Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.
The results are cut and dry.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
And the beauty of dehydrating things is the preservation of something that would otherwise go bad.
If youre a beginner when it comes to dehydrating, dont worry.
Youll find a wide variety of models available, with different sizes and features to fit your needs.
Credit: Amazon
To help, we tested a variety of modes at our testing lab.
We also consulted McShane on what to look for when shopping for a food dehydrator.
To learn more about how we tested food dehydrators, check outour testing processbelow.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We found that this model dried food unevenly depending on where items were placed.
One of the most attractive features that this model offers is its space-saving design.
This food dehydrator features an impressive capacity with 11 square feet of drying area and seven stainless steel trays.
Another consideration is setting it up, which we found to be fairly user-friendly with instructions.
Once assembled, its a sturdy and durable appliance.
When it comes to clean-up, hand-washing the trays is recommended to ensure they hold up well over time.
Product Details:Dimensions:14.4 x 22 x 11 in.
It doesnt offer the variety of features and large capacity that others on the list do.
Adjustable digital temperature controls are simple to manage and we found heating to be precise and consistent.
Given the long run time, we appreciate the whisper-quiet operation and safety features like automatic shut-off.
The height of the trays is also adjustable, making them suitable for different items and efficient for storage.
Product Details: Dimensions:12.2 x 12.2 x 8.9 in.
Its a large appliance that requires storage space.
We also found the noise level to be fairly quiet for such a large appliance.
It also unexpectedly shut down during testing, although the issue was resolved quickly.
Overall, this food dehydrator has everything needed for large-capacity food drying.
Product Details:Dimensions:19.1 x 14.1 x 16.1 in.
The front door is somewhat challenging to open.
Credit: Cosori
The efficient airflow also eliminates the need to rotate the trays.
Made with food-grade stainless steel, the trays are durable and dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.
We especially appreciate the side door functionality that enables trays to be easily popped in and out.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The front door leaves room for improvement, thoughwithout a handle we found it difficult to open.
Product Details:Dimensions:17.9 x 13.5 x 12.2 in.
For beef jerky, we heated the dehydrators to 150oF.
We once again recorded the internal temperature and how long it took to properly dry the beef into jerky.
Then, we cleaned the dehydrator per the manufacturers guidelines, noting how easy or challenging it was.
So plan plenty of time, because you really want to get the item as dry as possible.
see to it you unplug the machine before cleaning.
Many models we tested come with dishwasher-safe trays for convenience.
If you opt for hand-washing, soak the trays and any included sheets with soap and water.
The airflow also seemed uneven, requiring trays to be rotated during the dehydrating process.
We also found that this food dehydrator is a bit noisy compared to other models we tested.
Over time, we also noticed plastic threads hanging around each of the drying trays.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the benefits of a food dehydrator?
Dehydrating is a tried and true method that has many positive benefits for your health and budget.
Some dehydrated items can last up to a year when stored this way.
McShane recommends starting with items like citrus rings for cocktails.
They also work well as holiday decor when you string them on butcher twine.
How much does a food dehydrator typically cost?
An easy-to-use, smaller-capacity food dehydrator typically costs $50 to $100.
Dehydrators with more features, larger drying space, and premium materials run upwards of $100.
Who We Are
This article was written byJordan Liberty Phillips, a writer forBetter Homes & Gardens.
Her expertise includes recipes and cooking, home decor, and shopping.
She also spoke toTravis McShane, an executive chef and restaurant owner.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
