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If you’re a fan of jerky, fruit leathers, or fruit chips, a food dehydrator is surely on your list of must-have kitchen appliances. The number of different foods to be dehydrated is nearly endless, and they’re just plain fun to use. These handy appliances not only suck all the moisture out of your fruits, veggies, meats, and herbs, they preserve them and intensify their already mouth-watering flavours.
Food dehydrators are an excellent DIY kitchen appliance. You’ll not only save money on dried herbs, meat, and fruits, you’ll also be able to experiment with all kinds of seasonings and flavourings on some of your favourite dried foods. You can even make your own healthier potato chips with a food dehydrator! If that’s not incentive enough to justify the expense to your spouse, we don’t know what is.
Their compact, user -friendly design makes food dehydrators a worthy investment even for the most cooking-challenged of us. The only hardship? Choosing which food dehydrator to buy. That’s where we come in! Just for fun, we’ve analyzed 41 products and 939 customer reviews over 39 hours to bring you the absolute best products with current information to help you with your purchase. Let’s dig in!
Following our last update, our favorite model is the Hamilton Beach 32100C.
In a rush? Buy it now on Amazon!
Food Dehydrator Comparative Table
| Product | Summary | Rating | Price | |
|
TOP PICK
|
Hamilton Beach 32100C
|
|
9.7/10 | See price on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
UPGRADE PICK
|
Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator
|
|
9.4/10 | See price on Amazon |
|
BUDGET PICK
|
Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator
|
|
9.0/10 | See price on Amazon |
Our Pick for The Best Food Dehydrator
Hamilton Beach 32100C Review
The Everyday Dehydrator
Hamilton Beach
The Hamilton Beach 32100C food dehydrator is a great choice for newbie or experienced dehydrators who want a lasting addition to their kitchen appliance team. This dehydrator comes with every feature you need for regular dehydrating and doesn’t break the bank to do it.
Hamilton Beach 32100C Video Review
What We Think of the Hamilton Beach 32100C
This Hamilton Beach food dehydrator comes with 5 stackable trays, a mesh sheet for herbs, and a sheet for fruit rolls. Whether you want fruit leathers or hearty jerky on a weekly basis, you’ll have everything you need with this model. The clear lid makes monitoring your foods super simple, and you won’t have to disrupt the temperature to do it.
A huge selling point with this dehydrator is that there’s no need to rotate the trays thanks to continuous air movement and properly holed trays that allow optimal air circulation to every tray. The 500-Watt power means that you won’t have to wait days for your jerky to dry out, and some fruits will finish in just a few short hours.
So far I’ve put carrots, peas, strawberries, scallops, bananas, apples, pork, liver, and chicken in my dehydrator for my dog who has allergies. It is so simple to use, it has great capacity, fairly quiet, and the trays are awesome for separating foods. Holds 3+ lbs of meat and only takes 4ish hours to finish. Definitely a solid buy.
Philip R.
This dehydrator also has a timer with a 48-hour range plus an automatic shutoff so you can go to bed worry-free while the dehydrator does its thing overnight. A digital and adjustable thermostat also allows you to control your drying temperature at every step so that you never run the risk of under-dried or over-dried foods thanks to a fluctuating temperature.
This unit is super easy to clean and operate so even the newly-appointed family food dehydrators will have no trouble making all their dehydrating dreams come true. However, if you plan on dehydrating foods in bulk, this might not be the machine for you, especially if your primary goal is making jerky. It has enough space for smaller households, but won’t be able to keep up if you plan no dehydrating for 5.
Hamilton Beach 32100C Specifications
- Power: 500 Watts
- Colour: White
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Dimensions: 11.7” x 14.6” x 13”
- Material: Plastic
- Warranty: 5 years, limited
- Trays: 5
Hamilton Beach 32100C Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Efficient drying
- Clear lid for easy checking of progress
- 5 trays for food
Cons
- Trays stack not slide
- Not ideal for bulk dehydrating
Our Final Opinion About the Hamilton Beach 32100C
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Hamilton beach 32100C is our top pick for a reason. It is affordable yet efficient and comes with all the features and equipment you need for nearly any dehydrating purposes. You really can’t go wrong with this appliance unless you have sky’s-the-limit intentions for dehydrating.
Our Upgrade Pick for a Food Dehydrator
Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator Review
The High Performance Pick
Nesco
The Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator is the perfect option if you need to dehydrate a lot of food quickly. Although this product is expensive, it has a 30 tray capacity that can dehydrate food in hours.
Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator Video Review
What We Think of the Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator
If you are looking for an excellent dehydrator that can dry all of your food in hours, not days, the Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator will be the product for you. This model is equipped with high power and efficient functionality, making it our upgrade pick.
Starting with the wattage, the Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator comes with 1000 watts of power. This extra wattage is much higher than all of the other options, which allows the dehydrator to work much faster.
Not to mention, this dehydrator comes with a special Converga-Flow drying system that pushes the heated air up and across every tray. As a result, all food is adequately and evenly dehydrated.
One thing we truly love about this dehydrator is that you can dehydrate different types of food all at the same time. The dehydrator comes with 8 dishwasher safe trays, but you can expand it to up to 30 trays. It also comes with 8 fruit roll up sheets, 8 clean screens, and an original jerky spice pack with cure.
I’m so happy with this product but all I have dehydrated so far is apples. I’m planning on making fruit leather, but it works great so far. It’s a little loud but it doesn’t disturb us whenever it’s in the kitchen. I personally expected this sound level because of its size.
robin h.
One last feature that we find especially noteworthy about this product is its more compact nature. Yes, this dehydrator is bigger than many options just because of its 30 tray design. However, it is still very compact and skinny, making it great if you need a plus sized option in a smaller kitchen.
The number one complaint we have about the Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator is its price. It is much more expensive than the other dehydrators on this list. People on a budget will want something more affordable. The price tag may be worth it for serious and frequent users, though.
Given that there are no functionality complaints about the Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator and that it comes with so many great features, we have named this our upgrade pick. We would only recommend this product for serious users because of its high price tag.
Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator Specifications
- Brand: Nesco
- Wattage: 1000
- Color: White
- Temperature Gauge: 95-160 degree F adjustable thermostat
- Included: 8 fruit roll-up sheets, 8 clean-a-screens, 1 recipe instruction book, 1 original jerky spice pack with cure
Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 30 tray capacity
- Additional trays provided
- Dehydrates food in hours
- Compact design given its large capacity
Cons
- Expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator is a truly functional dehydrator because of its large capacity and advanced features. It is a bit on the expensive side, which is why we have named it our upgrade pick.
Our Budget Pick for a Food Dehydrator
Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator Review
The Value Pick
Salton
The Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator is a great choice if you need the most affordable dehydrator or aren’t sure if you will use a dehydrator frequently. We would recommend buying this dehydrator for starters but upgrading to something more durable if you decide a dehydrator is something you want to use frequently.
Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator Video Review
What We Think of the Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator
Whether you are on a tight budget or not sure how frequently you will use a dehydrator, the Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator is a great product that allows you to dehydrate food without dehydrating your wallet. Plus, the food dehydrator is pretty impressive given its price.
The Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator comes with 5 stacking trays, all of which are BPA free. The overall design of the dehydrator is designed so that you can use it for a number of dehydrating purposes, such as snacks, soups, and even potpourri.
The unit is designed with a thermostat knob that offers the same temperature ranges as our high performance pick. In fact, this product is so effective that it will be able to dry your items in just hours. Given its price range, this is a super feature of this product.
In addition to the 5 stacking trays, this food dehydrator also comes with 1 fruit tray and herb tray, ensuring that you can dehydrate and make any food you want.
As our best budget pick, it probably comes as no shock to you that this product comes with a killer price tag. It is super affordable, and nearly all households will be able to afford this product.
So far so good. I got it and made jerky a few days later and the next day. It’s a simple machine that does exactly what it’s supposed to do. If you want to make jerky, here’s a tip: put it at the highest setting and cut the meat to 1/4 inch thickness. It will take about 8 to 8.5 hours, but the jerky will come out really chewy.
S.S.
Although the Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator is a great choice for its low price tag, there are some notable downsides. Most importantly, it is not the most durable product in the world. The trays are prone to melting and cracking, according to many customers.
A couple of customers complained about an odd chemical smell. They reported the smell even occurred after they followed the thorough washing instructions that came with the product. These customers were hesitant to eat any food that came out of this device.
Although the Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator is not without its faults, it is still one of the best products in terms of value and price. Those on a budget will likely like this product, but keep in mind it is not a long term option.
Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator Specifications
- Brand: Salton
- Wattage: Not listed
- Color: White
- Temperature Gauge: 95-160 degree F adjustable thermostat
- Included: 1 fruit roll-up tray, 1 herb tray
Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Very affordable
- Acts quickly
- Comes with multiple trays
- Versatile use
Cons
- Not very durable
- Odd, chemical smell
Our Final Opinion About the Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Although the Salton VitaPro Food Dehydrator is not very durable and should not be chosen as a long term option, it is a super affordable product that can make a great buy if you are strapped for cash or aren’t sure if you will use a dehydrator often in the first place.
