A food dehydrator is a small but very useful machine that helps to dry out the moisture and water from fruits and vegetables to preserve them for long-term use.
There are many different brands of food dehydrators available on the market but finding the best one is the key that offers great performance without costing too much money. Therefore, we have come out with top 10 best food dehydrators that are of good quality and perform well.
So read the in-depth review of each food dehydrator so that you can select the right one that could fulfill your food preservation requirements efficiently.
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Best Food Dehydrators
| Brand/Model | Trays | Dimensions (Inch) | Weight (lb) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excalibur 3900B | 9 | 19 x 17 x 12.5 | 22 | See Price |
| Nesco FD-1018P | 30 | 17.5 x 17.2 x 16 | 19.5 | See Price |
| STX International DEH | 10 | 20.5 x 17.2 x 15.6 | 38.5 | See Price |
| Tribest SD-P9150-B | 9 | 17 x 17 x 14 | 28 | See Price |
| L'EQUIP FilterPro | 15 | 18 x 13 x 15 | 13.6 | See Price |
| Excalibur 3526TB | 5 | 19 x 17 x 8.5 | 15 | See Price |
| Tribest SD-P9000 | 9 | 17 x 14.6 x 19.7 | 23.4 | See Price |
| STX DEH 800W | 10 | 19.5 x 15 x 20 | 23 | See Price |
| Omega DH9090TW | 9 | 19.2 x 16.5 x 12.2 | 20 | See Price |
| STX Dehydra 600 | 10 | 18.5 x 13 x 14 | 17 | See Price |
1. Excalibur 3900 Deluxe Food Dehydrator
Have fun and dehydrate foods with the all-new Excalibur 3900 Deluxe Non-Timer Series 9 Tray Food Dehydrator! It is perfect for families who love to eat. This innovative dehydrator allows everyone to dry their foods evenly and efficiently.
It features an original rear horizontal-airflow system, which dries foods completely and evenly on trays. This feature also allows a better dehydration process since moist is pushed out more efficiently by the warm air coming out from the rear part of the machine.
There’s also no need to rotate the trays since it features a horizontal drying process. Other features include an adjustable fan, 9 polycarbonate trays with Polyscreen inserts, deluxe non-heavy duty timer, and an adjustable thermostat with a built-in on/ off switch.
So what are the benefits of using the Excalibur 3900 deluxe food dehydrator for foods?
Cheaper Price
The innovative Excalibur dehydrator sells a lot cheaper when compared to other brands. Amazon even offers the units at discounted prices with free shipping. Purchasers won’t only save money through the price, but would also save more on their grocery bills with the additional food preservation benefits of the food dehydrator.
Efficient for food dehydration
Food dehydration through the Excalibur 3900 dehydrator would allow purchasers to preserve foods effectively. The rear heat source fan design distributes air efficiently producing an evenly dehydrated food output.
Easy preparation, use, and cleaning
The machine is easy to prepare. There’s no need to boil water for hot-water baths and there’s also no need for pressure cookers. Everyone would be able to dehydrate their food by just cleaning, slicing and placing them on the machine trays.
Wait until all foods are dehydrated and the dehydration’s done. Cleaning is also very easy. Individuals just have to wash the used trays, and there’s no need to scrub the other trays not used.
Control of temperature
Temperature is very important in dry foods. The temperature control feature of Excalibur 3900 deluxe food dehydrator allows users to set their desired temperature for the dehydration process.
They could choose low heat for flowers or herbs and increase it for fruits or jerky. Foods are also evenly heated, which produce a fully dehydrated food output.
Great tray design
The trays have plenty of beneficial features. The trays are lined with mesh so that individuals would be able to put diced fruits, herbs, and other finely chopped foods. Trays are also sized well.
The huge size of the tray allows better space for foods. Users could also put numerous kinds of foods without the worry of cross contamination. Trays are also removable so that there’s room for adjustment for bulky sized foods.
How about the drawbacks of the Excalibur 3900 Deluxe food dehydrator?
