Gone are the days when most people were using the sun's energy for dehydrating food. But nowadays anyone can buy a food dehydrator to get the task done at any time without waiting for a long time or borrowing from a neighbor. However, with so many different food dehydrators on the market, it may be difficult to make the right choice.
Perhaps you're looking for a gift for a dehydrating pro or you're new to the world of dehydrating and getting confused on what to choose, this guide will help you. We've listed the 5 best food dehydrators that can make your dehydrating journey a walk in the park.
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1.COSORI Premium Food Dehydrator Machine
This dehydrator comes with 6 stainless steel trays and has plenty of space to dehydrate large quantities of food. The temperature is adjustable, so you can control it to your desired degree depending on what you are drying. This allows you to precisely dry food without destroying enzymes.
Additionally, the noise level of COSORI Premium dehydrator is very low just like a running microwave. You can't even bother to use it outside on the porch. Moreover, if you have other stainless steel appliances in your kitchen this machine can match well.
2. NESCO FD-1018A, Gardenmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
NESCO FD-1018A, Gardenmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is one of the best food dehydrators that gets the job done effortlessly. It has a patented design known as the Converga-flow system which allows air flows evenly around all sides of the unit. This means you don't have to rotate trays throughout the process.
This dehydrator comes with 8 trays and it's expandable up to 30 trays while the other dehydrators did not. Not only does it come with 8 trays, but mesh trays as well as fruit leather trays for all 8 layers. Thus an added advantage as mesh liners helps to hold small pieces like peas from falling through the tray during the process. On the other hand, with fruit roll trays the food residues don't adhere to the tray. Above all, mesh and fruit roll trays can make the machine last for a long time by protecting the tray from oils and moisture that can cause rusting trays
3. Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Food Dehydrator
Excalibur 3926TB is one of the popular food dehydrators in the market. It has a large capacity that could handle an abundance of food at one single point of time. And with its horizontal design, you don't have to re-position the trays in between the process. The heat is distributed evenly over all the trays since the fan is also mounted in the back of the unit.
If you have a hectic schedule for the day, this dehydrator can save you lots of time. Apart from drying out the large quantity at one time, it has an adjustable thermostat so you don't have to babysit it. It simply shuts off automatically when the timer is done.
4. Brod & Taylor SAHARA Folding Food Dehydrator
This model is the world's first folding dehydrator. It's a game-changer especially if you don't have enough storage space in your kitchen. It folds to 1/3 its size and unfolds over 15 sq ft of drying area with seven shelves. The dual time and temperature are easy to set. It allows users to select two different temperatures and times for controlled food drying. Moreover, this machine has a glass door which gives a full view of the drying process.
5. Ivation 9 Tray Countertop Digital Food Dehydrator
The Ivation dehydrator includes 9 trays that hold a lot of food at one time. It also comes with a solid and mesh sheet to use for liquid-based and smaller-sized food. The thermostat is adjustable which allows food to be dried according to its type. This machine dehydrates evenly without rotating the trays and watches it all the time and the drying process can be observed without opening the door since transparent gives the full view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dehydrators worth buying? Yes, dehydrators are worth the investment. They come with plenty of benefits. The primary benefit especially for gardeners is that you can preserve your produce without wasting food. And you wouldn't miss out on any seasonal food items when you have dehydrated them.
If you grow a huge garden, a food dehydrator can even help you save space in the refrigerator. Again with a food dehydrator, you can save money from buying pre-packaged dehydrated snacks which are quite expensive
Is a dehydrator better than an oven? A food dehydrator is far better than an oven. Food dehydrators are specifically designed to effectively dry food whilst retaining nutrients and preserving lots of flavor. It runs on temperature settings which allows food to dehydrate properly without killing the enzymes. But when using an oven you need extra attention to monitor the temperature because an oven runs at a higher temperature.
Additionally, a food dehydrator can dry different kinds of food at the same time as it comes with multiple trays for drying, whereas an oven only has 1-3 trays. So in short, a food dehydrator is a better choice for more consistent results.
How long does dehydrated food last? According to the studies, dehydrated vegetables can last 10 years or more. Then dried fruits can last up to 5 years. Just make sure that you properly pack and store your produce. Vacuum packaging is a great option to ensure effective food preservation after dehydration.
To Sum Up
If you're looking to invest in a food dehydrator, look no further. All these above-mentioned dehydrators get the job done effortlessly. Whether you want to preserve bulk items, like fruits, vegetables, or herbs from your garden, any of these machines can take your food dehydrating journey to a professional level. With everything considered, these best food dehydrators are durable and can last for a long time, with very little maintenance.
You may also be interested in: Best Pressure Canners.
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