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A dehydrator preserves foods, such as fruits and vegetables, by removing their moisture and preventing the growth of harmful microbes. Dehydrating food also decreases its size, allowing you to easily store large quantities of food in a single bag or container. To help you select the machine that’s right for you, the This Old House Reviews Team searched for the best dehydrators on Amazon. Here are our top five picks.
Top 5 Dehydrators
- Best Medium Capacity: COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine
- Best Accessories: Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine
- Most Customizable: NESCO Snackmaster Pro Dehydrator
- Most Space: Excalibur 3900B Nine-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
- Best Entry-Level: VIVOHOME Food Dehydrator Machine
Compare Top Dehydrators
| Product | Temperature Range | Number of Trays | Power | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine | 95ºF to 165ºF | 6 | 600 watts | 23 pounds | 17.8 x 13.5 x 12.2 inches |
| Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | Up to 158ºF | 7 | 600 watts | 17 pounds | 15 x 13.5 x 19 inches |
| NESCO Snackmaster Pro Dehydrator | 95ºF to 160ºF | 4 | 600 watts | 8 pounds | 13.8 x 22.1 x 13.9 inches |
| Excalibur 3900B Nine-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator | 105ºF to 165ºF | 9 | 600 watts | 22 pounds | 19 x 17 x 12.5 inches |
| VIVOHOME Food Dehydrator Machine | 95ºF to 158ºF | 5 | 400 watts | 6 pounds | 12.5 x 9.5 x 9.8 inches |
| Product | Temperature Range | Number of Trays | Power | Weight | Dimensions |
Best Medium Capacity: COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine
COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine
- $159.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This easy-to-use COSORI dehydrator heats foods using a rear-mounted fan for an even cook. It can be used to toast breadcrumbs, bake dog treats, preserve herbs and flowers, dehydrate meat, and more with its six layered trays. For inspiration, a recipe book is also included.
Pros and Cons
✔ Has a timer that works in 30-minute increments for up to 48 hours
✔ Equipped with overheating protection
✔ Operates quietly at 48 decibels
✘ Not foldable or collapsible
✘ Doesn’t include a drip tray, though the fruit tray can be used as one
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers liked this dehydrator’s even heat distribution, quick-navigation control panel, and easy-to-clean parts. Many were thrilled with their results as well. Low-rated reviews mentioned the control panel malfunctioning and the body not reaching the full range of advertised temperatures.
Best Accessories: Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine
- $149.99
- $199.99
- 26% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Featuring a see-through cover and seven height-adjustable racks, this dehydrator allows you to dry pounds of your favorite food. The machine comes with silicone gloves, nonstick trays, and other accessories. Overheat protection prevents temperatures from toughening your food.
Pros and Cons
✔ The mounted fan and airflow circulation technology provide even heat distribution
✔ The automatic timer shuts off when the dehydration cycle is complete
✔ The BPA-free trays are dishwasher-safe
✘ Doesn’t mention a warranty
✘ Some customers said that the glass door cracked over time
What Customers Are Saying
Reviewers recommended this product for its easy setup, superior performance, and quiet operation. Many customers raved about the results they got with a variety of foods, including meat, pineapple, and zucchini. Less satisfied consumers said that the product stopped working or cracked over time.
Most Customizable: NESCO Snackmaster Pro Dehydrator
NESCO Snackmaster Pro Dehydrator
- $85
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This compact food dehydrator uses a patented drying system that moves air across each tray to lock in flavor and evenly cook food. The machine comes with five trays that provide 0.8 square feet of drying space each. You can also purchase up to seven more trays to expand it to 12 layers.
Pros and Cons
✔ Provides even heat distribution without having to rotate the trays
✔ The opaque exterior blocks light to prevent nutrient loss
✔ The top-mounted fan prevents liquids from dripping into the center of the dehydrator
✘ Doesn’t have an on/off switch
✘ Only includes five trays
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that this dehydrator was quiet and easy to use and clean. Several also mentioned how this product helped cut down on dining costs associated with backpacking and camping trips. Disappointed customers said that it took much longer than anticipated for items to dehydrate.
