Best Food Dehydrators of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Food dehydrators are a convenient and efficient way to preserve and enjoy a variety of foods. These handy appliances remove moisture from fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs, extending their shelf life and intensifying their flavors. With adjustable temperature settings and multiple trays, food dehydrators allow for even drying and ample space to process large quantities of food. Whether you're a health-conscious individual looking for a nutritious snack alternative or a culinary enthusiast interested in experimenting with flavors, a food dehydrator is an essential tool to have in your kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

COSORI Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator Cover #TOP 1
COSORI Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Elite Gourmet 5-Tier Food Dehydrator Cover #TOP 2
Elite Gourmet 5-Tier Food Dehydrator
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine Cover #TOP 3
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Food Dehydrators

#TOP 1

COSORI Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator

CP267-FD
Silver
6 Trays-6.48ft²
COSORI Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator Cover
COSORI Food Dehydrator, Bigger Than 7 Trays With Large 6.5" Drying Space, 600W Power Saves More Time Than 480W, 165°F Dehydrated Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herbs, Meat, Fruit, and Yogurt, Silver

The COSORI Food Dehydrator is a high-quality food dehydrator made of food-grade stainless steel and glass front door. It comes with six stainless steel trays, one mesh screen, one fruit roll sheet, one manual, and one recipe book with 50 original recipes. The dehydrator is easy to use, with a digital control panel to set the timer in 30-minute increments for up to 48 hours, and accurate temperatures between 95º℉-165ºF. The noise level is less than 48dB, which makes it quiet to use, and it is dishwasher safe and easy to store.

What We Like
Quiet to use with a noise level of less than 48dB
Easy to use with a digital control panel and accurate temperature control
Comes with six stainless steel trays, one mesh screen, and one fruit roll sheet
Automatic shutoff and overheat protection for added safety
Dishwasher safe trays and easy to store
#TOP 2

Elite Gourmet 5-Tier Food Dehydrator

EFD319
Black
5 Trays
Elite Gourmet 5-Tier Food Dehydrator Cover
Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 BPA-Free 11.4" Trays Adjustable Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, Black

The Elite Gourmet 5-Tier Food Dehydrator is the perfect addition to your kitchen to make healthy and delicious snacks. The adjustable temperature control allows you to dry different foods at their optimal temperature, and the horizontal air flow ensures even heat distribution. It comes with 5 BPA-free trays that provide plenty of drying space, and the transparent trays let you monitor the drying process. It's not just for food, you can use it to dry flowers, potpourri, or dough crafts. Cleanup is easy with dishwasher safe trays. With 350 watts of power, it's perfect for home use and comes with a 1-year warranty.

What We Like
Adjustable temperature control for optimal drying
Horizontal air flow ensures even heat distribution
Comes with 5 BPA-free trays that provide plenty of drying space
Transparent trays let you monitor the drying process
Easy cleanup with dishwasher safe trays

Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine

MFD-5000
silver
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine Cover
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | 5 Stackable Stainless Steel Trays Jerky Dryer with Digital Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control - Electric Food Preserver for Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Dog Treats

The Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine offers a powerful and efficient food drying process with its 240W drying capacity, removing excess water from foods while retaining 97% of their natural vitamins and minerals. It features five adjustable stainless steel trays that allow you to dry different foods at once, with a maximum height of 1.1 inches, suitable for thick-cut ingredients. The user-friendly control panel allows you to set the timer and temperature easily, and the detachable trays make cleaning effortless. The premium stainless steel trays and BPA-free plastic body ensure both durability and food safety.

What We Like
Powerful 240W drying capacity for efficient food drying process
Adjustable stainless steel trays allow you to dry different foods at once
User-friendly control panel for easy operation
Premium stainless steel trays and BPA-free plastic body ensure both durability and food safety
Detachable trays make cleaning effortless
#TOP 4

Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine

MFD-7700
Stainless Steel
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine Cover
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | 7 Stainless Steel Trays | Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit | Keep Warm Function, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, ETL Approved

The Magic Mill Dehydrator is equipped with a rear-mounted fan for even heat distribution, eliminating the need to rotate trays. Its digital thermostat and timer ensure precise dehydration, with automatic shut off for convenience. The 7 spacious stainless steel trays are adjustable, allowing you to dry various foods simultaneously. Cleaning is a breeze with dishwasher-safe trays. Safety features include overheat protection and BPA-free materials, ensuring a worry-free drying experience.

What We Like
Even heat distribution
Digital thermostat and timer
Spacious stainless steel trays
#TOP 5

Elite Gourmet EFD770WD Food Dehydrator

EFD770WD
White
5 Plastic Trays
Elite Gourmet EFD770WD Food Dehydrator Cover
Elite Gourmet EFD770WD Digital Food Dehydrator with 5x12.5” BPA Free Trays, Adjustable 48-hr Timer and Temperature from 95~158F, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, White

The Elite Gourmet Dehydrator allows you to customize the drying process with temperatures ranging from 95ºF to 158ºF, ensuring your food is dehydrated perfectly. You can set the timer for up to 48 hours, giving you flexibility to dehydrate a variety of foods, from fruits to meats. Its base-mounted fan and heater provide optimal air circulation, making sure your snacks dry evenly and efficiently. Additionally, you can prepare healthy snacks without any added sugars or preservatives, so you can enjoy all-natural treats right at home.

