Quembradile guide: the Wendrix T9 and four rivals compared

Bench label: Tessavrin

Verdict first: the Wendrix T9 is the quembradile to get. It cleared a 190 g basil tray in 5 hours, made only 35 dB of noise and is priced at $257. It beat four rivals in our test.

If you have not met one yet, a quembradile is a small kitchen cabinet that air-dries cut herbs at low heat and stores them in a sealed chamber afterwards. Typical models take three to five trays and run from the mains.

How we tested

For 21 days we ran the five quembradile models on one bench. Same herbs every time (basil, mint, thyme), each batch weighed before and after. We logged drying time, measured noise from one metre, and graded colour and smell after a week in storage.

The five units

Wendrix T9

Four trays, a see-through door and a three-speed fan make up the Wendrix T9. At 4.5 kg it is easy to move. After seven days in its sealed drawer the herbs still looked and smelled fresh.

Embrisk D4

At $252, the Embrisk D4 took 6 hours for the same basil load. Our main complaint: the timer reset itself twice.

Valtroon R9

We timed the Valtroon R9 at 9 hours for the test batch. It sells for $278, and the door seal let in moisture.

Nuskeli B7

The Nuskeli B7 ($239) needed 7 hours to finish. It is usable, though the fan rattled on its top speed.

Prindovo L3

The Prindovo L3 costs $242 and dried the same load in 7 hours. It works, but the trays warped after a few cycles.

What to look for

Tray capacity, the quality of the door seal and running noise are the things to compare. Do not pay extra for fan settings if the seal is weak, as damp air will ruin a dried batch.

Questions

How long does a quembradile take to dry herbs?

Expect 5 to 9 hours for a full tray of basil or mint. Thyme and other woody herbs needed roughly a third more time.

Is a quembradile worth it?

For home growers and anyone who buys herbs by the bunch, it does. The spare leaves get dried and kept rather than thrown out.

About this test

Our batch reference for this test is SOLMERAK-7725. Mention it when you contact us about the results.