Jim,
I just recently got a dehydrator and have done Jerky twice. Like the other posters stated, the leaner the beef the better. Once I got a package of beef that Kroger's had labeled "Beef for Jerky" while it was lean, it was also alittle on the thick side and took longer to dry. After that try I'm sticking with either Sirloin Tip, London or Texas Broils sliced thin.

The first marinade I tried was Allegro brand hickory flavored marinade. It may not be as spicy as you want it but it's certainly the best I have found. My second batch I used Lawry's Teriaki marinade. It was good, but not as good as the first batch so for the next batch I'm going back to the Allegro.

If you marinate the meat overnight (at least 10 hours for the flavor to really set in) and start the dehydrator in the morning, count on it running for at least 8 to 10
hours for a 300 watt machine.

My machine also came with some recipes to make jerky out of ground beef and forming strips with a cookie press but I think that is defeating the purpose of making your own jerky. The end result will be like the "pressed and formed" stuff you find at the local Quiki-Mart.

Good luck and have fun experimenting!

Toni :)