From large families, to health-conscious individuals, outdoor enthusiasts and simply backyard gardeners; the utility
of food dehydrators has gotten a large spectrum of the wider population hooked on letting go of commercial products and preparing their favorite snacks in a healthy and affordable manner! We have also written complete guides about best 2 slice toasters and best 4 slice toasters to change your cooking experience more than you can imagine!
Main types of Food Dehydrators
The food dehydrators industry has managed to develop a variety of different kinds of models with a key feature that sets each apart from its counterparts. These are predominantly dependent on the user’s personal preferences and the utility of each machine. Here are some of the common kinds of food dehydrators found online:
Food dehydrators with Adjustable stacking trays
One of the common kinds of food dehydrators easily available online come with interlocking stackable trays. These allow for addition of extra trays that occasionally need to be purchased separately. Furthermore, these have a vertically air flowing system that divides the warm air across each tray individually.
Digitally operated VS knob operation
Some of the food dehydrators available online are digitally operated while others come with manual knobs to help set your preferred temperature and time. Both have their individual set of advantages and should be opted for depending on the user’s usage. The digital control panel comes with a timer that helps you track the progress of your food items being dried while the machine with a knob operation reduces the chances of a malfunction commonly associated with digital control panels generally.
Food dehydrators with air filtration systems
Some food dehydrators available online come with air filtration systems that help purify the air off any dust any
subsequent allergens that could get settled into the food being dehydrated. These air filtration systems endorse the user’s healthy eating regime.
Food dehydrators with stainless steel racks
Food dehydrators with stainless steels racks are sometimes said to be a more healthier option than their plastic trays counterparts. This is probably because the plastic trays may sometimes be made from chemicals that can seep into the food items. However, the stainless-steel racks also mean that you can not dehydrate multiple different food items together because some might release odors that can settle into the others.
Key advantages of getting Food Dehydrators
Healthy eating in a world infested with commercially produced goods is quite difficult but not impossible! With food dehydrators, you cut down not only on the costs that you would have eventually invested in commercially bought items, but also the additives and preservatives found in these that are harmful for your overall health. Here are some common advantages of investing in in food dehydrators:
Drying out food items with food dehydrators means that there are no additives or preservatives added to your snacks hence making them an attractive option for health enthusiasts.
Compared to commercially prepared dried food items, the cost of drying out your own favorite food items is significantly lower.
Preparing dehydrated ingredients can significantly reduce your food preparation time.
Dehydrated ingredients are easy to store for longer periods of time and their reduced weight makes them an attractive option to carry with you on your outdoor adventure trips.
Key features of the best Food Dehydrators
The best of the best food dehydrators come with some common features that one must always look out for when
investing in one. However, majority of these features are dependent on the user’s personal preferences regarding a variety of different aspects found in these machines. Nonetheless, it is always a good idea to be on a look out for the common important features. Here is a list that will help you identify some of these important things to consider:
Interlocking stackable trays
If you are opting for a food dehydrator with trays, it is always a good idea to opt for one that comes with BPA free plastic interlocking stackable trays. These occasionally have room for adding a few more trays as well which can be purchased separately if need be. Adding more trays does not affect the time or effectivity of the dehydration process. Moreover, stackable trays are easy to clean up and store when not in use.
Digital control panel
A digital control panel allows users more control over working the food dehydrator. You can easily set the timer and temperature settings and monitor their progress without having to keep an eye out on a separate clock. With digital timers there is usually an indicative alarm as well which notifies the user when the dehydration process is complete.
Air filtration system
While preparing your own dried ingredients is healthy on its own, having an air filtration system in your food dehydrator only helps make it healthier. The air filtration ensures that the air is filtered for any dust and allergens before it is released across the trays holding the food. This way the warm air exposed to the food being dehydrated is clean and allergen free hence ensuring high nutrition and flavor.
Interior micro heat processor
An interior micro heat process in your food dehydrator will help regulate the internal temperature. This is effective as it prevents over or underheating of the food items being dried out. The heat processor regulates the temperature and holds it constant throughout the working of the food dehydrator.
Stainless steel racks
If you are opting for a food dehydrator with stainless steel racks, then it is always a good idea to ascertain the amount of food you will be drying out beforehand. The trays in these food dehydrators can be easily rearranged depending of the width of the food item. Furthermore, it is also advised that you dehydrate only a single kind of food at a time and not multiple because it could release smells that can get harbored in other foods.
Automatic shut off mechanism
As a safety measure, it is a good idea to invest in a food dehydrator that automatically shuts off after reaching a certain temperature or once the timer goes off. This will not only help conserve energy but also make sure that the appliance is not an unnecessary hazard.
