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If you've spent any time researching food dehydrators, you've almost certainly come across the name Excalibur. It appears on every "best of" list, gets recommended on Reddit threads, and earns the kind of brand loyalty that most kitchen appliance companies only dream about. But is the hype justified? And more importantly — how do you get the best possible deal on one?
This guide covers everything: the brand's story, its most popular models, how to find coupons and save money, what real customers say, and the practical details around returns, warranties, and getting support. Whether you're a first-time buyer or considering an upgrade, you'll find exactly what you need here.
About Excalibur — Brand History & What Makes It Different
A Legacy Since 1973
Excalibur has been manufacturing food dehydrators since 1973, making it one of the oldest and most trusted names in the food preservation industry. What started as a niche product for raw food enthusiasts and homesteaders has grown into a globally recognized brand used by home cooks, professional chefs, backpackers, hunters, and health-conscious families alike.
The brand is headquartered in Sacramento, California, and is currently part of The Legacy Companies portfolio — a group that also includes well-known kitchen brands like Omega Juicers, Chef'sChoice, West Bend, Kalorik, Yonanas, and Zeroll. This family of brands gives Excalibur the manufacturing backbone and customer service infrastructure to support its growing customer base.
What Sets Excalibur Apart From the Competition?
Walk into any online forum discussing food dehydrators and you'll quickly notice a pattern: experienced dehydrators almost unanimously recommend Excalibur over round, stackable competitors. Here's why:
Horizontal Parallex Air Flow (Paralexx™ Technology) Unlike circular dehydrators that push heat up from the bottom — creating uneven drying where the bottom tray gets overcooked and the top tray barely dries — Excalibur uses a rear-mounted fan that pushes warm air horizontally across all trays simultaneously. The result: every tray dries at the same rate, and you never need to rotate trays mid-session.
Hyperwave™ Technology This patented system fluctuates temperature slightly during the drying cycle, which allows moisture to be drawn out more efficiently without cooking the food. For raw food enthusiasts who need to keep food below 115°F to preserve enzymes, this is a critical feature.
Rectangular Tray Design Excalibur's square trays provide significantly more usable drying space than round trays of comparable diameter. Their flagship 9-tray models offer up to 15 square feet of drying space — enough to process an entire garden harvest in one session.
Durability That Spans Decades One of the most common phrases you'll read in Excalibur reviews is "I've had mine for 15 years and it's still going strong." This longevity, paired with available replacement parts and repair support, makes an Excalibur a genuine long-term investment rather than a disposable appliance.
Versatility Beyond Fruits and Veggies Excalibur dehydrators can dry fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat jerky, fish, pasta, yogurt, granola, fruit leather (roll-ups), flowers, pet treats, and even craft items like dried flowers and homemade potpourri. The wide temperature range (as low as 85°F on newer models) makes it suitable for everything from delicate herbs to thick beef jerky.
2. Top Excalibur Dehydrator Models in 2025
Excalibur organizes its lineup into four main series: Performance Series, Select Series, Classic Collection, and Commercial Dehydrators. Here's a breakdown of the standout models.
Performance Series — The Premium Line
The Performance Series represents Excalibur's most advanced consumer-grade dehydrators. These stainless steel units feature LED touchscreen controls, dual-phase programming, top viewing windows, and the brand's most refined temperature management technology.
Excalibur 10-Tray Performance Digital Dehydrator (DH10SS)
- Drying space: 16 sq. ft.
- Temperature range: 85°F – 165°F
- Timer: Up to 80 hours
- Material: Stainless steel trays
- Weight: ~27 lbs
- Key features: Dual drying phases, LED progress bar, top and front viewing windows, auto-shutoff
- Best for: Serious home food preservers, large families, homesteaders
This model was highlighted by Taste of Home as a top pick in their 2024/2025 food dehydrator roundup. Reviewers particularly love the progress bar feature and the ability to program two different drying phases (useful when starting at a higher temp to kill pathogens and then reducing for gentle finishing).
Excalibur 6-Tray Performance Digital Dehydrator (DH06SSSS13)
- Drying space: 9.6 sq. ft.
