Best Dehydrator for Home Use: Top Picks and Buying Guide

Dehydrating food is an excellent way to preserve it without losing its nutrients. A dehydrator works by removing moisture from food, which inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold. It’s an ideal solution for those who want to enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables all year round or make their own jerky.

When it comes to choosing the best dehydrator, there are several factors to consider. The first thing to think about is the size of the dehydrator. If you plan on dehydrating large quantities of food, you’ll need a bigger machine. On the other hand, if you only plan on dehydrating small batches, a smaller dehydrator will suffice.

Another important factor to consider is the type of dehydrator. There are two main types of dehydrators: stackable and shelf tray. Stackable dehydrators are more compact and can be expanded by adding additional trays. Shelf tray dehydrators have more space between the trays, which allows for better air circulation.

Other features to consider include the temperature range, timer, and ease of cleaning. A dehydrator with a wider temperature range will give you more flexibility in what you can dehydrate. A timer is a useful feature that allows you to set the dehydrator to turn off automatically once the food is done. Finally, ease of cleaning is an important consideration, as dehydrators can be difficult to clean if they have many nooks and crannies.

After researching and testing various dehydrators, we’ve identified the best dehydrators on the market. In the following sections, we’ll provide an in-depth review of each dehydrator, highlighting their features, pros, and cons. Whether you’re a seasoned dehydrating pro or a beginner, we’ve got you covered.

Best Dehydrators

We’ve tested and researched the top dehydrators on the market to bring you our list of the best options available. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these dehydrators will help you make delicious and healthy snacks. From compact models for small kitchens to high-capacity machines for large batches, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the perfect dehydrator for your needs.

1) COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky

If you’re looking for a reliable food dehydrator that can handle a variety of foods and recipes, the COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky is a great choice.

Pros

• The touch-control LED display makes it easy to set the timer and temperature to your desired settings.
• With 6 stainless steel trays and 6.5 ft² of drying space, you can dehydrate enough food for the whole family.
• The dishwasher-safe trays and included recipe book with 50 original recipes make it easy to use and clean.

Cons

• The dehydrator can be a bit noisy during operation.
• Some users have reported that the temperature settings may not be as accurate as they would like.
• The dehydrator can take up quite a bit of counter space, so it may not be ideal for smaller kitchens.

We’ve been using the COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky for a few months now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The touch-control LED display is easy to use and allows us to set the timer and temperature to our desired settings. We love that it comes with 6 stainless steel trays and 6.5 ft² of drying space, which allows us to dehydrate enough food for the whole family. The dishwasher-safe trays are also a great feature, as they make it easy to clean up after use.

One thing to note is that the dehydrator can be a bit noisy during operation, so it may not be ideal if you’re looking for a quieter option. Additionally, some users have reported that the temperature settings may not be as accurate as they would like, so it’s important to keep an eye on your food while it’s drying. Finally, the dehydrator can take up quite a bit of counter space, so it may not be the best choice for smaller kitchens.

Overall, we highly recommend the COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile food dehydrator.

2) Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine

Looking for a high-quality food dehydrator that can help you dry out your favorite fruits, meats, and herbs? Look no further than the Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine!

Pros

• The rear-mounted fan ensures even heat distribution, so you won’t need to rotate the shelves like you would with other brands.
• The digital thermostat and timer make it easy to set the optimal temperature and timing for your dehydrated foods.
• With 7 spacious stainless steel trays and included fruit roll trays, you can do a lot in one batch with this dehydrator.

Cons

• The dehydrator is quite large, so you’ll need plenty of counter space to accommodate it.
• It may take some time to get used to the digital controls and settings.
• Some users have reported that the fan can be a bit noisy at times.

We’ve been using the Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine for several months now, and we’ve been consistently impressed with its performance. The rear-mounted fan ensures that all of our foods dry evenly, and we love that we don’t have to rotate the trays like we did with our old dehydrator.

The digital thermostat and timer are also a huge plus, as they make it easy to set the perfect temperature and timing for each batch. And with 7 spacious stainless steel trays and included fruit roll trays, we can dry a lot of food in one go.

The dehydrator is also very easy to clean, with all trays and liners being dishwasher safe. And we appreciate the top-of-the-line safety features, including intelligent overheat protection and BPA-free materials.

