The 9 Best Food Dehydrators under $100

Food dehydrators have grown in popularity recently since they make food preservation quick and simple. Dehydrating food concentrates the taste and minerals while also extending its shelf life. Choosing the best and most affordable food dehydrator might be difficult because there are so many on the market. We will address some of the most often asked concerns about food dehydrators in this blog post, including their benefits and drawbacks, the best and most affordable models, and some advice for dehydrating food at home.

What are the best food dehydrators under $100?

Before making your choice, there are a few key elements to take into account if you're looking for a food dehydrator under $100. You should first consider the dehydrator's size and capacity as well as the quantity of food you intend to dehydrate at once. It's also crucial to have adjustable temperature control so you can dehydrate various food varieties at the ideal temperature.

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Here are some of the best food dehydrators that are under $100 and are great options for a home cook.

Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator

Overview

The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator has 5 trays by default, but it can be expanded to hold up to 12 trays. Moreover, it features a thermostat that can be adjusted to accommodate various temperature settings. The Nesco FD-75A has a 1-year warranty and is simple to use and clean. It has a strong heating element and fan that assure even drying throughout the machine, producing dependable, high-quality results. The trays are also simple to store and clean, which further enhances the usability of this device.

What we love:

• High-quality: strong heating element and fan, which work together to dry the product uniformly throughout.
• Convenience: The dehydrator comes with a range of trays that allow you to simultaneously dry several different items, making it a practical alternative for busy households.
• User-friendly: This unit is particularly user-friendly because the trays are simple to clean and store.
• Expandable unit: If you need to increase the drying capacity, you can add extra trays to the unit.
• Temperature control: You can dry a variety of items at various degrees thanks to the temperature control.

Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator

Overview:

The Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator has four trays but there is enough for up to eight trays. It contains a heating element and bottom-mounted fan for even drying. The Presto 06300 has a transparent lid that makes it simple to check on the drying process.

What we love:

• Four-tray mechanism that enables simultaneous dehydration of several different food varieties. To increase the unit's capacity, extra trays can be purchased.
• Temperature control: This food dehydrator features a temperature control range of 90-165°F, making it adaptable enough to dry a variety of foods.
• Bottom-mounted fan: Because the fan is at the bottom of the appliance, air can be distributed evenly across all of the trays, causing food to dry evenly.
• Transparent lid: The transparent cover makes it possible to keep an eye on how your food is drying without having to stop it.
• While not in use, the Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator is simple to store because of its small size and low weight.
• Dishwasher safe: The Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator's trays and lid are also dishwasher safe, making cleanup simple.

Hamilton Beach Digital Food Dehydrator 32100A

Overview:

The Hamilton Beach Digital Food Dehydrator 32100A contains a digital thermostat with a timer and five stacking trays. For consistent drying, it also includes an integrated heating element and fan. The Hamilton Beach 32100A boasts a space-saving, compact form and is simple to clean.

What we love:

• Huge Capacity: With its five stacked trays, this food dehydrator has the capacity to dry a lot of food at once.
• A wide variety of foods can be dried at various temperatures thanks to the unit's adjustable thermostat, which ranges from 100°F to 160°F.
• Digital Display: The digital display makes it simple to keep track of how your food is drying by displaying the temperature and amount of time left.
• Transparent Door: You can quickly check on the status of your food without opening the appliance thanks to the transparent door.
• Dishwasher-Safe Trays: The trays may be easily cleaned after use because they are dishwasher-safe.
• Small Design: The unit requires little counter space in your kitchen and is easy to store.

NutriChef Electric Food Dehydrator Machine

Overview:

An adaptable and energy-efficient kitchen tool, the NutriChef Electric Food Dehydrator Machine is made to help you preserve food by evaporating moisture. This small, stylish device is ideal for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, meats, and other foods thanks to its user-friendly interface, stacking trays, and high-heat circulation fan. Home cooks and those who value their health will find it to be a terrific purchase because it is lightweight and convenient to keep.