What We Like
Adjustable temperature settings
Long 48-hour timer
Even drying with fan
Healthy, natural snacks
#TOP 6

YASHE 9-Tray Food Dehydrator

YASHE
GGJ-801
Silver
YASHE 9-Tray Food Dehydrator Cover
YASHE Food Dehydrator Machine, 9-Tray Stainless Steel Jerky Dehydrator, 1000W Food Dryer with Adjustable Timer & Temperature, Recipes Included for Meat, Fruits, and Herbs

The YASHE Dehydrator Machine is a powerful tool designed to help you create delicious jerky and dried snacks at home. With its dual rear fans and 360° hot air circulation, it ensures that your meats, fruits, and vegetables dry quickly and evenly. You can easily customize the drying process with precise temperature settings ranging from 95 to 165℉ and a timer that can be set for up to 48 hours. The spacious design features 9 stainless steel trays, allowing you to dry large batches of food at once. Plus, it operates quietly, making it convenient for any kitchen environment.

What We Like
Fast and efficient drying
Customizable temperature and timer
Large capacity with 9 trays
Durable and safe materials
#TOP 7

Cercker Food Dehydrator 8 Trays

Cercker
ST-04
Silver
8 trays
Cercker Food Dehydrator 8 Trays Cover
Cercker Food-Dehydrator Machine 8 Stainless Steel Trays, 500W Dehydrator for Herbs, Jerky Dehydrator for Meat, 190ºF Mushroom Dehydrator, 24H Timer Fruits Dehydrator, Veggies, Yogurt & Dog Treats

Cercker 8-Tray Dehydrator offers powerful drying efficiency with its exhaust fan and air circulation technology. The stainless steel trays provide a safe food-grade option for drying various foods. With 8 large capacity trays, you can dry thick cut food, vegetables, fruits, and more while locking in essential nutrients. The safety features include automatic shutdown and overheating protection, ensuring a worry-free drying process. Additionally, the digital settings allow for precise temperature and time adjustments, making food dehydration a breeze.

What We Like
Powerful Drying Efficiency
Safe Food Grade Stainless Steel
8 Trays Large Capacity
#TOP 8

Cuisinart DHR-20P1 Food Dehydrator

DHR-20P1
Black
Cuisinart DHR-20P1 Food Dehydrator Cover
Cuisinart DHR-20P1 Food Dehydrator, 13.38 x 15.63 x 12 inches, 620 watts, Black

The Cuisinart Food Dehydrator offers a spacious 552-square inches of drying area, allowing you to prepare a variety of snacks like beef jerky, dried fruits, and herbs. With its powerful 620-watt motor and adjustable thermostat, you can easily select the right temperature for your specific food items, ensuring optimal drying results. The top venting system enhances airflow, promoting even drying and reducing moisture retention. Additionally, the dehydrator comes with five stackable racks and a fruit roll-up sheet, providing convenience and versatility for your culinary creations.

What We Like
Large drying capacity
Adjustable temperature settings
Efficient top venting system
Includes stackable racks
BPA-free materials
#TOP 9

COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky

CFD-N051-W
White
Upgrade 5 Trays
COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky Cover
COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 BPA-Free 12.2" Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included

The COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky has a capacity that can be expanded to 7 trays, solid material, quiet cooking, easy to clean, precise temperature control, and safety features such as overheat protection. The one-touch digital control panel lets you set the temperature and timer, and the dehydrator comes with a free 50-recipe cookbook. It also comes with lifetime assistance from their customer support team.

What We Like
Quiet cooking with low noise level
Precise temperature control for up to 48 hours
Easy to clean with dishwasher safe trays
#TOP 10

Commercial Chef Food Dehydrator for Healthy Snacks, CCD100W6

CCD100W6
White
280 Watts
Commercial Chef Food Dehydrator for Healthy Snacks, CCD100W6 Cover
Commercial Chef Food Dehydrator, Dehydrator for Food and Jerky, 280W Meat Dehydrator Machine for Dehydrated Foods with 5 Drying Racks and Slide Out Tray, White

Make healthy and delicious snacks at home effortlessly with the Commercial Chef Food Dehydrator. Equipped with 280W of power, this dehydrator for food and jerky comes with 5 circular trays that ensure uniform drying of fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs. You can adjust the temperature ranging from 104° - 158° F to achieve optimal results. The trays are hand wash only, making cleanup a breeze. With compact dimensions, this jerky maker is easy to store in your kitchen pantry. Plus, a drying guide is included to assist new users.

