The Excalibur 9-Tray (model 3926TB) is a large horizontal-airflow dehydrator with 15 square feet of drying space, a 600-watt heater, an adjustable 105-165°F thermostat and a 26-hour timer. It has a long reputation among people who dry in bulk, and it carries a 10-year limited warranty. This review looks at what its published specifications mean for daily use and who should pay for that capacity. It is based on the manufacturer’s specifications, not our own lab testing.
Best for: garden harvests, hunting season, big jerky runs and anyone drying weekly.
Skip it if: you dry occasionally, have little counter space, or want a lower minimum temperature than 105°F.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Excalibur 9-Tray (3926TB) |
|---|---|
| Trays | 9 trays, 15 x 15 inches each, about 15 sq ft total |
| Temperature | 105-165°F, adjustable thermostat |
| Timer | 26 hours with automatic shutoff |
| Power | 600 watts, 110/120 V |
| Airflow | Parallexx horizontal airflow |
| Size | About 17 x 19 x 12.5 inches |
| Weight | About 24 pounds |
| Materials | Polycarbonate housing; BPA-free polypropylene trays |
| Warranty | 10-year limited |
Specs come from Excalibur and retail listings. Excalibur sells several 9-tray variants, so check that the listing matches the 3926TB.
Design and Airflow
The fan and heater are at the back of the cabinet, and Excalibur’s Parallexx system moves air horizontally across each tray. Because every tray sees airflow from the same direction, horizontal designs are the usual choice for even drying without swapping trays. See horizontal vs vertical airflow for how that compares with stacking round units.
The trays are 15 x 15 inches and slide in and out of the cabinet, so you can remove a tray or two to fit taller items. The unit is a box: about 17 inches wide, 19 deep and 12.5 high, and around 24 pounds. It needs a dedicated counter spot.
Capacity
Nine full-size trays give roughly 15 square feet. That is the reason people buy it. It handles a big load of sliced apples, a hunting-season batch of jerky, or trays of herbs from a productive garden in one go. If your batches are small, that capacity goes unused, and a smaller machine like the Cosori is a better fit.
Controls and Temperature
The thermostat runs from 105°F to 165°F, and the timer is 26 hours. That covers fruit, vegetables and jerky. For very delicate herbs, some people prefer temperatures near 95°F, which this machine does not offer. For jerky, heat the meat to 160°F before or after drying, per the National Center for Home Food Preservation, then dry at 145-160°F. See our beef jerky guide and the temperature and time chart.
Whatever dehydrator you own, verify the temperature with a probe thermometer on a tray, especially before drying meat. A dial setting is a target, not a measurement.
Cleaning and Warranty
The trays are polypropylene and can go in the top rack of a dishwasher. Excalibur backs the unit with a 10-year limited warranty, which is unusually long for a home dehydrator and a big part of the case for the higher purchase price. Read the warranty terms on the listing for what is and is not covered.
Who It Is For
- High-volume drying: bushels of produce, large jerky batches, multiple foods at once.
- Long-term buyers: the long warranty suits people who see it as a lasting appliance.
Limitations
- Size and weight: it takes real counter or shelf space.
- Higher minimum temperature: 105°F is above the low end of some other units.
- Investment: it is a bigger purchase than the mid-range machines. Compare in Excalibur vs Nesco and see the best food dehydrator guide.
Check the current price on Amazon
FAQ
Do I need to rotate the trays on an Excalibur?
Horizontal airflow is designed to reduce the need. It is still worth checking pieces near the end and removing finished ones first, since thinner pieces dry sooner.
Is it good for jerky?
Yes, it reaches 165°F and holds a large batch. Pre-heat the meat to 160°F first and follow our jerky guide.
Can I use fewer trays?
Yes. You can dry with only the trays you need, or remove trays to make room for taller pieces.
How long is the warranty?
Excalibur lists a 10-year limited warranty on this model.