There are fewer drawbacks since the machine is well-designed and built for the convenience of consumers. The machine is truly innovative with features that won’t be found on other dehydrator brands.
Huge sized machine
It’s hard to find space for huge sized dehydrators. Purchasers would have to adjust their kitchen to place the machine well. They would also need bigger sinks so that the huge trays would fit while they’re cleaned.
Timer not included in other models
Some models don’t have the featured timer, which is really a hassle. Purchasers would have to buy a plug-in timer to make it work better for their convenience.
Fan noise
According to some reviews, the fan of the dehydrator is really noisy. Purchasers would have to find an appropriate place for the machine so that they won’t be disturbed by the fan noise.
In Summation
Overall the Excalibur 3900 deluxe food dehydrator would still be on top of other brands and models of food dehydrators. With its unique and helpful features, there won’t be a need to buy other dehydrating machines.
Simply clean, slice, and place the food on the machine and all works are done. Users just have to wait for it to finish, and they would get the healthy and evenly dehydrated food that they want.
2. Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P Food Dehydrator
Dehydrating Foods is a Breeze when You Use the Nesco Dehydrator. A unique item that provides ongoing healthy treats is the Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P Food Dehydrator. Featuring an ample 1,000 watts of drying power, the food dehydrator works at the optimum speed to dehydrate veggies and fruits, beef jerky, and even herbs and flowers. Therefore, you can dehydrate food items in only a couple of hours. Drying is even and quick.
Also featuring an adjustable thermostat, the Nesco FD-1018P food dehydrator gives you the added ability to dry foods within a wide temperature range. With its patented Converga-Flow system, the Nesco machine works by forcing air upwards through a pressurized chamber, thereby making drying even and quick. Therefore, there’s no need to rotate trays with this premium food dehydrator.
Make nutritious and delicious snacks with the dehydrator. Because the air is fan-forced and a large amount of wattage is used, the Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P dehydrator food makes drying food an economical and convenient way to preserve nutritious and delicious snacks. Foods dry fast because the fan operates at 2,400 RPM.
Food is preserved and nutrients retained. However, that being said, the drying time may vary somewhat, depending on the texture and nature of the food as well as such factors as moisture content, air temperature, humidity, and altitude.
The opaque Vita-save exterior on the food hydrator aids in preserving food quality as it is helpful in blocking damaging light and retaining the mineral and vitamin content of the dried foods.
Suggested Temperature Settings:
Fruits and Vegetables
When drying fruits or vegetables, you’ll generally need to set the thermostat on the Nesco FD-1018P food dehydrator at around 130 degrees Fahrenheit, or 55 degrees Celsius. Drying the foods at this temperature will help retain vitamin A and C content.
Fish and Meat
On the other hand, any fish or meat that you dry should be set on the highest temperature to eliminate bacteria and reduce spoilage.
Seeds and Nuts
It’s best to dry seeds or nuts at around 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 30 degrees Celsius to maintain their flavor. The same holds true for spices and herbs.
Flowers for Potpourri
If you’re drying flowers for potpourri, then drying temperatures should be set at around 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius in order to retain the color and scent.
The Dehydration Process
Dehydration itself is a simple process. When you use the Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P 1000 Watt Food Dehydrator Kit and set the temperature, the heat that is applied serves to reduce the moisture content in the food.
In turn, the air circulating over the food carries away the evaporated water. By adjusting the thermostat on the Nesco dehydrator, you’ll be able to control spoilage as the food dries.
Food Should Take on a Leathery Quality if they are Dried Properly
When enough water is removed, the microorganisms that can cause food to spoil are impaired and the food takes on a leathery texture. Be careful not to over dry food as doing so can make it brown and brittle.
The Benefits of Using the Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P Food Dehydrator
Indeed, using the Nesco dehydrator provides the consumer with a number of advantages, some of which include:
- Savings over canning or freezing – drying foods cost about half what you spend on canning and is much less expensive than preserving foods by freezing. Plus, you use less space when you dry foods versus canning them.
- The ability to prepare nutritious snacks; and
- The ability to enjoy fruits and vegetables later that you harvest from your garden.
