Best products from r/dehydrating
We found 33 comments on r/dehydrating discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 30 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. NESCO FD-75A, Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator, Gray
- EVEN HEAT DISTRIBUTION: 600 watts of drying power provides even heat distribution; consistent drying that is four times faster than other food dehydrators
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE CONTROL: The adjustable temperature control (95°F -160°F) gives you the flexibility to achieve the best results when drying different foods that need varying temperature settings
- EXPANDABLE TO 12 TRAYS: Comes with five (13 1/2″ diameter) trays and expands up to 12 trays so you can dry large quantities at once with no tray rotation needed; additional trays sold separately
- EXPANDABLE TO 12 TRAYS: Comes with five (13 1/2″ diameter) trays and expands up to 12 trays so you can dry large quantities at once with no tray rotation needed; additional trays sold separately
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: (2) Fruit Roll Sheet, (2) Clean-A-Screens, a sample of Jerky Seasoning & Cure, and (1) Care & Use Guide
- MADE IN THE USA: Proudly made in the USA of global and domestic components. Only the powerhead of this item is imported from China. The rest of the product is 100% made and assembled in the USA
Features:
2. Hamilton Beach 32100A Digital Food Dehydrator, 5 Tray, Gray
- 48 hour timer with auto shutoff and clear lid so you can easily check food
- Adjustable digital thermostat lets you adjust drying temperature (100-160° F)
- Continuous airflow provides even drying
- Five stackable drying trays and powerful 500 watts
- Includes one fine-mesh sheet for drying small food like herbs and one solid sheet for making fruit rolls
Features:
3. Gourmia GFD1680 Countertop Electric Food Dehydrator - 6 Drying Trays - Digital Countdown Timer - Preset Temperature Settings - Recipe Book Included
- Healthy & delicious : A more flavorful, preservative-free, and cost-friendly alternative to commercial products.
- 6 Trays : Simultaneously dry a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, or meats.
- Digital controls: LED touch interface allows for easy setting of time and temperature.
- Transparent Window : Designed with a clear door that allows you to monitor the dehydration progress.
- 360° Airflow circulation : Provides thorough, uniform drying without overheating, no rotation required.
Features:
4. Food Dehydrator Machine, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, 8 Trays, for Jerky/Meat/Beef/Fruit/Vegetable, BPA Free/400 Watt/Updated
- ✓Upgraded Version- Includes one fine-mesh sheet for drying small food like herbs and one solid fruit roll tray for making fruit roll-ups. 8 trays & 400 watt: More drying space and dry quickly!
- ✓Precise Timer & Temperature- Precise timer ranging from 1 to 72 hours in 30-minute increments and adjustable temperature setting ranging from 95-158℉/35-70 ℃ allow you to dry out different types of food at proper and accurate temperatures.
- ✓Large Capacity- 8-layer large drying space can dry a large amount of food at once. Two ways to place for different sizes: Rotate trays one by one in 180 degrees to get different heights, 3cm and 1.7cm.
- ✓No rotation needed- The bottom-mounted fan and heating element provide consistant air flow for optimum drying. 400 watts of power generates maximum speed and quality for fast drying. Tray liners are 100% BPA-FREE, which is safe to use.
- ✓Attention! Please contact us for a free replacement if you receive broken trays!!! Compact size: Fashion square appearance; easy to store; Multifunction food dehydrator, make whatever Jerky、 fruit rollups you want. Extensible Capacity - Eight stackable trays, flexible and extensible large capacity.
Features:
5. LEM Products 10 Tray Food Dehydrator with Digital Timer
- Ten (15") square trays provide up to 15 square feet of drying area
- Powerful rear-mounted fan and 800 watt heating element provide quick drying and consistent texture
- Easy to read LED digital timer
- Food grade ABS trays go right into sink for easy clean up
- Thermostat adjusts from 85°F to 155°F; Complete instruction manual included
Features:
6. Nesco American Harvest FD-1040 Gardenmaster 1000-Watt Digital Food Dehydrator
1000 watts of drying power provides even heat distributionAdjustable digital time & temperature control (90°F - 160°F)(4) BPA Free trays with 1 sq. ft. of drying area per tray - Expandable to 20 traysProudly made in the USA of global and domestic componentsIncludes (1) Fruit Roll Sheet, (1) Clean-...
