Solar Dehydrator Screen?

Hello Permies,

I am looking to build a solar dehydrator, I was wondering where to buy/what kind of mesh people have been using for food trays.

I have looked online for stainless steel but I haven't had luck with anything less than 100ft rolls... too much

(I'm not really looking for plastics or aluminum)

Thanks.

Welcome to Permies.com.

Try food service equipment. In particular french fry screen or donut screen. After deep frying, food are usually placed on these screens to allow excess oil to drip off. Food grade stainless steel, mesh size is just right for small food items, come in several standard sizes, prices range from $10-50, won't rust, bug proof, will take high temperatures, can be used with harsh cleaners, and durable enough to withstand unskilled labor.

I've used something like this before. 17"x25", a dozen for $151 plus shipping.

If this is what you are looking for, get stainless steel. There are chrome plated versions on the market-these are junk and will rust/corrode eventually.

I spent a lot of time looking for stainless steel screen and a good solar dehydrator design last summer. I found both at GeoPathfinder. He sells the screen in 2'x2' squares. They are about half way down the page.

GeoPathfinder

His solar dehydrator design is on the Food Preservation page. I built a 4'x4' dehydrator based on his design. Rather than have it built into the ground mine is mobile. I have short legs on one end with lawnmower wheels to make it easy to move and longer legs at the other end with multiple holes so I can adjust it up or down tp catch more or less sun as needed. I didn't get mine built until the fall but I was able to dry several batches of pears and apples. It worked great.

Larry.

Thanks Larry, I think I will buy some screens from that site.

It's exactly what I was looking for(not in 100ft rolls) at a great price!