What we love:

• Simple user interface with an on/off button and a temperature control knob.
• Five heat-resistant stacking trays are available.
• a high-heat circulation fan and energy-efficient operation.
• Design is lightweight and compact for simple storage.
• capable of dehydrating a variety of foods, including herbs and spices.
• Sleek and contemporary style that goes with any kitchen's decor.

Ivation 6 Tray Countertop Digital Food Dehydrator

Overview

The Ivation 6 Tray Countertop Digital Food Dehydrator has 6 trays and a computerized thermostat with a timer. For even drying, it also has a fan and heating element located at the back. It is simple to use and clean the Ivation 6 Tray Countertop Digital Food Dehydrator.

What we love:

• Six large trays for drying huge quantities of food.
• The dehydration process can be precisely controlled with digital temperature and timer controls.
• less electricity is used during operation, compared to comparable dehydrators on the market.
• Transparent viewing window for simple drying process monitoring.
• Operation that is quiet and won't disturb your home.
• 95°F to 167°F of temperature adjustment for flexible food drying

Cuisinart DHR-20 Food Dehydrator

Overview

This Cuisinart DHR-20 Food Dehydrator has five trays and a top-mounted fan and heating element for even drying. It also has an adjustable thermostat and a timer. The Cuisinart DHR-20 is easy to use and clean.

What we love:

• 90 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit temperature control allowing you to dry different types of food without overcooking or undercooking them.
• Transparent lid: You can easily check the progress of the drying process without having to open the lid, which could release heat and affect the drying time.
• Dishwasher-safe trays: The trays are easy to clean, and you can put them in the dishwasher without worrying about warping or damaging them.
• Compact size: The dehydrator is compact and lightweight, making it easy to store in small kitchens or take with you on camping trips.
• BPA-free: All components that come into contact with food are BPA-free, ensuring safe and healthy food preparation.
• Integrated cord storage: You can easily store the power cord within the dehydrator, which makes it more convenient to store and transport.

Chefman 5 Tray Food Dehydrator

Overview

The Chefman 5 Tray Food Dehydrator is a kitchen appliance that is designed to help you preserve and extend the shelf life of your favorite fruits, vegetables, and meats. The device uses a low-temperature drying process to remove moisture from your food, which helps to prevent spoilage and preserve the nutritional value of your ingredients.

What we love:

• Adjustable temperature control that lets you set the temperature between 95-158°F to suit your specific needs.
• Transparent door that allows you to monitor the drying process without opening the unit.
• Built-in timer that can be set for up to 19.5 hours, making it easy to dehydrate a variety of foods.
• BPA-free plastic trays that are safe for use with food and easy to clean.
• Compact design that takes up minimal counter space and is easy to store when not in use.
• Low-temperature drying process that preserves the nutritional value of your food while also preventing spoilage.
• Quiet operation that won't disturb you while the unit is in use.

Seeutek Food Dehydrator Machine for Beef Jerky

Overview

The Seeutek Food Dehydrator Machine is an affordable and efficient appliance that uses low heat and a fan to remove moisture from food items, making them into delicious and healthy snacks. With its adjustable temperature control, overheat protection, even heat distribution, and transparent door, this dehydrator is a versatile and easy-to-use option for anyone looking to make healthy snacks at home.

What we love:

• Five drying trays.
• Adjustable temperature control: You can adjust the temperature of this dehydrator between 95°F to 158°F, which allows you to dehydrate a wide range of food items.
• Overheat protection: The dehydrator is equipped with an auto shut-off feature that turns off the machine in case of overheating, ensuring safety.
• Even heat distribution: The dehydrator is equipped with a rear-mounted fan that ensures even heat distribution across all the trays.
• Transparent door: The door of this dehydrator is transparent, which allows you to monitor the progress of your food items without opening the dehydrator.