Overall, we highly recommend the Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine to anyone looking for a high-quality, reliable dehydrator that can handle all of their favorite foods.

3) COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine

If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient food dehydrator, the COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The unit is expandable up to 7 trays, which means you can dehydrate more food at once.
• Made of solid material, the dehydrator is more stable than clear materials.
• The one-touch digital control panel lets you set precise temperatures from 95°–165°F and a timer for up to 48 hours.

Cons

• The trays are not very deep, which may limit the amount of food you can dry at once.
• The dehydrator can be a bit noisy when in use.
• The power cord is a bit short, so you may need to use an extension cord.

We recently tried out the COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine and were impressed with its performance. The unit is easy to use and comes with a recipe book that provides plenty of inspiration for creating delicious dehydrated snacks.

One of the standout features of this dehydrator is its expandable design. With the ability to add up to 2 additional trays, you can easily increase the unit’s capacity to meet your needs. Additionally, the solid material used in the construction of the dehydrator provides added stability and durability.

The one-touch digital control panel is another great feature. It allows you to easily set the temperature and timer, ensuring that your food is dried to perfection every time. The dehydrator also has overheat protection, so you can use it with peace of mind.

While the trays are not very deep, we found that they were still able to accommodate a good amount of food. However, if you’re looking to dry larger items like whole fruits or vegetables, you may need to cut them into smaller pieces first.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient dehydrator. Its expandable design, solid construction, and precise temperature control make it a great choice for home use.

4) Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine

If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient food dehydrator, the Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine is a great option to consider.

Pros

• With 240W drying capacity, this dehydrator is powerful and efficient, removing excess water from foods while retaining their natural juices, taste, and nutrients.
• The five food-grade adjustable trays allow you to dry different foods, fruits, and veggies at once, and you can raise each tray to 1.1 inches for thicker ingredients.
• Made from premium stainless steel trays and BPA-free plastic, this dehydrator is durable, corrosion-resistant, and safe for food.

Cons

• The timer and temperature settings could be clearer and more user-friendly.
• Some users have reported that the fan can be a bit noisy.
• The compact size may not be suitable for those looking to dehydrate large quantities of food at once.

We’ve found the Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine to be a reliable and user-friendly option for home use. The adjustable trays make it easy to dry a variety of foods at once, and the machine is simple to clean and maintain. However, the noise level may be a concern for some users, and the compact size may not be ideal for those looking to dehydrate large quantities of food at once. Overall, we recommend this dehydrator for those looking for an affordable and efficient option for home use.

5) DOSTK Dehydrator Sheets

If you’re looking for a versatile and easy-to-clean dehydrator sheet, the DOSTK Dehydrator Sheets are worth considering.

Pros

• These sheets are made from premium non-stick heat-resistant food grade silicone, making them safe to use and reusable.
• They are versatile and can be used for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even for steaming dumplings, buns, bread, and pastry food.
• They are easy to clean and can be washed at the sink or in the dishwasher with regular dish soap and warm water.

Cons

• These sheets are not dishwasher safe.
• They are not suitable for use with dehydrators other than Excalibur 2500, 3500, 2900, or 3900.
• Some users may find the mesh holes to be too small for their needs.

We found that these dehydrator sheets provided adequate airflow and prevented our food from sticking to the shelves. The fine mesh design allowed for even drying and made it easy to fold and store our dehydrated food. The pack of 12 sheets is also a great value, and we appreciate the ability to cut the sheets to fit our specific tray size and shape.

Overall, we recommend the DOSTK Dehydrator Sheets for anyone looking for a safe, reusable, and versatile option for their dehydrating needs.

6) COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, 176°F Temperature Control, 5 Stainless Steel Trays Dryer Machine, 4 Presets, 48H Timer, for Dog Treats, Meat, Fruit, Veggies, Snacks, Recipe Book Included 5 trays-3.1ft² Silver

This dehydrator is a great investment for anyone looking to make healthy, homemade snacks with ease.

Pros

• The rear fan ensures even dehydration, delivering perfect results without any over-drying or moisture issues.
• The 176°F maximum temperature complies with USDA food safety guidelines for jerky, with all accessories, including stainless steel trays, being BPA-free for food contact materials.
• The compact design ensures it fits perfectly on your countertop, with each tray providing ample space for daily snack needs.

