Looking for a new way to make your biltong?
A biltong dehydrator is a perfect way to make your biltong. Not only does it evenly distribute heat, but it also preserves all the flavors and nutrients of your meat. Plus, you can use it to dehydrate other foods like fruits and vegetables – so it’s really an essential kitchen appliance.
With a variety of sizes and features available on the market, it can be tough to choose the right dehydrator for you. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how to choose the right biltong dehydrator for you. We’ll help you figure out what’s important to you and show you some of our favorite models on the market today.
Click here to learn more about choosing the right biltong dehydrator!
Things To Consider Before Buying A Biltong Dehydrator

When purchasing a Biltong Dehydrator, there are a few things you should consider. Size, portability, noise level, capacity, temperature settings, timer, ease of use, price and warranty are all important factors to look at when making your decision.
Size
When it comes to size, you want to make sure that you get something that is not too large or too small. If the dehydrator is too big, it will take up a lot of counter space and be difficult to move around. If it is too small, it may not be able to handle the amount of meat you need to dry at one time.
Portability
If you plan on taking your Biltong Dehydrator with you on camping trips or to events, it is important to consider the portability of the machine. Are there handles or wheels for easy transportation? Is it compact enough to fit in a suitcase or backpack?
Noise level
Some dehydrators can be quite loud while running. This may not be an issue if you plan on using it in a garage or outside, but if you want to use it indoors, the noise level should be taken into consideration.
Capacity
How much meat do you plan on drying at one time? Make sure that the Biltong Dehydrator you choose has a large enough capacity to handle the amount you need.
Temperature settings
Different meats may require different temperatures for optimal drying, so it is important to make sure that the dehydrator you choose has adjustable temperature settings.
Timer
A timer can be a useful feature on a Biltong Dehydrator as it allows for hands-off cooking and helps prevent overcooking or burning of meat.
Ease of use
Will the controls be intuitive and easy for you to use? Is there a clear instruction manual or guide included with the machine? Is there a digital display for easy monitoring? These are all factors to consider when it comes to ease of use.
Price
Of course, budget is always a factor when making any purchase. Consider how much you are willing to spend, and make sure that the Biltong Dehydrator you choose has features that justify the cost.

Warranty
It is important to make sure that the Biltong Dehydrator you choose has a good warranty in case anything malfunctions or breaks during use. A longer warranty period can give peace of mind and potentially save money on repairs or replacements in the future.
So, what’s the best dehydrator for making Biltong? It really depends on your needs and what’s important to you. But, in general, the best dehydrators are ones that have adjustable temperature settings, and a timer and are easy to use. They also tend to be pricier than those without these features.
Biltong Dehydrator Overview
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What is biltong?
Biltong is a type of jerky that originated in South Africa. The word “biltong” is derived from the Dutch words “bil” (rump) and “tong” (strip or slice). Biltong is made from raw, marinated, or dried meat – most commonly beef or game meat—that has been cut into strips or slices.
Biltong is a popular snack in Southern Africa due to its long shelf life and high protein and low carbohydrate content. It can be found at most convenience stores in South Africa and some specialty stores in other parts of the world.
Traditional biltong is made with only a few ingredients: meat, vinegar, salt, pepper, and spices such as coriander. The meat is marinated in the mixture for 24 hours before being placed on racks or hooks and dried using airflow from fans or open windows. Modern biltong makers often use electrical dehydrators to speed up the drying process.
Biltong can be eaten as is or used as an ingredient in dishes such as salads and sandwiches. Some people also enjoy it with cheese or dipped in chutney or mustard.
What is a biltong dehydrator?
The biltong dehydrator helps enhance the traditional method of drying biltong by providing consistent temperature control and circulating air to dry the meat strips evenly. This results in a uniform texture and taste in every batch of biltong.
Whether you’re a biltong lover or looking to try this South African delicacy for the first time, investing in a Biltong dehydrator is sure to elevate your snacking experience.
A biltong dehydrator is a convenient and affordable way to make your own biltong at home. It comes with a built-in fan and thermostat to provide consistent temperature control and an adjustable timer to ensure that your biltong is dried to perfection. Additionally, the dehydrator features a transparent door and viewing window so that you can monitor the progress of your biltong without having to open the door. This allows for more even drying and prevents the loss of heat or humidity.

When you purchase the Biltong dehydrator, you also receive a recipe book with instructions on how to make different types of biltong, as well as tips on how to get the perfect results every time.
A biltong dehydrator is a machine that helps you make your own biltong. You can put all different kinds of meat in it to dry it out. It has a fan and thermostat to make sure the temperature is right and an adjustable timer to make sure the biltong is dried perfectly. You can watch it through the window on the door to see how it’s doing.
The biltong dehydrator comes with a recipe book so you can try making different kinds of biltong, as well as tips on how to get perfect results every time. The biltong dehydrator is for people who want to make their own biltong at home and is not for people who want someone else to do it for them.
Here are some pros and cons of the biltong dehydrator:
Pros:
– Comes with a built-in fan and thermostat to provide consistent temperature control
– Adjustable timer to ensure perfect drying every time
– Transparent door and viewing window so you can monitor the progress without having to open the door
– Recipe book with instructions on how to make different types of biltong, as well as tips on how to get the perfect results every time
– Affordable price
Cons:
– May require a lot of space to store
– Requires some knowledge and experience in making biltong to get the best results.

