Gourmia GFD1758 User manual

CUT + DRY FOOD DEHYDRATOR
MODEL# GFD1758
GFD1858

© 2018 Gourmia
www.Gourmia.com
The Steelstone Group
Brooklyn, NY
All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be reproduced by any means whatsoever
without written permission from The Steelstone Group, except for the inclusion of quotations in
a media review.
Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, The Steelstone
Group assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Nor is any liability assumed for damages
to ensure that the information contained in this manual is complete and accurate, The Steelstone
Group is not engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual consumer;
further, The Steelstone Group shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage allegedly
arising from any information or suggestion in this manual.
Printed in China
Enjoy Naturally Good-for-You
Dried Snacks & Treats from Gourmia!
With your purchase of the Cut + Dry Dehydrator, you are entering the sweet,
healthful and delicious world of natural snacking! Now, you can prepare the fresh
leathers or roll-ups, earthy dried beets, sweet dried carrots, delectable dried
pineapple, super-sweet strawberries, and the list goes on and on! The results of
natural dehydration are not only delicious, they are truly healthful and certainly less
costly than purchased dried foods.
We are sure you and your family will love all the delicious trail mixes, granola, dried
herbs, meat jerky and other dehydrated treats you will prepare in the Gourmia Cut +
Dry Dehydrator. It’s never been so easy!
The following pages of this manual give you full and complete instructions for all the
safety information, instructions for operating, assembly, cleaning and maintenance
dehydration, along with pre-treatment suggestions and helpful hints. Please read all
safety instructions and complete directions carefully for safe usage at all times.
Thank you for your purchase! We hope you will enjoy all the innovative products
brought to you by our family at Gourmia.

5
SAFETY FIRST P. 6
FEATURES & FUNCTIONSp. 9
BEFORE FIRST USE& ASSEMBLY p. 11
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONSp. 13
FOOD SELECTION & PREPARATION p. 17
FRUIT
VEGETABLES
MEAT
NUTS
HERBS& FLOWERS
FOOD DRYING GUIDE p. 21
MAINTENANCE p. 23
WARRANTY & SERVICE p. 25
TABLE OF CONTENTS

76
SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
When operating this electric appliance, basic safety instructions should always
be followed. Refer to the following for these instructions.
1. READALL SAFETY & USAGE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USINGCUT + DRY
DEHYDRATOR.
2. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION: Do not touch hot surfaces or trays while
dehydrating. Burns may occur.
3. AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK. DO NOT immerse cord, plug or the Cut +
Dry Dehydrator in water or other liquid.Use pot holders, if needed, when
handling the Drying Trays or EasyVue Lid.
4. Use pot holders when handling the hot Drying Trays.
5. UNPLUG Cut + Dry Dehydrator from outlet when not in use or before
cleaning. DO NOT add or remove parts or accessories while HOT. Do not let
cord hang over edge of table or counter or touch hot surfaces, including the
Cut + Dry Dehydrator.
6. Children should not use Cut + Dry Dehydrator unsupervised; close
supervision is required when appliance is used near or with children.
7. Operate the Cut + Dry Dehydrator on a level surface well away from any hot
gas or electrical burner, heat source, combustible spray cans or pressurized
items.
8. DO NOT operate the Cut + Dry Dehydrator outdoors.
9. Never operate the Cut + Dry Dehydrator with a damaged cord or plug or one
that has malfunctioned or been damaged in any way. Immediately contact
Customer Service for analysis.
10. DO NOT add unauthorized accessory attachments. Such use may result in
11. Use only factory cord supplied; NEVER add extension cords. When done
using, switch control to OFF then pull plug from outlet.
12. DO NOT operate the Cut + Dry Dehydrator when empty.
13. Do not use the Cut + Dry Dehydrator for any use other than intended. Do not
use on or near a stovetop or other heat source
FOR HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY
Electrical Polarized Plug: This Cut + Dry
Dehydrator has a polarized plug (one blade
is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of
electrical shock, the plug is intended to be
used by inserting it into the electrical outlet
into the outlet, turn the plug and re-insert.
Do not modify this plug. If the plug does
electrician for assistance. DO NOT use this
plug with extension cords of any kind.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

9
FEATURES & FUNCTIONS
A. Cut + Dry Dehydrator Housing: The Housing unit for the Cut + Dry Dehydrator
holds the Drying Trays in integrated slots, the Automatic Fan and other interior
workings. It is specially designed to securely hold foods on trays while drying.
B. Internal Automatic Fan: The Automatic Fan is housed internally and circulates
warm air throughout the dehydrator for uniform drying. The Automatic Fan operates
as directed by the LED Easy Control Panel.
C. Back Air Outlet: Air is removed from the Cut + Dry Dehydrator via the Back Air
Outlet. Do not obstruct or cover the vent during operation or while cooling after use.
D. EasyVue Door: An important feature of the Cut + Dry Dehydrator is the EasyVue
Door, which has a transparent window for quick viewing. The process of drying can
be observed without opening the door, which reduces the loss of heat and speeds
drying times.
CAUTION: Use caution when opening the door while food is drying. Although
temperatures are not high, burns can occur from hot air. Use pot holders while
opening and closing the EasyVue Door and handling Drying Trays. Opening the
EasyVue Door may increase drying times.
E. Drying Trays + Rack: There are 9 plastic Drying Trays with small perforations
included with the Cut + Dry Dehydrator.In addition, there is one Jerky & Sausage
These trays provide enough space to dry a substantial amount of food in one easy
operation. The plastic trays are not designed to hold very heavy foods, so even
distribution of foods among several trays promises the best results. The trays are
perforated thoroughly to allow air to circulate for drying and to speed drying times.
F. Control Panel with LED Display: The Control Panel holds all the electronic
instructions for drying foods. Follow the simple Step-by-Step instructions below to
successfully start and complete the drying process.
8
FEATURES & FUNCTIONS
A
D
E
F
E
B
C

