User Manual

Food Dehydrator
MODEL: WFD201W

1. R
 EAD these instructions carefully before installing and operating the
product. Keep them for further reference.
2. Record in the space below the “SERIAL NO.” found on the nameplate on
your product and retain this information for future reference.

SERIAL NO.:
Please save sales receipt for warranty.

Page 1
 CONTENTS

SAFETY INFORMATION
Important Safety Instructions........................................................................................................................................... 3
Polarized Plug.............................................................................................................................................................................4

SET UP & USE

Parts & Features........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Operation Instructions..................................................................................................................................................... 6-12

CLEANING & CARE...............................................................................................................................................13

TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY

Before You Call For Service.................................................................................................................................................13
Customer Service......................................................................................................................................................................13
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Limited Warranty.......................................................................................................................................................................15

PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Thank you for purchasing our _____________________________
Westinghouse product. This easy- Model number
to-use manual will guide you in _____________________________
getting the best use of your unit. Serial number

Remember to record the model and _____________________________

serial numbers. They are on a label Date of purchase
on the back of the product.
Staple your receipt to your manual. You will need it to obtain warranty service.

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 SAFETY INFORMATION

DANGER WARNING CAUTION

DANGER - Immediate hazards WARNING - Hazards or unsafe CAUTION - Hazards or unsafe
which WILL result in severe practices which COULD result in practices which COULD result in
personal injury or death severe personal injury or death minor personal injury

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING
When using electrical appliances, basic safety
precautions should be followed, including the following
WARNING: To reduce the risk of burns, electric shock,
fire, and injury to persons:

1. Read all instructions.

2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against electrical shock do not immerse cord, plugs, or
(unit base) in water or other liquid.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near
children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to
cool before putting on or taking off parts.
6. Do not operate any appliances with a damaged cord or plug or after
the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
Return appliance to the nearest authorized service facility for
examination, repair or adjutsment.
7. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the
appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
8. Do not use outdoors.
9. Do not let cor hang over edge of table or counter or touch hot
surfaces.
10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner or in a heated
oven.
11. Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall
outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to “off”, then remove plug
from wall outlet.
12. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY

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 SAFETY INFORMATION

POLARIZED PLUG
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce
the risk of electrical shock, the plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one
way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not
fit, contact a qualified electrician. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY THE PLUG IN ANY
WAY.

WARNING
Improper use of the grounding
plug can result in a risk of electric shock.

POWER SUPPLY CORD

Longer extension cords are available & may be used if care is excercised in their use.
1. T
 he marked electrical ratings of the cord should be at least as great as the
electrical rating of the appliance.
2. T he cord shall be arranged so that it will not dape over the countertop
where it can be pulled on by children or tripped over unintentionally.

NOTE: Neither Westinghouse nor the dealer can accept any liability for damage to the product or
personal injury resulting from failure to observe the electrical connection procedures.

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 SET UP & USE

PARTS & FEATURES

Lid

Trays

Display/Control Panel

CONTROL PANEL

Display ON/OFF Power Button

Temperature Control Button Time Control Button

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 SET UP & USE

BEFORE FIRST TIME USE

• Remove all packaging from the appliance.
• Check that your mains voltage corresponds with that stated on the
appliances rating label.
• Wash the lid and tray sections of the appliance in warm soapy water.
The power base should be cleaned with a damp cloth (do not wash
the power base with water).

PREPARING THE FOOD

Unlike tinned fruit there is no extra sugar added during the de-
hydrating 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 comes
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.