7. Nesco Snackmaster Encore Food dehydrator, Gray
500 watts of drying power provides even heat distributionAdjustable temperature control (95°F - 160°F)(5) BPA Free trays with 0. 8 sq. ft. of drying area per tray - Expandable to 12 traysProudly made in the USA of global and domestic componentsIncludes (1) Jerky Gun with three tip attachments, (2)...
8. Peak Instant Full-Cream Dry Whole Milk Powder, 400-Grams
Includes 400g (14.1 oz) can of Peak Milk Powder.Full cream milkHard to find milk powder in demand worldwide!Makes delicious milkEnjoy anytime…just add water!
9. Crawford Kitchen Commercial Food Dehydrator | Stainless Steel Body & Trays | Pro Quality Dehydrated Raw Food & Jerky Maker | 650W Ultra High Effieciency Design
PRO: Achieve professional drying results with vegetables, fruits, fruit leathers, berries, nuts, meats, jerky, and much more.DIGITAL: Precise heating and timing controls ensure repeatable results saving you time and frustration.STAINLESS: Easy to clean stainless steel is utilized for the body. Makes...
10. Excalibur 3948CDB 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator Clear Door for Viewing Progress Adjustable Thermostat 48-hour Timer Automatic Shut Off 15 Square Feet of Drying Space Made in USA, 9-Tray, Black
- CLEAR DOOR - The 3948CDB electric food dehydrator features a clear door so that you can view progress without interrupting the drying process
- TIME AND TEMPERATURE - Features a 48-hour digital timer with two time two temperatures settings that speed up the drying process The adjustable thermostat ranges from 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- LOW AND SLOW FOR IMMUNITY BOOST - Cooking foods at a temperature no higher than 115-118 degrees in a dehydrator preserves nutrients and enzymes.
- HEALTHY SNACKS - Dehydrate fruits vegetables nuts meat for jerky fruit puree for fruit roll-ups raise bread or make homemade yogurt Great for large families gardeners and sportsmen
- Includes110/120 Volt model designed exclusively for use in North America. 600 Watts. Made in the USA with USA and globally sourced materials
Features:
11. Excalibur 2900ECB 9-Tray Food Dehydrator with Adjustable Thermostat for Temperature Control Patented Technology for Faster and Efficient Drying 15 Square Feet Drying Space Made in USA, 9-Tray, Black
- SIZE: 9-trays and 15 square feet of drying space provides extra-large capacity for your favorite snacks
- TEMPERATURE: The adjustable thermostat ranges from 105 degrees Fahrenheit to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature range is low enough to preserve active enzymes in fruits and vegetables and is also high enough to meet safety standards for dehydrating meat for jerky
- DELICIOUS SNACKS: Dehydrate fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat for jerky, fruit puree for fruit roll-ups, flowers, herbs, pet treats, raise bread, or make arts and crafts. Great for large families, gardeners, and sportsmen
- EASY TO USE: Trays do not need to be moved or rotated during dehydration. Trays can also be removed if necessary to increase the height needed to dehydrate bulky items or raise dough
- 110/120 Voltage and 400 Watts
- Made in the USA with USA and globally sourced materials
Features:
12. Mandoline Slicer w/ 5 Adjustable Blades - Vegetable Slicer - Food Slicer - Vegetable Cutter - Cheese Slicer - Vegetable Julienne Slicer with 5 Surgical Grade Stainless Steel Blades (White)
- THE #1 TOOL FOR HEALTHY EATING: Quickly turn bland and boring vegetables into the most mouth watering part of your whole meal by "redesigning" your food with 5 slicer settings
- SAFEST SLICER ON THE MARKET: Built using Food-Safe ABS plastics to keep your food clean & chemical free, Slip-Resistant Rubber Footing to prevent slippage accidents, and finger saving Slice guards all in one slicer!