What We Like
Adjustable temperature for optimal results
5 circular trays for uniform drying
Compact and easy to store
Buying Guide Image

Deciding which Food Dehydrators is Best for Your House

Introduction to Dehydrators

Dehydrators are a useful appliance for preserving food by removing moisture from it. This helps to extend the shelf life of a wide range of ingredients, from fruits and vegetables to meats and herbs. A dehydrator can be an essential tool for anyone looking to save money on groceries, reduce food waste, or prepare healthy snacks.

Types of Dehydrators

There are several different types of dehydrators on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most common types are horizontal dehydrators, vertical dehydrators, and shelf dehydrators.

Horizontal dehydrators have a fan and heating element located at the back of the appliance, with trays stacked on top of each other. This allows for even drying and good air circulation. Vertical dehydrators, on the other hand, have a fan and heating element located at the bottom of the appliance, with trays stacked on top of each other. This allows for more efficient use of space, but can lead to uneven drying.

Shelf dehydrators are a type of horizontal dehydrator that allows you to adjust the height of the trays to accommodate different types of food. This can be useful for drying larger items like chicken breasts or slices of bread.

Size and Capacity

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a dehydrator is the size and capacity of the appliance. Dehydrators come in a wide range of sizes, from small countertop models to large, freestanding units. Consider the amount of space you have available in your kitchen and the amount of food you want to dehydrate at once.

If you only plan to dehydrate small amounts of food, a small dehydrator with a few trays may be sufficient. For larger batches or for those who plan to dehydrate food on a regular basis, a larger unit with more trays may be a better option.

Temperature Control

Another important factor to consider when choosing a dehydrator is the level of temperature control it offers. Most dehydrators have adjustable temperature settings that allow you to choose the optimal temperature for the type of food you are drying.

For example, fruits and vegetables should be dehydrated at a low temperature to preserve their nutrients and color, while meats and fish should be dehydrated at a higher temperature to kill any bacteria and ensure safe storage.

Additional Features

Some dehydrators come with additional features that can make the dehydration process more convenient or efficient. For example, some models come with a timer that allows you to set the dehydrator to turn off automatically after a certain amount of time. Others have a transparent door that allows you to monitor the progress of the dehydration without opening the appliance and interrupting the airflow.

Another useful feature to look for is a built-in drying guide that provides recommendations for the optimal drying time and temperature for different types of food. This can be especially helpful for beginners who are new to dehydrating.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a dehydrator is a personal decision that depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the types of food you plan to dehydrate, the amount of space you have available, and the level of temperature control and additional features you want. With the right dehydrator, you can enjoy the benefits of preserved food for months to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the cons of food dehydrator?

Some disadvantages of using a food dehydrator include high energy costs, limited food capacity, potential flavor mixing, time-consuming process, vitamin loss, and lower quality food texture.

2. Are food dehydrators worth it?

Yes, food dehydrators are worth it. They can save you money, reduce food waste, and speed up cooking. You can also add seasoning or spices to food as you dry it, allowing you to have healthy and easily portable snacks.

3. Where is the best place to put a dehydrator?

Ideally, place your food dehydrator in a dry, warm area away from air vents and windows.

4. Can bacteria grow in a dehydrator?

A successful dehydrating process removes enough water to inhibit the growth of yeast, mold, and harmful bacteria. It requires low heat, good air circulation, and low humidity to create the best environment for drying fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

5. What not to do when dehydrating food?

When dehydrating food, avoid drying ingredients with a strong scent, such as garlic or onions, with other foods that have a milder or neutral aroma. It is also beneficial to cut foods evenly, blanch fruits and vegetables, and soak sliced fruits in an acidic solution before drying them.

6. Can I use my air fryer as a dehydrator?

Some air fryers can be used as dehydrators since they function similarly. Check the settings of your specific air fryer as it needs to be on low heat, below 45℃, to effectively dehydrate food.

7. Is it cheaper to dehydrate your own food?

Dehydrating your own food can be cost-effective in the long run. It allows you to dramatically reduce the cost per meal and requires less time and fuel to rehydrate the food when needed.

8. Is dehydrated food just as healthy?

Dehydrated food is generally healthy, but it may have lower levels of certain volatile nutrients like some B-vitamins, vitamin C, and beta carotene. These nutrients do not survive the drying process well, making it a key nutritional difference between dried and fresh produce.

9. How long does food last in a food dehydrator?

When prepared and stored correctly, most home dehydrated food can last for months or up to a year. The shelf life depends on the storage method and environment, but fruits can last for about a year, while vegetables can last for around 6 months at 60°F. Vacuum sealing can extend the shelf life.

Editor's Notes

During our food dehydrator research, we found 16 food dehydrator products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 213,958 customer reviews through our big data system to write the food dehydrators list. We found that most customers choose food dehydrators with an average price of $94.60.

The food dehydrators are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of food dehydrators, including COSORI, Elite Gourmet, Magic Mill, YASHE, Cercker. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.