LEM’s Big Bite dehydrator bridges the gap between high-end consumer units and commercial equipment. With 10 stainless steel trays, 800 watts of power, and a 165°F maximum temperature, it targets serious hunters and cottage food producers who outgrew entry-level plastic units.
At $180-$220, the Big Bite costs nearly double the Mighty Bite but delivers professional-grade construction and capacity. After processing three deer and countless batches of jerky, this unit proves itself as a workhorse that justifies the premium for serious users.
Commercial-Grade Construction
The Big Bite distinguishes itself immediately through materials. Unlike the plastic Mighty Bite, this unit features 304 stainless steel trays and a powder-coated steel cabinet. The construction withstands the abuse of processing large game animals without warping, staining, or retaining odors.
The 15″ x 15″ square trays slide smoothly on stainless steel rails—no plastic guides to crack or wear. Each tray holds approximately 1 pound of sliced meat, allowing 10-pound batches in a single cycle. For hunters processing entire whitetail deer, this capacity eliminates the all-night marathon sessions required with 5-tray units.
Power: 800 watts. Construction: Powder-coated steel cabinet, 304 stainless trays. Temperature: 95°F-165°F. Timer: 30-hour digital. Trays: 10 (15″ x 15″). Drying space: 15.6 sq ft. Warranty: 3 years commercial. Weight: 28 lbs.
The double-walled door uses tempered glass with a silicone seal, preventing heat loss while allowing visual monitoring. At 28 pounds, this isn’t a portable unit—it requires dedicated counter space or sturdy shelving.
10-Tray Capacity
The Big Bite offers 15.6 square feet of drying space—50% more than the Mighty Bite and comparable to the Weston Pro-1200. This capacity serves two distinct user profiles:
Serious Hunters: Process an entire deer (30-40 pounds of trimmed meat) in 3-4 batches rather than 8-10 batches with smaller units. The time savings alone justify the price premium during busy hunting season.
Cottage Food Producers: The stainless construction and 165°F maximum meet most state cottage food laws for jerky production. While not NSF-certified like commercial units, the quality approaches professional standards.
Each tray accommodates approximately 1 pound of sliced meat. For optimal airflow, don’t exceed 0.75 pounds per tray. A full 10-tray load (7.5 lbs meat) produces roughly 2.5 pounds of finished jerky in 6-7 hours.
Performance Testing
The 800-watt heating element and rear-mounted fan create powerful airflow that handles full loads without strain.
Venison: Ten pounds of marinated whitetail hindquarter dried evenly across all trays in 6.5 hours at 160°F. No tray rotation required—the horizontal airflow maintained consistent temperatures ±3°F across the cabinet.
Elk: Denser elk meat required 7.5 hours but emerged perfectly dried without the case hardening common in underpowered units. The 165°F maximum provides adequate safety margin for wild game.
Waterfowl: Fatty duck breast strips dried successfully, though the drip tray required mid-cycle emptying to prevent overflow. The stainless trays cleaned easily of grease residue.
Features and Controls
The digital control panel offers 30-hour programmable timing and single-degree temperature adjustment from 95°F to 165°F. The 165°F ceiling safely processes poultry without pre-cooking—a significant advantage over the 155°F-limited Mighty Bite.
The 30-hour timer accommodates extended drying cycles for large batches, automatically shutting off when complete. However, the unit lacks the dual-stage programming of premium units (high temp first, then low temp finish), requiring manual intervention for optimal texture.
The powerful 800W fan generates 65 decibels—noticeably louder than the Mighty Bite. This isn’t a “set it and forget it in the kitchen overnight” unit for noise-sensitive households. Garage or basement operation is recommended.
LEM vs. Weston Pro
The Big Bite competes directly with the Weston Pro-1200 ($800+). While the LEM costs significantly less, important differences separate them:
| Feature | LEM Big Bite | Weston Pro-1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $180-$220 | $800-$900 |
| Trays | 10 | 12 |
| Construction | Steel/Stainless | All Stainless |
| Temp Range | 95°F-165°F | 95°F-160°F (precise) |
| Warranty | 3 years | Commercial |
| NSF Certified | No | Yes |
The Big Bite serves serious home users and cottage food producers. The Weston Pro targets commercial operations requiring NSF certification and absolute durability. For hunters and homesteaders, the LEM offers 80% of the Weston’s capability at 25% of the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Big Bite is designed specifically for 10 trays—the cabinet height and heating element are optimized for this capacity. Unlike expandable Nesco units, you cannot add trays. If you need more capacity, consider the Weston Pro-1200 (12 trays) or commercial units.
No. While the construction quality approaches commercial standards, the Big Bite lacks NSF certification required for licensed commercial kitchens. For cottage food operations, check your state laws—many allow non-NSF equipment for home-based businesses. For commercial facilities, you need the Weston Pro Series or dedicated commercial brands.
The stainless steel trays clean easily with hot soapy water and a nylon brush. For heavy grease buildup, soak in degreasing solution (dawn dish soap works) for 30 minutes before scrubbing. The removable drip tray catches most drippings—empty and wash after each use. The powder-coated cabinet wipes clean with damp cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers on the exterior finish.
Yes. The 800W heating element and robust fan are rated for continuous operation. The 30-hour timer accommodates overnight cycles, and the unit includes thermal protection to prevent overheating. For marathon processing sessions (multiple consecutive batches), allow 30-minute cool-down periods between cycles to extend component lifespan.
Yes, if you process more than 2-3 deer annually or make jerky monthly. The stainless construction eliminates odor retention, the 165°F maximum handles poultry safely, and double the capacity saves significant time. For occasional hunters, the Mighty Bite suffices. For serious processors, the Big Bite pays for itself in time savings.
Bottom Line
The LEM Big Bite dehydrator delivers professional-grade performance at consumer pricing. The stainless construction, 10-tray capacity, and 165°F maximum create genuine capability for serious hunters and cottage food producers.
The noise level and lack of NSF certification keep this from true commercial status, but for home-based meat processing, it represents the sweet spot between price and performance. If you’re outgrowing a 5-tray plastic unit, the Big Bite provides room to grow without jumping to $800+ commercial equipment.
LEM Big Bite 10-Tray Dehydrator
Pros
- All stainless steel trays
- 10-tray capacity (15.6 sq ft)
- 165°F maximum temperature
- 800W powerful heating
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Loud operation (65 dB)
- Heavy (28 lbs)
- No NSF certification
- Premium price point
