Do you want to buy the best food dehydrator under $100? If so, then this blog will introduce the best products on the market. There are so many types of food dehydrators to choose from. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to find which one is best for you or your family. So we have reviewed the top 5 best food dehydrators under $100 and their features with pros and cons.
What Is A Food Dehydrator And How Does It Work?
A food dehydrator is a small or large kitchen appliance that removes the water from your fruits, veggies, meats, and other foods. It utilizes a built-in fan and low amounts of heat to reduce the overall amount of water found in these items.
It works by arranging your fruit, vegetable, or meat on a food dehydrator tray ( this depends on the quality of your machine and size of the food) and adjusting the thermostat to the appropriate temperature. You also need to set the timer according to the manufactures dehydrator manual.
The result is a nice tasty snack for you to enjoy!
There is a huge range of foods you could make when it comes to dehydration, including beef jerky, fruit roll-ups, apple chips, dry rosemary, and even granola!
Why Should I Get One For My Kitchen?
Dehydrated foods have some of the same nutritional qualities as fresh produce, though they may be lower in particular nutrients. Dehydrating is an excellent way to preserve fruits and vegetables when you can’t eat them all right away or before spoilage sets in. This also allows for year-round access to seasonal produce since many fruits and vegetables are in season at the same time of year.
You can also save money by dehydrating foods for your enjoyment at home.
The Best Food Dehydrators Under $100
1) Nesco FD-79 Snackmaster Food Dehydrator
The Nesco FD-79 Snackmaster Food Dehydrator has a total of four trays that can be expanded to 12 trays. This food dehydrator is best if you’re looking to buy a smaller-sized unit with less power to accommodate the small space in your kitchen.
The Nesco Snackmaster Food Dehydrator has 600 watts of power.
The best thing about the Nesco FD-79 Snackmaster Food Dehydrator is that it comes with a book of recipes included in the purchase price, which makes this food dehydrator great for beginners who need cooking tips on what to do with fresh produce and meats when they are done drying them!
It also has a timer setting and digital temperature control of 90°F – 160°F for best results overall.
Pros:
- The Nesco dehydrator is made in the USA and comes with a recipe book.
- It has 600 watts of power.
- The best features are that it is made to last, easy to clean due to all removable parts, sturdy construction.
- It also includes a timer setting and digital temperature control.
- The best thing about the Nesco FD 79 is that the motor’s in the lid and not placed somewhere at the bottom of the appliance, making clean up a lot easier.
Cons:
- It is best for beginners, not recommended for commercial use.
- You have to purchase extra trays separately.
2) Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator (White)
The Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator (White) is a bestseller with great reviews and comes reasonably priced.
It turns on when it is plugged in and comes with four trays for accommodating various foods and can be expanded up to eight trays for added capacity.
This bestseller product can be used to dry fruits, vegetables, herbs, and cheese as well as fish or meat jerky in an effortless manner.
It also features a durable plastic exterior.
Pros:
- It was created in 2012, which shows that the product has been solid for a long time with excellent customer service.
- It runs on 600-watt power, which is more than enough to have your food dehydrated.
- The best part about the Presto 06300 is that it does not take up much space on countertops and is best for people who do not want to buy a bigger appliance just yet or don’t have the kitchen space.
- This product also comes with an instruction manual that makes it best for new users of a food dehydrator.
- The best feature it offers is its simple design – there are no complicated parts to it. You don’t need to adjust anything; simply plug in the dehydrator and wait for it to work its magic.
- This machine has a see-through top so you can view your food drying easily.
Cons
- It does not come with an adjustable thermostat or timer, which can be an inconvenience.
- Additional trays will cost extra.
- It can get a bit loud sometimes.
3) Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator 5 Tray
Ditch those high-calorie snacks and give your family a healthy option with the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator! This dehydrator comes equipped with five easy-to-clean trays for plenty of space, as well as adjustable temperature control. With 350 watts of power and fan-driven air, this is one quick way you can dry all types of foods. Whether it’s fruit or vegetables, spices or herbs – even jerky – the food will be ready in no time thanks to these features on both quality & convenience levels. So add some flavor back into your life today by investing in this fantastic piece that fits perfectly right at home on any kitchen countertop!
- It comes with an adjustable thermostat control with a range of 95-158°F
- This product comes with five adjustable and easy-to-clean BPA-free trays.
- You can dehydrate fruits, vegetables, meats, spices, and herbs.
- The Elite Gourmet has overheating protection for safety use.
- The trays can be adjusted for excellent drying capacity
- 350 Watt
Pros
- The trays are made from BPA- free plastic.
- The lid is clear for easy viewing.
- The Elite food dehydrator has adjustable temperature control (95-158°F).
- It is not loud.
- It is effortless to use.
- The price of this product is perfect.
Cons
- Cant use outdoors.