- Temperature range: 85°F – 165°F
- Timer: Up to 80 hours
- Material: Stainless steel trays
- Regular price: $339.99 | Sale price: $249.99
- Best for: Smaller households or those with limited counter/storage space
This model offers the same premium Performance Series technology in a more compact footprint. It's currently one of the best value buys in the Excalibur lineup, especially when on sale.
Select Series — The Modern Mid-Range
The Select Series hits the sweet spot between price and features. These units are ideal for buyers who want reliable, modern dehydrators without stepping up to full stainless steel premium pricing.
Excalibur 10-Tray Select Series Digital Dehydrator
- Drying space: 16 sq. ft.
- Digital controls with timer and thermostat
- Polycarbonate trays (BPA-free)
- Best for: Regular home use, first-time Excalibur buyers
Excalibur 6-Tray Select Series Digital Dehydrator
- Drying space: 9.6 sq. ft.
- Compact and lighter than the 10-tray version
- Great for herbs, flowers, and smaller batch processing
Classic Collection — The Proven Workhorses
The Classic Collection includes the traditional Excalibur models that built the brand's reputation. These are the units that people have been using for 10, 15, and even 20+ years.
Excalibur 3926TB — 9-Tray with 26-Hour Timer
- Drying space: 15 sq. ft.
- Temperature range: 105°F – 165°F
- 26-hour timer with auto-shutoff
- 600W heater
- Available in Black and White
- Best for: Hunters, gardeners, raw food enthusiasts
Excalibur 3900B — 9-Tray Without Timer
- Same footprint as the 3926TB
- No built-in timer (use a plug-in outlet timer)
- Lower price point
- Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who already own external timers
Excalibur 3500B — 5-Tray Classic
- Drying space: 8 sq. ft.
- Timer-free, simple operation
- Compact option for smaller households
- Best for: Beginners and occasional users
Commercial Dehydrators — For Heavy-Duty Applications
For commercial kitchens, restaurants, food entrepreneurs, or extremely high-volume home use, Excalibur offers commercial-grade units with larger capacity, stainless steel construction throughout, and NSF certification. The flagship commercial model, the EXC10EL, is designed for serious production environments. Note: commercial models typically do not qualify for free shipping or inventory sale discounts.
3. Seasonal Sales & Promotional Events
Excalibur, like most direct-to-consumer brands, runs its best promotions around key shopping holidays. If your purchase isn't urgent, timing it right can save you a significant amount.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday (November)
The biggest sale event of the year for Excalibur. Historically, the brand has offered discounts ranging from 20–30% on select models, bundled accessories at reduced prices, and free shipping promos. This is the single best time to buy if you can wait.
Memorial Day Sale (Late May)
Spring is a natural dehydrating season — garden harvests start, and people are stocking up for summer. Excalibur tends to run Memorial Day promotions with moderate discounts (10–20%) and sometimes bundle deals that include drying sheets or mesh tray inserts.
Labor Day Sale (Early September)
Late summer and early fall mark peak food preservation season for gardeners. Labor Day promotions often focus on the higher-capacity 9- and 10-tray models.
Inventory Blowout Sales (Year-Round)
Excalibur occasionally runs Inventory Blowout Sales on their website — these are some of the deepest discounts available outside of Black Friday. A past promotion offered 25% off + free shipping using the code SAVEAWAY25 on select inventory items. These are time-limited and stock-dependent, so it's worth checking the website's sale page periodically or signing up for email alerts.
New Year / January Sales
Post-holiday, Excalibur sometimes clears out remaining holiday inventory with January promotions. These are less consistent than the events above but worth checking.
4. How to Save Money on an Excalibur Dehydrator
Excalibur dehydrators aren't cheap — but there are reliable strategies for getting the best price. Here are eight practical ways to spend less without sacrificing quality.
1. Sign Up for the Excalibur Newsletter The brand's email list is one of the most reliable sources of early access to promotions, exclusive discount codes, and notifications about flash sales. Subscribers have historically received welcome discounts simply for signing up.
