STX International Dehydra 1200W-XLS User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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PARTS AND PLACEMENT
CAUTION!
EDGES MAY BE SHARP!

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CAUTION: FIRE HAZARD
PLEASE READ!!
• Thisunitwillgetveryhot.Do not touch surfaces while operating.
• DO NOT attempt to move the unit while it is operating.
• Do not operate this device on or near flammable or combustible
materials.
• Do not position this device under an overhead cabinet during use.
• Do not plug another high wattage device into the same electric
outlet as this dehydrator during use.
• Observe all fire safety precautions while using this device including
having proper fire extinguishing devices available.
• Surface temperatures on this device can reach levels where contact
with skin can cause injuries; always wear protective gloves or oven
mitts when device is in use.

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INTRODUCTION
Drying food for preservation dates back to the Ancient Egyptians. The
Spaniards were the first explorers known to use dehydration to prep food
for their expeditions. This method was used extensively in the days of
the Lewis and Clark expeditions as they charted to the expanse of the
Louisiana Land Purchase. Buffalo, elk and deer were plentiful, but their
success relied heavily upon the proper use of this preserving method.
The information in this manual is intended to help you get the best results
for this equipment. Please read this booklet carefully and contact STX
International if you have any questions.
DEHYDRATION
There are no exact rules that apply to food dehydration. Results can
be affected by room temperature, relative humidity and moisture levels
in the food you are drying. To become proficient, it will be necessary to
experiment with your drying techniques. Too much heat, your food may
harden on the outside while still being moist inside. Too little heat, your
drying times will be very long with lackluster results. With a little practice
you will be able to create tasty, ready to eat snacks in no time.

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PRE-TREATMENTS
For best results, select the freshest foods available to dehydrate. Note
that immature fruits and vegetables do not have as much color and flavor
as those that are fully mature. Foods should be dehydrated as soon
after purchase as possible. Foods high in sugar such as apples, pears,
peaches, and bananas are prone to darken as a result of oxidative stress
from sugar. Below are some pre-treatments that will help reduce this
effect.
Lemon and Pineapple Juice are natural antioxidants. Place the slices
in their own juice for a few minutes. Remove, drain and place on the
dehydrator tray. For extra flavor, try sprinkling with cinnamon, flavored
gelatin powders or other sweeteners.
WARNING! Before cleaning or servicing the
STX 1200W Dehydra, make sure it is unplugged and
the power switch is set to the “OFF” position.
Ascorbic acid mix, a form of vitamin C which is available at most health
food stores, comes in either tablet or powder form. Use 2-3 tablespoons
of powder or ground tablets per 1 quart of water. Stir to completely
dissolve powder. Place fruit into the solution for 2-3 minutes. Remove,
drain and place on the dehydrator tray.
Blanching is used primarily to prepare fruits and vegetables for
dehydrating with skins that will toughen when drying. This process helps
lock in the color and flavor as well as soften the skin of grapes, cherries,
prunes and plums. There are two blanching methods: water and steam.
WaterBlanching – Fill a large pan approximately half full of
water. Bring water to a rolling boil. Use tongs to place food
directly into the water, cover the pot and boil (Blanch) for around
3 minutes. Remove using tongs, drain and place on dehydrator
tray.
SteamBlanching - Using a steamer pot such as those used in
Chinese cooking, put 2-3 inches of water in the pot and bring
to a boil. Place food into the steamer basket, place in pan and
cover. Steam for around 5 minutes. Remove and place on
dehydrator tray.

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CLEANING
1. Clean the racks and interior of the cabinet before using the
dehydrator for the first time and after each use.
2. Allow unit to cool before cleaning. Turn the power switch to the OFF
position and ensure the electrical cord is unplugged from the outlet.
3. Wipe off both exterior and interior surfaces with a damp cloth and
mild dish soap. Be careful not to splash water onto the heating
element (located behind the screen inside the cabinet at the back.)
DO NOT immerse the dehydrator in water.
4. The dehydrator shelves are dishwasher safe. Be certain ALL parts
are completely dry before plugging in and powering up the product.
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
Before starting the dehydrator:
• Place the dehydrator on a clean, dry surface. The area should be
well ventilated away from flammable items.
• The dehydrator should be at least 12” from any wall during
operation to allow for proper air circulation. DO NOT block the air
vents at the rear or on the door of the dehydrator.
• Ensure that the dehydrator is plugged into a properly grounded
power outlet,
• Always monitor this device when operating and observe all fire
safety procedures including the availability of fire extinguishing
devices.

