Business How to Choose the Best Commercial Onion Dehydrator for Your Needs Uneeb KhanSeptember 1, 20220138 views An onion dehydrator is a great piece of equipment to have in your commercial kitchen. It can save you time, money and effort since you can convert large amounts of onions into dehydrated onion flakes that you can store and use as and when needed. They’re also very easy to use: all you need to do is place raw onions in the machine and wait for the results. However, there are different types of onion dehydrators to choose from, which means that your options are numerous. Depending on your individual needs and budget, it might be tricky to figure out which one would suit you best. In this article, we will explore some of the most important factors when choosing an onion dehydrator. Keep reading to discover what they are and how they can help you make a more informed purchase decision. Know your options The most important thing to do before you start shopping for an onion dehydrator is to decide what features you need. After all, a commercial onion dehydrator is not a one-size-fits-all appliance, so your needs will depend on the type and size of dehydrator you choose. There are a few different types of onion dehydrators you can choose from, including: – Onion Dehydrating Rack – This is the most basic type of onion dehydrator that consists of a rack that you put over a heat source. This is probably not the best option for a commercial kitchen, as it has few advantages over other types of dehydrators. While it’s cheap and easy to use, it has very low capacity and can’t be used to dehydrate anything other than onions. – Stirred-floor onion dehydrator – As the name suggests, this dehydrator uses an airflow system to circulate the heat around the machine. This makes it great for processing both large and small batches simultaneously. You can also use this type of dehydrator to dehydrate different types of food, such as apples, tomatoes, and peppers. Although it’s not as popular as other types of dehydrators, this option is still worth considering. How Many Onions Do You Need to Dehydrate? Before shopping for a commercial onion dryer, you’ll need to decide how many onions you need to dehydrate. Although the exact amount will depend on personal use, most people dehydrate around 3 pounds (1.36 kg) of onions per 10 hours. To dehydrate that amount with a standard commercial onion dehydrator, you would need a machine that holds around 30 pounds (13.61 kg) of onions. Since there are different sizes and models of commercial onion dehydrators, you should consider this information when choosing the one that’s right for you. If you dehydrate more than 3 pounds of onions, you can always do more than one batch. Remember that the more onions you put into the machine, the longer it will take to dehydrate them. Features to Look for When Buying Commercial Onion Dehydrator – Heating Element – The quality of the heating element inside is important, especially if you’re planning on dehydrating a lot of onions. A high-quality heating element will be able to withstand high temperatures for a long period of time without deteriorating. This will ensure that it lasts for a long time. – Chamber – The chamber is where the onions go, so it’s important to choose one that’s made from high-quality materials. Make sure it can withstand high temperatures and that it’s easy to clean. – Exterior – The exterior of the machine might not be as important as the interior, but it’s still worth taking into account. The best commercial onion dehydrator should have an exterior that’s easy to clean and will last for a long time. Confirming your choice with a brief demo Finally, make sure to check out a commercial onion dehydrator in person before you buy it. This will allow you to inspect the machine and test its performance with ease. Since you’re investing in a commercial-grade piece of equipment, it’s important to ensure that the machine you choose can withstand the long hours of operation. You also want to ensure that it’s easy to clean and maintain. While you’re at it, make sure to check the machine’s noise level. Although commercial onion dehydrators are designed to be very quiet, it’s still important to make sure that it won’t disturb your neighbors or other people who work in the same space as you. Conclusion When shopping for a commercial onion dehydrator, you have to consider the type of machine you want to get. While all commercial onion dehydrators have their benefits, some are better suited for specific needs than others. A stirred-floor onion dehydrator is the most popular type of dehydrator. This type of machine offers more control over the drying process and is great for processing both large and small batches of onions at the same time. It’s also great for dehydrating a variety of other vegetables, too. A mini tabletop commercial onion dehydrator is great if you have a smaller space. This type of machine offers less control over the drying process, but it’s also cheaper and easier to use. Whatever type of commercial onion dehydrator you choose, make sure to check out reviews and read product descriptions to make sure that it’s right for you.