- CUTS PREP TIME IN HALF: Perfectly julienne whole carrots in 3 seconds or less. Paper thin potato slices for homemade potato chips? Under 2 seconds. Welcome to the 21st century of cooking.
- CHEF APPROVED KITCHEN TECHNOLOGY: Durable blades, high grade stainless steel. Strong enough for a commercial kitchen. Convenient enough for a home cook.
- TRY IT RISK FREE FOR 90 DAYS: Try our LiBa mandoline slicer for a full 90 days and if you don't absolutely love it then you PAY NOTHING! Limited time only. Patent Pending
Features:
13. Ivation 9 Tray Countertop Digital Food Dehydrator Drying Machine 600w with Preset Temperature Settings, Auto Shutoff Timer and Even Heat Circulation for Beef Jerky, Fruits, Vegetables & Nuts
- Enjoy Homemade Easy Healthy Snacks,Without Additives or Preservatives, at a Fraction of the Cost of Commercially Dehydrated Foods
- Perfect For Drying Fruit Slices, Long-Lasting Dried Herbs, Delicious Beef Jerky & More, Also an Economical Way to Preserve Foods
- Rear-Mounted Fan Is Designed To Promote Even Drying with Optimal Airflow Without Overheating, and a Adjustable Thermostat with Automatic Shutoff Timer Ensures That Foods Are Dehydrated At Their Optimal Temperature and Crispiness
- 9 Spacious, (13” X 12”) Adjustable Drying Racks Accommodate A Wide Variety Of Fruits, Herbs, Vegetables, And Meats, Great For Large Families, Gardeners, Sportsmen, Outdoor Hobbyists, Health-Conscious Enthusiast
- Digital Thermostat has Eight Temperature Levels From 95º F To 158º F, Includes 1 Nonstick Fine-Mesh Sheet For Drying Small Food Like Herbs, 1 Solid Sheet For Making Fruit Roll-Ups, Overheating Safety Protection, Complies With US Electrical Safety Regulations ETL, Product Dimensions: 17.71 x 13.5 x 16.3 inch
Features:
15. Excalibur 2400 Electric Food Dehydrator with Adjustable Thermostat Accurate Temperature Control Faster & Efficient Drying, 4-Tray, Black
- 5-YEAR Limited Coverage
- COMPACT: The 2400 dehydrator is a 4-Tray dehydrator with four square feet of drying space
- THE PERFECT STARTER: The Economy dehydrator performs like larger models and is a great starter to try out dehydrating
- LOW AND SLOW FOR IMMUNITY BOOST: Cooking foods at a temperature no higher than 115-118 degrees in a dehydrator preserves nutrients and enzymes.
- TEMPERATURE: The adjustable thermostat ranges from 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature range is low enough to preserve active enzymes in fruits and vegetables and also high enough to meet safety standards for dehydrating meat for jerky
Features:
16. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dehydrating Foods: Simple Techniques and Over 170 Recipes for Creating and Using Dehydrated Foods
17. Set of 3 - 14 x 14 Inches - Excalibur ParaFlexx Ultra Silicone Re-usable Non-stick Dehydrator Sheets
Set of 3 Excalibur Dehydrator Easy to clean Sheets - Each measures 14 x 14 inches squareSheet is Non-stick and Re-usable - Silicone ParaFlexx Ultra dehydrator Silicone SheetsFits Excalibur 2500, 2900 & 3900 Series DehydratorsIdeal Gift for Home Bakers - Perfect for making roll-ups, cookies, crackers...
