Beef jerky (food dehydrator)

[defender-kris]

Hi all just see what you use to make your jerky looking to buy a food dehydrator. Any suggestions

I have used my over before with the door open but not the best.

Thanks Kris

 

[Ned S]

Never used à dehydrator before - I make a lot of beef Biltong which is really easy and just needs a dry place with a light breeze to dry it. Love jerky though.

 

[jubnut]

I have a dehydrator, it cost me about £200 I can make about 3 roe haunches worth of Jerky in 4 hours unless I marinade it overnight. It took a little trial and error to get right and sometimes it over dries it and you end up with venison crisps. When you get it right though it is delicious, I have also used it to dehydrate wild mushrooms, which I then use like porcini for risotto's etc. and for Fruit leather which is lovely.
​

 

[defender-kris]

Sounds lovely

 

[YoungGun]

+! for NEDS,

I just did two fallow haunch in the attic with both velux windows open so there was a nice breeze. It takes a bit longer, but will save you £200!

Mike

 

[Cernunnos]

Kris,

Have a look at this:

Make your own biltong dryer in an afternoon | Popular Mechanics

Looking to build one myself.

Cheers,

​Scott

 

[defender-kris]

Thanks Mike I may well have a go at making one of them

 

[Paul 600]

Kris, wooden box with vents and a lightbulb in the bottom. Simples!

 

[savage]

I bought a small one on ebay for £30 it would fit a roe deer haunch in once diced its amazing how often you will use it for different things

 

[Monkey Spanker]

I made one out of a bedside locker and a 40W light bulb. You can borrow it if you like - and I've got some Biltong spice mix!
MS

 

[rick6point5]

They are excellent, loads of uses, try youtube for diy versions

 

[defender-kris]

Thanks MS I may take you up on that when I get back thanks

 

[Ned S]

Will pop a biltong recipe up in a bit that I use a lot, easy and delicious

 

[Ade8mm]

Got to this thread a bit late but here's what I do. Hang the meat up in the wardrobe. OK where I am we have the aircon on all day and that keeps it cool (18 - 20 degrees) and also removes moisture from the air. When I was in Kuwait that was all that was required. Now back in Oman flies can be a problem so some sort of screen/mesh is in order. My main observation from this is that it is not so much about the heat, more about getting the moisture out. (we get 90% + humidity here for at least half the year). No venison hereabouts so decent topside of beef has to suffice
Have experimented with various homemade potions but I got a tub of Freddie Hirsh Seasoning in the UK. Good gear (no affiliation BTW)
​ Hunters Biltong