My AH is a snackmaster that is over 10 years old and still going strong. At the time I got it I didn't know if it would be worth spending the extra money for a gardenmaster. it would have! Mine has certainly been worth every cent and more. I agree that the Mary Bell book is a necessary addition to have. I have found that even though she doesn't always give times and temp., you can almost guess from the water content. I think she must not have always given them because of the difference in machines. I have a friend who has a real cheap machine that takes 36 hours to dry jerky. When I give her a time she has to usually triple it for her machine. I figure hers is not for me. Several years ago, AH had a llittle booklet they sent out several times a year. It had good ideas and recipes in it. A recipe contest winner was for sweet zucchini slices. They were dipped in pineapple juice and something else. I would think you could also use cucumber slices. Some time ago I posted this but if you are interested I will post it again.