Most Space: Excalibur 3900B Nine-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
Excalibur Nine-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
- $255.82
- $319.99
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
With nine trays and a 15-square-foot capacity, this dehydrator can remove moisture from large amounts of food at once and keep different items separate from one another. The resulting dehydrated food can last for up to nine months while retaining nutrients.
Pros and Cons
✔ Comes with a dehydration guide to help you get started
✔ Includes a seven-inch fan for superior air circulation
✔ Made in the United States
✘ Doesn’t have a built-in timer
✘ Has a 15% restocking fee if you return it
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers liked this dehydrator’s versatility, durability, and performance. Dissatisfied customers had issues with the fan and customer support. Others were disappointed that it didn’t have a timer.
Best Entry-Level: VIVOHOME Food Dehydrator Machine
VIVOHOME Food Dehydrator Machine
- $67.99
- $79.99
- 16% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
This affordable dehydrator from VIVOHOME comes with a convenient digital display that shows you the machine’s temperature and cooking time, which can be adjusted to fit your favorite food. With five clear layers, you can monitor your food as it dries.
Pros and Cons
✔ Provides a vitamin and mineral retention rate of 97%
✔ Built with heat emission holes to enhance ventilation
✔ The clear design allows you to observe the dehydration process
✘ Less powerful than the other options in this review at 400 watts
✘ Contains more plastic than other options in this guide
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers were pleased that the VIVOHOME provided consistent temperature control, flavorful results, and plenty of space for a variety of foods. Those who rated this product poorly had issues with the heating element malfunctioning after a few uses.
Buyer’s Guide
When buying a dehydrator, it’s important to know how each model’s unique features and specifications affect its performance. Here are five factors to consider before making a purchase.
Size
Dehydrators typically have between five and 10 trays, though some models can expand to hold up to 12. The size of each tray is closely related to the dimensions of the dehydrator—the larger the dimensions of the dehydrator, the larger the trays.
Power
The amount of power a dehydrator has is measured in watts. Most dehydrators deliver between 400 and 600 watts of power. If you want to dry a large quantity of food at a high temperature, look for a model with a high wattage.
Safety Features
Some common safety features in dehydrators include overheating protection and automatic shut-off. Overheat protection turns the appliance off if it reaches an unsafe temperature. Automatic shut-off works with a digital or analog timer to turn off the dehydrator after a preset time.
Temperature
Most dehydrators operate using an adjustable thermostat, though some models use preset temperatures. Owning a dehydrator with several temperature settings lets you dry various types of food. Most dehydrators dry in temperatures between 95 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Heating Technique
Dehydrators typically use a horizontal or vertical heating method. A horizontal heating method pushes air from the back of the machine to the front for more uniform heating. However, these models are usually more expensive than their vertical-heating counterparts.
Vertical-heating dehydrators push heat from the top of the machine to the bottom, or vice versa. Although these dehydrators are more affordable, they’re usually smaller and more inconsistent.
Air Circulation
Fan systems inside dehydrators allow the hot air to evenly circulate, ultimately resulting in a better-dried food product.
Transparent Windows
Some dehydrators allow users to see each tray as the food is being dried. This is helpful if you want to keep an eye on what you’re dehydrating without opening the door or letting hot air escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you use a dehydrator for?
Dehydrators allow you to prepare a variety of foods, including:
- Beef jerky
- Dog treats
- Potpourri
- Dried fruit
Are dehydrated foods healthy?
Since dehydrated foods are usually free from added sugars and preservatives, they are a great source of vitamins and minerals. However, the dehydration process can destroy some of the food’s nutritional value.
Is it safe to dehydrate raw meat?
No. While dehydration is good for removing the harmful bacteria that cause food to spoil, the heat isn’t intense enough to kill those that thrive in raw meat. Be sure to cook any meat to its proper internal temperature using a meat thermometer before drying it.
What is the best dehydrator for jerky?
The best dehydrators for jerky are models with powerful fan systems that evenly circulate the air in the dehydrator, allowing for better-quality jerky. Additionally, dehydrators with several trays or a large capacity allow users to make large batches of jerky at a time.