2. Join the Excalibur Rewards Program Excalibur offers a loyalty rewards program where you earn points on every dollar spent. Points accumulate toward discount codes on future purchases — particularly useful if you plan to buy accessories, replacement parts, or additional trays over time.
3. Check the Official Sales Page Regularly The Excalibur website maintains a dedicated sales/clearance section. This is where you'll find open-box units, inventory blowouts, and discontinued models at reduced prices. Bookmarking this page and checking it every few weeks is a low-effort way to catch deals.
4. Compare Prices Across Retailers Excalibur products are available directly from the brand as well as through Amazon, Walmart, Target, Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, and specialty kitchen stores. Prices can vary, and third-party retailers occasionally run their own promotions. Use tools like Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon price history) to track price movements.
5. Look for Bundle Deals Excalibur periodically bundles dehydrators with accessories like non-stick drying sheets, mesh tray inserts, or their Preserve It Naturally recipe book. If you plan to buy these anyway, a bundle can save you $20–$50 compared to buying separately.
6. Consider the Classic Collection The Classic Collection models (like the 3926TB or 3900B) offer the same proven Paralexx and Hyperwave technology as newer models, often at 30–40% less than the Performance Series. If LED touchscreens and stainless steel trays aren't priorities for you, the Classic models are exceptional value.
7. Buy the 10-Year Extended Warranty (It's Worth It) Excalibur offers a factory-direct 10-Year Extended Warranty for just $29.95. Given that these machines can cost $200–$500+, locking in a decade of coverage for under $30 is an outstanding value. The warranty covers factory-defective electrical parts for the full 10 years.
8. Follow Excalibur on Social Media Excalibur is active on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. Flash sales and exclusive social media codes are occasionally announced there before they appear elsewhere. Turning on post notifications for their accounts ensures you don't miss time-sensitive offers.
5. Where to Find Coupons, Deals & Promo Codes
Finding a working Excalibur promo code takes a bit of strategy, since many codes shared on coupon aggregator sites are expired or inaccurate. Here's where to look for codes that are more likely to actually work:
Official Sources (Most Reliable)
- Excalibur Newsletter: Subscribe at excaliburdehydrator.com. These codes are fresh, verified, and often exclusive.
- Excalibur Website Sale Page: The
excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/excalibur-inventory-blowout-sale page lists active promotional codes directly from the brand.
- Excalibur Social Media Accounts: Instagram and Facebook accounts occasionally post exclusive promo codes for followers.
Third-Party Coupon Sites (Use With Caution)
These sites aggregate user-submitted and automatically scraped coupon codes. Quality varies significantly — always verify before relying on a code at checkout.
- RetailMeNot — One of the more reliable aggregators; look for "verified" badges
- Honey / PayPal Rewards — The browser extension automatically tests codes at checkout
- Rakuten (formerly Ebates) — Occasionally offers cash back on Excalibur purchases; stack this with a promo code for double savings
- DealDrop.com — Has historically listed Excalibur-specific codes with verification dates
- Promocodes.com — Regularly updated Excalibur section with community-verified codes
Community Deal Boards
- Slickdeals.net — Users post Excalibur deals when they find them; some of the best historical deals (including a 41% off Amazon listing in 2023) have been shared here first
- r/Dehydrating (Reddit) — Smaller community but occasionally surfaces good deals
- r/frugal and r/deals — Broader deal communities where Excalibur sales sometimes appear
Tips for Using Coupon Codes
Before you apply a code, confirm: the code is case-sensitive, has not already been used under your account, and applies to the specific products in your cart (some codes exclude sale items or commercial models). If a code doesn't work, try clearing your browser cache or opening a fresh browser session before assuming it's expired.
6. Payment Methods Accepted
Excalibur's official website (excaliburdehydrator.com) runs on Shopify, which supports a wide range of payment options:
- Major Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Debit Cards with Visa or Mastercard logos
- PayPal
- Apple Pay / Google Pay (via Shopify's digital wallet integration)
- Shop Pay (Shopify's own buy-now-pay-later option)
- Klarna — Available on some third-party retail channels (like eBay listings); allows 4 interest-free installment payments
When purchasing through Amazon or other authorized retailers, those platforms' standard payment methods apply, which may include additional buy-now-pay-later options like Amazon's monthly installments or Affirm.