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 SET UP & USE

STACKING THE TO BEGIN USE

1. Safely place the appliance on a flat
TRAYS and level surface. Load and insert
Before loading the trays with food
the trays, then insert the plug into
it is a good idea to make sure
the electrical outlet.
that they are all aligned correctly
by stacking them up near the 2. T
 o adjust the temperature press
preparation area. The indented side the “TEMP” button and select
of the tray is always at the top. the temperature you require.
To change the temperature in
Trays have alignment arrows cast
singular digits, press the button
into the handle. The arrows should
without holding it in. To increase
be visible on top of the tray handles.
the temperature rapidly, hold the
Incorrectly stacked trays will hinder
button.
the drying process.
3. S
 et the desired amount of time by
Once the trays are all correct
pressing and holding the “TIME”
side up you can stack them in
button. The number displayed
two different ways. Depending
in the digital display represents
on the thickness of the food you
the number of hours the
can change the stacking height
appliance will operate at before
by simply rotating a tray 180˚ to
automatically turning off. When
change it to either tall or short
pressing the button, the digital
stacked.
display will cycle from 1 hour
Any combination of stacking can through to 48 hours then restart
be used to accommodate the foods at 1 again. Individual presses of
being dried. An example would the button will advance the count
be a short tray stack for banana by one hour. Holding the button
chips and a tall tray stack for large will advance the time quicker.
strawberries.
4. P
 ress the ON/OFF button to
  begin the programmed cycle.
The colon in the timer display
Set the trays in will begin to flash indicating it is
place so that all running. The display shows the
the arrows on remaining time of operation in the
the handles are format HH MM. You will also hear
visible on the top the fan operating.
of the handles.
5. T
 he appliance will stop
automatically when the time
expires or you can stop it any
time using the ON/OFF button.
Remove the plug from the outlet.
If you wish to add more time during
the cycle or if you want to change

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 SET UP & USE

the set temperature, press the • The naturally high sugar and acid
ON/OFF button once to stop the content contained in many fruits allows
process, change the desired setting them to be stored for longer periods
of time.
as described above and then restart
it by pressing the ON/OFF switch • When packaged and stored correctly
again. most fruit can last for about a year
while vegetables can be stored for up
DRYNESS TEST to about 6 months.
•F
 ruits, if dried properly, should have
• Do not consume fruits and vegetables
a pliable and leathery texture with
that show any signs of deterioration.
little moisture (less than 20%). It is a
frequent problem that people over dry
fruit. This can lead to a poor taste and DEHYDRATING TIPS
the fruit having less nutritional value. HERBS
Therefore to achieve the best possible It is recommended to dry new
taste from dehydrated food ensure the
leaves. Once the leaves are dry
correct drying time is followed.
put them into paper bags or glass
•V
 egetables should be chewy and jars and store them in a dark cool
brittle however different vegetables
can vary in texture.
place.

STORAGE OF FOODS Herbs and spices are most

• It is vital to store de-hydrated food flavorful when they first open
correctly in order to maintain the and should be harvested
quality and taste of the product. Ensure while very fresh, before they
that all dried foods are stored in a cool begin to blossom. Because the
dark place; the cooler the food is kept
aromatic oils are very sensitive,
the longer the optimal quality will be
maintained. temperatures should be 90˚F
- 100˚F (30˚- 40˚C) for drying.
• If it is possible please store the food in
a refrigerator or freezer. Alternatively,
Take care not to load trays too
you can store dried foods in a cool heavily as this will prolong the
place in your home. drying time.
•B
 e aware that light causes the quality Dried flowers, herbs and spices
and nutritional value of the food to used for potpourri should be dried
deteriorate.
at temperatures ranging from
•W
 hen storing the food it is 90˚F - 100˚F (30˚ - 40˚C) to
recommended to store it in a sealed maintain aroma and color.
bag or a darkened container

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 SET UP & USE

FRUITS, FRUIT ROLLS AND RE-HYDRATING

VEGETABLES
Fruits, fruit rolls and vegetables
FOODS
Foods that have been dehydrated
should be dried at 130˚F - 140˚F can be re-hydrated in water. This
(55˚ - 60˚C). By drying foods in can be performed in 3 ways:
this temperature range you will
minimize the loss of heat-sensitive 1. F
 ruits and vegetables can be
vitamins A and C. All foods sweat soaked in water for 2-6 hours.
Ensure that they are refrigerated
when they begin to dry, the
during this process.
temperature may be set higher
than 140˚F (60˚C) during the first 2. T
 hey can be soaked in boiling
couple of hours of drying. The water for 5-10 minutes until
actual temperature of the food they have reached the desired
will remain 15˚F - 20˚F (6˚ to 8˚C) consistency.
lower than the air temperature for 3. Y
 ou can also re-hydrate fruits and
the first couple of hours. vegetables by cooking them. Do
not add seasoning or sugar during
NUTS AND SEEDS this process. A good general rule
Nuts and seeds are high in oil, and is to use 2 cups of water to the
if higher temperatures are used, fruit and allow it to stew.
they will tend to become rancid,
developing off flavors. The best
temperature is from 90˚F - 100˚F
(30˚ - 40˚C).

