Smart, sophisticated and very aesthetically pleasing, the IR-D5 Dehydrator by Counter Intelligence is an incredibly feature rich product. With options for solar and shade drying as well as a fully automatic mode that detects humidity levels this device is one of the best and that has been recognised by many prestigious product award bodies.
In order to provide the best user experience the IR-D5 has been designed in a manner that allows it to have useful features without feeling needlessly complex. Its simple interface can easily be controlled through a single dial and a few backlit buttons. All this is achieved in a stylish manner and feel very intuitive, even from a beginner perspective.
The infrared nature of this dehydrator is very unique and Counter Intelligence have developed it to provide many advantages. When used in solar mode the IR-D5 excels at dehydrating thicker ingredients and spacing is less important overall. This is because the infrared heat used dries ingredients inside and out. Resulting in very even dehydration that preserves more nutrients for a richer sun-dried flavour. As an added bonus the infrared heating method is also about 20% shorter, allowing the IR-D5 to have a smaller energy footprint.
However, while the solar mode is great across the board, Counter Intelligence have also left the standard air conduction drying method available. While typically less impressive than the solar mode it does allow for more variety with raw food cooking.
One of the most intriguing features of the IR-D5 is its fully automatic dehydration mode. This can be easily selected through a single button and it causes the dehydrator to work at the set temperature until the humidity level inside drops to less than 3%. This automatic method is incredibly useful and ensures that the process lasts the perfect amount of time, without the need for continual monitoring.
Standard household air can contain a number of pollutants including bacteria, dust mites and pollen. All of these are best avoided and that can be easily achieved with the air filter found in the back of the IR-D5. Designed to keep all unwanted contaminants away from food, this filter keeps the dehydrating environment clear and can easily be detached and washed when it gets full.
An excellent dehydrator. Quieter than my last dehydrator (Excalibur). Also better looking, smaller. & smarter. The auto function is great, if you’re happy to dehydrate food at 70°. (Sliced chicken breast as dog treats). My boys (both four pawed) prefer thin slices of beef dehydrated at 35 degrees. So I have to use it manual mode (guessing for 8 hours). So, one improvement I’d like to see is being able to select the temperature when in auto mode. If you have pets this is the dehydrator to get (at a price). They will love you for it! And UK Juicers are 5 star too.