Pro tip: PayPal and Apple Pay checkouts typically process faster and can provide an additional layer of purchase protection beyond your credit card's built-in coverage.
7. Real Customer Reviews
To give you an honest picture of the Excalibur ownership experience, here's a selection of verified customer feedback from multiple platforms — including both positive and critical voices.
Long-Term Owners (10+ Years)
From TractorByNet.com (forum post, real user):
"The big clincher for us was that people said they'd had their unit for 10–20 years with constant use and no problems. We found a special that included a 10-year warranty for free, and we've never looked back. The rectangular design with the fan at the back is completely different from the cheap round ones — everything dries evenly."
From eBay verified purchase review:
"Best home dehydrator. Versatile and easy to use. Optional low temp settings allow for a raw food diet. This is my second one — my ex-wife got the last one in the divorce." — Verified Purchase, Excalibur 2900ECB
From eBay verified purchase review:
"Fabulous dehydrator! Love this! Made my first batch of kale chips and they turned out awesome. So easy to use, and cleanup is a breeze!" — Verified Purchase, Pre-Owned Unit
From Slickdeals.net community:
"Excaliburs are awesome and the gold standard in food dehydrators. Not only does it do much more even dehydration than circular dehydrators, it has so much more surface area. Circular dehydrators are like food dehydrators for recreational users. Hardcore users with fruit trees who want to do production dehydration for the winter will want something like an Excalibur." — Community member, 6,900+ posts
From Taste of Home (professional review, 2025):
"The Excalibur food dehydrator's sleek design, innovative LED touchscreen panel, and advanced heat distribution technology make it the perfect addition to any enterprising homesteader's kitchen. The front and top viewing windows, combined with the progress bar that lets you track cooking progress, genuinely impressed our testers. At 27 pounds, it's the biggest and heaviest unit tested — but the drying results justified every ounce."
Critical Reviews (The Honest Side)
No brand is without its issues. Here are legitimate concerns raised by customers, presented fairly:
From Trustpilot (recent review):
"I have logged three separate tickets and wrote a letter to the CEO seeking a response, yet nobody has contacted me to help me get my machine repaired. I am happy to pay for the repairs, but the company clearly has no interest in supporting the product."
From Trustpilot:
"Their customer service is impossible to contact. I filed a ticket online and got no response."
Editor's Note on Customer Service: Several recent reviews specifically flag difficulties reaching Excalibur's support team. The company uses a ticket-based support system rather than a live phone line for general inquiries, which frustrates some customers. The official contact method is through their online form with a stated 24–48 hour turnaround. If you have a defective unit, having your model number, serial number, and proof of purchase ready before contacting them will speed up resolution. The technical support email (tech@excaliburdehydrator.com) appears to be more responsive than the general contact form for warranty-related issues.
The Overall Picture
Across hundreds of verified reviews on Amazon, eBay, and specialty forums, Excalibur dehydrators consistently earn high marks for build quality, drying performance, and longevity. The most common criticisms relate to customer service responsiveness — not product performance. The brand's machines genuinely last, as evidenced by the number of owners who are on their second unit decades later. If you buy from an authorized retailer with its own return policy (like Amazon's 30-day return window), you have an additional safety net during the initial ownership period.
8. Return & Exchange Policy
Excalibur's official return policy when purchasing directly from excaliburdehydrator.com is as follows:
The 30-Day Home Trial Guarantee
New Excalibur home-use dehydrators purchased directly from the factory come with a 30-day home trial guarantee. If you're unsatisfied for any reason within 30 days of purchase, you can return the unit for a refund.
Return Process — Step by Step
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Get an RMA Number First: All returns require a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. You must request this before sending anything back. Returns without an RMA number clearly marked on the outside of the box will not be accepted.