Alternative Products to Consider
Excalibur 2400 4-tray Review
The Black Beauty
Excalibur
The Excalibur 2400 4-tray food dehydrator is the black beauty of food dehydrators. It is an aesthetically pleasing, efficient model ideal for users who want a long-lasting and compact unit for weekly dehydrating with limited oversight and monitoring.
Excalibur 2400 4-tray Video Review
What We Think of the Excalibur 2400 4-tray
The Excalibur 2400 is a compact food dehydrator featuring a 4-inch fan and an accompanying 220-Watt motor, which is fairly standard in a model this size. This unit is great for any basic dehydrating projects, though the lower wattage does mean it’ll take a bit longer to get the job done. You’ll also have to manually rotate the trays once or twice depending on the duration of the total dehydrating time, which can be a turn-off for some who want a hands-off dehydrator.
For its size and price point, the Excalibur 2400 outperforms nearly every other model thanks to its super functional design and simplistic operation. The 4 Polyscreen trays are incredibly easy to clean and are optimal even for small foods such as herbs or even non-food items such as flowers for potpourri. Another plus of the compact dehydrator is a reduced noise level compared to most other dehydrators, so even if your kitchen is right beside your living room, the sound od operation won’t drive you out of your own home.
I love this dehydrator. The sliding trays make it easier to use and check food than a lot of other dehydrators I looked at. The temperature stays accurate and the timing instructions seem pretty accurate so far. Plus, it’s super easy to clean which is nice. Definitely recommend this dehydrator for a couple or small family that don’t need to dry in bulk.
Pierce A.
A downside to this machine is the lack of consistency in temperature since you have to open the unit and slide out the trays to check on your food. You’ll also need to make sure that your food slices are thin since the trays are so close together.
Excalibur 2400 4-tray Specifications
- Power: 220 watts
- Colour: Dark Grey
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Dimensions: 16.2” x 13” x 6.5”
- Material: Plastic
- Warranty: 5 years, limited
- Trays: 4
Excalibur 2400 4-tray Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Mesh trays for improved air circulation
- Compact design
- Trays slide in and out on their own
Cons
- Trays are too close together
- Takes a long time to dry
Our Final Opinion About the Excalibur 2400 4-tray
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Excalibur 2400 is an out-performer in its price range and is best suited to inexperienced or casual dehydrators who don’t have extremely high expectations for their dehydrator. For most dehydrating tasks, the Excalibur won’t disappoint in quality, even if it will take a bit of time to get there.
NutriChef PKFD06 Review
The Affordable Power
NutriChef
If you’re not looking for a fancy food dehydrator, or want a food dehydrator that is effective but affordable, the NutriChef PKFD06 is all you need. Though it doesn’t come with as many features as some others, it wins out for simple operation, versatile use, and great price.
NutriChef PKFD06 Video Review
What We Think of the NutriChef PKFD06
The NutriChef dehydrator has an appealing shape and transparent plastic design so that you can watch your food’s progress even on the bottom tray, which is a hard feature to come by in stacking dehydrators. Its reasonable size makes it easy to store, and it won’t take up too much of that coveted counter space.
This unit is greatly effective at drying all kinds of foods, though there is a bit of an uneven heat distribution since the trays are vertical and the airflow is vertical. Rotating the trays partially through is a necessary step in achieving an even dehydration on all layers. The dry-time is also pretty reasonable with this unit.
Loving this dehydrator. We’ve already dried 5lbs of apples and 4lbs carrots. Very compact but dries a lot of food at once. Cleans easily, operates quietly, and is so easy to use. The twist dial for temperature is awesome and it stays accurate even if you lift the lid to check. We leave it running overnight with no worry, and our food is perfect when we wake up.
Dimitra N.
Since this is a budget-friendly dehydrator, you won’t be able to buy extra trays like many other stackable dehydrators. There’s also a limited number of features, though the minimalistic design might be a positive for the first-time dehydrators using this model as a test-run. The limited controls would probably frustrate a more experienced dehydrator, and there’s no timer on this unit. Unless you happen to have a lock inside your head, you’ll have to choose another method of tracking the hours to make sure you dry your foods for the recommended number of hours.
The air circulation isn’t awful in this cheaper appliance, but the powerful fan does result in a lot more noise, so you may want to run it somewhere away from your usual living spaces so it won’t interfere with your relaxation time.
