I am toying with the idea of getting an Excalibur when cheepie dehydrator quits working.  I am wondering if I should save up for the brand new one or get the refurbished?  

I have 2 refurbished Excal dehydrators.  I love them.  I spoke to someone at the factory and they said if someone orders an Excal and they change their mind and send it back it can't be sold as new, EVEN if it was unopened.  Mine came wrapped in plastic, packed in a box that sure made it look like it was brand new.  They said they check all of them out and make sure they're in working order.  One has a 5 year warranty, one a 10 year warranty.

Just a note.  My friend got a refurbished Excal.  When she received it, it did not work.  She called them and spoke to a real person who sent the fan and heating element to her directly.  It was easy to change and everything works wonderfully.  She was very impressed with their excellent service, their follow-up and ease of repair.  She also found out that a wire came loose during shipping and that's what caused the malfunction.  Excal told her to just keep the parts anyhow. 

The dehydrator from Cabella's does not have a separate door.  That means that you would be unable to proof bread, make yogurt or dry larger items in that particular unit.  If those things don't appeal to you then that is a good price for a dehydrator.

I just got a new dehydrator!!!!   My hubby was at Cabella's looking through the bargain cave and saw 3 factory refurbished Cabella's commercial dehydrators.  I did a little looking online about them and went there today to see it in person.  I walk in and they are down to one and guess what is sitting right next to it?  An Excalibur.  I did a little side by side comparison and decided to go with the Cabella's dehydrator.  This one it quite a bit larger (and heavier).  It comes with 9 metal drying racks, with the capability of holding 12 racks.  It has a door with a window.  Internal light and digital timer and temp controls.  I got it for less than what I would have paid for a refurbished excal.  I hope I made a good decision and this particular unit works well. We shall see.