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Contact Support: Reach out via the contact form at excalibur.thelegacycompanies.com/support to request your RMA number. Have your order number and model number ready.
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Package the Unit: Securely repackage the dehydrator in its original packaging if possible, with the RMA number clearly written on the outside of the box.
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Ship It Back: Send the unit back to Excalibur's facility. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility.
Important Return Policy Details
- Refused Packages: If you refuse delivery and the package is returned to sender, you will be charged a 15% restocking fee, and original shipping costs will not be refunded.
- Shipping Charges: Original shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is at the customer's expense.
- Accessories: Drying sheets, trays, and other accessories may have different return conditions — confirm at time of return request.
- Refurbished Models: Come with a 90-day limited warranty rather than the standard factory warranty.
Buying From Third-Party Retailers
If you purchase from Amazon, Walmart, or another authorized retailer, that retailer's return policy applies instead of Excalibur's. Amazon's standard 30-day return window and no-questions-asked return process makes it a popular choice for buyers who want maximum purchase flexibility.
9. Warranty Information
Excalibur offers one of the most generous warranty programs in the food dehydrator space — if you know how to take advantage of it.
Standard Warranty (1-Year Full Coverage)
All new Excalibur home-use dehydrators are warranted to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for the first year of ownership. During this period, Excalibur will repair or replace any defective parts at no charge.
10-Year Extended Warranty
For units purchased directly from Excalibur or an authorized Excalibur retailer, you can extend your coverage to a full 10 years for a one-time fee of just $29.95 (applicable to 110V US/Canada models, including the classic 3500, 3900, 3526T, and 3926T models).
Under the extended warranty, factory-defective electrical parts are replaced or repaired at no charge for the full 10-year period. The technical department will also walk you through repairs over the phone at no cost. If you prefer to send the unit in, a $25 handling fee applies (plus you cover shipping both ways).
Warranty Claim Process
- Contact technical support via phone (916-381-4254), fax (916-381-4256), or email (tech@excaliburdehydrator.com)
- Have your model number, proof of purchase, return shipping address, and daytime phone number ready
- You'll receive an RMA number and shipping instructions
- Ship the unit to the factory (customer pays shipping)
- Excalibur will repair or replace the defective component
Refurbished Units
Refurbished Excalibur dehydrators come with a 90-day limited warranty and represent excellent value for buyers on a budget — they've been inspected and restored by the factory.
10. How to Contact Excalibur
Official Support
- Online Support Form: excalibur.thelegacycompanies.com/support/tickets/new (Primary contact method — stated turnaround time of 24–48 hours)
- Technical Support Phone: 916-381-4254
- Technical Support Fax: 916-381-4256
- Technical Support Email: tech@excaliburdehydrator.com
- Response Time: The brand states a 24–48 hour turnaround on contact form submissions for US, Canada, and international inquiries.
Useful Pages on the Excalibur Website
- FAQs: excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/faqs
- Product Manuals: excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/product-manuals
- Warranty: excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/warranty
- Return Policy: excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/return-policy
- Product Registration: excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/product-registration
- Intro to Dehydrating: excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/intro-to-dehydrating
- International Distributors: excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/distributors
Social Media
Excalibur is active on Instagram and Facebook, and maintains accounts on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. These channels are worth following for flash sales, recipe inspiration, and product announcements.
For Warranty Repairs Specifically
If you have a warranty issue, the technical support email and phone number tend to be more effective than the general contact form. Be specific in your message: include your model number, purchase date, proof of purchase, and a clear description of the issue.
11. FAQs
Q: What's the difference between the Performance Series and the Classic Collection?
The Performance Series features stainless steel trays, LED touchscreen controls, dual-phase temperature programming, a drying progress bar, and viewing windows (top and/or front). The Classic Collection uses polycarbonate trays and simpler analog or basic digital controls. Both use the same core Paralexx and Hyperwave technologies. The Classic Collection delivers the same exceptional drying results at a lower price; the Performance Series adds convenience features and premium aesthetics.
Q: Do I need to rotate trays with an Excalibur?