NutriChef PKFD06 Specifications
- Power: 250 Watts
- Colour: White
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Dimensions: 13.2” x 13.2” x 7.9”
- Material: Plastic
- Trays: 5
NutriChef PKFD06 Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 5 trays for increased capacity
- Lightweight
- Clear shell for easy checking of feed
- Affordable
Cons
- Trays stack not slide
- Long drying time
- Low/medium/high rather than a temperature and timer
Our Final Opinion About the NutriChef PKFD06
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
This is a pretty solid unit for its price range. Its lack of features and temperature controls won’t satisfy some users, it is a great first buy that won’t intimidate anyone new to dehydrating. For the price, you’ll have to sacrifice some of the special feature that make other dehydrators worth the money.
Nesco FD-75A Review
The Powerful Alternative
Nesco
The Nesco FD-75A food dehydrator is a 600W powerful dehydrator that can tackle any food type in a shorter time period. This machine is suited for inexperienced and experienced users and has a great balance of features that give it great value for its price.
Nesco FD-75A Video Review
What We Think of the Nesco FD-75A
This dehydrator uses a Converga Flow system that was created by Nesco for its dehydrators. The powerful motor and superior air circulation make it a solid choice for people wanting a reliable and effective dehydrator. The generous temperature rang on this unit also makes it the best choice for versatile users who want to make potpourri and jerky in one machine.
The balance of a powerful motor and exact temperature controls make it a great model for experienced users who prefer to have total control over the dehydration process. Nesco also adds even greater value to their dehydrator since the machine can handle up to 12 trays at once! You can purchase an extra seven trays and use them whenever needed for bulk drying thanks to the powerful and capable motor.
I have used this dehydrator many times now and I am very satisfied with my purchase. When you rotate the trays as directed everything dries perfectly evenly. I really appreciate that it gives me the recommended temperature for different foods, it makes for super convenient use. I’ve done fruits and vegetables, meat for jerky, and even dog treats. It’s also really quiet which is nice.
Rachel G.
The Nesco FD-74A dehydrator also features an opaque exterior that blocks sunlight so that nothing interferes with your food dehydration. This unit includes 2 solid sheets for fruit leathers, 2 mesh sheets for herbs, flowers, and other small food, as well as 3 jerky spice packets as an added bonus. Rotating trays is necessary with this unit for even drying since the power comes from the top.
This machine is a bit special in that it varies the power consumption over time to reduce electric bills and provide efficient drying. One downside to this machine is the lack of indicators for anything non-related to temperature, especially since the recipe book indicates some pretty specific settings for certain foods. With a little time, your experience with the machine will make this oversight less important.
Nesco FD-75A Specifications
- Power: 600 Watts
- Colour: Grey Speckled
- Weight: 7.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 13.7” x 22.1” 13.9”
- Material: Plastic
- Warranty: 1 year, limited
- Trays: 5
Nesco FD-75A Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Quiet operation
- 5 trays for extra food in one go
- Great accessories
- Strong motor for faster drying
Cons
- Temperature does not get all the way up to 160
- Have to rotate the trays for an even dry
Our Final Opinion About the Nesco FD-75A
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Nesco FD-75A food dehydrator is a superior dehydrator compared to many others at its price point. Its opaque design and powerful motor, paired with generous accessories and easily changeable capacity, make it one of the better food dehydrators out there.
VVinRC 6-Tray Dehydrator Review
The Stainless-Steel Alternative
VVinRC
The VVinRC 6-tray dehydrator is a great option for people wanting a sturdy an effective and aesthetically pleasing dehydrator, and don’t mind a higher price tag. You definitely feel the quality in this machine after only one use.
What We Think of the VVinRC 6-Tray Dehydrator
The VVinRC Commercial 6-tray dehydrator is built to last thanks to its durable stainless-steel design. Its transparent front window allows for easy monitoring of dehydrating foods at any time without having to open the dehydrator and affect the temperature. The 400W motor also provides efficient drying times that will please even the busiest stay-at-home mom or those patience-challenged users.
This dehydrator comes with a 24-hour timer to make use of the unit simple even for forgetful users. The rear-mounted fan allows for pretty even drying of every tray as well as greater efficiency than a vertical airflow system. This unit also has an LED Smart panel that allows you to control the timer and temperature in one place.
Trays are spacious and can hold more food which is perfect for my family of 5. Very happy with its metal design, finally a dehydrator that isn’t just plastic bits! It dries foods according to the recipe book which is very helpful, plus the glass front makes it easy to check on our food without moving trays or disrupting the temperature.
Greg C.
