My family and I have long used smaller, "passive" dehydrators (that is, the circular plastic ones with just a heating element). We switched for two reasons: first, I was tired of waiting 10-20 hours for some things to dehydrate. Second, and more importantly, the plastic dehydrators are all made out of polycarbonate...terrific if you want bisphenol-A in your food. What's more, because these devices all HEAT UP, they're even more likely to leach BPA into your food. So I went for a stainless steel dehydrator, which necessitates spending a good deal more money. BUT...What a difference this device makes. Even with all the racks filled to capacity, the food dehydrates completely in a few hours rather than half a day or more. The temperature's adjustable, there's a timer with automatic shutoff, and the interior and shelves are all very easy to clean. (I don't know if the racks are dishwasher-safe, but they come clean very easily, so it hasn't mattered.) If I had to mention a drawback, it's... Read more

Watch out people! I just called Brookstone to find out more about this item and the racks are made from chrome-plated steel (NOT stainless steel). Also being made in China, not the USA like the Sausage Maker brand. How long do you think this item is going to hold up, and do you trust the racks you'd be cooking on? For us, that answer is a resounding NOOOOOO!!

This dehydrator works well, but is very loud. The drying racks rattle and shake so much that I am thinking of putting in the basement--so I wont hear it as much. Another issue is that, as a raw foodist, you don't want to heat food above 115 degrees (F). The label on the dial is way off with what the actual temp is (on mine.) I used an oven thermometer to find where I need to actually set the temp control--For a temp range of around 110 degrees I have to set the knob to 130 degrees--so there is quite a bit of difference. Otherwise, I am amazed at how quickly it dehydrates fruits and veggies...