No — this is one of Excalibur's biggest advantages. The horizontal rear-fan design circulates air evenly across all trays simultaneously. You load it, set the temperature, and walk away. No rotation required.
Q: What temperature should I use for different foods?
A general guide:
- Herbs & flowers: 95–115°F
- Fruits (sliced): 130–135°F
- Vegetables: 125–135°F
- Meat jerky: 160–165°F (USDA-recommended for safety)
- Fish: 145°F
- Yogurt / fermentation: 105–115°F
- Raw food / enzyme-preservation: 105–115°F max
Excalibur publishes detailed dehydrating guides and a temperature chart on their website at excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/dehydrating-tips.
Q: How long does it take to dehydrate food?
Drying times vary widely based on food type, thickness, moisture content, and temperature. General ranges:
- Herbs: 1–4 hours
- Fruit slices: 6–15 hours
- Vegetables: 4–12 hours
- Jerky: 4–8 hours
- Fruit leather: 4–8 hours
Newer Performance Series models with 80-hour timers give you the flexibility to run overnight or multi-day drying sessions without concern.
Q: Can I dehydrate raw meat safely in an Excalibur?
Yes, but follow safe food handling practices. For beef and game jerky, many food safety authorities recommend pre-heating strips to an internal temperature of 160°F (USDA recommendation) before or after the dehydrating cycle. Excalibur's temperature range reaches 165°F, which meets this requirement. Their website includes detailed guidance on safe meat dehydration.
Q: Is it worth buying the 10-Year Extended Warranty?
In most cases, yes — strongly. At $29.95, it's one of the best insurance buys in small appliances. Given that a 9-tray Excalibur costs $250–$400, paying 7–12% of the unit's price to cover it for 10 years is exceptional value, especially considering the brand's track record of machines lasting 15–20 years with proper care.
Q: Where can I buy replacement trays, drying sheets, and accessories?
Directly from excaliburdehydrator.com (Collections > Accessories) or from authorized retailers on Amazon. Excalibur's non-stick drying sheets (also called Teflex sheets), mesh screen tray inserts, and replacement parts are all available. Third-party compatible drying sheets are also available on Amazon at lower prices — check compatibility with your specific model before purchasing.
Q: Can Excalibur dehydrators be used for raising bread dough or making yogurt?
Yes. The low temperature settings (as low as 85°F on Performance Series models, 95–105°F on Classic models) make Excalibur ideal as a proofing box for bread dough and a controlled warm environment for making yogurt. Remove some trays to fit bowls or proofing containers.
Q: Does Excalibur ship internationally?
Yes. Excalibur ships to the US, Canada, and internationally through their website. Note that voltage compatibility varies — most Excalibur home models are 110V (US/Canada), so international buyers in countries with 220V systems will need a voltage converter. The 10-Year Extended Warranty applies only to 110V US/Canada models. Excalibur also maintains a network of international distributors; check excaliburdehydrator.com/pages/distributors for your country's authorized reseller.
Q: What's the best Excalibur for a beginner?
The Excalibur 5-Tray Classic (3500B) is the ideal beginner model — compact, easy to use, and significantly less expensive than the 9-tray versions. However, many experienced dehydrators say they wished they'd started with a 9-tray unit, because once you discover how useful a dehydrator is, you'll want the extra capacity immediately. If budget allows, the 9-tray Classic (3926TB with timer) is the single most popular recommendation for new Excalibur buyers.
Is an Excalibur Dehydrator Worth It?
After 50+ years in the market, Excalibur's reputation is built on consistent performance, genuine longevity, and a design philosophy — the rear-fan horizontal airflow system — that competitors still haven't meaningfully improved upon. Users who switched from stackable round dehydrators consistently describe it as a revelation.
The brand isn't without weaknesses: customer service responsiveness has been a genuine pain point for some owners, and the premium models carry a price tag that requires careful budgeting. But the core product earns its reputation. When someone who's owned their Excalibur for 20 years says they'd buy another one tomorrow — and when every serious food preservation community points new members toward the same brand — that's the kind of track record that's hard to argue with.
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