Four decades after its introduction, the Excalibur 9-tray dehydrator remains the machine against which all others are measured. This rectangular box with removable trays hasn’t changed much since the 1970s because it hasn’t needed to—the design works. But in an era of digital controls and stainless steel aesthetics, does this analog classic still deserve its reputation?
I’ve run a 3900B series unit for three years, processing hundreds of pounds of produce, jerky, and backpacking meals. While newer competitors offer flashy features, the Excalibur’s simplicity hides genuine engineering excellence. Here’s the complete assessment of what works, what frustrates, and whether the premium price still makes sense.
Build Quality and Design
The Excalibur 3900 measures 19″ x 17″ x 12.5″ and weighs 22 pounds—substantial enough to stay put during operation but manageable for occasional relocation. The polycarbonate housing feels industrial rather than refined. It won’t win design awards, but it withstands the temperature fluctuations and moisture exposure inherent in dehydration.
Nine 15″ x 15″ trays slide into grooves along the interior walls. The trays use rigid plastic frames with flexible mesh inserts that lift out for cleaning. This flexibility proves invaluable when removing sticky foods like dried mango or fruit leather—you bend the mesh and the food pops free.
The rear-mounted 7-inch fan and heating element pull air through the back, pushing it horizontally across all trays before exiting through the front door gap. This design eliminates the need for tray rotation required by vertical-flow units.
The trays sit relatively close together—approximately 0.75 inches of clearance. Thick slices or curling foods can touch the tray above, creating wet spots. Remove every other tray when drying bulky items or foods that shrink and curl significantly.
Drying Performance
The 600-watt heating element and large fan move serious air. In testing, the Excalibur dried 8 pounds of sliced apples in 6.5 hours at 135°F—approximately 20% faster than competitors with similar wattage but smaller fans.
Capacity is where the 9-tray shines. With 15 square feet of drying space, you can process:
- 5-6 pounds of jerky strips (6-7 trays)
- 12-15 pounds of sliced fruit (all 9 trays)
- 2 gallons of wet vegetable pulp for crackers (4-5 trays with solid sheets)
However, performance varies by tray position. The back corners (nearest the fan) dry 15-20% faster than the front center. For uniform results, rotate trays 180 degrees halfway through drying—a minor inconvenience compared to vertical units, but worth noting.
Temperature Accuracy Concerns
The 3900 series uses an analog dial marked in 5-degree increments from 95°F to 155°F (some models reach 165°F). Testing with calibrated thermometers revealed the unit consistently runs 8-12°F cooler than indicated at medium temperatures.
For fruit and vegetable drying, this variance matters little. For meat jerky safety, it’s critical. Setting the dial to 160°F might result in actual temperatures of only 148-152°F—below the USDA threshold for pathogen destruction.
Always verify your Excalibur’s actual temperature with a probe thermometer placed on a tray. If making jerky, either pre-heat meat to 160°F internal temperature before drying, or set the dial 10-15 degrees higher than your target and monitor carefully.
Daily Use Experience
The Excalibur operates at 63 decibels—comparable to a conversation in a busy restaurant. You won’t forget it’s running, but it won’t prevent normal household activities. The noise comes from the large fan moving high air volume, not mechanical vibration.
The lift-off door (hingeless) requires two hands to remove and replace. This design allows completely unobstructed tray access but feels clunky compared to swing doors on competitors. The solid door (clear door available on premium models) prevents monitoring without opening the unit.
Cleaning involves removing trays and washing mesh inserts with warm soapy water. The interior walls require periodic wiping to remove oil residue from jerky or fruit sugars. The drip tray at the bottom catches most debris but not all—quarterly deep cleaning keeps odors from developing.
Longevity and Support
Excalibur’s 10-year warranty exceeds the industry standard by years. More importantly, the company stocks replacement parts—thermostats, heating elements, fans, trays—for units dating back decades. This repairability transforms the $320-380 purchase from a disposable appliance into a lifetime tool.
Online communities and forums contain numerous reports of Excalibur units running 20+ years with only minor repairs. The simple design means fewer failure points than digital competitors.
| Attribute | Excalibur 9-Tray | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 10 years | 1-2 years |
| Parts Availability | 20+ years | 3-5 years |
| Expected Lifespan | 15-20 years | 3-7 years |
| Repairability | User-serviceable | Sealed/disposable |
Conclusion
The Excalibur 9-tray justifies its premium price through unmatched longevity and capacity. It lacks modern conveniences like digital precision and quiet operation, but delivers where it counts: consistent drying, massive capacity, and decades of service.
Buy this unit if you dehydrate weekly, process garden harvests in bulk, or view appliances as long-term investments. Skip it if you need quiet operation, precise temperature control, or only dehydrate occasionally. For serious food preservationists, the Excalibur remains the gold standard—just verify that temperature dial with a thermometer.
