Q: What is the size of the AirFlow 156 Industrial Dehydrator?
A: The AirFlow 156 measures approximately 97″ long × 34″ wide × 78″ high and weighs around 1,200 pounds.
Q: What kind of racks and trays are included with the AirFlow 156?
A: It includes 1 extra heavy-duty aluminum roll-in rack with 48 stainless steel grilles (18″ × 26″ each), spaced at 1.25″ intervals. It can hold approximately 156 pounds of ¼″ sliced beef.
Q: What is the size and weight of the AirFlow 312 Jerky Dehydrator?
A: The AirFlow 312 measures approximately 97″ long × 61″ wide × 82″ tall and weighs about 2,200 pounds.
Q: How many racks and trays come with the AirFlow 312?
A: This unit includes 2 extra heavy-duty roll-in racks and 96 stainless steel grilles, with 1.25″ tray spacing. It can hold approximately 312 pounds of ¼″ sliced meat.
Q: What is the size and weight of the AirFlow 624 Commercial Dehydrator?
A: The AirFlow 624 measures approximately 125″ long × 76″ wide × 82″ tall and weighs about 3,200 pounds.
Q: What does the AirFlow 624 include for racks and trays?
A: It comes with 2 extra heavy-duty roll-in racks and 192 stainless steel trays (18″ × 26″, 3.25 sq. ft. each) with 1.25″ spacing. The total drying area is 624 sq. ft., with the capacity to hold approximately 624 pounds of ¼″ sliced beef.
Q: What types of products can be dried with Advanced Food Dehydrators?
A: Our machines are designed to handle a wide variety of products including beef jerky, chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables, herbs, pet treats, powders, and more. If you're unsure about a specific product, contact us for guidance.
Q: What is the Lethality Cook Cycle?
A: The Lethality Cook Cycle is a pre-dehydration step that raises both temperature and humidity to USDA-recommended levels to eliminate harmful pathogens. It's essential for safe meat jerky production and is built into most of our models.
Q: Do your dehydrators meet USDA food safety standards?
A: Yes. Our commercial units with lethality functionality are built to comply with USDA food safety recommendations, making them ideal for inspected food production facilities.
Q: What size operation is the AirFlow 156 best suited for?
A: The AirFlow 156 is perfect for small-scale or startup operations, home-based businesses, or anyone producing commercial-grade jerky or dried foods at lower volumes.
Q: Which model is right for a large-scale jerky or pet treat manufacturer?
A: The AirFlow 624 or 1000 are excellent options for high-output operations. They offer significant drying capacity and robust construction, with the 624 including the USDA-compliant lethality step.
Q: Can I use your dehydrators for non-meat items like fruit leather or herbal powders?
A: Absolutely. Our dehydrators offer the precision temperature and airflow control needed for sensitive items like fruit purees, kale chips, beet powders, and more.
Q: Are the racks and trays included with purchase?
A: Yes. All units ship with commercial-grade trays and racks appropriate to the model. Materials range from stainless steel to food-grade polypropylene for solar models.
Q: Are your dehydrators made in the USA?
A: Yes. Every Advanced Food Dehydrators unit is proudly designed and built in the United States using premium materials and components.
Q: How long does it take to manufacture a unit after I place my order?
A: Our standard lead time is approximately 8 to 12 weeks depending on the model. Custom builds may require additional time.
Q: Can you build a custom dehydrator to meet my unique needs?
A: Yes. We regularly build custom units for clients with specific size constraints, airflow requirements, or unique product goals. Just give us a call to discuss.
Q: What is the difference between electric and biomass-heated models?
A: Electric models use precision-controlled heating elements ideal for USDA-compliant meat drying. The AirFlow 1000 uses a 200,000 BTU biomass burner, great for large-scale, energy-efficient drying of crops, fruits, or herbs.
Q: What kind of power supply do I need?
A: Power needs vary by model. Smaller units can run on single or three-phase power. Larger models like the 312 and 624 require 480V, 3-phase, 100–125 Amp circuits. Always consult an electrician for setup.
Q: Are the units pre-assembled?
A: Yes. Most units arrive fully assembled and ready to place. Some solar and custom models require light assembly with instructions provided.
Q: How does your AirFlow technology work?
A: Our proprietary AirFlow design circulates heated air evenly across every tray. This ensures consistent drying, reduces batch times, and minimizes the need for tray rotation.
Q: Do your dehydrators include humidity control?
A: Yes. Our powered models include controllable exhaust fans and potentiometers to fine-tune humidity control, especially important during the lethality cycle.
Q: Is there a data logging feature?
A: Yes. Many of our models include digital temperature and humidity loggers, allowing you to track, download, and document drying cycles for regulatory or internal records.
Q: What kind of maintenance is required?
A: Maintenance is minimal. Clean trays regularly, check fan filters, and inspect heaters and connections periodically. We provide maintenance guides and are available for support anytime.
Q: What are your dehydrators made from?
A: We use aircraft-grade 6061 T6 aluminum, commercial stainless steel hardware, industrial electric heaters, and high-performance motors. Every part is selected for performance and longevity.
Q: Can I power a dehydrator using solar energy?
A: Yes. Our AirFlow 208 is a fully solar-powered model with zero electrical draw, ideal for off-grid, eco-conscious drying of fruit and puree products.
Q: How do I get a quote or place an order?
A: Reach out through our Contact page or give us a call. We’ll help determine the right unit for your needs, answer any additional questions, and provide a formal quote including shipping.