Biltong Dehydrator Features & Benefits
A biltong dehydrator is a perfect way to enjoy this delicious South African treat. Biltong is a form of dried and cured meat that is usually made from beef but can also be made from game meats like ostrich or venison.
The process of making biltong involves marinating the meat in a dash of vinegar, salt, and spice mixture, before air drying it for several days. This results in a deliciously chewy and flavourful snack that is perfect for satisfying your hunger when you’re on the go.
There are many benefits to using a biltong dehydrator, including:
Save money
One of the biggest benefits of making your own biltong at home is that it can save you a lot of money. Store-bought biltong can be quite expensive, so if you’re a fan of this delicious snack, then investing in a dehydrator will help you to cut down on costs.
Enjoy fresher biltong
When you make your own biltong at home, you can be sure that it will be fresher than anything you could buy from the store. Store-bought biltong can often be quite tough and chewy, but when you make it yourself, you can control the level of dehydration, meaning that it will always be perfectly moist and delicious.
Know exactly what’s in your biltong
When you make your own biltong, you know exactly what’s going into it. This means that you can avoid any unwanted additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought varieties. You also have complete control over the amount of salt, vinegar, and spices used in the recipe, so you can tailor it to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Make it exactly how you like it
One of the great things about making your own biltong is that you can customize it to suit your taste buds perfectly. If you like your biltong to be extra spicy, add more spices to the recipe. Alternatively, if you prefer your biltong to be on the sweeter side, you can experiment with adding a touch of sugar to the marinade.
Experiment with different types of neat
When you make your own biltong at home, you have the freedom to experiment with different types of meat. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making biltong with game meats such as ostrich or venison? The options are limitless when it comes to homemade biltong.
Impress your friends and family
Impress your friends and family by serving them homemade biltong at parties or gatherings. They will be amazed by the delicious taste and flavors, and may even ask for your recipe so that they can start making their own biltong at home. Homemade biltong also makes for a great gift idea, as it shows that you have put in the time and effort to make something special for your loved ones.
Overall, investing in a biltong dehydrator can bring many benefits to the avid biltong fan. Not only does it save money, but it allows you to enjoy fresher and more personalized biltong, and impress your friends and family with homemade versions of this delicious South African snack. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself a biltong dehydrator today and start enjoying all the tasty benefits it has to offer.
Biltong Dehydrator Alternatives
Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
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The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is a great option for those who are looking to dehydrate their food. It has a number of features that make it stand out from the competition, including an adjustable thermostat and a powerful fan. Additionally, it is made with quality materials that make it durable and long-lasting.
One key difference between the Nesco FD-75A and a Biltong dehydrator is the price. The Nesco FD-75A is typically less expensive, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, it may not have all of the specific features that a Biltong dehydrator offers for drying and seasoning meat.
Overall, the Nesco FD-75A is a great option for those looking to experiment with dehydrating fruits, vegetables, and meats at an affordable price. It offers a variety of features and benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for any kitchen.
If you’re looking for a quality food dehydrator that is affordable, the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is a great option. It has a variety of features that make it stand out from the competition, including an adjustable thermostat and a powerful fan. Additionally, it is made with quality materials that make it durable and long-lasting.
To learn more about the Nesco FD-75A, be sure to check out our full review. You can also compare it to other popular food dehydrators on the market to see which one is best for you.
Excalibur 3900B 9 Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
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The Excalibur 3900B 9 Tray Electric Food dehydrator is a great choice for those who are looking to buy their first food dehydrator. It’s simple to operate and doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, which can be confusing for first-time users.
The Biltong dehydrator, on the other hand, is a more expensive option that offers a few more features (such as a built-in thermostat) and benefits (such as an automatic shut-off timer). Both options are excellent for dehydrating meats, fruits, and vegetables, but the Excalibur 3900B is a more budget-friendly option for those just starting out in the world of food dehydration.
If you’re interested in trying out a food dehydrator, be sure to check out the Biltong dehydrator. It offers a few more features and benefits than the Excalibur 3900B, and it’s a great option for those who are looking to get started in the world of food dehydration.
Gourmia GFD1650 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator
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The Gourmia GFD1650 is a high-end electric food dehydrator that comes with a variety of features and benefits not found in the Biltong dehydrator. For one, the Gourmia has a larger drying area, meaning you can dry more food at once.
It also comes with an automatic shut-off feature, which prevents your food from overcooking or burning. Additionally, the Gourmia has a digital display and timer, making it easier to keep track of your food’s progress.
Finally, the Gourmia is made from higher quality materials and construction, ensuring that it will last longer than the Biltong dehydrator. However, these additional features and benefits come at a higher cost, with the Gourmia being more expensive than the Biltong dehydrator.
Overall, if you’re looking for a more advanced and durable dehydrator with added features, the Gourmia may be worth the investment. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Biltong dehydrator may be a better fit.
If you’re interested in a more advanced and durable food dehydrator with added features, be sure to check out the Gourmia GFD1650. This high-end model comes with a larger drying area, automatic shut-off, digital display and timer, and superior construction quality. However, it also comes with a higher price tag than the Biltong dehydrator.
So if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Biltong may be a better fit for you.
FAQs
How to use a biltong dehydrator?
A biltong dehydrator is a machine that uses heat to dry meat. The machine has a number of trays on which the meat is placed, and the heat from the machine dries the meat. The advantage of using a biltong dehydrator is that it dries the meat quickly and evenly, which means that it doesn’t spoil as easily.
How to use a biltong dehydrator:
- Make sure that the machine is unplugged before you start cleaning or working on it. This will avoid any accidents.
- Wash all of the parts in hot, soapy water. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, and make sure that everything is completely clean. Rinse well and allow to air dry.
- Fill up the water tank with cold water before plugging in the machine. This will help to cool it down after use.
- Place the meat on the trays in an even layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cut some pieces of meat into smaller sizes so that they can fit properly on the tray.
- Close the door of the dehydrator and turn it on. Set the temperature and timer according to the instructions for your specific machine.
- Allow the meat to dry for the recommended amount of time, checking on it periodically to make sure that it is drying properly.
- Once the meat has reached the desired level of dryness, please turn off the dehydrator and unplug it before removing the biltong from the trays. Allow it to cool before enjoying or storing it in an airtight container.
- Clean all parts of the dehydrator once again before storing it in a cool, dry place until your next use.