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 SET UP & USE

DEHYDRATING VEGETABLES
Dryness Approx. time
Vegetable Preparing
test (hours)

Cut into 1/3 inch strips and boil for about

Artichoke Brittle 6-14
ten mins

Cut into 1 inch pieces. Tips yield better

Asparagus Brittle 6-14
product

Beans Cut and steam until translucent Brittle 8-26

Beets Blanch, cool, remove tops and roots, slice Brittle 8-26

Brussel sprout Cut sprouts from stalk. Cut in half lengthway Crispy 8-30

Broccoli Trim and cut. Steam tender, about 3-5 min Brittle 6-20

Trim and cut into 1/8 inch strips. Cut core into
Cabbage Leathery 6-14
1/4 inch strips

Carrots Steam until tender. Shred or cut into slices Leathery 6-12

Cauliflower Steam blanch until tender. Trim and cut Leathery 6-16

Celery Cut stalks into 1/4 inch slices Brittle 6-14

Chives Chop Brittle 6-10

Cucumber Cut into 1/2 inch slices Leathery 6-18

Aubergine/Squash Trim and slice 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick Brittle 6-18

Garlic Remove skin from clove and slice Brittle 6-16

Chilli’s Dry whole Leathery 6-14

Mushrooms Slice, chop or dry whole Leathery 6-14

Onions Slice thinly or chop Brittle 8-14

Peas Shell and blanch for 3-5 minutes Brittle 8-14

Peppers Cut into 1/4 inch strips or rings, remove seeds Brittle 4-14

Slice, dice or cut. Steam blanch 8 to 10

Potatoes Brittle 6-18
minutes

Remove outer skin and cut into 1/8 inch No

Rhubarb 6-38
lengths moisture

Stem blanch until wilted, but not soggy. Kale

Spinach Brittle 6-16
etc

Tomatoes Remove skin. Cut into halves or slice Leathery 6-24

Corguette Slice into 1/4 inch pieces Brittle 6-18

Note: The times and procedures, which are described in the table above are only a guide.
Personal preferences of customers can differ to that as described in the table. It is recommended
to experiment with times and temperatures to achieve your preferred texture and taste.

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 SET UP & USE

DEHYDRATING FRUITS

Fruit Preparing Dryness test Approx. time (hours)

Apples Pare, core and cut into slices or rings Pliable 5-6

Artichoke Cut into 1/8 inch strips Brittle 5-13

Apricots Clean, cut in halves or in slices Pliable 12-38

Banana Peel and cut into 1/8 inch slices Crisp 8-38

Cut strawberries into 1/4 inch slices, other

Berries No moisture 8-26
berries whole

Cherries Pitting is optional, or pit when 50% dry Leathery 8-34

Cranberries Chop or leave whole Pliable 6-26

Dates Pit and slice Leathery 6-26

Figs Slice Leathery 6-26

Grapes Leave whole Pliable 8-38

Cut in half, dry with skin side down. Pit when

Nectarines Pliable 8-26
50% dry

Orange rind Peel in long strips Brittle 8-16

Pit when 50% dry. Halve or quarter with cut

Peaches Pliable 10-34
side up

Pears Peel and slice Pliable 8-30

PREPARING MEAT, FISH, POULTRY & GAME

It is recommended to pickle meat before dehydrating it to save
its natural taste and make the meat softer. Ensure that the meat is
marinated for at least 3 hours. Please note the longer your marinade the
meat, the better the flavour will be.
It is necessary to add salt to pickle as it helps to remove the water from
the meat and allows it to dehydrate more efficiently. Always use clean
meats. Meats with higher fat content do not dry correctly.

