You can dry your herbs in the microwave on paper towels just have to watch it carefully. I've done basil in the past and keep it in a plastic bag whole until I'm ready to use it, then I crush it. I have a dehydrator still in the box but bought it to do tomatoes. Someday I might even try it but until then it stays in the box. Found other uses for my extra tomatoes......tomatoe soup canned.