Best Food Dehydrator: Top 8 Dehydrators on The Market

Multiple factors should be considered when purchasing a feed dehydrator. Whether you want a dehydrator for home use or to start your own business, the number of dehydrators to choose from can be overwhelming.

This article reviews selection criteria and lists what I think are the top ten dehydrators currently available.

Selection Criteria

1. Capacity and Size

• Tray Count: Check to see how many trays the dehydrator offers. If you have more trays, you can dehydrate larger quantities simultaneously.
• Expandable Trays: Adding or removing trays is important if you want to dry your food faster or expand the amount you dehydrate.
• Overall Size: Take measurements and make sure the dehydrator fits in the space available, whether it is a countertop, table, or floor.

2. Temperature Control

• Adjustable Thermostat: Fruits need lower temperatures, and jerky needs higher temperatures, so being able to adjust temperatures is critical. A typical range is between 90°F and 165°F.
• Range of Temperatures: The broader your temperature range, the more foods you can dehydrate – herbs, meat, vegetables, and yogurt.

3. Airflow and Heating System

• Horizontal vs. Vertical Airflow:
  • Horizontal Flow: Rear-mounted fan designs provide this feature and allow even drying for consistent results. It is also convenient that you don’t have to rotate trays.
  • Vertical Flow: This design is often found in budget models with bottom-mounted fans. These dehydrators typically require you to rotate the trays, and they don’t work as well with dense foods or foods with high moisture content.
• Fan Power: Strong fans are important for drying food evenly and preventing moisture buildup.

4. Timer & Automatic Shut-Off

• Timer Function: This convenience makes the dehydrating process much more hands-off, so you don’t have to monitor the process constantly.
• Automatic Shut-Off: Safety is essential, and this feature allows you to dry overnight while away from home with peace of mind.

5. Material and Durability

• Plastic vs. Stainless Steel: While plastic is less expensive and lighter weight, stainless steel has advantages. Stainless steel models are more durable, easier to clean, resist odor, and look better.
• Tray Material: Plastic vs stainless steel trays offer the same advantages and disadvantages as the dehydrator.

6. Noise Level

• Dehydrators can be noisy, so if you plan to run your dehydrator in a small space or near living areas, look for models with quiet fans.

7. Ease of Cleaning

• Removable Trays: Trays that can be removed and washed easily are a big plus. Some models even have dishwasher-safe trays.
• Non-stick Surfaces: Non-stick trays or mesh screens can help with foods that tend to stick, like fruit leathers or thin-sliced vegetables.

8. Energy Efficiency

• Dehydrators can run for hours, so energy efficiency can save on electricity costs. Look for a model with an efficient power rating that balances drying power with lower energy consumption.

9. Additional Features

• Digital Display: A digital control panel makes it easy to set precise temperatures and times.
• Transparent Door: Allows you to see the progress without opening the dehydrator and disturbing the drying process.
• Specialty Accessories: Some dehydrators come with additional accessories like fruit leather sheets, fine mesh inserts for herbs, and jerky-making kits. These can add versatility to your dehydrating options.

Top 8 Dehydrators

1. Excalibur 3926TB

• Pros:
  • Large drying area with 9 trays (15 sq. ft).
  • Adjustable thermostat (105°F to 165°F), suitable for raw food and jerky.
  • 26-hour timer for precise drying times.
• Cons:
  • Bulky and requires significant counter space.
  • Pricey compared to other models.
  • Noisy when running for long hours.

2. Nesco Snackmaster Pro FD-75A

• Pros:
  • Budget-friendly with consistent drying results.
  • Adjustable thermostat (95°F to 160°F) for various foods.
  • Compact and expandable up to 12 trays.
• Cons:
  • No timer function.
  • Smaller drying space (5 trays).
  • Not ideal for large batches.

3. COSORI Premium Stainless Steel Dehydrator

• Pros:
  • Durable stainless steel construction.
  • Digital control panel with a 48-hour timer.
  • Quiet operation, suitable for indoor use.
• Cons:
  • More expensive than plastic models.
  • Limited to 6 trays, reducing capacity for bulk drying.

4. Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine

• Pros:
  • Horizontal airflow for even drying.
  • Adjustable thermostat and timer for versatility.
  • Transparent door for easy monitoring.
• Cons:
  • Slightly smaller capacity.
  • Can be louder than some other models.
  • More difficult to clean due to multiple trays.

5. Hamilton Beach Digital Food Dehydrator

• Pros:
  • Budget-friendly option with a digital timer and auto shut-off.
  • Compact and lightweight.
  • Adjustable temperature from 100°F to 160°F.
• Cons:
  • Limited to 5 trays.
  • Basic features; not ideal for heavy-duty use.
  • Plastic trays may not be as durable.

6. Tribest Sedona Express

• Pros:
  • Compact design with digital controls.
  • Two-stage temperature control for precise drying.
  • Quiet fan and low vibration.
• Cons:
  • Expensive.
  • Small capacity relative to price.
  • Learning curve with digital settings.

7. Presto Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator

• Pros:
  • Inexpensive and compact design.
  • Expandable up to 12 trays.
  • Simple operation with no complicated settings.
• Cons:
  • No temperature control.
  • Not ideal for high-moisture foods.
  • Limited features, more suited for beginners.

9. Chefman Food Dehydrator

• Pros:
  • Sleek design with digital controls and timer.
  • See-through door for easy monitoring.
  • Quiet operation, suitable for apartments.
• Cons:
  • Limited to 6 trays.
  • Slower drying time for thick items.
  • Smaller capacity.

Summary

Any one of the dehydrators above is a good decision. They meet the criteria discussed and provide consistent performance in well-made machines.