGGING FROM OR PLUGGING INTO AN OUTLET.
7. NEVER plug unit into a damaged electrical outlet.
8. DO NOT attempt to move the unit while it is in operation.
9. DO NOT USE SHARP UTENSILS INSIDE ANY PART OF THE UNIT. EXAMPLE: FORKS, KNIVES, PICKS, TONGS, ETC. DO NOT MODIFY THE UNIT.
10. THE MANUFACTURER AND SELLER OF THIS UNIT DO NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBLITY IN THE CASE OF IMPROPER USE OF THIS PRODUCT OR IMPROPER MONITORING WHEN IN USE. Improper use of this product voids all warranties.
11. Electrical repair or any other type of major service must be done by STX International/Mercantile Station 2, LTD. Proof of purchase must be provided by consumer prior to any repair/service acceptance. The seller will use only factory original parts and accessories. Modification of the electrical or any other major component of this unit by the consumer voids all guarantees/ warranties. (See Contact Information on Back Cover)
12. DO NOT PULL THE POWER CORD BY THE CORD TO UNPLUG, unplug by the plug end. DO NOT use extension cords with this appliance. Use of extension cords will VOID the warranty.
13. Be sure the main unit is stable during use. All four feet should be secure on a level surface. Do not move the unit when it is powered on. DO NOT OPERATE ON FLAMMABLE SURFACES SUCH AS CARPET, A TOWEL, OR OTHER FLAMMABLE PRODUCTS. DO NOT USE NEAR POTENTIALLY COMBUSTIBLE PRODUCTS/MATERIALS.
14. DO NOT OPERATE OUTDOORS OR NEAR ANY FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. INDOOR USE ONLY! DO NOT USE DURING ELECTRICAL STORMS.
15. To prevent electric shock DO NOT IMMERSE THE MAIN UNIT IN WATER OR LIQUID. Serious injury from electric shock could result. DO NOT operate near running water or in areas where condensation can collect.
16. Turn unit off and disconnect from the power source before cleaning the components of this machine. READ ALL DIRECTIONS FIRST on how to clean this unit before attempting to clean it. To clean the main unit - turn power off - unplug unit from the power source - wipe with a damp washcloth. Clean all parts immediately after use. Thoroughly dry all parts! Even the slightest amount of moisture remaining on parts can cause electric shock or fire. After cleaning, make sure the unit and all parts are completely dry before reconnecting to the power source.
17. DO NOT OPERATE on a hot stove top. DO NOT ALLOW THE POWER CORD TO DRAPE OVER THE UNIT OR ANY HOT SURFACE.
18. Certain parts have sharp edges - use caution when handling these parts. Certain parts can scratch household surfaces. Proper care of these parts is required to prevent damage to other surfaces or to your person. You are responsible for how you handle these parts and this product.
19. DO NOT USE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
20. IT IS IMPORTANT TO MONITOR THIS PRODUCT WHILE IN USE. NEVER LEAVE THIS UNIT UNATTENDED WHEN PLUGGED INTO AN OUTLET OR IN THE ON POSITION..

QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS OR COMPLIMENTS?

For Any Questions, Problems, or Compliments please call or email us.

Toll Free: 844-861-4762
Info@STXInternational.com
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Friday: 8am - Noon CST

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Click on "Register Your Warranty" tab and fill out the form.

Documents / Resources

References

• STX International | Dehydrators, Marinators, and Meat Grinders

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