Adjustable temperature knob
Some food dehydrators employ temperature knobs instead of digital controls. These are a good option especially because they help maintain temperatures more accurately as digital systems are susceptible to malfunctions often.
Transparent door
Having a transparent door or transparent trays in a food dehydrator allow user to monitor the progress of the food items getting dried. This reduces the general frequency of recurrently opening the main door of the machine to check up on the food inside. Furthermore, recurrently opening and closing the doors also means variation in temperature which could significantly affect the dehydration process.
Having already set the grounds for the importance of food dehydrators and the essential features to look out for when planning to invest in one, we have also put together a list of the best of the best food dehydrators easily available online. This comprehensive list will help cut down on your additional research time and allow you to make comparisons between different models conveniently.
Healthy and safe, the MAGIC MILL PRO Food Dehydrator is built to provide its users with safe homemade snacks that are lacking the harmful preservatives added in commercial foods. The dehydrator is designed for optimal functioning without over or under heating.
Healthy mechanism
The MAGIC MILL PRO Food Dehydrator can preserve food into healthy snacks without the addition of any preservatives. The dehydrator comes with a rear mounted fan that allows for holding up an even temperature for adequate drying of the food. The adjustable thermostat automatically shuts down when the machine reaches its optimal temperature for the food to become crispy.
Multiple accessories
Other than the two stainless steel trays, the MAGIC MILL PRO Food Dehydrator comes with additional accessories like two mesh and nonstick trays each along with an oven mitten to help dehydrate a variety of different kinds of food in the healthiest ways. The large spacious trays allow for a healthy amount of food to get dehydrated at a time making this a good option for large families.
Digital display
One of the best features of the MAGIC MILL PRO Food Dehydrator is that it is digitally managed which means that the user can set it up to their preferred temperature and timer at a quite accurate level for the dehydration process to take place optimally. The timer can be set up to almost 19.5 hours with a constant temperature that can be set between ranging between 95 degrees Fahrenheit and 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
The food dehydrator can be used for drying a variety of different kinds of foods ranging from fruits to meat.
The MAGIC MILL PRO Food Dehydrator has the capacity to dehydrate almost 6 ounces of food in one go.
To maintain safety precautions, the dehydrator automatically shuts down after the timer goes off.
Cons
Some users complained that the dehydrator takes too long to dehydrate food which results in high electricity bills.
The Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine Professional Electric Multi-Tier Food Preserver provides users an easy and
convenient way of preparing healthy snacks without any additives or preservatives! Ranging from herbs to meats, users can now witness the drying out process first hand with he help of the transparent doors given.
Maximum output in minimum time
Perhaps the best feature of the Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine Professional Electric Multi-Tier Food Preserver is that it allows you to dry out maximum amount of food in an optimal time frame. With 9 BPA free plastic trays complimentarily given by the manufacturers, the users can dehydrate a large batch of food without having to worry about any additives that are found in commercially manufactured items.
Digital control panel
Having a digital control panel allows the users of the Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine Professional Electric Multi-Tier Food Preserver to set accurate temperature levels along with timer settings according to the requirements of the food that they would like to dehydrate. The temperatures can be set from 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 158 degrees Fahrenheit up to a total of 19.5 hours. The digital control panel is easy to maneuver and can be mastered in only one go.
High tech design
The Chefman Food Dehydrator Machine Professional Electric Multi-Tier Food Preserver utilizes 600W of power to dehydrate a variety of things ranging from meat to fruits. The overall mechanism of the dehydrator ensures that there is even amount of airflow within the main compartment so that the food is dried at an optimal temperature without overheating or going bad.
Pros
The dehydrator automatically shuts down after reaching its optimal temperature levels.
The transparent doors of the dehydrator allow users to easily witness the whole process of dehydration without having to open the door to monitor progress and various intervals.
The countdown timer comes with an automatic alarm sound to let the user know that the dehydration process is complete.
Cons
The BPA free plastic trays may not be as healthy or having a longer lifespan as compared to stainless steel trays
With a patented Converga-flow drying system, the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator can dry food
without them loosing their nutritional value or flavorsome taste! With 5 expandable trays, you can dry out a number of different foods without worrying about the taste or smell of either of them getting integrated into the others.
Multiple expandable drying trays
The 5 drying trays of the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator are expandable in nature and can be expanded up to 12 depending on the amount of food that the user decides to dry. Each of the tray receives an even amount of dry air that converges in the center to avoid over drying or overheating.