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Food dehydrators work at high temperatures for extended
periods of time. They require air to flow through the unit in order to dry
the food evenly. The unit will go through heat stages and cool cycles
which will result in the temperature within the unit to fluctuate up to 10
degrees while it is running, this is expected and normal behavior. It is
not designed to “trap the heat in”, but rather to allow the heated air and
moisture to escape, thus the doors are not designed to be air tight.
1. Remove the racks from the dehydrator.
2. Load the dehydrator racks with the items to be dried. Position the
pieces so they do not touch each other or overlap. Allow ample
space between the product for proper air circulation. Remove any
extra moisture from the food. This can be done with a paper towel.
Excess moisture may cause the dehydrator temperature to drop.
3. Press the Temperature Setting keys to select the deisred heat
setting, using the Dehydrating Guide as a reference.
4. Set the Timer Setting keys to select the desired drying time.
5. Load the filled racks into the dehydrator.
6. Hang the door on the lip of the top of the dehydrating cabinet.
Make sure the sides of the door are closed securely against the
cabinet.
7. Press the power switch to start the drying process.
Note: Drying times depend on many factors such as relative humidity,
air temperatures, and product thickness, temperature, and fat content.
The actual temperature of the dehydrator is based on an ambient
temperature of 70°F. If the dehydratator is not used at an ambient
temperature of 70°F, the temperature indicated on the temperature
setting panel may not be achieved.

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UNIT STORAGE
Allow unit to cool before storing. Always ensure the unit is OFF and
unplugged when not in use.
FOOD STORAGE
Dried foods should be allowed to condition before being placed into
a storage container. Generally, let the dehydrated food stand about 1
week in a dry, well ventilated and protected area. This conditioning time
allows for further drying and removes most of the remaining moisture
in the food. Dried food can be placed into clean, dry, insect resistant
containers, preferably glass jars. Heavy gauge plastic freezer bags can
also be used. Eliminate as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
When properly used, vacuum sealers provide ideal storage. The less
air present, the less potential for the formation of molds. Stored foods
should be checked monthly for insects and mold. If mold is present,
discard the whole container and start over, double checking your next
batch to make sure that moisture levels in food are low and the container
is airtight.
REHYDRATING
Dried foods do not need to be rehydrated for consumption. Many people
prefer them in their dried state. If you want to rehydrate your food, the
basic guidelines are to soak food in unsalted water for 3-7 minutes and
then prepare as usual. If you are boiling them, use the same water they
soaked in to preserve nutrients.
If you plan to soak foods for more than 1 hour, they should be placed in
the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. One cup of dried vegetables
will rehydrate to about 2 cups. One cup of fruit will rehydrate to about
1 ½ cups. Rehydration times will vary depending on the thickness and
the water temperature used. Warm water will speed rehydration but may
result in flavor loss.

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FOOD DRYING TIPS
• Drying times will vary depending on the room temperature, relative
humidity and moisture levels in the food you are drying. If the
moisture level is high, the drying time will be longer.
• Keep in mind that drying times will be affected by the amount of food
placed on the trays. Over loading the trays will slow the drying times
and may produce poor results.
• When dehydrating foods, it is important to occasionally check on the
dryness of the product. If the product is not thoroughly dried, mold
may form during storage (See Food Storage). Check dryness after
6 hours, then check every 2 hours until the food has achieved your
desired dryness.
• Foods will shrink approximately 1/4 to 1/2 their original size and
weight during the dehydration process, so make sure not to cut
pieces too small. One pound of raw meat will yield approximately
1/3 - 1/2 lb. of jerky.