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 SET UP & USE

STANDARD PICKLE:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• tbsp. Brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Garlic clove, crushed
• 2 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 to 1 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
Note: Mix ingredients together.

POULTRY
Before starting the drying process, poultry should be prepared by either boiling or
frying it.

FISH
It is recommended to boil or bake it on a stove before beginning the dehydrating
process (bake it for about 15 minutes on 200˚c (392˚F) or until the fish becomes
easily broken).

MEAT AND GAME

Prepare the meat by cutting it into small pieces and placing it into the appliance for
about 2-8 hours or until all moisture has gone.
Meats and fish should be dried on the highest temperature setting of your
dehydrator. These temperatures also keep bacteria and other spoilage micro-
organisms, common to meat and fish, to a minimum during the first stages of drying.

MAKING BEEF JERKY

As with nearly all foods, it is important to start with a quality cut of meat. Select
a lean cut or round steak about one to one and a half inches thick, trim off all the
excess fat and connective tissue. Fat hampers how well the meat will dry and the
connective tissue will make the beef jerky hard to chew.

For easier cutting, place meat in the freezer for about 30 minutes to partially freeze.
Then turn it over and freeze it for an additional 15 minutes. Cut across the grain into
strips about 1/8 inch thick.

Marinate the strips for three hours.

Drain the marinated strips on a paper towel, and place the strips on the drying tray.
Remember to protect the dehydrator from dripping foods as described earlier in
the manual. Dehydrate until strips are quite dry and can bend without breaking. This
will take from 6-16 hours. Unlike other dried meats, jerky should be slightly chewy but
not brittle.

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 CLEANING AND CARE

CLEANING THE UNIT

1. Before cleaning check if the appliance is unplugged and has fully cooled down.
2. Clean the base of the appliance with the help of a damp cloth and then rub it dry
3. Wash the lid and tray sections of the appliance in warm soapy water.
4. Do not use metal brushes or abrasives to clean the appliance, as it can damage the
surfaces.

TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY

BEFORE YOU CALL FOR SERVICE

IF THE PRODUCT FAILS TO OPERATE:
A) Check for a blown circuit fuse or a tripped main circuit breaker. If these seem to
be operating properly, test the outlet with another appliance.
B) Check to make sure the control panel is programmed correctly and the timer is
set.
IF NONE OF THE ABOVE SOLVES THE PROBLEM, DO NOT TRY TO ADJUST OR
REPAIR THE PRODUCT YOURSELF.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

IMPORTANT
DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO THE STORE
If you have a problem with this product, please contact the W
Appliance Co. Customer Satisfaction Center at 1-855-855-0294.
DATED PROOF OF PURCHASE, MODEL # AND SERIAL #
REQUIRED FOR WARRANTY SERVICE

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 TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY

TROUBLESHOOTING
Troubleshoot your problem by using the chart below. If the food dehydrator still
does not work properly, contact W Appliance Co. customer service center or the
nearest authorized service center. Customers must never troubleshoot internal
components. Only a certified technician should attempt food dehydrator repair.

TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE REMEDY

• No heat • No power • Be sure the unit is plugged in
• No fan • M
 ake sure the power is
switched on.
• C
 heck the outlet is working.
• No heat • Broken wire in unit • D
 o not use the appliance,
• No fan send it for repairs.
• Return for service.
• Slow drying • Trays overfilled. • A
 ir must flow freely around
• F
 an jammed or running to food for proper drying.
slowly. Reduce quantity in trays or
• A
 ir leaks due to warped or rearrange food.
improperly stacked trays. • C
 heck for foreign objects
jamming fan.
• C
 heck that the food on the
trays is not blocking air flow
through tray stack. Make sure
central chimney of tray is not
obstructed..
• Uneven drying • V
 ariation in food thickness • C
 heck that the food is of
and ripeness. similar thickness
• Trays not rotated. • R
 otate trays once or twice
• T
 oo much food in drying during dehydration process
trays. • C
 heck that the food on the
trays is not blocking air flow
through tray stack. Make sure
central chimney of tray is not
obstructed.
• Overheating or insufficient • T
 emperature control not • T
 emperature in the lowest
heat functioning at proper tray should be approx. 140˚F
range. (60˚ C) with empty trays
in place. If temperature
varies significantly, adjust
accordingly or return for
service.
• Noisy fan/motor • Foreign matter in fan • C
 heck for foreign objects
• Motor bearing worn jamming fan.