18. NSI Industries TORK 401A Easy-Set Indoor 15-Amp Mechanical Plug-In Lighting and Appliance Timer - Multiple On/Off Settings - Compatible with Incandescent/Compact Fluorescent/LED - Features 1 Outlet Receptacle
- Handles up to 15 amp resistive loads, 10 amp tungsten lighting loads, or 1/3 HP motor loads at 125 VAC
- Multiple on/off settings over a 24-hour period in 15-minute intervals
- Indoor plug-in with one device outlet
- Works with LED and CFL lights
- CSA listed for quality assurance
Features:
19. 3-Pack Premium Silicone 14" x 14" Non-Stick Generic Dehydrator Re-Usable Sheets for Excalibur, L'equip, Sedona
Made from durable, Food-Grade silicone Certified Food Contact Safe LFGB approvalNo need for oil, cooking sprays, or parchment paper Flexible sheets provide easy maneuvering, compact storage Reusable many timesOven and Dehydrator Safe - For use up to 500 Deg. Fahrenheit Transfers heat uniformly for c...
20. 5 Gram Pack of 50 "Dry & Dry" Premium Pure & Safe Silica Gel Packets Desiccant Dehumidifiers - Food Safe Rechargeable Paper
(SPECIAL NOTE) Please don't be affected by unreasonable top negative reviews created by competitor's suspicious activities. SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE. 100 % SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - 100% Refund or New Replacement BEYOND REFUND PERIOD if you are not happy with our product.(See Our Customers' Reviews-Worl...
Personally, I'd skip the very expensive Excalibur units at this time. Stick with a cheaper and more basic ones at first to see if it's something you'll continue to do over time.
I have only had 1 dehydrator; the Nesco FD-75. I bought it about 1.5 years ago and I absolutely love it. It comes with 5 trays but can be expanded to 12 trays. I bought 2 extra trays because I need 7 trays to make a 5lb (beginning weight) jerky batch. I use is probably twice a month for jerky, dried fruits, or to dehydrate meals for backpacking. I think the biggest surprise was a backpacking Ratatouille. I made this for backpacking but I've used it more for pot lucks and dips for guests.
It has a temperature control but not a timer which, for me, isn't an issue. If I need a timer then I use one of these timers because I already have 3 of them for other uses. Clean up is easy since the heating and fan are on top. Everything below can be either hand washed or go through the dishwasher.
The best thing about this unit is the price; less than $70. This made it a reasonable investment at the time so I could see if I would use the dehydrator like I planned. I didn't want to spend a couple of hundred dollars for something and end up not using it. So far I've used this dehydrator for about 20 months and it looks like it's going to last for a while longer. I haven't had the first issue.
I just posted this comment elsewhere, I have had a good experience with this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Nesco-Snackmaster-Food-Dehydrator-FD-75A/dp/B0090WOCN0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418357260&sr=8-1&keywords=nesco+snackmaster
It can be used to many so many different cool snacks, and the best part is that YOU made them!
it works very well for making beef jerky. It dries evenly.
If anyone is interested, heres a quick list of useful things:
1.) The beef jerky you make should cost about 35% of store bought beef jerky.
2.) Use large freezer bags to marinade the beef jerky.
3.) Try to time your day out when you make jerky, put the jerky in marinade overnight and then right when you get home put it into the dehydrator, that way you can stay up a little bit late if it takes too long, or take it out when it's ready so it doesn't overdehydrate and get brittle. You don't want to be away from home with it running in the dehydrator, because sometimes it will go quicker and then it may get overdried. It seems like it would take a LOT for that to happen though, a few hours past the correct time.
4.) Make sure to cut the meat across the grain, it will be super tough if you cut it with the grain. My best results are having the meat cut at 1/2 inch thick, across the grain, with "eye round roast" beef.
5.) Make sure to clean the dehydrator well when you are done. Be careful that you don't deform or melt the plastic trays in the dishwasher.
6.) Follow this recipe for jerky, it worked great for me http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Docs-Best-Beef-Jerky/
I have both the Presto dehydrator and the Nesco American Harvest FD-1040 Gardenmaster 1000-Watt Digital Food Dehydrator. I like them both but the Nesco is definitely better quality than the Presto (but also more expensive). The Nesco is easier to clean and I like that the fan and heating elements are on the top which prevents them from getting dripped on.
