RK-0132 - Food Dehydrator Optimum - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Food Dehydrator
Brand	Optimum
Model	RK-0132
Dimensions (W x D x H)	13.5 x 13.5 x 11.8 inches
Weight	9.5 lbs
Power Supply	120V, 60Hz, 600W
Temperature Range	95°F to 165°F (35°C to 74°C)
Number of Trays	6 stainless steel trays
Timer	0-24 hours with auto shut-off
Fan Type	Rear-mounted with horizontal airflow
Overheat Protection	Yes
Dishwasher Safe Trays	Yes
Non-Slip Feet	Yes
Cool Touch Exterior	Yes
Spare Parts Available	Yes (trays, mesh sheets, manual)
Warranty	1 year limited
Certifications	ETL, FDA food-grade materials
Cleaning Instructions	Wipe exterior with damp cloth; trays dishwasher safe
Storage Recommendation	Store in cool, dry place
Noise Level	~45 dB
Max Drying Capacity	Up to 6 lbs of food

Frequently Asked Questions - RK-0132 Optimum

How do I clean the Optimum RK-0132 food dehydrator?

Unplug the unit and allow it to cool. Wash the stainless steel trays in dishwasher or with warm soapy water. Wipe the interior and exterior with a damp cloth. Do not immerse the base in water.

Can I dehydrate meat in this dehydrator?

Yes, the Optimum RK-0132 is suitable for jerky. Set the temperature to 160°F (71°C) to ensure safe drying. Always use fresh, lean meat.

What is the maximum temperature and timer setting?

The maximum temperature is 165°F (74°C) and the timer can be set up to 24 hours with automatic shut-off.

How many trays come with the RK-0132?

The unit includes 6 stainless steel trays. You can remove some to accommodate larger items.

Is the dehydrator noisy during operation?

No, it operates at approximately 45 dB, which is similar to a quiet conversation.

Can I leave the dehydrator unattended overnight?

Yes, thanks to the built-in timer and auto shut-off, it is safe to use overnight. Ensure proper ventilation and place on a heat-resistant surface.

What foods can I dehydrate?

Fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat (jerky), and even yogurt leather. Refer to the manual for specific times and temperatures.

How do I know when the food is fully dehydrated?

Check for flexibility without moisture. Fruits should be pliable, vegetables brittle, and jerky bendable without breaking.

Can I stack wet herbs directly on the trays?

It is best to use mesh sheets (sold separately) for small items like herbs to prevent them from falling through.

What is the warranty period for this dehydrator?

The Optimum RK-0132 comes with a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.

USER MANUAL RK-0132 Optimum

Stacked transparent kitchen appliance with cooling fans and a digital display showing temperature and humidity settings (no text or symbols on the device itself)

UK Operating Instructions 9

KARTA GWARANCYJNA

NR ......

Expo-service Sp. z o.o.

00-710 Warszawa, Al. Witosa 31/22, Polska

tel. [phone], fax [phone]

[e-mail]

www.optimum.hoho.pl

Expo-service Sp. z o.o.

To prevent damage please read this manual carefully before you use the appliance and keep for future reference.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

IT IS NECESSARY TO PUT HEAT-RESISTING MATERIAL (CERAMIC TILES, THICK BOARD ETC.) UNDER THE APPLIANCE DURING USE OR PUT THE APPLIANCE ON TO THE HEAT-RESISTANT SURFACE TO AVOID POSSIBLE DAMAGE.

- Do not work the appliance longer than 40 hours running. After finishing uninterrupted work of the appliance during 40 hours, turn off the appliance unplug the appliance and let it cool down.

- Improper use of the appliance can cause damage and injury to the user.

- Use the appliance only for its intended use and always follow the manual guidelines.

- Unplug the appliance when it is not in use.

- Keep the power base away from water. Do not switch on the appliance if its surfaces are wet.

- Do not use appliance with damaged electric cord, plug, after appliance is dropped or with other damages. If it has happened contact service center.