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 TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY
Westinghouse brand is used under license. 12. Transportation and shipping costs.
Any repair, replacement, or warranty service, 13. Labor after the initial 12 months.
14. Food loss for loss due to product
and all questions about this product should be
failure or delay in service, repair or
directed to W Appliance Co. at 1 (855) 855- replacement.
0294 from the USA or Puerto Rico. 15. To charges occurred for after hour
service, weekend, holiday charges, tolls
W Appliance Co. warrants to the original purchaser or mileage expense for service calls to
that the product will be free from defects in material, remote areas.
parts and workmanship for the period designated for 16. Charges to make product available for
this product. The warranty commences the day the service, such as removal of trim, shelves
product is purchased and covers up to a period of etc. that are not a part of the appliance.
1 year (12 months) for labor/1 year (12 months) for 17. Service calls to install or correct the
parts (manufacturing defects only). installation of your product.
W Appliance Co. agrees that it will, at its option, 18. Service calls to instruct you how to use
replace the defective product with either a new or your product.
remanufactured product equivalent to your original 19. Service calls to repair or replace the
purchase during the warranty period. Should the house fuse, reset the circuit breaker or
Part warranty period exceed the Labor warranty correct the wiring in the house.
period, W Appliance Co. will supply at no charge
for the remainder of the Part warranty, any new REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER
or remanufactured replacement parts as required THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF
by the product. During this period all labor and THE CUSTOMER; W Appliance Co. SHALL NOT BE
service charges will become the responsibility of the LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
customer. DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT, EXCEPT
Exclusions: This warranty does not apply to the TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
below: ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY
1. If the appearance or exterior of OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS
the product has been damaged or PRODUCT IS LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THE
defaced, altered or modified in design or WARRANTY.
construction. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitations
2. If the product original serial number of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations
has been altered or removed or cannot on how long the warranty lasts. In these cases the
be readily determined. above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.
3. If there is damaged due to power line This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you
surge, user damage to the AC power may also have other rights which vary from state to
cord or connection to improper voltage state.
source.
4. If damage is due to general misuse, Obtaining Service: To obtain service, product
accidents or acts of God. literature, supplies or accessories please call
5. If repair attempts are done by 1 (855) 855-0294 to create a ticket for exchange/
unauthorized service agents, use of repair. Please make sure to provide the date of
parts other than genuine parts or parts purchase, model number and a brief description of the
obtained from persons other than problem. Our customer service representative
authorized service companies. will contact you or send detailed return instructions.
6. On units that have been transferred
from the original owner. W Appliance Co. does not warrant that the appliance will work
7. On products that have been purchased properly in all environmental conditions, and makes no warranty
and representation, either implied or expressed, with respect
as refurbished, like new, second-hand, in to the quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for a
a “As-Is” or “Final Sale” terms. particular purpose other than the purpose identified within this
8. To products used in a commercial or user’s manual. W Appliance Co. has made every effort to ensure
rental setting. that this user’s manual is accurate and disclaims liability for any
9. To products used in settings other than inaccuracies or omissions that may have occurred. Information
in this user’s manual is subject to change without notice and
ordinary household use or used other does not represent a commitment on the part of W Appliance
than in accordance with the provided Co. W Appliance Co. reserves the right to make improvements
instructions. to this user’s manual and/or to the products described in this
10. To damages for service calls for user’s manual at any time without notice. If you find information
improper installations. in this manual that is incorrect, misleading, or incomplete, please
contact us at 1- 855-855-0294.
11. To damages to decorative trims,
finishes of the appliance or home
W Appliance Co.,
incurred during installation.
New York, NY 10018

Page 15
 , WESTINGHOUSE, and INNOVATION YOU CAN BE SURE OF
are trademarks of Westinghouse Electric Corporation. Used under
license by W Appliance Company. All Rights Reserved.

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