Do you know what percentage of all food produced globally goes to waste? According to the UN FAO, nearly 30% of all food globally is wasted. A food dehydrator helps combat this by preserving produce for 6 to 12 months, depending on the food type and storage method. This quality makes dehydrators valuable for humans.
But there are so many models available in the market that make it very difficult to decide which one is better for me. In this article, you’ll find the best food dehydrators according to type, budget, and performance along with top picks dehydrators for home use which make it easy for you to choose the right one for home use.
What to Look for in a Food Dehydrator
1. Size and Capacity
Before buying, think about how much space you have in your kitchen for it. Also, how much food do you want to dry at once? Small models are good for small kitchens but too much food in one tray means slower drying. Big models have more trays (6-20), which means more food and saves time, but they need more space. Always choose a size according to your space and needs.
2. Temperature Range
A good dehydrator must have a wide temperature range normally between 80°F and 160°F. Low temperature is best for herbs or raw foods. High temperature is best for drying meat safely. Temperature needs to remain consistent. If it jumps around your food may spoil or dry unevenly. If you want more control, look for adjustable settings. Make sure the thermostat is accurate for long drying times.
3. Material
How strong and easy to clean a food dehydrator is depends on the material used. BPA-free plastic trays are light and cheap, but they can bend when heated. Stainless steel trays can be used for a long time and do not hold stains or smells. Some models come with mesh screens to help dry small or sticky foods. Always choose nonporous, heat-resistant materials that will withstand repeated use without retaining food residue or moisture.
4. Noise Level
Well, the most annoying thing is that dehydrators make noise because of the fan inside. Basically, the level of noise depends upon the model. Make sure to test the noise level before you buy. If you are sensitive to noise or live in a small space, pick a quiet or low-noise model.
5. Budget
Dehydrators come in different price ranges. Note down your budget and compare models to find the best one. Basic models are cheaper and work well for light use but may not last long or dry unevenly. Pricier ones usually have better features like timers, digital controls, and stronger materials.
If you are a pro then it is better to spend more once than to buy something cheap that does not work well. As they say, you get what you pay for. But do not overspend if you are just starting because you can always upgrade later.
6. Airflow Type
Dehydrators come with two airflow styles, either horizontal or vertical. Horizontal airflow pushes hot air from the side or back, so all trays get the same heat. That means food dries more evenly, and you don’t have to move trays around. Vertical airflow moves air from the top or bottom which can cause uneven drying. You will need to rotate trays more frequently.
"Successful dehydration depends on three things: time + airflow + heat," says Ward. "If you overload layers or crowd the trays, it blocks the airflow and traps the heat which can cause uneven drying—or worse, let bacteria grow.
Watch the review video about Septree & Cosori↓
Best for Home Use
There are tons of models available in the market. We have selected the most reliable options based on performance, design, and user satisfaction.
※ Best Overall
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator
Features: Digital thermostat and timer- automatic shut off, stainless steel trays with fruit roll trays, and hanging rack for jerky. Easy to use and clean, dishwasher-safe trays. Even dries because of the rear mount fan, large capacity, and quiet operation.
Best for: Jerky, beef, herb, vegetable, fruit, granola, fruit leathers, bread crumbs, and for preserving herbs, nuts, and flowers.
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※ Best Value
Features: Comes with 8 dishwasher-safe trays and expandable to 30 trays, plastic trays are BPA-free and dishwasher-safe. A converge-flow drying system means no tray rotation is needed.
Best for: Everyday dehydrating, fruits, veggies, jerky, long-term use, and all-rounder for both beginners and regular users.
※ Best Budget
Septree 4-Trays Food Dehydrator
Features: Cheap dehydrator under $100, Compact size, 4 stainless steel trays, temperature range of 70-190°F, digital control display, and BPA-free material
Best for: Small family, dehydrated beef jerky, nuts, vegetables, fruit leather, and pet treats.
Buy now! $82.64 (5% off with code SAVE5)
※ Best for Beginners
COSORI CP267-FD Food Dehydrator
Features: Temperature range 95-165°F, 5 Stainless Steel Trays, Dishwasher-safe trays, and quiet operation.
Best for: Small families, first-time users, and dehydrated dog treats, meat, fruit, and veggies.
※ Best for Large Batches
Septree FDST01-10 Food Dehydrator
Features: Horizontal, Stainless steel 10 trays, lower cost than Excalibur 10-Tray Series. Low noise than competitors (45dB to 50dB), separate electric box for easy cleaning, digital control panel, adjustable thermostat, and a temperature range from 70-190°F.
Best for: Commercial, beginners, comes with sufficient accessories, long-term use, and dehydrated fruit, jerky, beef, veggies, herbs, meat, dog food, or tomatoes.
※ Best for Large Batches, Runner-up
Features: Glass drawbridge door and top viewing window, 10 stainless steel-plated trays, temperature range from 85-165°F, and LED touchscreen front panel.
Best for: Dehydrate more variety of foods like meat, fruit, and herbs.
FAQs
What's a good wattage for a dehydrator?
Most effective dehydrators operate between 500–1000 watts. Low wattage suits herbs and flowers while high wattage is good for meat.
Which is better: plastic or stainless steel dehydrator?
A stainless steel food dehydrator is more durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains. Some plastic food dehydrators like Nesco and Tribest still perform well but are less long-lasting.
Best food dehydrator under $100?
Septree’s 4-trays cheap dehydrator offers strong performance for a low price. It is ideal for beginners and small families.
Should I vent my dehydrator?
Yes, vent your dehydrator to release excess moisture and for even drying. Some models automatically vent while others require manual adjustment. Always check your manual for specific guidelines.