Most People were Very Satisfied with the Product
When you review the majority of the reviews, customers are really pleased with their purchase of the Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P dehydrator. Most commented too that the dehydrator was easy to clean and use.
Also, most everyone who used the product said that the machine performed well too. Those comments contrasted sharply with the one negative review which stated that the machine did not work. All in all, though, people said that the Nesco FD-1018P was an exemplary appliance.
3. STX International DEH-1200W-XLS Dehydra Food Dehydrator
The specification for the STX INTERNATIONAL Dehydra 1200-Watt Food Dehydrator instantly screams power with its ability to use 1200 Watts – unlike other, weaker brands – but it also has the benefits of a large capacity, tough components and a casing that can be taken apart for easy cleaning and access. STX claim that they have an “incredible 99.8% customer satisfaction rate” but is this reflected in their customer reviews for this particular product?
What benefits have buyers enjoyed when using this STX INTERNATIONAL Dehydra Food Dehydrator?
The Amazon rating of 4 out of 5 suggests that 99.8% may, in fact, be generous but this does not mean that there aren’t plenty of positive comments about its design and performance. This is a big dehydrator with 16sq ft of drying space and ten trays, which means plenty of room for big batches of produce, and users have reported drying all they require at once rather than in the usual shifts. There are too many different dried fruits, vegetables and meats cited in individual reports to name here but this is a clear sign that it can handle most tastes.
The use of stainless steel adds to the sense of this being more of an industrial, heavy-duty unit and is a welcome change to some of the plastic offerings on the market that are much flimsier. Buyers like the use of the metal on the trays too as it prevents the warping seen in plastic ones.
Additionally, stainless steel goes with most décors so it should look fine in the kitchen if you wish to keep it there. Other benefits that buyers have mentioned are that it is easy to put together and easy to clean out once they have finished, the latter being partly due to the drip tray.
What downsides have been reported in reviews of this STX-DEH-1200W-XLS Dehydra Food Dehydrator?
Unfortunately, with this talk of it being a more heavy-duty machine comes one of the biggest disadvantages – the noise. It is not uncommon for these types of machines to make a lot of noise for a long period of time when drying the produce but many say it is excessive with this machine if care is not taken with the fan and lose parts.
Additionally, there have been a few reports of uneven heat and inaccurate readings on the temperature gauge and some say the voltage drops when using extension cords, a flaw that severely limits the performance and increases drying times. The temperature issue is occasionally due to delivery errors and the relevant parts have been replaced as result but it is still worth watching out for.
Summary: are these issues too big a problem for this STX International Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator to be recommended?
This is not a cute, entry-level machine for the kitchen, despite the benefits of the stainless steel design, but rather a tough unit to be kept out the way and relied upon to make great products in an environment like a garage.
Hobbyists may feel it is a step too far but many will still appreciate the capacity and potential despite the flaws. This STX International Dehydra can be loud and have temperature issues but it redeems itself with the ease of use, use of stainless steel and large capacity.
4. Tribest Sedona SD-P9150-B Food Dehydrator – Fun and Helpful
Food dehydrators have really gone from odd specialist items to mainstream, heavy duty affairs and the Tribest Sedona SD-P9150-B Food Dehydrator is one of those models that shows what a high-end specification and a bit of thought can do.
This big, black machine has 9 trays, a 2-stage timer and dual fan for an effective process and a few neat little conveniences like the all-digital display and glass window. This should be the ideal, reliable machine for newcomers but does it prove to be worthwhile?
What benefits have users experienced when trying out this Tribest Sedona 2-stage Food Dehydrator?
Some customers talk about this product being intimidating because of the design and professional feel but go on to say they found it surprisingly easy to use and great fun.
The digital display is clear to see on the front of the machine and simple to use and even the programming is straightforward enough for first-timers to learn quickly. As a result, there have been some great products made, such as kale chips, dried fruit and veg and even some successful batches of jerky.
There are other benefits being highlighted with the design too, like the durability, looks and the lack of noise. The latter is a benefit that should not be overlooked because it increases the chance of keeping this in the kitchen rather than relegating it to the garage.
