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The best food dehydrators for nutritious and delicious snacks | CNN Underscored

The Best Food Dehydrators of 2023: Expert-Tested Picks for Preserving Your Harvest

In an era where home food preservation is making a comeback—driven by sustainability trends, cost-saving measures, and the sheer joy of DIY snacks—food dehydrators have emerged as kitchen MVPs. These handy appliances remove moisture from fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs, extending shelf life while concentrating flavors. Whether you're turning summer's bounty into trail mix, crafting homemade beef jerky, or drying herbs for your spice rack, a good dehydrator can transform your culinary routine. But with models ranging from basic stackable trays to high-tech machines with digital controls, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That's where our comprehensive testing comes in. Over several weeks, we put more than a dozen popular food dehydrators through rigorous trials, evaluating factors like drying efficiency, ease of use, noise levels, capacity, and overall value. From budget-friendly options to premium performers, here's our roundup of the best food dehydrators available today, complete with in-depth insights to help you decide.

Why Invest in a Food Dehydrator?

Before diving into our top picks, let's explore why these devices are worth the counter space. Food dehydration is one of the oldest preservation methods, dating back thousands of years, but modern dehydrators make it accessible and efficient. By circulating warm air to evaporate water content, they prevent bacterial growth and spoilage without the need for canning or freezing. The result? Nutrient-packed snacks that retain much of their original vitamins and minerals—far superior to store-bought alternatives loaded with preservatives. We found that dehydrators excel at creating healthy treats like apple chips, kale crisps, or even yogurt drops for kids. They're also eco-friendly, reducing food waste by salvaging overripe produce. During our tests, we dehydrated everything from strawberries and bananas to tougher items like beef strips and herbs, noting how each machine handled different textures and thicknesses. Key considerations included even drying (no hot spots), temperature control for safety (especially with meats), and cleanup ease, as sticky residues can be a hassle.

Our Testing Process: A Hands-On Approach

To ensure our recommendations are reliable, we adopted a methodical testing protocol. We selected models from trusted brands like Nesco, Excalibur, Cosori, and Magic Mill, spanning price points from under $50 to over $300. Each dehydrator was used to process identical batches of food: thin-sliced apples for fruit leather, beef for jerky, and a mix of herbs and veggies for general drying. We measured drying times, which varied from 4 to 24 hours depending on the food and machine. Temperature accuracy was checked with thermometers, as precise control is crucial—too low and food spoils; too high and nutrients degrade. Noise was assessed in a home kitchen setting, where quieter models shone for overnight use. Capacity mattered for batch sizes, and we evaluated build quality, including tray materials (BPA-free plastic vs. stainless steel) and additional features like timers or auto-shutoff. User-friendliness was key: How intuitive were the controls? Did the dehydrator come with helpful accessories like mesh screens or fruit roll sheets? After hundreds of hours of drying and tasting, we narrowed it down to standouts in various categories.

Best Overall: Excalibur 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator

Topping our list is the Excalibur 9-Tray model, a powerhouse that balances performance, capacity, and versatility. Priced around $300, it's an investment, but its horizontal airflow system ensures uniform drying without the need to rotate trays—a common annoyance with vertical stackers. During tests, it dehydrated a full load of apple slices in just 6 hours, producing evenly crisp results with no mushy spots. The adjustable thermostat ranges from 105°F to 165°F, ideal for everything from delicate herbs to safe jerky-making (the FDA recommends 160°F for meats). With 15 square feet of drying space, it's perfect for large families or avid gardeners. We appreciated the 26-hour timer and the included Parallexx drying system, which prevents flavor mixing between trays. Pros include durable construction and quiet operation (under 50 decibels), but it's bulky, measuring 19x17x12.5 inches, so storage could be an issue in small kitchens. Cleanup is straightforward with dishwasher-safe trays. If you're serious about dehydration, this is the gold standard—our testers raved about the professional-quality output, from chewy mango strips to potent dried tomatoes.

Best Budget Pick: Nesco Snackmaster Pro

For those dipping their toes into dehydration without breaking the bank, the Nesco Snackmaster Pro, at about $70, delivers impressive bang for the buck. This vertical dehydrator features a top-mounted fan for consistent airflow, expandable from 5 to 12 trays. In our trials, it handled beef jerky admirably, reaching safe temperatures up to 160°F and completing batches in 8-10 hours. The Converga-Flow system minimizes the need for tray rotation, though we did flip them occasionally for optimal evenness. It's compact (13.75 inches in diameter) and lightweight, making it easy to store. Accessories like fruit roll sheets and clean-a-screens are included, enhancing its value. Noise is moderate, and the opaque exterior helps monitor progress without opening the unit. Drawbacks? It lacks a timer, so you'll need to set your own reminders, and drying times can be longer for thicker items. Still, for beginners making simple snacks like banana chips or dried herbs, it's a reliable starter that punched above its weight in our tests.

Best for Jerky Enthusiasts: Cosori Premium Food Dehydrator

Jerky lovers, rejoice: The Cosori Premium stands out for meat dehydration, thanks to its stainless-steel build and precise controls. At around $160, it offers 6 trays with over 6.5 square feet of space, and its digital interface allows temperature settings from 95°F to 165°F with a 48-hour timer. Our jerky tests were a highlight—it produced tender, flavorful beef strips in 4-6 hours, with even heat distribution preventing undercooked centers. The included mesh and fruit roll trays add versatility for non-meat items, and the quiet fan (under 48 decibels) makes it apartment-friendly. We loved the memory function, which recalls your last settings, and the overheat protection for safety. Cons include a slightly higher price and the need for occasional tray rotation, but its durability and ease of cleaning (dishwasher-safe parts) make it a winner. If your primary goal is homemade jerky or pet treats, this model's precision edges out competitors.

Best Compact Option: Magic Mill Professional Dehydrator

Space-saving without sacrificing power, the Magic Mill Professional is ideal for urban dwellers. Priced at $150, this 7-tray unit is sleek and vertical, with rear-mounted heating for even circulation. It aced our veggie tests, drying zucchini chips and bell peppers uniformly in 5-7 hours. The digital controls offer temperatures up to 158°F and a 19.5-hour timer, plus an auto-shutoff feature. With BPA-free trays and a transparent door for monitoring, it's user-friendly. Noise is low, and it includes extras like a drip tray for mess-free operation. However, capacity is moderate, so it's not for massive batches. Our testers noted its efficiency with herbs, preserving aromas better than some pricier models.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

We also tested the Presto Dehydro, a no-frills budget model under $50 that's great for occasional use, though it lacks advanced features. For high-end users, the Tribest Sedona Express with its 11 trays and glass door impressed with raw food dehydration capabilities, but at $400+, it's for enthusiasts. Avoid generic off-brands; our tests showed inconsistent heating leading to food safety risks.

What to Consider When Buying a Food Dehydrator

Size and capacity: Match it to your needs—stackable for small spaces, box-style for bulk. Airflow type: Horizontal for evenness, vertical for affordability. Temperature range: Essential for variety. Extras like timers and accessories enhance usability. Budget: Entry-level at $50-100, premium at $200+. Always prioritize food-grade materials and read reviews for longevity. In conclusion, whether you're preserving garden veggies or experimenting with gourmet snacks, a quality food dehydrator can elevate your kitchen game. Our top pick, the Excalibur, offers unmatched versatility, but options like the Nesco prove you don't need to spend a fortune. Based on our extensive hands-on evaluations, these machines stand ready to help you create delicious, long-lasting treats. Happy dehydrating!

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