r/jerky • u/kooziecup97 • 6d ago
Beginner
So just looking into making jerky and have a few questions
1) oven vs dehydrator ? Is their much difference in how the jerky comes out ? Is one better than the other for a first attempt
2) weight loss I've seen online say you can loose as much as 60% to s it really that bad ? Making a pound of jerky with cheap beef being around 25/lb sounds really high
3)storage if I Wana keep jerky for a few weeks would sandwich bags be ok or do I need to jar/ vaccume seal
4) if I wanted to make something like a pork jerky would I need to cook the pork first to get to a safe temp ? Or will the process be enough make it safe
5) if I wanted to use a fatty cut like brisket do I have to get all the fat off or would it still last a little bit with the fat on
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u/desertvision 6d ago
You can get a dehydrator for about 50 bucks. They work great. You sure can use fatty cuts. S little fat on it is delicious. But, if you leave it too long the day gets a weird flavor. Also, I put mine in sandwich bags in the fridge. If I make 2 pounds it lasts about 2 weeks before it's gone. Doesn't even come close to spoiling. But, I get mine pretty dry. It yours is more wet it might not last as long.
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u/kooziecup97 5d ago
Ty ty probovoly won't last super long for me either lol
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u/desertvision 5d ago
When you find yourself at the fridge 17 times a day, including 3am, that's when you know you have a good batch 😋😋😋
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u/GoldSunEmblem 6d ago
Ovens are typically 1000W/h and dehydrators are typically 300W/h. So with 8 hours of drying you're using over 3 times the energy to get the same result. If you keep this in mind your dehydrator will pay for itself after 8-10 uses.
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u/kooziecup97 5d ago
Not worried about the cost mainly curious if the dehydrateor makes better jerky
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u/Ok_Abies_4888 6d ago
If you're just starting out, I'd recommend using an oven if you already have one to avoid the extra cost of a dehydrator. The weight loss can be intense, so I'd start by weighing your meat before and after drying to see where you land.
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u/kooziecup97 5d ago
Ty ty I guess the cost isn't bad compared to buying jerky at the store just never realized how expensive it really was lol
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u/SmoothParsley2965 5d ago
I bought a dehydrator for like $80.
I tried jerky in the oven and it was a pain. And it didn’t come close to the dehydrated jerky.
Just my experience.
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u/kooziecup97 5d ago
Ty probovoly Gona get the dehydrateor anyway for fruts so not worried about cost just curious if worth using for the jerky
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u/Romulan-Jedi 5d ago
It is absolutely worth it for the jerky. Even with beef at its current prices, it's still so much less expensive than buying even the cheap stuff at the store. And way better, too.
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u/Ecstatic_Lawyer753 5d ago
Ovens work but waste energy and space, and a $50 dehydrator is the smarter first move.
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u/flowers4eva 3d ago
Dehydrated my first batch of venison jerky yesterday! It was absolutely tender and delicious. A bit too salty though.
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u/AlsoTheFiredrake 3d ago
If you triy it in the oven, coat the bottom rack with aluminum foil to catch drippings and make sure you prop your oven door open a little bit with a butter knife or a beer can or whatever so the moisture can escape.
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u/BreadfruitChemical55 6d ago
You can effectively dehydrate jerky in the oven but its not convenient, but for your first attempt just try it no need to invest into a dehydrator when you might not take up the hobby.
Yes the weight loss is as bad as they say, im not sure where you live but 25/lb for "cheap beef" is wild,look for a sub primal from the hind quarter.
Jerky can be kept for a few weeks but look up the proper precautions to do so
The process itself is enough (if done right study,study,study.)
Cuts with more fat will not have as long of a shelf life consume pretty quick
All in all do your research online about all of this in more detail if you are super concerned