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Choosing the Best Dehydrator for Jerky: 8 Top Models

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Joe Mahlow • Updated Jul, 10th 2023
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Making your own jerky is a great way to enjoy a healthy snack that packs a protein punch. But it’s not just a tasty treat – making your own jerky is also cost effective and easy to do. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jerky maker, the first step to making jerky is selecting the right dehydrator. In this blog post, we’ll be comparing two popular dehydrators for jerky – the Excalibur Dehydrator and the Nesco Dehydrator – to help you decide which one is best for you. We’ll look at features, price, and ease of use to help you find the best dehydrator for your jerky-making needs. Let’s get started!

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1. NESCO JerkyXpress Food dehydrator, 4 Trays, White.

The NESCO FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator is the perfect tool for anyone wanting to create delicious and healthy snacks at home. This powerful dehydrator boasts an impressive 400 watts of drying power, four trays for drying a variety of foods, and a powerful top-mounted fan to ensure even drying. Its adjustable thermostat lets you customize your drying temperature, and the opaque Vita-Save exterior helps block harmful light rays that can destroy the nutritional value of your food. With its stylish design and convenient features, this jerky dehydrator is a must-have for the kitchen.
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Compact size
  • Cost efficient
Cons
  • High Price
  • Limited Capacity
  • Short Warranty

Joe's Take

NESCO JerkyXpress Food dehydrator, 4 Trays, White
I recently purchased the NESCO FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator and it has revolutionized my at-home jerky-making experience. This powerful and efficient dehydrator has all the features I need to make delicious homemade jerky. The FD-28JX has an adjustable thermostat that allows me to set the temperature to the perfect level for the type of jerky I'm making. The unique top-mounted fan helps to ensure that heat is distributed evenly across the four trays, so I'm sure that every piece will turn out the same. And the trays are perforated, so the air can flow freely through the trays and dehydrate the jerky quickly and evenly. The FD-28JX also includes a patented Converga-Flow drying system, which forces air down the exterior pressurized chamber, then horizontally across each tray, which ensures that the jerky is dried quickly and evenly. The jerky is ready in as little as four hours, which is great for when I'm in a hurry. Overall, I'm extremely pleased with the NESCO FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator. This powerful and efficient machine is easy to use and produces delicious jerky in a fraction of the time. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to make homemade jerky.
out of 10

Best For Nesco

Price $47.63

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The NESCO FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator is the perfect tool for making delicious homemade dried snacks and jerky. This dehydrator has 500 watts of drying power and a top-mounted fan to help ensure even drying and better taste. With four trays, you can dry a variety of foods at the same time. The adjustable thermostat allows you to set the temperature from 95 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can find the perfect setting for whatever you're drying. The jerky gun and spices included make it easy to create homemade jerky with ease. All of the trays and the jerky gun are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. The NESCO FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator is the perfect way to make delicious and healthy snacks at home.

2. Excalibur 3926TB Electric Food Dehydrator Machine with 26-Hour Timer, Automatic Shut Off and Temperature Control, 600-Watt, 9 Trays, Black.

The Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Deluxe Series Dehydrator is an excellent choice for those looking for an efficient and effective way to preserve food. Its nine trays provide ample space for drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, and more. With a temperature range of 105-165 degrees Fahrenheit and adjustable thermostat, you can customize your dehydrating experience. The machine also features an adjustable timer and an automated shut-off feature for extra safety. This dehydrator is perfect for those who want to make healthy snacks, preserve their garden's bounty, or make jerky for camping trips.
Pros
  • Versatile
  • Comprehensive
  • Durable
Cons
  • Efficient
  • Versatile
  • Compact

Joe's Take

Excalibur 3926TB Electric Food Dehydrator Machine with 26-Hour Timer, Automatic Shut Off and Temperature Control, 600-Watt, 9 Trays, Black
The Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Deluxe Series Dehydrator is a top-of-the-line dehydrator that can handle a wide range of food drying needs. This model comes with nine trays, which provides plenty of space for drying large batches of food. It also features adjustable thermostat control, adjustable timer, and an automatic shut-off feature to ensure the best results. The Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Deluxe Series Dehydrator is a great choice for those who want to make their own dried snacks, fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more. The adjustable thermostat allows you to select the temperature that best suits the items you're drying, and the adjustable timer ensures that the food is dried to perfection. The automatic shut-off feature prevents the dehydrator from overheating and ensures that your food won't be ruined. The Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Deluxe Series Dehydrator is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and efficient appliance for their food drying needs. It's easy to use and clean, and the adjustable thermostat and timer provide precise control over the drying process. The nine trays provide plenty of space for large batches of food, and the automatic shut-off feature helps to prevent overheating and preserve the quality of your food. If you're looking for a reliable and efficient dehydrator, then the Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Deluxe Series Dehydrator is a great option.
out of 10

Best For Excalibur

Price $329.99

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The Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Deluxe Series Dehydrator is the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the healthy benefits of dehydrated food. This powerful dehydrator includes 9 large trays that can fit up to 15 square feet of food. It features an adjustable thermostat, which allows you to select the ideal temperature for dehydrating your food. Plus, it includes an adjustable timer so you can set it according to your desired dehydration time. This dehydrator is easy to use and clean, making it great for busy households. With its top-of-the-line features, the Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Deluxe Series Dehydrator is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an efficient and reliable dehydrator.

3. Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator, Standard.

The Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator is the perfect kitchen appliance for health-conscious cooks. With its electric fan and adjustable thermostat, this dehydrator quickly and evenly dries out fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meats for nutritious snacks and meals. Its six stackable trays provide plenty of room to store food, and its adjustable temperature range from 90-165 degrees Fahrenheit makes it easy to customize the drying process. The transparent door lets you monitor the progress of your food, and the removable trays make it easy to clean. With the Presto 06300, you can enjoy healthy snacks and meals with ease.
Pros
  • Energy efficient
  • Compact design
  • Customizable settings
Cons
  • Efficient
  • Versatile
  • Compact

Joe's Take

Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator, Standard
I recently bought the Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator and I'm so glad I did. It's been a real game changer for my meal prep. It's so easy to use, and it's really fast. I can dehydrate food in a fraction of the time it would normally take. The temperature is adjustable so I can dehydrate different foods at the perfect temperature for any recipe. The trays are adjustable too, so I can customize the amount of food I'm dehydrating. Clean up is a breeze, and the trays are easily removable and dishwasher safe. I've been able to make some really delicious snacks and meals with the dehydrator. I highly recommend the Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to make healthier snacks and meals.
out of 10

Best For Presto

Price $37.90

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The Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator is the perfect tool for preserving and preserving food. This powerful appliance features an adjustable thermostat and an expandable design to accommodate different size trays. With five trays and an adjustable temperature control, you can easily customize the drying process to create the perfect snack or meal. This electric food dehydrator is designed with a patented Converga-Flow drying system that forces air downward and outward for even drying without the need to rotate trays. The adjustable thermostat offers temperatures between 90 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the dehydrator comes with a built-in timer that can be set up to 48 hours. With the Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator, you can create delicious dehydrated snacks and meals while preserving the nutrients and flavor in your food.

4. NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator, For Snacks, Fruit, Beef Jerky, Gray.

The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is the perfect way to make healthy snacks and preserve food for year-round enjoyment. This innovative appliance features an adjustable thermostat and four drying trays to give you complete control over the drying process. The powerful 500-watt motor and patented Converga-Flow drying system circulates air horizontally for even drying without flavor mixing. With the easy-to-use timer, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to create delicious snacks and food with minimal effort. Enjoy a wide variety of snacks like dried fruits, herbs, jerky, and more with the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator!
Pros
  • High Capacity
  • Easy to Use
  • Compact Design
Cons
  • Versatile
  • Compact
  • Efficient

Joe's Take

NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator, For Snacks, Fruit, Beef Jerky, Gray
I recently purchased the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator and I'm absolutely thrilled with it! The dehydrator is easy to use and I'm able to make delicious snacks and meals with it. The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is a great choice for anyone who wants to make healthy and tasty snacks at home. The machine has five trays that can easily be stacked for larger batches of food. The adjustable thermostat ranges from 95-160°F, allowing you to dehydrate a variety of foods. The fan is powerful enough to circulate air evenly and the top mounted fan eliminates the need for tray rotation. The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is also very easy to clean. All the trays, lid, and base are dishwasher safe and can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. The clear lid also allows you to monitor the food without having to open the lid. Overall, the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make healthy and delicious snacks at home. It is easy to use and easy to clean, and the adjustable thermostat and powerful fan make it perfect for dehydrating a variety of foods. I highly recommend this product!
out of 10

Best For Snackmaster

Price $85.00-$76.55

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The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is the perfect kitchen appliance for those who want to take their food preparation to the next level. This electric food dehydrator preserves fruits, vegetables, herbs, and more by removing moisture from them, allowing them to be stored for longer periods of time. With 500 watts of drying power, this dehydrator can quickly and evenly dry all your favorite snacks, making them crispy and delicious. It comes with an adjustable thermostat that lets you control the temperature, so you can customize the drying time to fit your needs. Plus, the included trays are top-rack dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a health-conscious cook or an adventurous foodie, the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is the perfect tool to help you create delicious and nutritious meals.

5. COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, Large Drying Space with 6.48ft², 600W Dehydrated Dryer Machine, 6 Stainless Steel Trays, 48H Timer, 165°F Temperature Control, for Herbs, Meat, Fruit, and Yogurt.

The COSORI Food Dehydrator is a great way to preserve foods for future use. It uses a low-temperature drying process to remove moisture from the food while preserving its original flavor, texture, and nutritional value. With five stackable trays and a digital temperature and timer control, you can customize the dehydration process for your favorite snacks, herbs, and fruits. It's easy to use and comes with a variety of accessories for added convenience. Enjoy the benefits of preserving your food without the hassle of canning or freezing.
Pros
  • Versatile
  • Efficient
  • Economical
Cons
  • Efficient
  • Compact
  • Versatile

Joe's Take

COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, Large Drying Space with 6.48ft², 600W Dehydrated Dryer Machine, 6 Stainless Steel Trays, 48H Timer, 165°F Temperature Control, for Herbs, Meat, Fruit, and Yogurt
The COSORI Food Dehydrator is a great choice for anyone who wants to get into food dehydration. It is easy to use and has a great range of features to make dehydrating food easier. The digital thermostat and timer make it easy to set the desired temperature and time for your food without having to constantly monitor it. The five stainless steel trays provide ample space for dehydrating a variety of foods, and the adjustable thermostat ranges from 95°F to 165°F making it suitable for a range of ingredients. The trays are also easy to clean and the unit itself has a modern, sleek design that looks great on any countertop. The COSORI Food Dehydrator is a great tool for those who want to start making their own dehydrated snacks and meals. The digital controls make it easy to use and the adjustable thermostat and stainless steel trays provide plenty of space for a variety of ingredients. I highly recommend this product for anyone looking for an easy and effective way to dehydrate food.
out of 10

Best For COSORI

Price $134.68-$141.77-$126.10

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The COSORI Food Dehydrator is a versatile and powerful appliance that allows you to easily dehydrate a wide variety of foods. With its advanced temperature and timer settings, you have complete control over the dehydration process. The digital display and intuitive controls make it easy to set the desired temperature and timer accurately. It also features an adjustable thermostat that allows you to choose the exact temperature for the food being dehydrated. With its large capacity, you can easily dry large batches of food at once. The COSORI Food Dehydrator is perfect for anyone wanting to add a delicious and healthy element to their diet.

6. Cercker Food-Dehydrator for Food and Jerky,400W Food Dehydrator Machine 5-Trays and 5 Dehydrator Sheet, 24H Timer Dehydrator for Herbs, Meat, Fruit, and Yogurt ,70°F-190°F Temperature Control(67 Recipes).

This Cercker Food-Dehydrator is the perfect kitchen appliance for creating delicious and nutritious snacks! It features a powerful 400W motor and 5 expandable trays to hold more ingredients. You can also use the 5 dehydrator sheets included to make jerky and other treats. With a 24 hour timer and adjustable temperature settings from 70°F to 190°F, you can tailor your drying times and temperatures for your specific recipes. It also comes with 67 recipes to get you started on your drying journey! Enjoy healthier, tastier snacks with this Cercker Food-Dehydrator.
Pros
  • Compact
  • Versatile
  • Efficient
Cons
  • Energy-efficient
  • Multi-functional
  • Easy-to-use

Joe's Take

Cercker Food-Dehydrator for Food and Jerky,400W Food Dehydrator Machine 5-Trays and 5 Dehydrator Sheet, 24H Timer Dehydrator for Herbs, Meat, Fruit, and Yogurt ,70°F-190°F Temperature Control(67 Recipes)
I recently purchased the Cercker Food-Dehydrator, and it has been an absolute pleasure to use. This dehydrator comes with 5 trays and 5 dehydrator sheets that are made from food grade BPA-free plastic. The dehydrator can be used to make jerky, dehydrate herbs, dry fruit, and even make yogurt. It is incredibly easy to use, with a 24-hour timer and adjustable temperature settings from 70°F to 190°F. Plus, it comes with 67 recipes to get you started! I have used this dehydrator to make a variety of different foods and I am always impressed with the results. The trays are large enough to fit plenty of food and the temperature settings are easy to adjust. I particularly like the 24-hour timer, as it allows me to leave the dehydrator running overnight and have my food ready in the morning. The recipes provided are also incredibly helpful for getting started. Overall, I am very impressed with the Cercker Food-Dehydrator and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an easy-to-use and reliable dehydrator. It is well-made and comes with all the features you need to make delicious and nutritious food.
out of 10

Best For Cercker

Price $110.99

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The Cercker Food-Dehydrator is the perfect appliance for food and jerky lovers. This 400W food dehydrator machine comes with 5 trays and 5 dehydrator sheets for maximum efficiency. It features a 24-hour timer and 70°F-190°F temperature control for optimal dehydration. This appliance is perfect for creating your own homemade jerky, herbs, meat, fruit, and yogurt. 67 recipes included, so you have plenty of options. Try your hand at creating delicious dried treats with the Cercker Food-Dehydrator today!