The capacity, on the other hand, comes in for mixed reviews; the use of 9 trays is beneficial for making the most of the space but there are those that say that there is not always enough space in between them for those chips that rise and curl.
These mixed reviews show that the appeal of the Tribest Sedona SD-P9150-B Food Dehydrator is largely down to personal preference so what other downsides might users experience?
Continuing with this idea of capacity, it has to be mentioned that this is quite a large machine and buyers have been caught out by the fact that it is larger than their microwave. This problem can perhaps be overcome with the right home but there is the more worrying issue of the performance and the machine’s limitations.
There is the suggestion that the wetter the foodstuff is, the more difficulty the machine will have in achieving the correct result and while this is not an issue with the jerky and kale, other fruit and veg have proved to be problematic.
Summary: can this Tribest Sedona SD-P9150-B still be recommended with these issues in mind?
The capacity and size issue does need to be considered before buying but it is the lack of range on this dehydrator that holds it back and makes it the wrong choice for many consumers; if you are looking for a versatile machine that can handle large batches of anything you pick from your garden then this is not the right model for you.
Despite this, if you are a first timer looking for a machine that can make great jerky and kale crisps with simple programming, and you are happy to potentially see some failures for the fun of the experimentation, the Tribest food dehydrator could give you what you need.
5. L’Equip FilterPro Food Dehydrator
Food dehydrators are becoming more popular kitchen appliances and the L’Equip FilterPro Food Dehydrator aims to offer users a model at the higher end of the scale with greater features and possibilities.
The features of this programmable, 535W model include 24 feet of drying space, where the specialized air filtration lets users dry a range of goods on stackable trays, and an easy-to-use control panel that has an LED display for the timer, temperature controls from 95 to 156 degrees and a automatic shut-off after 24 hours.
This L’Equip FilterPro dehydrator sounds like a great product with plenty of space and tools to make lots of healthy, delicious snacks but does this special filtration system and extra controls lead to great produce and a user-friendly operation?
Some Noted Features of the L’Equip FilterPro Dehydrator
- Up to 24 feet of drying space allowing you to create your own dried fruits, and jerky for inexpensive, quality nacks
- 535 Watt, programmable, variable temperature dehydrator with 6 stackable trays
- Patent-pending air filtration system creates clean, filtered air
- Microprocessor controlled heat sensor for stable drying environment
- Features LED time and temperature display
- 24-hour auto-shut off timer;
- Precise temperature control 95-156 degrees
- Includes 2 fruit leather trays, 6 mesh screens, and yogurt accessory
- It has a 10-year warranty
What are the advantages of buying this particular L’Equip model over other dehydrators?
There are many different benefits and attractive factors that have been highlighted by buyers of this dehydrator, from the way it looks to the different controls that make drying food even easier.
The timer and temperature control are consistently mentioned as advantages and, while the appearance may not be a huge deal to most consumers, the simplicity, clean lines, and cord storage mean it can easily sit next to other appliances in the kitchen, unlike other, similar products.
The final product is of course just as important to consider when choosing a dehydrator as the machine itself because that is the way you are buying it. Thankfully, this device has successfully created a range of great products for its users – such as dried herbs, jerky, fruit and salt dough – and it even comes with a yogurt accessory.
Many buyers mention the spacious capacity and the manufacturers have made good use of it by including 6 mesh screens and 2 fruit leather trays.
Does the L’Equip FilterPro Food Dehydrator have any flaws that experimental buyers should be aware of?
This FilterPro machine is at the higher end of the scale so expectations are naturally high; so far there have been great reviews on the design and final results, which suggest it is an all-around model, but what about the performance?
Generally speaking, this is another area with great reviews but there have been some comments about the trays that are worth mentioning. Some have experienced an uneven performance with the air flow and, while the product description talks about an”environment” that “dries food uniformly and consistently”, this does not appear to be the case.
It is not a big issue given the fact that the produce is usually at such a high standard, but it is a mild inconvenience to consider while preparing the food and trays.