I have used the Nesco to make beef jerky from ground beef as well as fruit leather and dried lime and lemon.
The Excalibur's get great reviews but or more pricey. I have seen smaller less expensive Excalibur versions at Walmart.
I bought this one used but in new condition from Amazon Warehouse and it was brand new just repackaged and works great for my jerky and dehydrating apples etc. Goes up to 160 degrees and has a timer that can go 24 hours and auto shutoff. Usually I set it for 160 degrees for 6 hours overnight for my jerky and it's ready in the morning. I bought it in the U.S. but here is a link to it on Amazon EU and check under the used link for cheaper but also free shipping and the same warranty thru Amazon. Good Luck!
https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-32100A-Dehydrator-Vegetables/dp/B012CG8N26/ref=sr_1_10?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1525404563&sr=1-10&keywords=dehydrator
I copied my reply to another post but still holds up
I borrowed a dehydrator from a friend and it had an on/off switch and that was it. I had no idea how warm the thing got or anything. I tried dehydrating a few different things with it but the results always varied and sometimes cooked/burned more than dehydrated. So I would definitely recommend one with adjustable temperatures.
One temp definitely doesn't fit all purposes. I ended up getting a Nesco off Amazon. I got this one. It's a little pricy than a thrifted one but I haven't regretted it and have made perfectly dehydrated mushrooms, fruit leather, and herbs. I still want to try an onion (outdoors!) and jerky.
Mine takes up less than 3 sq ft. Probably less than 2. Here's a link:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002WSQHU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bought the maximum number of trays I could along with the tray inserts for sauces and fruit leathers and drying herbs, when not in use they all sit inside the dehydrator which sits in the bottom of my pantry or on top of the fridge if it's running. I've had it since 2013 and while I don't see it saving space on food much it's been a worthwhile investment. I think it would be just fine in that amount of space, I pulled it off in mine with 2 people, 3 cats, too much furniture and 150 sq feet of that being a studio space. Also! They are super light so they can stack pretty much anywhere. I can carry the whole thing stacked up with all the trays with one hand when it's ready to store it.
I went the same route - the Nesco is a beast for the price! I gave it to a friend when I upgraded to the monster 9-tray Excalibur & she's still using it to this day!
I actually just donated my Excalibur to a friend because I upgraded to a Breville Air (combination airfryer, convenction oven, bread proof, and dehydrator)...it's a lot smaller & I have to angle my Paraflexx sheets to make them fit, but I have a tiny kitchen & only had room for one gadget, so this way I can dehydrate almost every night...fruit, veggies, herbs, spices, fruit rollups, jerky (sous-vide jerky lately!), and so on (or keep my no-knead bread in a warm environment, as it's been pretty cold where I live, haha!).
With the caveat that I haven't tried either of these, the prices have dropped quite a bit on nice-quality machines that have automatic timers & temperature ranges of 95F to 158F. Homdox has a well-reviewed 8-tray stackable dehydrator:
Gourmia has made kind of a mini Excalibur for $90 with 6 trays that is more appliance-style:
Lots of nice options out there today!
Check out the Bear Creek line of dried soups to copycat. They taste great, so they put some research into things that work. Also check out Amazon for things like cheese powder, etc. that are hard to make at home. I can personally recommend Peak milk powder, got it for camping and continued it for use as creamer at home, it's honestly delicious.
We just bought this Crawford Kitchen and we didn't move any trays around at all. I didn't know it was a thing. As we don't have any experience with any other models, I can't say about anything other than everything turned out fine with ours. It says 650W, but it's 1000W, so it works pretty fast. I guess it is probably a lot more expensive to run, but the fruit is great and now we know what we are eating.
What price range are you looking for? I purchased my excalibur off amazon for way less than the $400+ you mentioned.
This is the model I purchased and it's been treating me well. It is only about $160 as well, which while not cheap is imo worth it for the square trays and large drying area.
