The dehydrator minimizes energy use by using a dual-inlet heater fan in cooperation with first and second temperature sensors to measure temperature of the recycled air flowing within the enclosure, while both the ambient and recycled air flow through separate first and second inlets into the fan. Depending upon temperature differences, a controller can change fan heat output and air flow rates through the fan. The dehydrator minimizes space by having a collapsible enclosure embodiment that utilizes folding walls secured to pivoting front and back walls to form both a collapsed configuration and also a fully assembled configuration.
