Problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Hard outside, soft inside | Temperature too high; the surface sealed | Lower the temperature; slice thinner |
| Uneven batch | Trays far from the fan dry slower | Rotate trays every few hours, or use a rear-fan model |
| Sticky fruit | Not dry enough | Dry longer; test after cooling |
| Condensation in the jar | Uneven moisture | Return to the dehydrator, then condition |
| Mold | Too moist when stored | Discard the batch |
| Takes forever | Overloaded trays, humid room or low setting | Single layers, check the dial with a thermometer |
Mold means discard
Clemson and Missouri Extension both say to discard moldy dried food, not re-dry it.
Check the dial
TechGearLab found most dehydrators it tested ran hot, and one ran cool. An oven thermometer on a tray tells you the truth.
