The 5 Best Food Dehydrators Under $80
We looked at food dehydrators under $80 using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.
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Quick picks
Key specs: Adjustable thermostat, 95°F to 160°F, 5 trays included, expandable to 12, 600W top-mounted fan with Converga-Flow.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Adjustable thermostat, 95°F to 160°F
- 5 trays included, expandable to 12
- 600W top-mounted fan with Converga-Flow
- Compact stackable design
- Typically $60 to $80
Strengths
- 160°F ceiling covers jerky, fruit, vegetables, and herbs in one machine
- Expandable tray system scales up without replacing the whole unit
- One of the best-selling and longest-running dehydrators on the market
- Compact footprint fits easily on a counter or in a cabinet
Limitations
- 5-tray starting capacity is modest without buying add-on trays
- Top-mounted fan needs tray rotation for even drying
- No digital display, uses an analog dial for temperature
Key specs: Digital thermostat and timer, 90°F to 165°F, 6 trays included, expandable to 12, Bottom-mounted fan.
Key Specifications & Features:
- Digital thermostat and timer, 90°F to 165°F
- 6 trays included, expandable to 12
- Bottom-mounted fan
- Nesting trays, over 40% smaller footprint stored
- Includes mesh screens and fruit roll sheets
Strengths
- Digital timer and thermostat are easier to read and set precisely than an analog dial
- 165°F ceiling covers meat safe-start temperatures with room to spare
- Nesting trays make this the most compact of the budget picks to store
- Includes mesh screens and fruit roll sheets in the box, no extra accessory purchase
Limitations
- Bottom-mounted fan means the lowest tray dries fastest
- 6-tray starting capacity, similar limitation to the NESCO for larger batches
- Slightly higher typical price than the NESCO
Strengths
- Low price
- Adjustable temperature up to about 158°F
- Dishwasher-safe trays (top rack)
- Compact for small kitchens
Limitations
- Vertical airflow means rotating trays for even drying
- Five trays limit batch size
- No timer
Strengths
- Stainless steel tray bottoms
- Simple adjustable temperature
- Compact
- Affordable
Limitations
- Low wattage dries slowly
- Needs tray rotation
- No timer or auto shutoff
Strengths
- No tray rotation needed
- Expandable to 7 trays
- Trays and base are dishwasher safe
- Low price
Limitations
- No temperature control
- Small 4-tray starting capacity
- Fixed 160°F is hot for delicate herbs
How we chose
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.