This unit is easy to clean and will look great on any countertop, so it won’t become an eyesore if you dehydrate multiple times a week. The racks and trays included with this dehydrator are even dishwasher safe for even greater convenience. You can also use silicone trays for fruit leathers and rolls. The dehydrator is incredibly energy efficient and is low on power consumption no matter how high the temperature or for how long it operates.
The biggest downside to this stainless-steel dehydrator is its higher price point. It is a fairly expensive model, but it is probably worth it for seasoned users who want a sturdy and durable dehydrator that will last for years.
VVinRC 6-Tray Dehydrator Specifications
- Power: 400 Watts
- Colour: Silver
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Dimensions: 13.8” x 13.4” x 11”
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 2 years
- Trays: 6
VVinRC 6-Tray Dehydrator Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Low energy consumption
- Great design
- Extra tray
- Timer for worry-free drying
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Uneven drying sometimes
Our Final Opinion About the VVinRC 6-Tray Dehydrator
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 3.5 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, this unit is one of our favourites. Its extremely durable, visually appealing, and features some pretty impressive drying times with minimal noise and energy consumption. This is a great appliance for anyone with a higher budget.
Cuisinart DHR-20 Review
The Versatile Alternative
Cuisinart
The Cuisinart DHR-20 food dehydrator is designed for versatile use, and will quickly become your best friend whether you want to make apple chips, delicious jerky, or paper-mâché projects.
Cuisinart DHR-20 Review
What We Think of the Cuisinart DHR-20
The Cuisinart DHR-20 starts off with a reasonable capacity using 5 trays, but you also have the option of adding 4 more for a total of 9 trays. The additional trays make this unit one of the best for versatile use and bulk drying without having to purchase a bigger, more expensive sliding tray dehydrator. All of the trays and solid sheets are dishwasher safe to make for simplified cleaning and optimal convenience.
The adjustable dial thermostat makes the dehydration process simple and customizable, though there are only 3 settings rather than variable temperature limits on this dehydrator. You also have a fan only setting for extra versatility. The possibilities truly are endless with this versatile unit.
So far, I’ve used this dehydrator for cherries, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, peaches, and apples. I found the dry time to be pretty reasonable, and the temp control is great. With fruit with a high moisture content, I put the dehydrator on high for two hours and then switch it to medium for the remaining time, and it works perfectly!
Rhonda S.
This machine also comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can feel pretty confident that this appliance will stand up to regular use for years to come. Its darker design makes it aesthetically pleasing and suited for nearly any kitchen, big or small.
The unit doesn’t have a range of temperatures to choose from other than ow, medium, or high, but it does perform superbly when it comes to temperature regulation, air circulation, and effective drying. However, the machine isn’t perfect. The price is a bit high for a plastic dehydrator, and the stacking trays require rotation for even drying, which can be a bit of a pain when working with a larger number of trays or foods that will dry overnight.
Cuisinart DHR-20 Specifications
- Power: 620 Watts
- Colour: Steel Grey
- Weight: 7.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 13.4” x 15.6” x 12”
- Material: Plastic
- Warranty: 5 years, limited
- Trays: 5, Up to 9 available
Cuisinart DHR-20 Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Temperature control
- Can change the number of trays as needed, up to 9
- Aesthetically pleasing
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Stacking trays rather than sliding trays
Our Final Opinion About the Cuisinart DHR-20
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The Cuisinart DHR-20 food dehydrator offers great versatility, excellent drying power, and a stylish design that will please any user. If you’re okay with a higher price point for a reliable dehydrator, this machine won’t disappoint.
Ivation IV-FD100RSS Review
The Dehydrator for Jerky-Lovers
Ivation
The Ivation IV-FD100RSS food dehydrator comes with 10 spacious racks for all of your bulk-drying needs. The drying capacity of this unit is impressive and will make any bulk-dryer or jerky-level ecstatic.
What We Think of the Ivation IV-FD100RSS
The Ivation food dehydrator is one of the sturdiest (read heaviest) food dehydrators out there, so make sure you choose a good spot for it because you won’t want to move it very often. This unit is suited for experienced users since it doesn’t come with its own recipe book or instruction manual, which is a huge flaw in our opinion.
However, there’s lots of good with this machine as well. The large capacity makes for excellent bulk drying if you’re preparing for a camping trip or want to make your fruits and veggies last all winter long. This unit also has an easily adjustable thermostat for precise drying, and all of the controls are easy to use and clearly labelled.