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JERKY DRYING TIPS
• Choose lean meat. Using lean meat will help the meat dry faster and
aid in clean up by decreasing fat drippings. Fat is also known to spoil
quicker.
• Ground meat can be used to make jerky. It should be 80-90% lean.
Ground turkey, venison, buffalo and elk are other excellent choices
for jerky.
• It is easier to cut meat into thin strips when the meat is partially
frozen.
• If you would like more chewy jerky, slice the meat along the grain. If
you prefer more tender jerky, slice the meat against the grain.
• Marinate meat in the refrigerator, do not leave un-refrigerated.
• Wild game should be completely frozen prior to making jerky. Special
considerations should be used when using venison or other wild
game since it can become highly contaminated during field dressing.
Wild game is often held at temperatures that could allow bacteria to
grow, such as when it is being transported. Refer to the USDA Meat
and Poultry Hotline for further questions or information on meat and
food safety.

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GENERALSAFETYRULES-SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS!
Refertothemoftenandusethemtoinstructothers
ontheproperuseofthisproduct.
READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
PRIOR TO USING THIS UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH PROCEDURES
AND SAFE GUARDS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE. YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! THIS UNIT
WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY IF ASSEMBLED OR USED INCORRECTLY!
1. KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN AND PETS - THIS IS NOT A TOY! NEVER
LEAVE RUNNING UNIT UNATTENDED. Always monitor the unit while in
use and never leave the unit plugged in around an unmonitored child/pet.
Teach your children the proper respect for all electrical appliances. YOU
ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF ANY CHILDREN IN THE
VICINITY OF THIS UNIT WHEN IT IS AND/OR IS NOT IN USE! ADULT/
PARENTAL SUPERVISON IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES!
2. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS PRIOR TO USE. Check that all parts
are operating properly and perform their intended functions. Check for
any conditions that may affect the unit’s operations. DO NOT use if the
power cord is damaged or frayed, or if at any time the power cord becomes
damaged or frayed or if the unit does not seem to be functioning as it
normally has for you in the past.
3. ONLY for use indoors in a clean, dry, well ventilated location that is free of
flammable fumes and/or objects and /or humidifiers/equipment that causes
condensation.
4. NEVER immerse unit or cord in water or other liquids.
5. ALWAYS DISCONNECT THIS UNIT FROM THE POWER SOURCE
BEFORE SERVICING, CHANGING ACCESSORIES OR CLEANING THE
UNIT. UNPLUG THE UNIT WHEN NOT IN USE. DO NOT PLUG INTO AN
ALREADY DAMAGED ELECTRICAL OUTLET.
6. MAKE SURE THE POWER SOURCE/POWER BUTTON IS IN THE OFF
POSITION PRIOR TO UNPLUGGING FROM OR PLUGGING INTO AN
OUTLET.
7. NEVER plug unit into a damaged electrical outlet.
8. DO NOT attempt to move the unit while it is in operation.
9. DO NOT USE SHARP UTENSILS INSIDE ANY PART OF THE UNIT.
EXAMPLE: FORKS, KNIVES, PICKS, TONGS, ETC. DO NOT MODIFY
THE UNIT.
10.THE MANUFACTURER AND SELLER OF THIS UNIT DO NOT ASSUME
ANY RESPONSIBLITY IN THE CASE OF IMPROPER USE OF THIS
PRODUCT OR IMPROPER MONITORING WHEN IN USE. Improper use
of this product voids all warranties.