This all depends on what you want to do with it though. I make jerky frequently so the bigger area is great for larger batches.
>Tough to cut a round item flat.
I bought a similar item to this about 10 years ago, best $20-30 I've ever spent.
It allows you to slice everyting into rings, finely dice things, or slice potatoes into a french fry shape.
It's worth it of you are planning to dehydrate lots. I did a big batch of banana chips over the weekend and each one of them has come out with a perfect uniform size and they all dried at the same rate.
Electric Beef Jerky Countertop Food Dehydrator for a Healthy Diet, Extend Shelf Life, with 9 Drying Racks, Digital Temperature Controls and Timer with Automatic Shutoff, Even Dry From 95ºF to 158ºF https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B072JZLPBC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FXBMAbNGT2QYJ
I use the 6 tray model of this one. The rear fan gives you more even heat across the trays and the temp control makes it easier to do a variety of things. I use 115f for fruit and 158f for meat.
Yes, I used something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Bakers-Angel-Flake-Sweetened-Coconut/dp/B003ZZ8DEC
good luck!
I just got the Excalibur 2400... $149 on Amazon. Been loving it so far. Aaaand, looks like it's $40 off right now. http://www.amazon.com/Excalibur-2400-4-Tray-Economy-Dehydrator/dp/B0047WOWHE#
conditioning means putting it into a jar and closing the lid and waiting a a day so the moisture goes from piece to piece so all evenly dried.
but i wouldnt wait that long and would eat right away.
my sister got me this book and has great temps and directions.
[book] (http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Dehydrating-Guides/dp/1615642269)
Get a square silicone baking mat. Or cut a rectanglular one? Also plastic wrap will definitely not work, parchment paper is your best bet.
Edit: boom --> https://www.amazon.com/Set-Excalibur-ParaFlexx-Re-usable-Dehydrator/dp/B00RM1QSWE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1550446078&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Excalibur+ParaFlexx+Ultra+Silicone+Re-usable+Non-stick+Sheets&dpPl=1&dpID=41CJtIATnBL&ref=plSrch
i'd check craigslist first. you can get some really good deals there.
having a timer is a nice feature but it can be easily replicated by adding a plug timer. I couldn't find exactly what i was looking for but this gives you an idea: http://www.amazon.com/401A-Mechanical-Multiple-Lighting-Polarized/dp/B00435FRXS/ref=sr_1_4?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1409237089&sr=1-4&keywords=light+timer
I got this for $175. It works great!
I would do it. They’re cheap and it’s good insurance. Here’s 50 for $10. https://www.amazon.com/Dry-Premium-Packets-Desiccant-Dehumidifiers/dp/B00DYKTS9C
Make sure you store the leftover packets correctly.
If you have the choice find a unit with the fan/heating element at the rear instead of the top or bottom. Also square is easier to work with than round. I have the 5 tray version of this http://www.amazon.com/LEM-Products-Dehydrator-Digital-Timer/dp/B004VLKT3W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451493203&sr=8-1&keywords=dehydrator+lem Which is the LEM version of this http://www.amazon.com/Excalibur-3500B-Deluxe-Dehydrator-Black/dp/B002SHNIW0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451493100&sr=8-2&keywords=dehydrator+5+tray.
I use this one and I love it. When I bought it it was $49, but I'd buy it again at $59.
Hamilton Beach 32100A Digital Food Dehydrator 5 Tray Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012CG8N26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ASBxCb96YS7JX
these are working well for me and are cheaper than the excalibur brand ones https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01INZBTU8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nesco Snackmaster Pro works well for me.
Haha I got a two tray expansion and the fruit leather tray so I’m assuming that my mom also got me the dehydrator to go with it. Unless she’s being a total jerk.
NESCO FD-75A, Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator, Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0090WOCN0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_a8e1DbEK4DXFV
Get the $75 Nesco Dehydrator instead of messing around with fans and air filters, and you will never look back.