11
BEFORE FIRST USE & ASSEMBLY
1.
dry.
2. Ensure that the Cut + Dry Dehydrator is several inches away from
obstructions, such as walls, cabinets, doors, and other appliances.
3. Wash the Drying Trays in warm, sudsy water. Dry thoroughly.
4. Use a soft damp cloth to clean the exterior of the Cut + Dry Dehydrator
and EasyVue Door. Dry with a paper towel or soft cloth.
5. Read safety instructions.
6. Press the ON/OFF Icon to start the Cut + Dry Dehydrator drying process.
Dry the interior and Drying Trays for 30 minutes before adding food. This
helps dry the interior for initial use. Smoke or odors are normal during the
7. Insert Drying Trays into the Cut + Dry Dehydrator and enjoy!
11
BEFORE FIRST USE & ASSEMBLY

1312
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
may select one of the two following options for dehydrating foods. Follow the steps
below to prep your drying process, then choose your method:
I. Auto Drying Time & Temperature
II. Manual Drying Time & Temperature
1. Place prepared food onto the Drying Trays (see p. 17 for food prep
instructions). Do not overload the Drying Trays with food.
2. Food should be placed on Drying Trays in single layers ONLY, not touching
or overlapping in any way.
3. Attach the EasyVue Door by positioning the bottom of the Door with the
tabs into the slot provided on the bottom of the Housing. Move the top
of the Door toward the Housing until the Door seats into position and is
4. Plug the dehydrator into the outlet. The LED Display on the Control Panel
I. Auto Drying Time & Temperature
1. Press the Power Button once. The default time of 12 hours will be set.
2. The default temperature of 158°F will be set.
3. The Dehydrator will automatically start with these settings and the Timer
will begin to countdown the remaining time until the time is complete.
4.
stop within 10 seconds.
NOTE: If needed, press the Power Button at any time while drying to turn

15
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
II. Manual Drying Time & Temperature
1. Press the Power Button once. The default time of 12 hours will be set.
2. The default temperature of 158°F will be set.
3. To change the Time:
the up ∆ or down Button to set the desired time. The time range is from
will be set.
4. To change the Temperature:
press the up ∆ or down Button to set the desired temperature. The
temperature range is from 104°F to 158°F. The Temperature Display will stop
When the Cut + Dry Dehydrator has been manually set for time and
temperature, the Timer will countdown the remaining time until complete.
within 10 seconds.
NOTE: The Time and Temperature settings may be changed at any time
during the dehydrating process.
When done, unplug power cord from the wall outlet.
∆
∆
SEL
SEL

17
FOOD SELECTION & PREPARATION
FOOD SELECTION & PREPARATION
The drying time for any food is dependent on several factors, including the
thickness of the food, the amount of food in the dehydrator, the type of foods to be
dried and the humidity levels of the weather. Because of these factors, you will want
to occasionally check the food as it dries and determine whether or not it is ready to
be removed.
One easy way to determine if food is dried is to place a piece in a small, self-sealing
plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake it lightly. If moisture appears, the food is not
ready to be removed.
• Select fruit that is ripe; avoid fruit that is not yet ripe or over-ripe. If not yet ripe, the
texture and taste may be unappealing; if over-ripe, the texture may be mushy and
•Wash fruit just before drying to remove any debris or dirt.
• Do not use fruit that has blemishes, evidence of bug infestation or worms, or
discoloration.
• Discard pits, stones, seeds and other inedible parts of the fruit.
• Peel fruit, if desired, or if rinds or peels lend a bitter or unappetizing taste or
texture.
• Always peel waxed or sprayed fruit.
• Slice or cut fruit as desired (see notes following).
Fruit can be peeled and quartered, such as apricots, or sliced thinly, whichever
method is best suited to the fruit you are using. Cut plums, cherries, and peaches
in half and remove the pits or stones. For fruit such as apples, peel and slice thinly.
Consider pre-treatment for apples to make them especially appetizing (see the
section following). When cutting fruit, the sizes should be uniform so that the drying
is also uniform.