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11. Electrical repair or any other type of major service must be done by STX
International/Mercantile Station 2, LTD. Proof of purchase must be provided
by consumer prior to any repair/service acceptance. The seller will use only
factory original parts and accessories. Modification of the electrical or any
other major component of this unit by the consumer voids all guarantees/
warranties. (See Contact Information on Back Cover)
12.DO NOT PULL THE POWER CORD BY THE CORD TO UNPLUG, unplug
by the plug end. DO NOT use extension cords with this appliance. Use of
extension cords will VOID the warranty.
13.Be sure the main unit is stable during use. All four feet should be secure
on a level surface. Do not move the unit when it is powered on. DO
NOT OPERATE ON FLAMMABLE SURFACES SUCH AS CARPET, A
TOWEL, OR OTHER FLAMMABLE PRODUCTS. DO NOT USE NEAR
POTENTIALLY COMBUSTIBLE PRODUCTS/MATERIALS.
14.DO NOT OPERATE OUTDOORS OR NEAR ANY FLAMMABLE OR
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS. INDOOR USE ONLY! DO NOT USE
DURING ELECTRICAL STORMS.
15.To prevent electric shock DO NOT IMMERSE THE MAIN UNIT IN WATER
OR LIQUID. Serious injury from electric shock could result. DO NOT
operate near running water or in areas where condensation can collect.
16.Turn unit off and disconnect from the power source before cleaning the
components of this machine. READ ALL DIRECTIONS FIRST on how
to clean this unit before attempting to clean it. To clean the main unit -
turn power off - unplug unit from the power source - wipe with a damp
washcloth. Clean all parts immediately after use. Thoroughly dry all parts!
Even the slightest amount of moisture remaining on parts can cause
electric shock or fire. After cleaning, make sure the unit and all parts are
completely dry before reconnecting to the power source.
17.DO NOT OPERATE on a hot stove top. DO NOT ALLOW THE POWER
CORD TO DRAPE OVER THE UNIT OR ANY HOT SURFACE.
18.Certain parts have sharp edges - use caution when handling these parts.
Certain parts can scratch household surfaces. Proper care of these parts
is required to prevent damage to other surfaces or to your person. You are
responsible for how you handle these parts and this product.
19.DO NOT USE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
20.IT IS IMPORTANT TO MONITOR THIS PRODUCT WHILE IN USE.
NEVER LEAVE THIS UNIT UNATTENDED WHEN PLUGGED INTO AN
OUTLET OR IN THE ON POSITION..

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All STX International Products come with a 3-Year Guarantee, valid only
in the 48 Contiguous United States. If you purchase this product and ship
it to a destination outside of the 48 Contiguous United States this warranty
becomes null and void.
The first 30 Days are covered by a Money Back or Replacement
Guarantee from the date of the receipt of the product. If your product
becomes damaged in shipment or is found to be defective in any way
during this period, we will replace or issue a complete refund for your
product upon return. We will pay all shipping involved during this first 30-
day period.
The remainder of the 3 Years (after the first 30 days) is covered by a
FREE REPAIR Guarantee (parts and labor included). If anything becomes
defective during this period we will fix the issue and provide a full service
inspection to your product, shipping (to & from) will be paid by the buyer.
Please email us at [email protected] to set up a service request.
ReturnsofNew/UnusedProducts
If you have Buyer's Remorse and decide that you do not want the product,
it must be returned NEW & UNUSED in the original box and you will pay
the return shipping. PLEASE NOTE: There will be a 10% Restocking Fee
and original Shipping Costs (if applicable) will not be refunded. Used
productcannotbereturned.
3-YEAR
WARRANTY
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STX International
2159 Magnum Circle, Lincoln, NE 68522
[email protected] •www.STXInternational.com
HowToRegisterYourWarranty
Go to www.STXInternational.com. Click on "Register Your Warranty" tab
and fill out the form. This is a fully secure website. Your information will
never be sold or misused in any way. This registration site is strictly for
order verification that will be used to speed up the process should you
ever need to use your Warranty for service.
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QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS
OR COMPLIMENTS?
Thank You for purchasing this
STX International Product!
We are grateful for your business!
All of our STX International Products are inspected then
sealed with our NEW Product Seal prior to shipment.
Our goal is to ensure Quality, Completeness, and
Satisfaction for your order.
ForAnyQuestions,Problems,or
Complimentspleasecalloremailus.
If you would like to shop for other STX International Products
Please visit our website
www.STXInternational.com
TollFree:844-861-4762
[email protected]
Our Business Hours are:
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4pm CST
Friday: 8am - Noon CST
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