I use this dehydrator mostly for jerky, and boy can I make a lot of it at once! I love how spacious it is, and it comes with a drip tray and is very easy to clean. You can set the temperature to whatever you want and the high max temperature makes drying meats super safe. I put 9 lbs of meat in and had a tray empty still! I bought extra silicone trays so I can make more fruit leather with it too since it only comes with one.
Jerry W.
This unit also comes with an auto-shutoff feature for worry-free sleeps while it works overnight or while you’re at work. The ivation dehydrator also stays cool on the exterior even when running for a full day, so you’ll never run the risk of accidentally burning yourself if you brush against it accidentally. This model also runs fairly quietly for its size, which is great if you have to work around it while its running,
The design of this Ivation dehydrator also makes us happy. The trays are generously spaced so you don’t need to risk slicing a finger in an attempt to achieve those extra-thin slices that many other models necessitate. The price is also fairly reasonable for the size and durability of this stainless-steel appliance.
Ivation IV-FD100RSS Specifications
- Power: 1000 Watts
- Colour: Silver
- Weight: 46.3 lbs
- Dimensions: 24” x 22.3” x 19.3”
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Warranty: 2 years
- Trays: 6
Ivation IV-FD100RSS Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Timer with automatic shutoff
- Large for bulk drying
- Trays are spacious for thicker slices
Cons
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Recipe book not included
Our Final Opinion About the Ivation IV-FD100RSS
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, we don’t have much to complain about with the Ivation IV-FD100RSS. It has all the space you could ever need, is durable, and won’t endanger your fingers thanks to its widely-spaced trays. Hurrah for that, right?
COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine Review
The Heavy Duty Pick
Cosori
The COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine stands out for having a complete stainless steel construction. As a result, the device is durable and easy to clean, but it has a very hefty price tag to match.
COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine Video Review
What We Think of the COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine
Whether you have children or simply want a dehydrator that will last you many years, always go with the heavy duty option to ensure that the dehydrator doesn’t break prematurely. The COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine is a great candidate for this title.
The main reason why we named the COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine our heavy duty pick is because it is completely made from stainless steel. The stainless steel material ensures that the dehydrator is durable and heavy duty. Not to mention, stainless steel is attractive and timeless.
This dehydrator comes with 6 stainless steel trays, all of which can be washed. It comes with 1 mesh screen and 1 fruit roll up screen too, which can also be tossed in the dishwasher for easy washing.
I have dried beef jerky, apples, and pineapple chunks, and all have come out perfectly. It is very quiet. One thing I’ve noticed is that you don’t have to cook the food for as long as the cookbook recommends. Other than that, this device is perfect.
Katster
This dehydrator has the largest temperature gradient on this list, though not by much. It features a built-in timer that allows you to set 30 minute increments to check on your jerky for up to 48 hours. There is even a memory function so that you don’t have to keep resetting the device every time you cook your favorite snacks.
The last major feature we truly love about this dehydrator is that it comes with safety features, such as auto shutoff and overheat protection. The safety features are a nice touch because they ensure that your home remains safe.
In terms of quality and performance, the COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine is a leading competitor. The main drawback is that it is very expensive. In price, it is nearly identical to our upgrade pick. This is not a good choice if you are on a budget.
A few people complained that it broke pretty early on after usage, but these complaints were very limited, which leads us to conclude that these issues were due to duds.
As a result, the COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine is a phenomenal choice if you are looking for a heavy duty machine. Its stainless steel design creates an efficient and durable product, though expect a high price tag.
COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine Specifications
- Brand: COSORI
- Wattage: 600
- Color: Stainless steel
- Temperature Gauge: 95-165 degree F digital thermostat
- Included: 6 stainless steel trays, 1 mesh screen, 1 fruit roll-up sheet, 1 recipe book, 1 warranty card
COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Made from stainless steel
- Durable and fashionable
- Large temperature gradient
- Safety features
Cons
- Very expensive
- A few duds reported
Our Final Opinion About the COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Design 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
The COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine’s stainless steel design allows it to be long lasting, durable, and heavy duty. It is very expensive, which means we would only recommend it to those needing a serious dehydrator.
Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine Review
The Touch Screen Pick
Chefman
If you want a dehydrator with a digital touch screen, the Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine is a great choice. Be sure to read the cons of this device before purchase since some of the drawbacks are pretty notable.
Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine Video Review
What We Think of the Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine
If you are looking for a product that includes great digital features, the Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine is the best choice. It combines modern designs and technology with some of the most beloved snacks of all time.
The Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine comes with digital touch settings that make monitoring and using this dehydrator a breeze. Just click a button and the dehydrator kicks into action.
In addition to being easy to turn on and use, you can monitor the process of your food really easily. It comes with a clear door so that you can simply glance in to see the status of your creations.
Another great feature of this machine is that it gives you really consistent results. The dehydrator maximizes airflow so to consistently dehydrate your snacks without overheating the contraption.
On top of all these features, the price tag of this dehydrator is pretty reasonable. It isn’t quite as affordable as our budget pick, but it is notably less expensive than the upgrade pick and heavy duty pick. So, many households will be able to afford this device.
This is a great product. Definitely got my moneys worth out of it in one season. Have been letting my family use it so they can make the best jerky.
joe
Unfortunately, there are some mixed reviews about this product. A few people complain that the Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine doesn’t create the best tasting jerky and food. One customer specifically noted that it results in a chemically flavor.
There are some complaints about the durability of this product as well. Although very few customers reported the product breaking prematurely, several noted that the trays and parts feel very flimsy upon opening.
Nevertheless, the Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine stands out because of its digital screen. If you specifically want this sort of a device, it seems to be worth the money despite these drawbacks.
Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine Specifications
- Brand: Chefman
- Wattage: 480
- Color: Black
- Temperature Gauge: 95-158 degree F digital touch settings
- Included: 6 BPA free trays
Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Digital screen
- Easy to use
- Consistent dehydrating
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Can result in odd tasting foods
- Flimsy materials
Our Final Opinion About the Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine
Quality 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.3 Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Price 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
The Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine comes with a convenient digital touchscreen that makes the device easy to use and convenient. Since it has several drawbacks, consider this device carefully before purchase.
Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine Review
The 9 Tray Pick
Gourmia
If you have to dehydrate a lot of items at once, get the Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine. With 9 trays, it will allow you to quickly and consistently dehydrate food, although it is a bit expensive and difficult to clean.
Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine Video Review
What We Think of the Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine
If you need to dehydrate a whole lot of food at once, 5 or 6 trays won’t cut it. Instead, you need a machine with at least 9 trays, such as the Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine.
The Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine has a unique design because it comes with 9 trays in total, but 3 of the trays are built in whereas the other 6 are removable. This allows you to dehydrate meat, fruits, and vegetables at the same time.
The results of this dehydrator are very notable as well. Because the dehydrator is equipped with 360 degree circulation, it delivers uniform drying without the issue of overheating. You don’t even have to rotate your racks!
In terms of price, the Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine isn’t quite the most affordable, though it isn’t insanely expensive either. It is slightly towards the expensive end of the spectrum, but it is much more reasonable than our upgrade pick.
This was delivered in record time. I’ve used it a couple times now and it is super easy to use and quiet. The racks seem delicate, but I like that you don’t have to rotate them. Everything has worked really well with both jerky and vegetables. I’m very happy with this machine so far.
ken w.
One of the biggest complaints we received about this product is that it is very difficult to clean. Multiple users noted that the functionality and results of this dehydrator are superb, but cleaning the trays is a downright hassle.
Assuming that you are willing to put in a little bit of muscle to clean these trays, the Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine can be a great product. Because of its 9 tray design and numerous features, it can help you dehydrate a lot of snacks all at one time.
Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine Specifications
- Brand: Gourmia
- Wattage: 600
- Color: Black
- Temperature Gauge: 95-158 degree F preset
- Included: 6 adjustable shelves, 3 additional trays, fruit leather sheet, dip tray
Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- 9 trays
- Unique design
- Even dehydrating
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Difficult to clean
Our Final Opinion About the Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine
Quality 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 4.5 out of 5.0 stars Design 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.7 Price:4.4]
The Gourmia GFD1950 Premium Electric Food Dehydrator Machine is a great option because of how many trays it comes with. Although it is a bit expensive and difficult to clean, it is still a great competitor for being one of the top dehydrators on the market today.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying a Food Dehydrator
What is a Food Dehydrator?
A food dehydrator is a small appliance for your kitchen that dries food over long periods of time. Warm air is circulated over the food via a fan or heating elements. Food dehydrators offer drying at precise temperatures lower than ones available to a conventional oven; this low temperature drying process preserves more of the nutrition and flavor in the foods.
Why is a Food Dehydrator Better Than My Oven for Drying Foods?
Dehydrators are better than ovens for a couple of reasons. First off, ovens do not offer the precise low temperatures for heating that are found with food dehydrators, so even drying (and not burning) is a difficult thing to accomplish in a conventional oven. Secondly, air circulation is extremely important for the drying process, and most ovens do not offer this. Since that stagnant air can pose a health risk, a dehydrator is the way to go for all your drying needs.
