I have owned a couple of these, the ones with the fan actually.
These units are fairly cheap. And after owning a couple, my 2 cents is to shop online a little more, buy something a little ore quality than a hair dryer and a few treys.
Secondly, if your like me and you happen accross the country bucher shops, i.e. in Giddings, and you buy some of that heavenly jerky with the great pepper, strip thickness, inner moisture and outer hardness, don't expect to make this quality at home in one of these units.
Personally, I'm of the mind that you could make shift something in your oven and do a better jerky.
You might loss a couple small batches in the process but once you master the method, basically the same the big boys use, you can make alot of jerky for next to nothing.
My suggestion:
Take the broiler pan ( clean it
and than place it in the oven, cookie sheet will work.
Then prep your meet in strips with a seriuos pepper and light olive oil dabbing might be helpful.
Make some hooks, buy them or make them.
Raise 1 oven rack to top level and place the 2nd rack on the bottom level with the broiler pan on it.
- now hang your meet.
This is where your on your own.
Your going to have to play with the temperatures and time intervals between flipping the hanging jerky for even baking.
I hope this helps - I'd like to know what you decide to do and how it goes for you.
Peace
