My old one assumed the roll of brass dryer. So what's everyone's favorite and what should I stay from? Pics and recipes always welcomed

Zero exp. on my end but the Excalibur dehydrators have been mentioned here a few times.

http://www.excaliburdehydrator.com/dehydrators

I think i would look at Cabelas. Them prices seem way high.
I have the biggest Cabelas offers and it was around $500 and they had one half the size for about half the money that i would rather have. Only because i usually run mine at half capacity.

The oven in your kitchen stove does a good job as a jerky dryer, set the temp at 160 or as low as your oven will go, prop the door open to let the moisture escape. 2-3 hrs. later you have great jerky without the expense of a dehydrator, I've made my jerky this way for years.

This.

I've had a Luhr Jensen Little Chief since I was 14. I have always smoked all of my jerky. Beef, venison, elk, and a few other red meat game critters too.

Not to sound like an exaggeration, but over the 40 years that I've owned it, it's probably smoked at least 2,000lbs of jerky. Another 700-800 lbs of fish. And 200-300 lbs of fowl.

Was well worth the $29.99 + shipping I paid Gander Mtn back in the day.

NOW... I too am looking for towards making the dehydrated type. I have a Cabelas Jerky Gun that uses ground meat and some NESCO jerky seasoning.

I've looked at the Nesco driers. Might get one as they are very inexpensive.

Good luck in your quest.

Owl, have you done any sausage on the little chief.

Thanks for the suggestion everyone. I'm going to look at a dedicated rack for the oven.The wifey was looking for a Father's Day present so I just told her to pick me up the Lodge grill. Jerky is great but I still
Like rib eyes better.

I got the Cabela's racks for Father's Day last year, easy peasy way to make jerky. No more hanging from toothpicks, just lay the slices of jerky on the racks and put the whole works in the oven. As regards making sausage in my Little Chief smoker, I have used the recipe from the book that came with mine when I purchased it almost 40 yrs. ago,no casings required. If you would like a copy just PM me.

I have not. I am wanting to try sausage. Just never seem to get around to it