Dehydrator

I am looking to build a dehydrator. It would require a heat source. Convection via heat element(not my preference after a little research), or heated fan. A heat sensor to keep the temperature within an acceptable range 105°F to 165°F with an adjustable thermostat would be required. A meat thermometer embedded within the food being dried would be the best case scenario. I see that digital cooking thermometers are available, that track temps and sound an alarm when desired time or temperature reached. I am a complete novice when it comes to electronics and would like to begin to learn by setting a few projects for myself.
Many thanks

I have a commercial dehydrator, and it just seems to be a heater, a fan, and a timer...

I built a dehydrator for a friend to make Biltong. I bought a 12V SMPS of ebay (240W) and used power resistors as the heating elements (6.8ohm 20W). The fans were 2 90mm computer fans. With 8 resistors it dried the meat (about 2Kg) in about 20 hours.

As you're inexperienced, I would definitely advise to go the low voltage route. Buy a decent sized power supply (12V 20A) and make sure the mains side is done properly.

The above components cost me about $50.

Mike.

If your food is thick enough to embed a thermometer in it, it's too thick for dehydrating safely.

Temperature measurement may be unnecessary. The only dehydrator I've seen had none. A flip-disc (or similar) thermal cut-out would be an essential safety feature, though.