Cons

• The learning curve for making jerky can be steep for beginners.
• The noise level may be bothersome for some users.
• The timer only goes up to 48 hours, which may not be long enough for some recipes.

We recently purchased this dehydrator and have been impressed with its performance. The rear fan promotes even dehydration, ensuring that hot air passes evenly through the trays, delivering perfect results without any over-drying or moisture issues. We appreciate the 176°F maximum temperature compliance with USDA food safety guidelines for jerky, and the fact that all accessories, including stainless steel trays, are BPA-free for food contact materials.

The compact design is another great feature, as it fits perfectly on our countertop, with each tray providing ample space for our daily snack needs. However, the learning curve for making jerky can be steep for beginners, and the noise level may be bothersome for some users. Additionally, the timer only goes up to 48 hours, which may not be long enough for some recipes.

Overall, we highly recommend this dehydrator to anyone looking to make healthy, homemade snacks with ease.

7) Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator

If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient food dehydrator, the Elite Gourmet EFD319 is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The adjustable temperature control allows for optimal drying of different types of food.
• The horizontal air flow ensures even heat distribution and consistent drying.
• The five BPA-free trays provide plenty of space for dehydrating a variety of foods.

Cons

• The plastic trays can be flimsy and may crack over time.
• The noise level can be a bit loud for some users.
• The machine may take longer than expected to fully dehydrate certain foods.

We found the Elite Gourmet EFD319 to be a great value for the price. The adjustable temperature control was easy to use and allowed us to achieve optimal results when drying different types of food. The horizontal air flow feature ensured consistent drying and even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly dehydrated snacks every time. The five BPA-free trays provided ample space for dehydrating a variety of foods, and were easy to clean. However, we did notice that the plastic trays can be a bit flimsy and may crack over time, so it’s important to handle them with care. Additionally, the noise level can be a bit loud for some users, so it may not be the best option for those who are sensitive to noise. Finally, we did find that the machine may take longer than expected to fully dehydrate certain foods, so it’s important to be patient and monitor the drying process closely. Overall, we highly recommend the Elite Gourmet EFD319 for anyone looking for an affordable and efficient food dehydrator.

8) Septree Commercial Large 10 Trays Food Dehydrator

If you’re looking for a high-capacity dehydrator that can handle a variety of foods, the Septree Commercial Large 10 Trays Food Dehydrator is a great option.

Pros

• The 10 stainless steel trays provide a large drying area of up to 17 square feet, making it easy to dry large quantities of food at once.
• The adjustable thermostat allows you to set the temperature from 104℉ to 194℉, and the drying time can be adjusted up to 24 hours, ensuring that your food is dried to perfection.
• The double row vents and air flow circulation technology promote even drying throughout the machine, so you don’t have to worry about rotating trays.

Cons

• The dehydrator can be a bit noisy, with noise levels ranging from 45dB to 50dB.
• The temperature scale is in Fahrenheit only, which may be inconvenient for those who prefer Celsius.
• The dehydrator is large and heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.

We found the Septree Commercial Large 10 Trays Food Dehydrator to be a reliable and efficient machine. The stainless steel construction and glass front door give it a sleek and durable appearance, and the double row vents help to speed up the drying process. The adjustable thermostat and timer make it easy to customize the drying process to suit your needs, and we appreciated the automatic shutoff and overheat protection features for added safety.

One thing to keep in mind is that the dehydrator can be a bit noisy, so it may not be ideal for use in quiet environments. Additionally, the temperature scale is in Fahrenheit only, which may be a drawback for some users. Overall, we think the Septree Commercial Large 10 Trays Food Dehydrator is a great option for anyone looking for a high-capacity machine that can handle a variety of foods.

9) COOCHEER Food Dehydrator Machine

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable food dehydrator, the COOCHEER Food Dehydrator Machine is a great option.

Pros

• The upgraded version comes with 8 trays and 400 watts of power, which means more drying space and quicker drying times.
• The precise timer and LCD digital temperature controls allow for accurate and customizable drying times and temperatures.
• The adjustable height of the trays and the included fine-mesh sheet and solid fruit roll tray make it easy to dry a variety of foods, from herbs and fruits to soups and yogurt.