- It is made from plastic, so it is not durable.
- It doesn’t have a timer setting; you need to keep checking it manually.
- This product has a small tray space for food; if you have a large family or dehydrate a lot of food, this might not help.
4) Nesco FD 37 Food Dehydrator
The NESCO FD-37 Food & Jerky Dehydrator is the perfect starter kit for beginners and experienced jerky makers! This dehydrator comes with four 13.5 inch trays, but it can be expanded to 7 when you want to make larger batches without rotating them on a rack. The fixed temperature control makes finding an optimal drying setting easy, while its quiet fan forces heated air down into each tray, so they all dry uniformly – no guesswork required! You’ll also love how convenient this clear cover lets you watch your process as it happens from start to finish.
Pros
- This product is made in the USA.
- It has 400 watts of power, which is a lot for its size.
- It can be expanded to 7 trays.
- It has a transparent cover for you to watch your food dehydrate!
- Nesco, the company, has been making kitchen appliances for a long time, so you know that their customer service and products will be excellent!
It has an on and off switch to save energy.
Cons
- It does not have a timer, which some people want to use so that they don’t need to keep checking the food dehydrator every few hours. It also does not have an adjustable thermostat.
- You will need to buy accessories separately.
5) CO165 Cosori Food Dehydrator
The Cosori Dehydrator is the perfect way to turn any ordinary food into long-lasting savory snacks. From dried fruit and beef jerky to preserving herbs, you’ll never need another snack again!
- It has a touch-control LED display.
- It has an adjustable thermostat for easy temperature control.
- The Cosori appliance comes with a built-in timer.
- This machine has an auto-shutoff feature.
- The five trays are dishwasher safe.
Pros
- This product comes with five BPA- free trays.
- Great product for beginners.
- The Cosori dehydrator has an adjustable thermostat that can dry food with a 95 F to 165 F temperature.
- It has an overheat protection mechanism. When the dehydrator overheats, this feature kicks in and stops it from getting too hot.
- It has a built-in timer option.
- It is easy to clean.
- Designed in California, USA.
Cons
- It only has a maximum of five trays and cannot be expanded to more.
- It is made from plastic.
6) NutriChef Kitchen Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator
Nutrichef is one of the best food dehydrators in the market. It is a white, square shaped appliance with a simple one-button operation. The wattage is 250, and the maximum temperature is 180°F. The NutriChef Kitchen Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator comes with five trays, making it perfect for dehydrating large quantities of food in one go. The trays can be removable, so you can easily clean them. The product dimensions are 11.7 x 8.7 x 12.4 inches, weighing around 3.1 pounds.
Pros
The NutriChef Kitchen Electric Countertop Food Dehydrator is perfect for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, meats, and fish. It is effortless to use, and the results are always consistent. The dehydrator is also clear, so you can easily see the progress of your food.
Cons
The only downside to the NutriChef PKFD06 dehydrator is that it does not come with a timer. You must watch the dehydrator and turn it off when the food is ready.
If you’re looking for a reputable food dehydrator that won’t break the bank, then this is for you.
7) Nesco Square Dehydrator
The Nesco Square Dehydrator is another excellent product I would recommend to anyone in the market for a food dehydrator. This machine has 700 watts of drying power, and the Converga-Flow drying system ensures that food dries evenly. The adjustable thermostat ranges from 95 to 160º F so you can dehydrate various foods. The unit comes with 4 BPA Free dishwasher-safe trays, which can be expanded up to 8 trays. The dehydrator is white and made of plastic. It has a square-shaped design.
Pros:
- The Nesco FD-80A Food and Jerky Dehydrator is an excellent addition to any kitchen.
- It is straightforward to use and dehydrates food quickly and evenly.
- The unit is also elementary to clean.
- Trusted brand
Cons:
- The Nesco FD-80A Food and Jerky Dehydrator does not have a timer.
- The FD 80A does not have an On or Off switch.
I have used the NESCO FD-80A Dehydrator to make dried fruit, jerky, and dehydrated vegetables. The dried fruit comes out great, with no sugar needed. The jerky is fantastic, and I have even made chicken jerky in this dehydrator. The dehydrated vegetables are perfect for soups and stews. I have even made fruit leather in this dehydrator, and it came out perfectly.
I highly recommend the NESCO FD-80A Food and Jerky Dehydrator to anyone in the market for a food dehydrator. It is a great product that I have been pleased with.
8) Homdox Food Dehydrator
- It has 400 watts of dehydrating power
- The Homdox Food Dehydrator features an adjustable timer and temperature dials.
- Large eight trays for all your dehydrating needs
- The Homdox Food Dehydrator material is stainless steel base and premium plastic trays
- The trays are safe to clean in a dishwasher
Pros:
- The Homdox Food Dehydrator is a great way to preserve food.
