This is our official list in search of the best food dehydrator on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product and learn more about the benefits of dehydrating food in our beginner’s guide.
5 Highest Reviewed Food Dehydrators to Consider
Overall, a food dehydrator is a wise investment that reduces costs, improves health, and makes cooking cheaper and easier. To help people choose the product that’s right for them, this ranking compiles some of the best food dehydrators available on the market.
1.) Aroma Housewares Professional 6 Tray Food Dehydrator
This product includes six racks that hold one pound of food each, as well as a drip tray to collect run-off and moisture. The thermostat can handle a wide range of temperatures, making it easy to dry fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, meat, and more.
The racks can easily be removed for washing. An automatic fan helps circulate air through the appliance, ensuring that the food is evenly dried during the process. The boxy shape also makes the dehydrator easy to store in cabinets or cupboards.
Overall, this product is a small but efficient dehydrator that can easily be stored with other kitchen appliances. Despite the relatively small amount of trays, each tray can be loaded with up to a pound of meat or produce. The racks are also easy to remove to wash off grime and residue.
PROS
- The drip tray collects moisture.
- The clear viewing window makes it easy to monitor the food inside.
- The trays can hold up to one pound of food each.
CONS
- This product contains only six trays, making for smaller batches compared to other brands.
2.) Gourmia GFD1950 Digital Food Dehydrator
This product is a bit pricier than others, but it comes with a wealth of features that quickly make up for the cost. The Gourmia model includes a digital thermostat that provides drying times, a clear window so that viewers can check on their food without opening the door, a set of nine trays for dehydrating in large batches, and a free cookbook to give users quick inspiration.
This product is also ETL-certified so that users know that it’s a safe, high-quality appliance. Users can make chips, dried fruits and nuts, and beef jerky with ease.
PROS
- The clear viewing window makes it easy for users to watch their progress.
- The free cookbook helps people save money and increase the value of their investment.
- The digital panel comes with 8 pre-set temperatures for easier use.
CONS
- The relatively higher price might make this product too expensive for some budgets.
3.) Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro
With an affordable price, this dehydrator is good for anyone that’s shopping on a budget. Unlike other brands that use digital readouts, users can adjust this product by using the dial on the lid. The trays are fully separated to ensure that the flavors don’t mix during the drying process.
With no digital readout, this machine can be harder to use than others, but it comes at an affordable price that includes a few accessories. The lid also includes helpful reminders about safe temperatures for drying different types of food. The trays are neatly separated to ensure that the flavors don’t mingle.
This machine also comes with some extras, including a recipe book, 4 extra sheets, and jerky spice packets. The handle at the top makes it easier to carry and transport this machine. An adjustable thermostat provides a wide range of temperatures.
PROS
- This product comes with extras that other brands don’t offer, including a recipe book and jerky spice packets.
- The temperature can easily be adjusted with the dial.
- Printed on the lid is a list of helpful reminders about safe temperatures.
CONS
- The analog dial can make it harder to find a precise temperature.
4.) Presto 06301 Dehydro
With a unique cylindrical shape, this dehydrator has a sleek modern look that fits well with any kitchen set. This product is great for making beef jerky, as well as dehydrating seafood and poultry. Each purchase comes with a package of jerky spices and cure.
The machine also comes with two fruit roll sheets so parents can make healthy treats for their children. The fan and heating elements are designed to ensure that the food is evenly dried throughout the process. Users start with six trays, but the product can expand to 12.
This dehydrator is a stylish addition to any kitchen. The digital timer and thermostat are easily adjusted, and the trays are dishwasher safe. Dehydrating food is quick and easy, especially seafood and meat products. It’s a good option for anyone looking to make beef jerky or preserve poultry.
PROS
- This product has a stylish, modern look that matches other kitchen appliances.
- The fan and heating element dehydrate the food evenly.
- This product can accommodate up to 12 trays.
CONS
- The unconventional shape might make storage difficult.
5.) Excalibur 2900ECB Food Dehydrator
With nine trays offering 15 square feet of space, this food dehydrator provides plenty of room so users can dehydrate their food in large batches. This product works well with store-bought produce, as well as food produced in the user’s own garden.
This dehydrator is specially built so that it dries the food evenly, rather than drying certain sections more than others. The product also includes non-stick tray inserts, an adjustable thermostat, and a simple on/off switch. The cube shape also makes this product easy to store anywhere.
Overall, this dehydrator is a good investment, although it’s price tag makes it more expensive than other brands on the market. A large amount of space makes it easy to dehydrate large batches of food in a relatively short amount of time. The device is also built to dry the food evenly.
PROS
- A large amount of space makes it good for large batches.
- The air is circulated throughout the machine so it dehydrates the food evenly.
- The cube shape makes this product great for storage.
CONS
- There are no see-through windows, so it’s hard to check on the food inside.
New Advancements in Nutrition – Beginners Guide to Food Dehydration
In today’s modern world, an increasing amount of people are becoming more aware of what they eat. With more nutritional information available than ever before, people are watching their fats and calories, adding more nutrients to their diet, and eliminating processed foods whenever possible.
Many schools and even universities have incorporated health and nutrition classes into their curriculum, in an attempt to instill students with a lifetime of healthy eating habits. Homegrown and organic foods have also grown in popularity, with many people turning to the local farmers’ market for their fruits and vegetables.
