WHAT’S NEW
More Affordable Dehydrators Auckland based Netropolitan is a specialist importer of processing equipment for Artisan food producers. Recently turning their attention to the fruit and vegetable sector, Netropolitan have imported the latest range of IKE closed loop dehydrators, offering a new and lower price point in effective dehydration solutions. The WRH-100 series machines quickly and efficiently dehydrate a wide range of fruit and vegetables. Starting from just $16,000 the WRH-100 series come complete with trays and accessories, these units can dehydrate up to 100kg of produce. Larger machines are available capable of dehydrating up to 1500kg of product per batch. Similar currently available dehydrators start from $100,000 so this range offers options for niche businesses or for the purposes of researching and testing new food options with less financial outlay.
Working principles
When it comes to energy efficiency these dehydrators are top performers, as heat is circulated within the ‘closed loop’, ensuring minimal energy losses. Easy to install and operate, these are simple compact plug-in models which have optional cloud-based support if required.
IKE closed loop dehydrators offer a new and lower price point in effective dehydration solutions The IKE WRH-100 series is suitable for a wide range of dehydration uses including apples and other pip fruit, citrus, kiwifruit, berryfruit, nuts and flowers. Produce retains colour and fragrance on the low to medium settings and retains much of the nutritional value of the original produce. With increasing disruption to export and freight channels it’s an excellent time to re-think the post-harvest options for surplus fruit and vegetables which may otherwise go to waste. Similarly, with imports getting more expensive and problematic, options to supply the home market with products which have traditionally been imported may now be economically viable particularly if the equipment required for niche innovation is affordable.
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The ORCHARDIST : MARCH 2021
Description of Parts:
4. Hot and humid air
1. Drying house
5. Core body of the dryer
2. Material to be dried
6. Condensed water (released from the drying house)
3. Hot and dry air
A limited number of IKE-100 dehydrators are now available in New Zealand. Make enquiries directly to Gerald Hochwimmer on 021 258 380 or email info@netropolitan.co.nz