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We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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FAQs
What is the number one dehydrator? ›
Best Overall Food Dehydrator: Tribest Sedona Express. Best Value Food Dehydrator: Cosori Premium Dehydrator. Most Compact Food Dehydrator: Hamilton Beach Digital Food Dehydrator. Easiest Food Dehydrator to Use: Nesco Snackmaster Pro.
Why is Excalibur dehydrators the best? ›Excalibur food dehydrators have the highest capacity per tray at 225 square inches. An Excalibur tray has 28% more capacity than a Nesco FD-1040 Gardenmaster dehydrator tray, 45% more capacity than a Cosori dehydrator tray, and 83% more drying capacity than a Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster dehydrator tray.
What is the best dehydrated? ›- Fruits (apples, bananas, apricots, peaches, pears, cherries, blueberries) for eating as snacks or chopped in granola and trail mixes, or dried as purees for fruit leather.
- Vegetables (carrots, mushrooms, onions, peas, beans, tomatoes) for adding to soups, stews, and backpacking meals.
For best results choose a model with 400 watts or more. This is one of the most important features for a dehydrator. Since different foods require different temperatures for drying out, look for a model that has a thermostat with full temperature control from 105F(40C) to 165F (74C).
How do I choose a good food dehydrator? ›- Nutritional Content is Retained. ...
- Preserves Fruit and Vegetables Longer. ...
- Convenient and Cost Effective. ...
- Stacking Trays Can Have Greater Capacity. ...
- Shelves Can Make it Easier to Check for Doneness. ...
- Look for an Even Airflow System. ...
- Maintain Temperatures With an Adjustable Thermostat.
Freeze-dried foods offer a longer shelf life, lower moisture content, and generally taste better than dehydrated foods. Freeze-dried foods rehydrate faster and also retain their original shape, texture, and color. A far greater variety of foods can be freeze dried than can be dehydrated.
Is Excalibur dehydrator worth it? ›The Best Large-Capacity Dehydrator
For a large-capacity dehydrator, this model from Excalibur is second to none. It performed incredibly well in all of our tests and while its large size did make it difficult to move around, its trays were dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
We found the Excalibur 3926TB to be the best food dehydrator in the class. While it is one of the more expensive machines in our review, the steep price is matched by the vast amount of tray space. This model might not be for everyone as it leans towards production food processing as opposed to compact storage.
Is Excalibur made in USA? ›Invented in 1973 in Sacramento, California.
Products that are functional, yet transformational, empowering you to prepare and preserve food naturally. Today, most Excalibur dehydrators are still manufactured in the USA using domestic and globally sourced components.
Dehydrators are also very cost-effective in the long-run. They allow you to buy produce in bulk, especially when it is in season or on sale, and store it to use later on. They're also a great tool for gardeners who often have a surplus of ingredients on hand.
What are the disadvantages of dehydrating food? ›
Dehydrated foods have a higher calorie content by weight and can be high in sodium and sugars, depending on the food. In excess, these nutrients can cause weight gain and increase your risk of obesity, heart problems, and diabetes.
What is the quietest food dehydrator? ›- Magic Mill MFD-7070 (600 watts) at 41 dB.
- Salton Vita Pro (250 watts) @ 37 dB.
- Magic Mill MFD-7070 (600 watts) at 41 dB.
- Cosori Premium Stainless Steel Dehydrator CP267-FD (600 watts) at 46.1 dB (low pitch)
Dehydrating agents must be water soluble, and among them ethanol is the most widely used. Ethanol has several distinct features for dehydration: a complete miscibility with water, a hardening effect, a powerful dehydration capacity, and penetrability into the tissue.
What is the strongest dehydrating agent? ›Sulphuric acid is strong dehydrating agent.
Is the Excalibur dehydrator worth it? ›The Best Large-Capacity Dehydrator
For a large-capacity dehydrator, this model from Excalibur is second to none. It performed incredibly well in all of our tests and while its large size did make it difficult to move around, its trays were dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
Dehydrators are also very cost-effective in the long-run. They allow you to buy produce in bulk, especially when it is in season or on sale, and store it to use later on. They're also a great tool for gardeners who often have a surplus of ingredients on hand.