But as people gradually eliminated processed and fattening snacks from their diet, they need something to fill that void. Dehydrated foods have recently been advertised as a healthy alternative to chips and cookies. For example, kale and banana chips offer the same “crunch” and texture as a potato chip, but with added nutrition and none of the fat and calories.
Dehydrating food is also a great way to preserve it for later, without spending hours canning and pickling produce. These products require no refrigeration and can easily be brought to school or the office for a quick snack. For these reasons, many people have turned to food dehydration to add more nutrition to their diet.
The Process of Food Dehydration
The process of food drying has been used for centuries, with early humans air-drying their food with the process of evaporation. In modern times, several manufacturers have developed products that make the once time-consuming process quick and easy. Any family can dehydrate food right in their own homes, even if they have no experience with canning or preserving goods. A variety of foods can be preserved with a food dehydrator, including fruit, vegetables, meat, and herbs. Drying the food reduces its weight, kills harmful bacteria, and greatly improves its shelf life.
A food dehydrator typically consists of several individual trays. Users load the trays with food, select the temperature, and let the machine dry out the food. The dehydrator sucks out the moisture, leaving the food dried and ready to be eaten and preserved. Different products come with different options, including fans, timers, adjustable thermostats, nonstick screens, see-through covers, and more. Most dehydrators are easy to use and require a minimal amount of instruction. Some parts of the dehydrators can be washed in a sink or placed in a dishwasher for cleaning.
Food dehydrators make it easy to make beef jerky without a lengthy curing process. Users who frequently work with dried herbs can use the food dehydrator to their advantage. People can also make dried fruit for desserts and trail mixes, as well as dried vegetables for special recipes. And most dried food is so flavorful that it can be simply enjoyed on its own.
Who Benefits from a Food Dehydrator?
The uses for a food dehydrator are just about endless. Many recipes call specifically for dried herbs, making the food dehydrator a valuable asset for chefs. Instead of buying dried herbs separately, they can simply dry their own herbs at home. Dried fruits and vegetables are another common part of recipes. This enables chefs to save money on ingredients and spend more time cooking instead of shopping.
A food dehydrator is also a helpful tool for people who frequently go camping or hiking. Dried food is often recommended for these trips, as it’s small and lightweight, requires no refrigeration, and offers flavor and nutrition. Before they leave for their trip, campers and hunters can dehydrate a stash of food to be included in trail mix or simply eaten raw. This is also a good tool for survivalists or people who want to be prepared for an emergency.
For people who don’t cook, a food dehydrator is simply a great way to encourage healthy eating. Instead of reaching for a bag of chips, users can reach for their homemade dried banana slices instead. Dried foods can range from hard to crunchy to chewy, but most of them have that popular “snacking” texture. They’re also small and bite-sized, and easily transportable. Parents can used dried food to encourage healthy eating with their children and add more homemade foods to their diet.
Qualities of a Good Food Dehydrator
The best food dehydrators are convenient, durable, and long-lasting. A good dehydrator completely eliminates moisture, leaving food dried, bacteria-free, and ready for preservation. Any remaining moisture can allow bacteria to grow and contaminate the food. A good dehydrator also comes with large trays, enabling users to dry a large number of herbs or produce at once. A non-stick tray is also essential to keep the food from sticking to the tray.
A good dehydrator is also accessible and easy to use, with a digital timer and thermostat that’s easy to adjust. Users can operate the dehydrator without requiring much training. The dehydrator is structured so that air flows easily through the machine, making the drying process consistent across the trays. All food is dried evenly, with no need to change or rearrange trays during the process. A see-through lid or cover also helps users keep an eye on their food while it dehydrates.
Like any food-related appliance, a dehydrator needs to be washed occasionally. The entire machine can’t be placed in the dishwasher, but components of the machine should be sink- or dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Users should be able to wash the trays without struggling to scrub off food–another reason that non-stick trays are important. The dehydrator should also be compact and economical, easy to store in a cabinet or under the sink. The dehydrator should work efficiently, without using too much energy during the process.
Are They Worth the Investment?
Due to its versatility and ease of use, a food dehydrator is definitely worth the investment. Most dehydrators are affordable, with prices ranging from around $200 to under $50. There’s a brand for every budget. The dehydrator is no more difficult to use than any other kitchen appliance–in fact, many cooks might find that it actually saves time. Anyone can operate a dehydrator, and the danger and health risk is so minimal that even children can use it with adult supervision.
Users who invest in a dehydrator will ultimately save money on food and produce. Once they’ve bought the product, they can make a virtually unlimited amount of dried snacks, herbs, and jerky. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than dried, packaged ones, enabling users to save money by drying their food at home. They also save money by preserving fruits that might have otherwise gone bad, like bananas and peaches. Dried food lasts much longer than fresh produce, which can result in a lower grocery bill.
A food dehydrator also makes it much easier to eat healthily. People who don’t like fruit or vegetables might enjoy the crisp or chewy texture of dried produce. Dehydrated fruit feels more like a snack or a treat than an obligation. Children are also more likely to ask for a chewy banana slice than a piece of fresh fruit.
Parting Words
We hope this information has helped you gain a more insightful perspective when it comes to choosing the right food dehydrator for your kitchen needs. It is always paramount to keep in mind your own needs when choosing appliances but to also perform the due diligence. With that, we hope we have helped.