Even dying
The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator employs the use of a high-tech drying system that forces warm air across the trays horizontally by passing it downward through the exterior chamber outside of the trays alignment. The drying system employs a top mounted fan that uses 600 watts of power to force warm even air downwards before it is diffused across the trays.
Nutrition and health maintained
Other than the fact that the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator dries out food without any additives or preservatives, the manufacturers of this dehydrator have also added an Opaque Vita-Save exterior to help maintain the nutritional content of the food being dried out for longer without the harmful light found in other dehydrators.
Pros
Other than the 5 drying trays, there are other accessories that also come with the dehydrator such as fruit rolling sheets and Clean screens.
The digital settings for temperature and time account for accuracy and help hold the nutritional and taste levels of the food evenly.
The dehydrator doesn’t require the user to add any additional spices and flavors while the dehydration process is taking place.
Cons
Some users complained about the dehydrator taking excessively long to dry out food items that would dry out faster if kept or hung out in the open.
Looking to cut costs on your commercially bought dehydrated food items? Well with the Ivation 400w Electric Food
Dehydrator Pro you will not only be cutting costs but also cutting back on the amount of preservatives consumed by the common individual today!
Digitally operated
The Ivation 400w Electric Food Dehydrator Pro is fully operated digitally which means that from setting the timer to temperature, the machine utilizes a digital control panel. There are 8 preset temperature options that the user can easily choose from to suit the food item that they wish to dry. Furthermore, the mechanism automatically shuts down upon reaching an optimal internal temperature.
Rear mounted fan
The main mechanism responsible for the dehydration process is the rear mounted fan which makes sure the warm air is circulated evenly around the interior of the dehydrator. This further eliminates the chances of overheating in any one section of the dehydrator which could potentially burn food or make it lose its flavor. Whether you are utilizing all 6 racks of the dehydrator or not, the system will still make sure that each rack receives optimal level of dry warm air to promote even drying.
Adjustable racks
The Ivation 400w Electric Food Dehydrator Pro comes with 6 adjustable and removable racks which make it easy for users to set the height of each rack according to the food item and its quantity. There is a separate drip tray also given that helps accumulate any unnecessary residue that would otherwise create a mess inside the dehydrator.
Pros
There is a single mesh and solid sheet also given in the package that help dry out small herbs and make fruit roll ups.
The automatic shut off timer helps lock in the nutrition and flavor all the while ensuring safety measures against overheating.
The preset temperature levels vary between 95 degrees Fahrenheit and 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cons
Some users complained that the dehydrator gave off a very strong stench in its initial running.
With all the features of an expensive dehydrator, the L’EQUIP 528 6 Tray Food Dehydrator gives you some of the yummiest dried food in an optimal time frame! The adjustable thermostat control along with the microprocessor ensure that there is uniform heat within the machine always.
Manual temperature controls
Despite having a 6-adjustable tray design, the L’EQUIP 528 6 Tray Food Dehydrator, 500-watt ensures even distribution of heat within the dehydrator. The Centra Flow mechanism makes sure that the warm air is evenly distributed throughout each tray without overheating in any one segment of the machine. There are manual temperature controls given so that the user can set the temperature according to personal preferences to obtain precise results. Moreover, there is also a microprocessor controlled heat sensor given that ensures the interior temperature of the dehydrator remains constant.
Adjustable trays design
One of the best features of the L’EQUIP 528 6 Tray Food Dehydrator, 500-watt is that it comes with an adjustable trays design which allows users to dry out a large amount of food in one go. There are 6 trays given in the packaging while there is capacity to easily stack up 12 in one go. There are also an additional 6 mesh screens and 2 fruit leather trays to make fruit roll ups given within the packaging.
Easy to maintain
Made from high grade BPA free plastic, the L’EQUIP 528 6 Tray Food Dehydrator, 500-watt is easy to relocate and clean up when not in use. The light weight of the dehydrator allows users to store it away conveniently which is further supported by the plastic make of the product as it does not corrode and has a long life.
Pros
The L’EQUIP 528 6 Tray Food Dehydratoris quite energy efficient andutilizes 530 watts of power to dry out the food without overheating.
The manual temperature controls allow for more control over setting your preferred temperature value.
The plastic materials allow for easy maintenance and clean up as you only need to soak up the trays for a while before washing them clean.
Cons
Lack of a digital control panel means that there is no automatic timer given that would shut off the system when the dehydration process is completed.
Compact and lightweight, the Gourmia GFD1550 Food Dehydrator With Digital Temperature Settings is built to provide you with your favorite treats with high nutritional value and zero additives or preservatives! With an additional cookbook given in the packaging, the users can experiment with a variety of different recipes suitable for the dehydrator.