Is Dehydrated Food healthy?
In simple terms, yes. Food dehydrating preserves the nutrients in all the food, so it’s really as simple as eating a dry version of whatever food you put in the food dehydrator. While some food components are lost during cooking (vitamins, etc.) due to the extreme heat, these essential nutrients are nor compromised in the slow process of drying your foods on low temperatures.
What Foods Can I Use my Dehydrator For?
Dehydrators can be used for almost anything: almost all fruits and vegetables, meats and fish, eggs. Essentially any food can be dehydrated except for dairy products, avocados, and a handful of others.
How Should I Store My Food Once It’s Dehydrated?
After dehydrating food, the best way to store it is in a clean, airtight container. This way, your dried food can last for months.
How Long Does It Take to Dehydrate Food?
There is no simple answer to this question. It depends on a lot of factors: the type of food you are dehydrating, what kind of dehydrator you have, how much food you are dehydrating at once, how much moisture you want left in the food, etc. It can range anywhere from a few hours for some fruits to over a day (24 hours) for some meats.
Can I Use My Dehydrator for Non-Food Items?
Yes! Dehydrators can also be used for drying clay and metal before firing for making jewellery, flowers for cake decoration, roots and herbs for natural remedies, home made dog treats, and more.
How to Properly Choose Your Food Dehydrator
- Number of Trays
The food dehydrator best for you will in part be determined by how many trays are needed. Amateurs drying just for themselves or a small family will only require the standard number of trays that comes in a dehydrator. More serious food dehydrators would benefit from a dehydrator that can be expanded to include more trays for drying in bulk.
- Wattage
The wattage of your food dehydrator directly impacts its power level and drying time. If you can pay a bit more for a higher-powered dehydrator, you can shave hours off the dehydrating time for most foods. The power is also important when dehydrating meat since a higher temperature makes dehydrating meat safer.
- Type of Tray System
Some food dehydrators feature a stackable tray system and others feature a sliding tray system. Many people prefer the sliding trays since you can easily check your food as it dries, but stackable trays can usually be added or subtracted to fit your needs. There are pros and cons to both types of tray systems, so this is an important feature to consider when choosing your dehydrator.
- Price
Of course, your budget will play a big role when deciding on a dehydrator. Some medium-level dehydrators are more affordable and can compete with the drying times of more expensive models, just without all the bells and whistles. However, a more expensive dehydrator typically has a longer warranty and higher wattage, so your price point will impact your dehydrating times as well as the number of features on your appliance.
- Display
The type of display, or even the presence of a display, on your dehydrator is a huge selling point for some consumers. Some dehydrators have a simple dial for temperature and others have an LED display that shows the exact temperature as well as the remaining drying time. If this feature is important to you, make sure to choose a dehydrator with a display.
- Timer
Each type of food has a different recommended drying time, so having a timer on the appliance can be extremely helpful, especially if it has labels for different types of foods. However, a timer might not be such a big deal if you don’t mind using your oven timer or your phone to count down the hours.
- Adjustable thermostat
If you like to be precise in your cooking, an adjustable thermostat might be important to you. Without one, you rely on low, medium, or high settings without an exact temperature when dehydrating foods. The imprecise temperature may affect drying time, so sometimes an adjustable thermostat is a great extra feature, though it isn’t an essential one.
- Heat Distribution and Air Flow, including Fan placement
Some dehydrators are better made than others, and fan placement makes a big difference in even dehydrating of foods. A fan at the back provides better air circulation and heat distribution than one at the bottom or top of the unit.
- Design
The aesthetic of your food dehydrator may be an important factor if you enjoy having matching appliance sin your kitchen. Deciding which colour or material you want your dehydrator to be can help you narrow down your search and ensure that you’ll be happy with it sitting on your counter.
Along with the appearance of your dehydrator, shape is also an important factor, especially in a smaller kitchen. A square or rectangular dehydrator will sit flush against the back of your counter and remain tucked away for a better us of space. A circular dehydrator, on the other hand, will sit out from the corner and draw attention to itself. If you have enough counter space, the shape won’t be so important and you can use other features when making your selection.
- Warranty
Things can always go wrong with any appliance, so a longer warranty is always a nice back-up in case it arrives damaged or something breaks within the warranty time-frame and can be replaced for free. While not a deal breaker, a warranty provides a little extra security that the machine is well-made and the supplier is confident that it will last for years to come.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of food dehydrators allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