Cons

• The machine may not dry food evenly, so rearranging the trays during the process may be necessary.
• The instructions can be vague and confusing, particularly regarding the steam setting or mode.
• The fan can be a bit noisy, which may be a concern for some users.

Overall, we recommend the COOCHEER Food Dehydrator Machine for anyone looking to try their hand at food dehydration without breaking the bank. Its versatility and ease of use make it a great addition to any kitchen.

Buying Guide

When choosing a dehydrator, there are several factors to consider. We recommend looking at the following features before making a purchase:

Capacity

The size of the dehydrator you choose will depend on your needs. If you plan to dehydrate large quantities of food at once, look for a model with a larger capacity. However, if you only plan to dehydrate small batches, a smaller dehydrator may be sufficient.

Temperature Range

Different foods require different temperatures for optimal dehydration. Look for a dehydrator with a wide temperature range to accommodate a variety of foods. A temperature range of 95-165°F is ideal for most foods.

Airflow

Proper airflow is essential for even dehydration. Look for a dehydrator with a fan to ensure that air circulates evenly throughout the unit. Models with adjustable airflow are even better, as they allow you to customize the airflow for different foods.

Timer and Auto-Shutoff

A timer and auto-shutoff feature can be helpful when dehydrating food. A timer allows you to set the dehydrator for a specific amount of time, while an auto-shutoff feature ensures that the unit turns off when the timer runs out. This can prevent over-drying and save energy.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Look for a dehydrator that is easy to use and clean. Models with removable trays and a dishwasher-safe design are ideal. A dehydrator with a simple control panel and clear instructions is also helpful.

Warranty

Finally, consider the warranty when choosing a dehydrator. Look for a model with a warranty of at least one year to ensure that you are protected in case of defects or malfunctions.

By considering these features, you can choose the best dehydrator for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in a high-quality food dehydrator?

When choosing a food dehydrator, there are several features to consider. Look for a dehydrator with adjustable temperature settings, a timer, and multiple trays for drying large batches of food. A dehydrator with a built-in fan and heating element will provide even and consistent drying. Additionally, a dehydrator with a transparent door or window will allow you to monitor the drying process without opening the unit.

Which dehydrators are known for making the best jerky?

Many dehydrators are capable of making great jerky, but some models are better suited for this task than others. Look for a dehydrator with a temperature range of 160-165°F, which is the ideal temperature for drying meat. Dehydrators with a horizontal airflow system are also recommended for making jerky, as they provide even drying and prevent the need for rotating trays. Some popular dehydrators for making jerky include the Excalibur, Nesco, and Weston brands.

How do Excalibur dehydrators compare to other brands on the market?

Excalibur dehydrators are known for their high quality and durability. They feature a horizontal airflow system, adjustable temperature settings, and a timer. Excalibur dehydrators also come with a 10-year warranty, which is longer than most other brands on the market. While Excalibur dehydrators tend to be more expensive than other brands, they are often considered a worthwhile investment due to their reliability and performance.

What are the top dehydrators recommended by consumer reports?

Consumer Reports recommends several dehydrators for their performance and value. Some of the top-rated dehydrators include the Excalibur 3926TB, Nesco FD-75A, and Presto 06301. These dehydrators offer a range of features, including adjustable temperature settings, multiple trays, and a timer. They are also priced affordably, making them a great option for those on a budget.

Can you recommend a reliable food dehydrator under $100?

Yes, there are several reliable food dehydrators available for under $100. The Nesco FD-75A and Presto 06301 are both affordable options that offer a range of features, including adjustable temperature settings, multiple trays, and a timer. While these dehydrators may not be as durable or high-performing as more expensive models, they are a great choice for those looking to experiment with dehydrating without breaking the bank.

Is Nesco a reputable brand for food dehydrators?

Yes, Nesco is a reputable brand for food dehydrators. They offer a range of models to fit different needs and budgets, and their dehydrators are known for their reliability and performance. Nesco dehydrators feature adjustable temperature settings, multiple trays, and a timer. They also offer a variety of accessories, such as jerky kits and fruit roll sheets, to enhance the dehydrating experience.