Digital controls
The digital controls given in the Gourmia GFD1550 Food Dehydrator With Digital Temperature Settings help the user set their preferential temperatures with a countdown timer that gives an indication once the machine stops. The dehydrator can run up continually for a total of 36 hours without the user needing to check up on it repetitively. Furthermore, there is an internal sensor given which detects the uniformity of the heating to avoid overheating which can burn the food and make it lose its flavor.
5 stacking trays
With 5 stacking trays, the Gourmia GFD1550 Food Dehydrator With Digital Temperature Settings not only saves up on a lot of counter space as well as makes sure you can dehydrate your favorite treats in large amounts and an optimal time frame. This also reduces your overall costs associated with investing in commercially manufactured treats which also contain preservatives and additives that are not good for the health overall.
Easy maintenance
The Gourmia GFD1550 Food Dehydrator With Digital Temperature Settings is made from high grade plastic which is not only easy to clean but also easy to store away. The trays only require a soak up in soapy water before rinsing them clean. Furthermore, the high-grade plastic doesn’t let any food coloring sit in it.
Pros
The Gourmia GFD1550 Food Dehydrator With Digital Temperature Settings is cost efficient in terms of reducing the consumption of commercial foods and utilizing 500 watts of power.
The cookbook helps users try out different treats varying from fruit roll ups to beef jerky.
The 5 stacked up trays ensure that neither of the food items being dried up end up harboring unwanted smells of each other.
Cons
Some users complained that the plastic material used in the making of this dehydrator contains harmful chemicals that can cause cancer.
Whether you are looking to make some dried food or food lathers, the Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator has you covered well! This dehydrator comes with an internal venting system that adequately distributes air around each tray and there are additional food lather sheets given as well to make your own preferred food lathers.
Stackable locking trays
The Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator features 5 interlocking stackable high-grade BPA free plastic trays. These are adjustable as the dehydrator can easily accommodate up to 9 extra trays to help the user prepare a large amount of dried food in one go. The trays are interlocking in nature which means that each tray’s food items are kept separate from the other hence allowing for a variety of different items to get dried in one go.
Adjustable temperature knob
The temperature of the Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator can be adjusted via a knob given that features 5 preset settings that the user can choose from. These include, Off, high, low, medium and only fan. The adjustable knob is said to be more reliable than digital controls as the system can rarely ever malfunction or go wary with the temperature levels with a knob controlling the temperature.
Even distribution of hot air
The Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator incorporates a new fan system that allows for the even distribution of air throughout the dehydrator. The interlocking trays are separate from one another and the air flow is horizontally distributed amongst them so that each part of the tray is well accounted for and no part is neglected or overheated in the process.
Pros
The Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator comes with fruit roll up sheets to help users make fruit roll ups easily.
Extra interlocking trays are easily available online and can be ordered alongside the dehydrator.
The plastic nature of the trays allows for easy maintenance and cleaning.
Cons
The Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator runs on 620 watts of power which can run up your electricity bills.
Trying out a food dehydrator for the first time? The Nesco FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator Kit with Jerky Gun is the perfect option for beginners! With its single temperature setting, user’s don’t have to worry about setting up any complicated temperature and timer settings which can occasionally go wrong.
Fan-Flow technology
The Nesco FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator Kit with Jerky Gun employs Fan-Flow technology that allows for fast and even drying of the food items placed in the machine. The even drying out process ensures that each tray gets the adequate amount of warm air required so that the user doesn’t have to rotate the trays. There is a single temperature option setting which automatically gets set as the machine is turned on.
Easy maintenance
The detachable nature of the trays included in the Nesco FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator Kit with Jerky Gun makes it easy to clean the dehydrator from within. The trays are also dish washer safe and the power head’s detachable nature allows for adequate air flow to avoid the accumulation of unwanted stenches post the dehydration process.
Multiple accessories
One of the best features of the Nesco FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator Kit with Jerky Gun is that it comes with all the essential accessories required for drying out your favorite food items. This means that the user does not need to invest in getting any additional items as all are easily available with the packaging. The accessories include, 4 detachable trays, an easy to maneuver jerky gun with 3 different tip sizes and some additional spice and curry packs.
Pros
Cuts down on your electricity bills as only requires 350 watts of power.
Comes with 4 detachable plastic trays that are dish washer compatible.
The packaging includes four different flavors of jerky spices for the user to try out.
Cons
The Nesco FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator Kit with Jerky Gun functions on a single temperature setting which may not be suitable for drying out other food items.