OSTBA Food Dehydrator

Overview

With an adjustable temperature range of 95°F to 158°F and a built-in timer that can be set for up to 72 hours, the OSTBA Food Dehydrator can help you preserve your food easily. The dehydrator is also energy-efficient and quiet, making it a great addition to any kitchen.

What we love:

• Five stackable trays made of food-grade plastic material
• Adjustable temperature range of 95°F to 158°F (35°C to 70°C)
• Built-in timer that can be set for up to 72 hours
• Transparent lid for easy monitoring of the dehydration process
• Energy-efficient and quiet operation

Pros and Cons of Dehydrating Food

Food that has been dehydrated has a longer shelf life and is more convenient for long-term storage. Food's shelf life is increased by removing moisture to prevent the formation of bacteria, mold, and yeast. Also, most of the vitamins and minerals are not lost during cooking, which protects the food's nutritional value. Moreover, dehydration can bring out the natural flavors of fruits and vegetables. Dehydrated food is also portable and simple to store, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

There are some drawbacks to dehydrating food as well. While dehydration can protect a lot of nutrients, other vitamins, like vitamin C and thiamine, are more prone to deterioration during drying. Mold growth is still a potential problem, especially if the food is not adequately dried or kept. Lastly, uneven drying can happen if the food is not cut uniformly or if the temperature and airflow are not set correctly, which can lead to certain parts of the food being over-dried while others stay moist.

Common mistakes to avoid when dehydrating food

Improper preparation of the food

To guarantee consistent drying, it's important to wash and slice the food thoroughly. Getting rid of extra moisture or seeds helps hasten the drying process as well.

Incorrect temperature being used

A particular temperature is required for drying each type of food. Food will take too long to dry if the temperature is too low, which increases the risk of spoilage. Overdried food will lose its flavor and nutrients if the temperature is too high.

Overcrowding the dehydrator trays

When food is packed too closely together, air flow is restricted, which can lead to uneven drying. Enough space should be left between each piece of food to allow for optimum airflow.

Infrequent monitoring of the food

Drying times vary depending on the type of food. Regularly check the food to make sure it is drying evenly, and take out any dry parts. Flavor and nutrients can be lost as a result of overdrying.

Improper food storage

After the food has been dried, it should be kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry environment. The food can easily go bad or develop mold if not stored properly.

FAQs about Food Dehydrators

How to dehydrate different types of food?

There are certain factors to consider when dehydrating food. Fruits should be cut into thin slices and soaked in lemon juice to avoid browning. In order to maintain their color and texture during dehydration, vegetables should also be thinly sliced and blanched. Although meat can be crushed up or thinly cut, it should first be cooked. Herbs can either be laid out on a screen or tied into bundles and hung to dry.

Is a food dehydrator worth the cost?

In my opinion, the price of a food dehydrator is worth it. Many things, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meat, can be dried using a food dehydrator. You can simply experiment with various meals and come up with your own original recipes thanks to the changeable temperature settings and various drying times.

A high-quality food dehydrator can help you save money over time by enabling you to preserve your own food at home. If you grow produce in the summer months, you know how much of a pain it is to have an excess of produce during this time. Dehydrating is the perfect solution for this and enables you to preserve your summer crop. 

Dehydrated meals are also compact and light, making them ideal for camping and backpacking expeditions. Dried fruits and vegetables can also be consumed as wholesome afternoon snacks without the extra sugars or preservatives found in store-bought alternatives.

Overall, a food dehydrator is a great investment since it gives you a convenient, affordable, and healthful way to store and enjoy your favorite foods.

Is dehydrated food as healthy as fresh?

Dehydrated food can be just as healthy as fresh food, depending on how it's prepared and stored. The dehydration process involves removing the moisture from food, which can cause some loss of nutrients such as vitamin C and some B vitamins. However, many other nutrients, such as fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, remain intact and can even become more concentrated in dehydrated foods.

