NutriChef PKFD06 Review

Since you’ve found our review on the NutriChef, we’re going to go ahead and assume that either you’re a novice looking to enter the world of food dehydration or a pro looking to switch things up with a new machine. Well, in either case, you’ll be excited to know that we’re going to share everything there is to know about the NutriChef PKFD06 below. So go ahead, and keep reading.

NutriChef introduced the PKFD06 food dehydrator into their select line of kitchen appliances designed to save time and money a fair while ago. The affordable device is ideal for anyone who gardens or buys produce in bulk (yes, particularly those who like us shop at Costco). Dehydrating food extends the lifespan of meats, fruits, vegetables, and herbs by removing moisture for safe storage, not only preventing food from going to waste, but also ensuring that you eat healthy.

NutriChef PKFD06 Basics

Unlike more expensive models, the PKFD06 is small and compact, weighing just slightly more than 6 pounds. The unit measures merely 11.0 inches x 11.0 inches x 10.2 inches when fully assembled with all the trays and lid. Although the corners of the device are slightly rounded, the overall square shape of the dehydrator makes it easy to position food on each tray while allowing you to make the most of the space provided. The smaller size also means the dehydrator easily fits on any countertop and does not require a lot of storage space when not in use. Since we all know that heavy appliances which enter the back of the storage cabinet don’t come out too often (or rather should we be honest and say, ever!), the fact that this machine is compact means you can store it in the front of one of your more frequently opened cabinets.

The unit also comes with 5 transparent nesting trays, which neatly stack one atop the other. The transparent lid and trays conveniently allow you to see the progress of the drying process. The 11-inch x 11-inch x 1.2-inch trays provide sufficient room to process up to 6 pounds of meat or produce in a single procedure. So, yes, you’ll have enough beef jerky for your family in just one batch of drying.

Warm air flows from the base of the unit and circulates upward thanks to the incorporated fan-housing mechanism. The perforations in each tray enable heat to effectively circulate throughout the unit to the top of the dehydrator and back down. With a slight 90-degree twist, you can adjust the height of each tray and the space in between. The polyethylene lid and trays are also BPA-free, so there’s no need to worry about toxins leeching into your food as you dehydrate.

User-Friendly

NutriChef PKFD06 takes the guesswork out of operating a dehydrator, which makes this unit especially helpful for anyone learning the art of drying food for preservation. Simply put your prepared foods onto as many trays as needed and apply the lid. The trays stack horizontally and are designed to seal in the heat.

Depress the power button to turn the device on and allow the dehydrator to begin the process. There is no temperature setting to adjust, so that’s even less stress for you to set up. The unit uses a standard 120-volt outlet to run the motor which emits heat at a constant 180° F temperature. The higher temperature ensures the dehydrator is appropriate for all types of foods. The accompanying booklet provides instruction as to how long various foods need to dry. The only drawback is that the model does not have an automatic timer. After the recommended length of dehydrating time, users must manually turn off the unit. If you want a unit which you can set and forget about or use at night as you sleep, this is probably a big downside to ignore.

Dehydrator Function

The NutriChef PKDF06 works quietly in the background while preserving your food. Its silent operation does not interfere with daily activities or interrupt your sleep during the night, should you choose to go that route despite the lack of auto shut off. One way that you could use it at night without worrying about safety is by drying foods that have a lengthier dehydrating time. Simply fill the dehydrator trays, turn the unit on before bedtime and allow it to run, so you can switch it off in the morning.

Clean-up

Once you have finished the dehydrating process, simply remove the trays and wash them and the lid in warm, soapy water. Wipe the base clean if needed with a warm, moist cloth.

Final Verdict

By investing in a NutriChef PKFD06, you have the ability to make your own snacks and preserve foods without having to worry about unhealthy chemical additives or fats. Your food also retains up to 97% of its nutrition, natural minerals, vitamins, and flavor—not a bad portion we’d say. You save money by preserving foods, as you reduce the amount of spoilage and the amount of produce which ends up in the trash. Whether you are a novice or have extensive experience with dehydrating, you will enjoy the convenience of this device. The NutriChef dehydrator also comes with a one-year warranty. While it may not be the longest, it’s certainly not bad for a dehydrator. Overall, this machine may not exceed expectations but it also doesn’t disappoint. If you want something simple and straightforward, it’s a good option to consider.