The Kitchen Electric Pro 5 Tier Food Dehydrator is the perfect food dehydrator for any beginner looking for a fast and healthy alternate to dry food items! The machine’s 5 tier trays enhance air flow and promote even drying of a number of different food items.
5 clear stackable trays
The 5 clear stackable trays of the Kitchen Electric Pro 5 Tier Food Dehydrator allow for maximum amount of food to get dehydrated in an optimal time frame. The trays are stacked over one another but that does not constrict their air flow as each tray receives warm air horizontally to account for an even level so that not one part of the dehydrator overheats or remains underheated.
One preset temperature
It is quite easy to make the Kitchen Electric Pro 5 Tier Food Dehydrator work as only requires a single press button. This also means that the machine is preset at one temperature and for optimal drying of the food. To dehydrate the food, the machine is programmed to hit a maximum of 180 degrees Fahrenheit after which it holds the temperature steady.
Easy to clean and maintain
The Kitchen Electric Pro 5 Tier Food Dehydrator comes with detachable trays that allow for easy cleaning of the machine from within as well washing the trays separately. The detachable nature of the trays means that the machine gets aired out and cools down faster as well when you remove them. Furthermore, the height and width of the trays is optimal as it allows for easy cleaning of all corners and sections.
Pros
The dehydrator works on one press button that is responsible for setting a maximum temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Kitchen Electric Pro 5 Tier Food Dehydrator dries out the food without ripping them off their essential vitamins and minerals.
The plastic construction of the dehydrator makes it lightweight and easy to store away when not in use.
Cons
The lack of additional temperature settings makes it difficult to dry out a variety of different food items.
Convenience at its best; the L’EQUIP FilterPro Food Dehydrator is the epitome of healthy eating without making you go broke! The dehydrator’s air filtration system sets it apart from its counterparts as the snacks are prepared dust and allergen free in optimal time!
Digitally operational
The L’EQUIP FilterPro Food Dehydrator consists of digital displays for both temperature and timer settings. Both can be set according to personal preferences via the rotation of separate knobs given. The temperature and timer ensure that different food items are dried out in their optimal time and temperature. furthermore, there is an automatic 24 hour shut down mechanism for safety purposes as well eliminating overheating.
Even drying mechanism
Perhaps the best feature of the L’EQUIP FilterPro Food Dehydrator is that it consists of an air filtration system that filters the warm air for dust and other allergens before evenly spreading it across the trays of the dehydrator. This way the drying out food is only exposed to clean air to ensure the preparation of healthy snacks.
Multiple trays
The L’EQUIP FilterPro Food Dehydrator comes with 6 trays given within the packaging. These are made from high grade BPA free plastic material which makes maintenance easy and convenient. Furthermore, two of the trays are a bit deeper than the other to accommodate larger items and yoghurt. There is further space for stacking additional trays up to a total of 15.
Pros
A micro heat sensor given within the dehydrator ensure that the warm air being circulated is held at a constant temperature without overheating of any specific section.
The trays are made from BPA free plastic material which eliminates the contamination of the food via harmful chemicals
The air filtration system makes sure the food items only receive clean air to ensure the making of healthy snacks.
Cons
The trays are not transparent which makes it difficult to monitor the drying process and requires the user to stop the machine to check on it.
Food plays a vital part in everyone’s lives and with the recent hype of health concerns accumulated around commercially manufactured food items, people are actively looking for healthier options. Food dehydrators are an effective and fast way of making your favorite snacks without additives and preservatives.
as it prevents over or underheating of the food items being dried out. The heat processor regulates the temperature and holds it constant throughout the working of the food dehydrator.
that are lacking the harmful preservatives added in commercial foods. The dehydrator is designed for optimal functioning without over or under heating.
yummiest dried food in an optimal time frame! The adjustable thermostat control along with the microprocessor ensure that there is uniform heat within the machine always.
provide you with your favorite treats with high nutritional value and zero additives or preservatives! With an additional cookbook given in the packaging, the users can experiment with a variety of different recipes suitable for the dehydrator.
has you covered well! This dehydrator comes with an internal venting system that adequately distributes air around each tray and there are additional food lather sheets given as well to make your own preferred food lathers.
the perfect option for beginners! With its single temperature setting, user’s don’t have to worry about setting up any complicated temperature and timer settings which can occasionally go wrong.
and healthy alternate to dry food items! The machine’s 5 tier trays enhance air flow and promote even drying of a number of different food items.
go broke! The dehydrator’s air filtration system sets it apart from its counterparts as the snacks are prepared dust and allergen free in optimal time!