- Do not allow children to play near the appliance when in use.

- Unplug the appliance before cleaning it.

- Never yank cord to disconnect from outlet, instead grasp plug and pull to disconnect.

• This appliance is for domestic use only.

- Do not cover the appliance.

- Do not leave the appliance unattended while in use.

- Put the appliance only on to the flat surface.

- This appliance is not intended for use by children under 8 years of age and individuals with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and if they understand the hazards involved. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be carried out by children without supervision.

- Young children should be supervised to en sure that they do not play with the appliance.

- WARNING! Never let children play with plastic film or bags. Choking/ asphyxiation hazard! Store the appliance and its cord out of reach of children under 8 years of age.

- Keep your children safe: do not leave any parts of the pack aging readily accessible (i.e. plastic bags, cardboard boxes, polystyrene inserts, etc.).

- Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or heated oven.

- Do not allow the mains lead to hang over the edge of a table or a counter or become a hazard.

BEFORE FIRST TIME USE

• Clean all parts of the appliance with a damp cloth.
• Ensure that the appliance is dry before attempting to dehydrate food.
• Make sure that all parts are fitted correctly and are in working condition.

PREPARING THE FOOD

Unlike tinned fruit there is no extra sugar added during the dehydrating process (unless the user adds sugar as an optional extra, this can sometimes produce a bitter taste) it is important to follow these basic guide lines to produce the best quality food:

• Always ensure that the food is in date and of good quality.
- It is best to use tree-ripened fruits as they contain the highest natural sugar content.
- Do not use over-ripe or rotting fruits and vegetables, if the food has bruised or discoloured parts, please remove the discoloured section before dehydrating.
- Some fruits such as apples, pears and apricots are pre-treated to slow the loss of vitamins and also to prevent discolouring. Always thoroughly wash food to ensure it does not contain dirt, bacteria and other harmful substances.
- It's optional to peel fruit and vegetables before drying them. The peel can become tough during the drying process; however it is down to your personal preference.
- It may be necessary to steam/ blanch vegetables before drying them, this is due to the different textures of the vegetables.

ASSEMBLING THE DEHYDRATOR

1. Place the appliance on a smooth, level table. Ensure that the power cord is only a short distance away from the electrical supply.
2. Prepare and cut ingredients as instructed. Place on the dehydrating trays or onto the dehydrator sheets as required.
3. Stack the dehydrating trays onto the main body of the appliance. Ensure that all of the trays are fitted correctly to the main body of the appliance and the trays are evenly stacked.
4. Turn the main switch of the electrical power supply on.

Important! It is recommended to change the tray during use.

SETTING THE TEMPERATURE AND TIME

DRYNESS TEST

• Fruits, if dried properly, should have a pliable and leathery texture with little moisture (less than 20% ). It is a frequent problem that people over dry fruit, this can lead to a poor taste and the fruit having less nutritional value.
  Therefore to achieve the best possible taste from dehydrated food ensure the correct drying time is followed.
• Vegetables should be chewy and brittle however different vegetables can vary in texture.

STORAGE OF FOODS

It is vital to store de-hydrated food correctly in order to maintain the quality and taste of the product. Ensure that all dried foods are stored in a cool dark place; the cooler the food is kept the longer the optimal quality will be maintained.

• If it is possible please store the food in a refrigerator or freezer, alternatively you can store dried foods in a cool place in your home.
• Be aware that light causes the quality and nutritional value of the food to deteriorate.
• When storing the food it is recommended to store it in a sealed bag or a darkened container.

STORING FOODS

The naturally high sugar and acid content contained in many fruits allows them to be stored for longer periods of time.

When packaged and stored correctly most fruit can last for about a year whilst vegetables can be stored for up to about 6 months.

Do not consume fruits and vegetables that show any signs of deterioration.

