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A dehydrator preserves fruits, vegetables, and other foods by removing moisture and preventing the growth of harmful microbes. It also reduces the size of the food, making it easier to store large amounts in a single bag or container. To help you find the right machine, the This Old House Team researched 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
- $159.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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
- $135.99
- $199.99
- 32% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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
- $86.48
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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 Nine-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
- $249.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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
- $69.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
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.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
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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