One advantage of dehydrated food is that it can be preserved without the need for added preservatives or chemicals, unlike many canned or frozen foods. Additionally, dehydrated fruits and vegetables are often packaged without added sugars or other ingredients, making them a great option for a healthy snack.

However, it's important to keep in mind that not all dehydrated foods are created equal. Some commercially-produced dehydrated foods may contain added sugars, salt, or other ingredients that can negate some of the nutritional benefits. Additionally, if not properly stored, dehydrated food can become contaminated with bacteria or mold, which can be harmful to your health.

In general, dehydrated food can be a healthy and convenient option, especially if it's made at home with fresh, whole ingredients and stored properly. However, it's important to consider the quality of the food and how it's prepared to ensure that you're getting the maximum nutritional benefit.

Can food be dehydrated too long?

Depending on the type of food, moisture content, and dehydration technique, its ideal drying time will change. Food can become over-dried and brittle if it is dehydrated for too long. Food that has been over-dried may lack flavor, have an unappealing texture, and not rehydrate properly when cooked.

There are several techniques you can use to determine whether food has been adequately dried. 

One is the bend test. If you attempt to bend a piece of dried food and does not break, it has probably been sufficiently dried. Similarly, if you attempt to rip a portion of the food, and it tears cleanly and readily, it has probably been properly dried.

In general, it's better to err on the side of under-drying rather than over-drying, as you can always continue to dry the food if needed. You might need to take your food out of the dehydrator earlier than you planned if you discover that it is getting too dry or brittle. The food may also need to be left in the dehydrator for longer if you discover that it is still moist or sticky after the recommended drying period.

Can I dehydrate raw meat?

Yes, it is possible to dehydrate raw meat, but there are several safety measures to take beforehand.

It is advised to pre-cook meat before dehydrating it to lower the possibility of bacterial contamination. Before dehydrating the meat, you can cook it in a slow cooker, oven, or even a skillet. Doing this can aid in reducing extra fat, which can slow down the deterioration of the meat.

After the meat has finished cooking, slice it into thin strips and arrange the strips so they are not touching on the dehydrator trays. The dehydrator should be set to the proper temperature and left on for many hours or until the meat is totally dry and brittle.

When the meat has completely dried out, it should be kept in a cold, dry area in an airtight container. To maintain track of the meat's freshness, it's a good idea to label the container with the type of meat and the date that it was dehydrated.

In general, dehydrating raw meat is an excellent approach to produce jerky and other dried meat snacks. To guarantee that the meat is safe to consume and doesn't spoil, it is crucial to adhere to the correct food safety regulations.

How many years will dehydrated food last?

The type of food, the dehydration process used, and storage conditions can all affect how long dried food will stay fresh. In general, properly prepared, packaged, and stored dried food can last for several years.

Dehydrated fruits and vegetables can keep for six months to a year, while dehydrated meats and other protein sources can keep for up to two years. Dehydrated herbs and spices can last for up to three years or more.

Dehydrated food should be kept in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight or dampness, to extend its shelf life. To keep out air and moisture, the food should be kept in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag.

In order to maintain track of the food's freshness, it's a good idea to label the containers with the food's type and the date that it was dehydrated. Food should be thrown away if it shows any signs of spoiling, such mold or an unpleasant odor.

Final thoughts

A food dehydrator can be a useful addition to your kitchen, enabling you to quickly produce and preserve healthy foods. With so many inexpensive options available, you may discover an excellent dehydrator for under $100 that suits your requirements and price range.

The opportunity to keep extra produce, make wholesome snacks, and save money by purchasing in bulk are a few benefits of dehydrating food. 

It's crucial to think about things like size and capacity, drying process, convenience of use, and cleaning while looking for a food dehydrator. You may take advantage of the many advantages of drying food at home by carefully weighing your alternatives and selecting a dehydrator that suits your needs.