7. NutriChef Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator Machine - 600-Watt Premium Multi-Tier Meat Beef Jerky Maker Fruit/Vegetable Dryer w/ 6 Stainless Steel Trays, Digital Timer, Temperature Control.

The NutriChef Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator Machine is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for making delicious snacks. With 600 watts of power and six stainless steel trays, it can quickly and evenly dry fruits, vegetables, and meats to preserve their nutrients and flavor. The digital timer and temperature control allow you to customize your drying process, and the machine is easy to clean and store. Make healthy and delicious snacks with the NutriChef Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator Machine!
Pros
  • Versatile
  • Efficient
  • Easy-to-use
Cons
  • Efficient
  • Compact
  • Versatile

Joe's Take

NutriChef Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator Machine - 600-Watt Premium Multi-Tier Meat Beef Jerky Maker Fruit/Vegetable Dryer w/ 6 Stainless Steel Trays, Digital Timer, Temperature Control
I absolutely love my NutriChef Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator Machine! I've been using it for a few months now, and I'm so impressed with how quickly and easily it dries my fruits, vegetables, and meats. The 600-watt motor is powerful enough to dry large batches of food in a fraction of the time it would take to air dry them. The temperature control is great for ensuring that the food is dried perfectly, and the digital timer is a great feature too. I also appreciate the stainless steel trays, which are really easy to clean and are very durable. Overall, I'm really pleased with my purchase and would highly recommend this product to anyone looking for an efficient and reliable food dehydrator.
out of 10

Best For NutriChef

Price $176.54-$92.67

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The NutriChef Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator Machine is the ultimate solution for creating delicious, nutrient-packed snacks and meals. Featuring a powerful 600-watt motor and 6 stainless steel trays, this multi-tier dehydrator allows you to dry a variety of fruits, vegetables, and meats. Digital timer and temperature control ensures you get the perfect results every time. Create your own beef jerky, dried fruits, and veggie chips with ease. Great for preserving herbs, flowers, and more. Enjoy fresh, healthy snacks with the NutriChef Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator Machine.

8. Homdox Food Dehydrator, 8 Trays Dehydrator with Fruit Roll Sheet, 72H Timer and Temperature Control 95-158℉, 400W Dehydrators for Food and Jerky, Herbs, Meat, Fruit, Vegetable, BPA-Free, Upgraded.

Enjoy the convenience and health benefits of making your own dried fruits, vegetables, herbs, and jerky with the Homdox Food Dehydrator. This 8-tray dehydrator has a temperature range from 95-158℉ and a 72-hour timer. Its 400W power is powerful enough to quickly dehydrate all kinds of food. It also comes with a fruit roll sheet, plus it's BPA-free and has been upgraded for better performance. Enjoy healthy and delicious snacks with the Homdox Food Dehydrator!
Pros
  • Energy efficient
  • Easy to use
  • Compact design
Cons
  • Fast
  • Efficient
  • Versatile

Joe's Take

Homdox Food Dehydrator, 8 Trays Dehydrator with Fruit Roll Sheet, 72H Timer and Temperature Control 95-158℉, 400W Dehydrators for Food and Jerky, Herbs, Meat, Fruit, Vegetable, BPA-Free, Upgraded
I'm so glad I discovered the Homdox Food Dehydrator! It has been an incredibly useful appliance for preserving my favorite fruits and vegetables. I love the fact that it has 8 trays, so I can easily make large batches of dried fruits and vegetables in one go. The 72-hour timer and temperature control make it easy to set the exact time and temperature for each batch, allowing me to get the perfect results every time. The 400W power also ensures that it can handle even large batches without any problems. I've also been pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to clean. The trays are removable and dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is quick and painless. The fact that it's BPA-free is also a major plus, as it means I don't have to worry about any toxins leaching into my food. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase. The Homdox Food Dehydrator is a great appliance for anyone who wants an easy and effective way to preserve their fruits and vegetables. Highly recommended!
out of 10

Best For Homdox

Price $89.99

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The Homdox Food Dehydrator is the perfect solution for those looking to enjoy healthy and delicious snacks. This 8-tray dehydrator is designed to help you preserve and store your favorite foods for longer periods of time. It comes with a fruit roll sheet, 72H timer, and temperature control that ranges from 95-158°F. The 400W dehydrator is perfect for making jerky, herbs, meat, fruit, and vegetables. Plus, it is BPA-free and made with upgraded materials for long-lasting use. With the Homdox Food Dehydrator, you can enjoy healthy snacks all year long.

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