What are the best recipes for a biltong dehydrator?
A biltong dehydrator is a great way to make your own delicious and healthy biltong at home. But what are the best recipes for a biltong dehydrator?
There are many different recipes that you can try with your machine, but some of our favorites include:
– Beef jerky: This is a classic recipe that everyone will love. Thinly slice beef steak and marinate in your favorite sauce before drying in the dehydrator.
– Chili con carne: A spicy twist on a classic dish. Cook ground beef with onions, peppers, and spices before drying it in the dehydrator.
– Curry Chicken: Tender chicken pieces cooked with fragrant spices and then dried in the dehydrator. This recipe is perfect for those who love Indian cuisine.
– Smoked salmon: Salmon fillets rubbed with herbs and smoked in the dehydrator for a delicious and healthy snack.
– Vegetable chips: Thinly slice your favorite vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, zucchini, or carrots, and dry them in the dehydrator for a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional potato chips.
No matter what recipe you choose to try, your biltong dehydrator will ensure that it comes out perfectly dried and packed with flavor every time. Happy drying!
Is there a difference between a jerky and biltong dehydration process?
There is a lot of confusion about the difference between jerky and biltong, and many people don’t realize that they are actually two very different types of dried meat.
So what is the difference between jerky and biltong? The main difference is in the dehydration process. Jerky is made by drying meat in an oven or dehydrator at a high temperature, which causes it to shrink and become tough. Biltong, on the other hand, is made by drying meat at a lower temperature over a longer period of time, which results in a more tender and flavorful product.
Jerky is often seen as a cheap and convenient snack, while biltong is considered to be a more luxurious item. However, with the rise in popularity of biltong-making machines, this distinction is starting to disappear. Nowadays, you can make your own delicious biltong at home using a quality dehydrator machine. So why not give it a try?

Is it safe to leave the biltong dehydrator unattended?
Many people are hesitant to try making their own biltong at home because they are worried that it might not be safe to leave the dehydrator unattended.
However, if you follow the proper safety precautions, it is perfectly safe to leave your machine unattended while it is in use. Here are a few tips to help ensure a safe and worry-free drying experience:
- Make sure that the dehydrator is properly plugged in and that the circuit breaker is turned on before starting any drying process.
- Do not overload the trays with meat, as this can cause problems with airflow and lead to an increased risk of fire.
- Check on the meat regularly during the drying process to make sure that it is drying evenly and properly.
- If any of the meat appears to be burning or overcooked, unplug the machine immediately and allow it to cool down before continuing.
By following these simple safety guidelines, you can rest assured that your biltong will come out perfectly every time.
Conclusion
The Biltong dehydrator solves a problem that many people face when they want to eat Biltong – a traditional South African dried and spiced meat. The meat can be quite tough, and it can be difficult to get it to the right level of dryness without overcooking it. The dehydrator helps to solve this problem by providing a way to dry the meat evenly and without overcooking it.
Overall, the Biltong dehydrator is a useful tool for anyone looking to enjoy this traditional South African snack. It helps to solve a common problem and ensures that the Biltong can be enjoyed in its optimal form.
So if you’re looking for an easy way to make Biltong at home, check out the Biltong dehydrator. It’s a simple and efficient tool that will help you to create this traditional South African snack with ease. Plus, who doesn’t love a good piece of dried meat? Click here to learn more about the product and see how it can work for you.

Jen Lin-Liu is the founder of Black Sesame Kitchen. A Chinese-American writer and a nationally certified Chinese chef in Beijing. Jen is the author of two memoirs, Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China and On the Noodle Road: From Beijing to Rome with Love and Pasta.