- It is effortless to use.
- It dehydrates food quickly and evenly.
- The Homdox Food Dehydrator is very affordable.
Cons:
- It is not very portable.
- The Homdox Food Dehydrator does not have a lot of features.
- This dehydrating machine is not easy to clean up.
I have been using this dehydrator for about six months now, and I love it. It has plenty of power to dehydrate large batches of food, and the adjustable timer and temperature settings make it very versatile. The large capacity is also great for when I want to make big batches of jerky or dehydrated fruits and vegetables. In addition, the trays are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. I highly recommend this dehydrator to anyone looking for a great, versatile dehydrator with plenty of capacity.
9) OSTBA Food Dehydrator
The OSTBA food dehydrator is an excellent addition to any kitchen. It’s perfect for dried fruit, herbs, and even jerky. I like that this product has an adjustable thermostat so you can dehydrate your food at the ideal temperature. The OSTBA food dehydrator also has a timer (1 to 72 hours), so you can set it and forget it.
It has an LED display so you can easily see what temperature and time it’s set at, and the dehydrator comes with five trays so you can dehydrate a large amount of food at once. The trays are also dishwasher safe and BPA-free.
Pros:
The dehydrator is very easy to use. You need to put the food in the trays and turn it on. The process is quick, and you can dehydrate a lot of food at once.
You can also use many recipes with this dehydrator to make some great snacks and meals.
The dehydrator is also very affordable, making it an excellent option for those on a budget.
This product has an anti-skid bottom, so it stays in place.
Cons:
One downside of the dehydrator is that it can be a bit messy. The trays can get dirty, and the food can sometimes stick.
Another negative thing is it cant make good jerky. So if you want to make jerky, you need to buy a dehydrator used explicitly for that purpose.
Some people also find the trays flimsy and can warp over time.
The Ostba is another product I highly recommend to anyone looking for an easy way to dehydrate their food.
FAQs
Where to find a reasonable price on food dehydrators?
There are a few places you can get good deals on food dehydrators. First, check online retailers like Amazon or eBay or specialty stores like Sur la Table or Williams-Sonoma. You can also find reasonable prices at department stores like Macy’s during sales or clearance periods.
Tips on buying the best food dehydrator
When you are looking for a food dehydrator, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind. This way, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible product for your needs. Below are a few tips on buying the best food dehydrator:
1. Look for a dehydrator that has multiple trays. This way, you will be able to dehydrate more food at one time.
2. Make sure that the dehydrator has a timer. This way, you can set it up and forget it.
3. Choose a machine that has an automatic shut-off feature. This is a great safety feature to have.
4. Find a product that is easy to clean. You will want to be capable of wiping it down quickly and easily.
5. Look for a durable appliance. This way, you can use it for a long time.
6. Choose a dehydrator that comes with a warranty. This way, you can get a replacement if it breaks.
7. Make sure that the dehydrator is quiet. You don’t want it to make too much noise while running.
8. Find a product that is energy efficient. This way, you can save money on your electric bill.
9. Choose something easy to use. You should be able to set it up and use it without problems.
10. Make sure that the dehydrator is portable. This way, you can take it with you when you travel.
11. And finally, choose a dehydrator that has a good reputation. This way, you can ensure that you are getting a quality product.
How We Checked Each Dehydrator
To find the best food dehydrator, we looked for models with an adjustable thermostat, so you could dehydrate delicate foods like herbs and fruits without overcooking them. We also considered how easy the dehydrators were to use and how quickly they dried food. And because most people don’t need a 10-tray dehydrator, we looked for models with fewer trays that would be easier to store.
Should I look for a product with a warranty?
Yes, it is always a good idea to purchase a product with a warranty in case it becomes defective. This way, you can get a replacement or a refund for the item.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Food Dehydrator
Pros:
- It can be a money saver, more convenient than waiting for food to dry in the sun.
- Can make healthy snacks for kids and adults.
- Fruits have a tasty flavor.
- Can make your favorite dried fruits as a gift for friends and family members.
Cons:
- It takes up space, and some require a lot of power. ​​​​
- Some of the best food dehydrators are very expensive (some can cost up to $400).
- Dehydrating food can take a lot of time.
- Some can be noisy, high maintenance (often need a cleaning).
Conclusion:
Finding the best food dehydrator that is cost-effective can be tiresome. That’s why we wanted to give you a list of our top picks and help break down what makes them so great in hopes that it will make your decision easier. We also included some features to help with picking out the right kind of dehydrator based on how much power, space, or money you want to spend, as well as the type of food you plan on often drying (fruits, vegetables, and meats). There is no shortage of options for buying a new food dehydrator. Still, hopefully, this guide has helped narrow things down just enough! Let us know which model was your favorite. If any made your final cut – we are always looking for new best food dehydrator reviews to help our readers!
