PROS
CONS
This review focuses on the Open Country FD-28SK a purpose-built machine that specializes in meat drying and even comes with recipe guides and spice packs for added value. In the rest of the review – we will explain in detail why this can become your go-to choice of a dehydrator.
Specifications
Features
No Frills Design
Quality of Dehydration
The Vertical Flow
The hot air moves from bottom to the top in a controlled fashion and because of the side rib surfaces, it starts to whirl on the inside. This keeps the heat evenly spread across the food and slows the exit speed. In the end it all adds up to performance and makes your jerky crisp and juicy.
Learn more about jerky making process here!
Big Capacity
The Trays
Basic Controls
Power and Efficiency
Detailed specifications
The weight
Weight of exactly 5.5 pounds empty means that even after you fill it up and add a maximum 7 pounds of food – it will still somewhat be easy to move around. Thanks to compact size – it can even be considered as being portable!
The Dimensions
Measuring 12.25 x 14 x 14 inches affirms what we say about its compact size and places it in the compact dehydrator category. You can certainly count on it not taking up too much space in your kitchen or wherever you decide to place it, for that matter.
Visibility
Thanks to its closed design – you will not be able to peek inside it during its operation. Basically, once you place the foods and finish adding the spices and place the trays inside – it’s a “set and forget” process from there until the end.
Temperature Range
Having a fixed, non-controllable temperature range means that you can not do anything wrong and as a consequence always get great dried foods each and every time. The moment you flip the start switch the heating elements goes to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and continues to heat up to its maximum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit value. Everything is automatic which makes for a hassle-free experience.
The Timer
There is no included timer and digital display whatsoever which keeps the cost down and limits the versatility entirely.
The Trays
The trays are entirely made out of BPA free plastics and we commend their size and heft as it makes them really durable and simply feeling long lasting. You get seven of them as standard which means that you can remove and add them as you see fit.
THINGS WE DIDN’T LIKE
THINGS WE DIDN’T LIKEYou might not feel any kind of excitement just by judging the appearance of Open Country FD-28SK yet those feelings change once you start seeing the results of its operation.
Fast Food Dehydration
Can you imagine processing full seven pounds of jerky in less than 8 hours? We couldn’t either till we got our hands on this amazing performer. Strips of jerky take 15 minutes from start to finish. Because of the powerful fan and airflow restricting the design – foods get dehydrated that much faster!
Unbeatable Price
Because of the straightforward design decisions and barebones functionality – Open Country manages to keep FD-28SK at a constant affordable price bracket. Considering numerous and frequent discounts it’s no wonder that this model is a category best seller!
Purpose Made
It’s great that it performs brilliantly for dried meats each and every time you use it. It is truly a rare breed among other universal dehydrators on the market. If you exclusively prefer dried jerky then this model is a no-brainer choice.
Built To Last
Given the use of durable materials and its simple design means that you won’t have to worry at all about it breaking down. Good warranty and customer support service additionally assures confidence about quality.
THINGS WE DIDN’T LIKE
THINGS WE DIDN’T LIKEBeing a purpose made appliance does have its advantage although it introduces some downsides which is a true case here.
Noise
All that fast dehydration performance does come at a rather noticeable price. Having a low power heater and a very powerful fan is a combination that performs true and yet leaves us complaining about the overall noise it makes during operation. You will notice it working and you will not be happy, that’s for sure.
Limited Usability
You can forget about processing fruits, vegetables, and yogurt with this model. You can make a compromise and dry foods other than meat although your options are severely limited by tray design and the fixed temperature range.
Uninspiring Looks
If appearances matter in your kitchen – you might start planning ahead where else you may want to store this dehydrator. It doesn’t look stylish at all and we would, in fact, judge its appearance by resembling military issue equipment instead which can appeal to some buyers.
