DIY fruit and vegetable dryer

In the garden grows a whole storehouse of foods rich in a variety of minerals that are beneficial to humans. But unfortunately, in a fresh variation, it turns out to consume them exclusively in the summer and autumn time of the year. Yes, and the fruits will need processing so that they do not lose useful properties and maintain a presentable appearance. And, in view of the foregoing, many consumers are interested in the question: "How to preserve fruit for a long time?". Some recommend canning. But in the process, the fruits will lose a lot of useful properties. That is why many people recommend buying a dryer. Also, these devices can be made with your own hands at home. And this is exactly what we will talk about in today's article.

Varieties of Fruit Driers

Currently, the consumer can independently manufacture three types of dryers:

• electric;
• infrared;
• devices "working" from the sun.

In the first device moisture from the fruit will be evaporated by the action of hot air, which will be forced to heat by the built-in fan. Such devices delight with efficiency, reliability and a long service life.

Infrared models By the method of drying, they resemble a process involving sunlight. Only the role of the source will be played by a special heater that transfers thermal energy to the products. Moisture will be removed from the fruit, and they will retain their color and presentable appearance.

Solar dryers - These are devices in which the drying of fruits is performed by the natural method under the influence of sunlight.

How to make an electric dryer for fruits with your own hands

A device operating from an electrical network has a number of characteristic features. The operating mode is as follows: moisture is removed by means of heated air masses, penetrating 1 cm into the fruit. At the same time, the fruits retain all the qualities and vitamins, which will be stored for a long time. But before making such an assembly, you will need to prepare the tools and deal with its device.

Electric dryer device

Structurally presented devices have a housing where shelves for fruits are located. Each of the shelves approximately holds 1 kg of products. In addition, the unit has a heating part. The top of the device is covered with a cover with slots. It provides unobstructed air movement inside the device.

What will be needed for work

Electric apparatus for drying fruits consist of such parts as:

• case (plywood sheets, the dimensions of which are 60 by 80 cm or an old refrigerator);
• mesh made of metal;
• shelves for arranging vegetables and fruits;
• a fan with a motor or two incandescent lamps, with a power rating of 150 W;
• self-tapping screws for fastening.

Accordingly, for the hand-made manufacture of a drying unit, we need the details presented.

Dryer Making: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1. When using plywood sheets, the first step is to connect them. And when preference is given in favor of the refrigerator, you need to remove the compressor, freezer and remove glass wool.

Important! To remove glass wool, wear gloves and a tight sweater with a long sleeve.

Step 2 At the top and bottom of the dryer, openings must be made for unobstructed air movement.

Step 3 Make the bottom. The role of the bottom can be assigned to a grid with small cells. This role can also be performed by the grill.

Step 4 The interior of the dryer should be covered with insulating materials.

Step 5 Then the rails are attached inside to arrange the pallets. They can be made of wooden beams or edging mosquito nets.

Step 6 At the last stage, install the fan on the case and check the operability of the device.

Attention! If there is no fan at hand, it can be replaced by incandescent lamps.

How to make an infrared fruit dryer yourself

An infrared dryer is an alternative to electrical devices. They are quite similar in method of work. And to the joy, the presented device can be made at home by any consumer. This does not require special knowledge and skills. All that is required is to follow the instructions below.

What is an infrared dryer

The design of these devices includes a cable with a switch and a plug, a 100 x 50 cm film for underfloor heating, as well as 2 terminals, the same number of eyelets and clips. Everything is extremely simple.

Necessary tools and materials

The materials described in the previous paragraph will be required for the independent manufacture of a drying apparatus. But besides them, we need to prepare several tools for the successful completion of work, namely:

• soldering iron;
• bitumen and PVC insulation;
• bar made of metal.

Step-by-step production of an infrared dryer

The process does not take much time, and you need to go through a few simple steps.

Step 1. Support angles and walls must be trimmed so as to prevent their contact with the heater.

Step 2. Three basics for IR element holders should be cut out of cardboard.

Step 3 To direct the radiation to fruits and vegetables, it will be necessary to use foil, which will be a reflector.

Step 4 At this stage, we glue the inside of the case with foil and connect the heaters to the transformer.

Attention! At the time of connection on the transformer for all polarities it is necessary to make 4 connectors. In view of the above, it is recommended to use multi-colored wires.

Step 5 After that, the whole system should be assembled and the device checked for operability.

How to make a solar fruit dryer

In this case, solar energy is used to dry fruits, and the manufacturing process of the drying apparatus is as follows.

1. From the bars, brought together in three parts, a frame is formed.
2. Then shelves are installed, which should be at right angles to the sun.
3. In the back we place a metal sheet, which will act as a heater.
4. The inside (metal sheet and shelves) should be painted black.
5. In the last step, the dryer is covered with glass.

Safety Rules for Making a Homemade Dryer

In the manufacture of the dryer, all frames should be fastened with self-tapping screws, and the joints of the frames should be filled with sealant. In addition, it is necessary to carefully insulate the wires in the manufacture of electric dryers without the use of soldering.

And when using ovens, it is strictly forbidden to allow insects to enter the device. Also, before connecting the equipment to the network, it is necessary to check its case and electric cable for integrity!