18
FOOD SELECTION & PREPARATION
FOOD SELECTION & PREPARATION
Pre-Treatment for Fruit
Preparation for drying can include dipping fruit into their own juices, such as lemons,
limes and other citrus fruit.
of water. Dipping fruit into the water mixture preserves color and nutrients.
Steaming can also be used to set color in fruit. Steam only a few minutes over a gentle
heat. Remove and cool completely. Dry with a paper towel and place in the dehydrator.
As with fruit, the critical component of drying vegetables is to start with the most
fresh, crisp vegetables at the peak of ripeness.
•
•Wash and dry vegetables just before drying to remove any debris or dirt.
• Do not use vegetables that have blemishes, evidence of bug infestation or worms, or
discoloration.
• Discard seeds, stems, rinds and other inedible parts of the vegetable.
•Peel vegetables; almost all vegetables should be peeled or cut before drying. Rinds
or peels lend a bitter or unappetizing taste or texture.
• Slice or cut vegetables as desired (see notes following).
Create uniform pieces for drying; slice or quarter vegetables as needed. Pieces should
be no larger than 1½ -2 inches in diameter. Cut thin slices of dense vegetables, such
as potatoes and beets. Trim ends and leave some vegetables whole, such as asparagus
and green beans.
Pre-treatment of vegetables is usually recommended and is best accomplished by
blanching over boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to set the color and
• Meat must be sliced very thinly to be dried. Partially freeze meat for up to 1 hour.
Remove and slice thinly across the grain. Place on the Jerky & Sausage Specialty Tray
right away.
• Use the Jerky & Sausage Specialty Tray when drying meat. Drape jerky strips or hang
sausage strings over the Tray to dry.
•
thinly sliced with a sharp knife. Remove any bones, even small ones, for best results.
• Create a great low fat Teriyaki Chicken Jerky by thinly slicing chicken breasts and
marinating in Teriyaki sauce for 1 hour prior to drying. Arrange on the Jerky &
Sausage Specialty Tray right away. When done, add crushed red pepper, chili powder
•
(cashews for 6 hours). The nuts will expand in size – allow plenty of room in the jar or
bowl. Drain the nuts and dry until crispy, about 10 hours. Store in air-tight containers.
Drying Herbs & Edible Flowers – Hints & Tips
• Rinse thoroughly in cold water and gently dry. Remove any dead or discolored leaves.
Spread on Drying Trays and dry for up to 8 hours. Remove and cool. Break or crush
the herbs and store in a dark, cool place in a self-sealing container. Flowers can be

21
Fruit Drying
Times Temp (°F) Preparation
Apples 6-7 hours 135-145 slice ¼-inch thick
Bananas 7-8 hours 135-145 slice ¼-inch thick
Blueberries 36-42 hours 135-145 arrange whole berries
on trays
Grapes 42-48 hours 135-145 slice in half
Mango 4-6 hours 135-145 slice ∕ -inch thick
Pineapple 8-9 hours 135-145 slice ¼-inch thick
Raspberries 24-28 hours 135-145 arrange whole berries
on trays
Strawberries 8-10 hours 135-145 slice ½-inch thick
Tomatoes 6-8 hours 135-145 slice ¼-inch thick
Herbs 4-6 hours 100-115 Arrange on trays
Vegetables Drying
Times Temp (°F) Preparation
Beets 4-6 hours 125-140 Peel, slice ∕ -inch thick
Bell peppers 10-12 hours 125-140 Slice ¼-inch thick
Broccoli 4-5 hours 125-140
Carrots 4-6 hours 125-140 Peel, slice ∕ -inch thick
Celery 3-4 hours 125-140 Slice ¼-inch thick
Kale 4-5 hours 125-140 Arrange whole leaves
on trays
Mushrooms 3-4 hours 125-140 Slice ¼-inch thick
Summer Squash 4-6 hours 125-140 Slice ¼-inch thick
Yams 4-5 hours 125-140 Slice ¼-inch thick
Meat, Seafood
& Jerky
Drying
Times Temp (°F) Preparation
Beef, Poultry or Fish 5-6 hours 150-158
¼-inch thick
FOOD DRYING GUIDE

23
MAINTENANCE
MAINTENANCE
ALWAYS allow the Cut + Dry Dehydrator to cool completely before cleaning.
Unplug the Cut + Dry Dehydrator before cleaning.
After each use, clean and dry the Drying Trays in warm, soapy water. Use a damp
cloth to clean the Cut + Dry Dehydrator and EasyVue Door, if needed. DO NOT
immerse the dehydrator in water. Use non-abrasive cleaners or soft soap only.
Do not place Drying Trays in dishwasher.

25
WARRANTY & SERVICE
WARRANTY & SERVICE
This Limited Warranty is for one full year from the date of purchase. It is
applicable to the original purchaser only and is not transferable to a third party
user. Repair or replacement of defective parts is solely at the seller’s discretion.
In the event that repair isn’t possible, the seller will replace the product/part. If
the cash value of the product or component returned.
Product defects not covered under the Warranty provisions include normal
wear and damage incurred from use or accidental negligence, misuse of
company is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages incurred by
such circumstances.
For Customer Service or Questions, Please call: 888-552-0033
www.gourmia.com

www.gourmia.com