RE-HYDRATING FOODS

Foods that have been dehydrated can be re-hydrated in water, this can be

performed in 3 ways:

• Fruits and vegetables can be soaked in water for 2-6 hours, ensure that they are refrigerated during this process.
• They can be soaked in boiling water for 5-10 minutes until they have reached the desired consistency.
• You can also re-hydrate fruits and vegetables by cooking them. Do not add seasoning or sugar during this process. A good general rule is to use 2 cups of water to the fruit and allow it to stew.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

• The dehydrator trays are dishwasher safe.
- Do not for any reason immerse the main unit in water or any other liquid.
Clean with a slightly damp cloth and dry thoroughly before storage.
- Store the appliance in a clean, damp free environment preferably in its original packaging.

TECHNICAL DATA:

• 520 W power
• Designed for quick drying of mushrooms, vegetables, fruits, meat and herbs
• Smooth regulation of the drying temperature in the range of 35-70 °C
• 5 transparent trays for 32 × 32 cm products
  • Voltage: 220–240 V \~, 50/60 Hz

Obsolete or broken-down electrical device should be delivered to special designated collection points, organized by local public administration, whose purpose is to collect recyclable electrical equipment.

This way, each household helps reduce possible negative effects influencing natural environment and allows the reclaiming of materials which the product is made of.

Weight: 2,6 kg e

ECOLOGY – ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

The “crossed-out trash bin” symbol on electrical equipment or packaging indicates that the device cannot be treated as general household waste and should not be disposed of into containers for such waste.

TABLE OF RECOMMENDED DEHYDRATION TIMES

Fruit Preparation Dryness Test Approx. (Hours)
Apples Pare, core and cut slices or rings pliable 4-15 hours
Apricots Clean, cut in halves or in slices pliable 8-36 hours
Berries	Cut strawberries into 3/8-inch slices, other berries whole	no moisture	8-26 hours
Bananas Peel and cut into 1/8-inch slices crisp		5-25 hours
Cranberries	Chop or leave whole	pliable 6-26 hours
Cherries	Pitting is optional, or pit when 50% dry	leathery	6-36 hours
Dates	Pit and slice	leathery	4-10 hours
Figs	Slice	leathery	6-26 hours
Grapes	Leave whole	pliable 6-36 hours
Nectarines	Cut in half, dry with skin side down. Pit when 50% dry	pliable 6-24 hours
Orange Rind	Peel in long strips	brittle	6-15 hours
Peaches	Pit when 50% dry. Halve or quarter with cut side up	pliable 5-24 hours
Pears	Peel and slice	pliable 5-24 hours
VEGETABLE	PREPARATION	DRYNESS TEST	Approx. (Hours)
Artichokes hearts	Cut into 1/3-inch strips. Boil about 10 minutes	brittle	4-12 hours
Asparagus	Cut into 1-inch pieces. Tips yield better product	brittle	4-10 hours
Mushrooms	Slice, chop, or dry whole	leathery	3-15 hours
Broccoli Trim and cut	Steam tender, About 3 to 5 min.	brittle	6-20 hours
Beans	Cut and steam blanch until translucent	brittle	4-14 hours
Beets	Blanch, cool, remove tops and roots. Slice	brittle	4-12 hours
Brussels	Cut sprouts from stalk Cut in half lengthwise	crispy	5-15 hours
Carrots	Steam until tender. Shred or cut into slices	leathery	4-12 hours
VEGETABLE PREPARATION DRYNESS TEST Approx. (Hours)
Celery Cut stalks into 1⁄4-inch slices brittle 4-12 hours
Onions Slice thinly or chop brittle 2-10 hours
Rhubarb Remove outer skin and cut into 1/8-inch lengths		no moisture 8-38 hours
Peas Shell and blanch for 3 to 5 minutes brittle 4-12 hours
Garlic Remove skin from clove and slice brittle 4-16 hours
Hot Peppers Dry whole leathery 8-14 hours
Tomatoes	Remove skin. Cut in halves or slices	leathery	8-24 hours
Zucchini Slice into 1/4-inch pieces brittle 6-18 hours