Overall Value: The L’Equip FilterPro Dehydrator
This L’Equip dehydrator is often bought as an upgrade by people that have experience with dehydrators and, for the most part, it is seen as a worthwhile investment because it offers a better, faster performance than their previous machines with an appealing design.
The L’Equip FilterPro dehydrator may still not be the perfect new model for enthusiasts because of the potential issues with the airflow and consistency but the features and functions make this a great dehydrator for producing a range of snacks and, therefore, a recommended purchase – either as an upgrade or a first time model.
6. Excalibur 3526TB Food Dehydrator
The Excalibur 3526TB 5 Tray Dehydrator is a small, 5 tray food dehydrator that uses a 5-inch fan, adjustable thermostat and 26-hour timer to put buyers in greater control of their food. It is advertised as a “small garden” dehydrator for families that presumably have small kitchen gardens and want to play with the product to create interesting snacks. This is an interesting target audience but what do real buyers have to say about their experiences?
What benefits have buyers noted when testing this Excalibur 3526TB Food Dehydrator on their own produce in their kitchens?
To start with, the operation of this dehydrator is praised by a number of users, with many mentioning the use of the timer and the variable heat settings because of the peace of mind they bring, especially to busy owners that cannot keep an eye on it all the time.
Additionally, many feel that the performance is enhanced by the capacity as this Excalibur model uses a rack system with a lot of versatility and space, apparently providing 8 square feet of drying area. The end result of the process seems to be a lot of products of varying standards from meats to vegetables and there is the added advantage that it is easy to clean out afterward too.
This benefit is partly due to the inclusion of the poly screen tray inserts that stop food getting stuck. The final selling point to note is one that is of less importance when it comes to the quality of the food but is still important to many buyers – the looks. Some products of this type are bulky and ugly but this one has an appealing look and smaller footprint that makes it more suitable for use in the kitchen.
Buyers seem to enjoy using this Excalibur 3526TB 5 Tray Dehydrator but what are these varying standards and what other issues have been mentioned in reviews?
The problem with the consistency of the product is that some buyers have encountered rubbery fruit and some failures. Apparently this Excalibur dehydrator “dries the contents of all trays evenly” meaning “everything’s done at once”; this is not always the case and practice is needed. Rather predictably, as this is a dehydrator that buyers wish to use in their kitchens, the biggest complaint that has been received is about the noise levels.
Occasionally it is just a case of buyers saying it is noisier than they had hoped for but others go into specifics a little more and blame the high noise level on the construction and the rattly parts, notably the door which is a bit lose to begin with.
Summary: are these flaws enough to stop this Excalibur 3526TB 5 Tray Small Garden Food Dehydrator from being recommendable?
There is still a lot to love about this product, just be aware that even though it is slightly more expensive and a nicer looking model, that does not mean that you will not have to put up with some noise and have flawless results.
Not all fruits and vegetables give the exact texture and flavor that buyers have been hoping for but the fact that they are enjoying experimenting with options and settings shows that this compact, variable Excalibur dehydrator is still highly recommendable to those looking to get into the hobby of food dehydration.
7. Sedona SD-9000 Food Dehydrator
Dried foods can be a great addition to any healthy diet so the prospect of producing your own at home will be appealing to dieters that like to experiment in the kitchen. The Sedona dehydrator is a 110V device that lets users dry their snacks in a 9 tray, an energy-efficient machine that also boasts a glass door and a digital display for the temperature and timer.
With its capacity, dual-fan action and user-friendly design features, this Sedona SD-9000 Digitally Controlled Food Dehydrator look like an attractive product for buyers that are new to the process or just looking for a more convenient machine. Looks can be deceiving, however, so does this product live up to expectations?
What positive features and benefits can buyers enjoy with this Sedona dehydrator?
Online customer testimonials for this product are full of praise for a range of features from the design of the machine to its efficiency. Two of the most commonly mentioned are the quiet nature of the product and the inclusion of the glass door.
This door is a welcome addition because it provides an added convenience by allowing users the chance to view the progress of their produce. This duel-fan system is also surprisingly quiet – so much so that it can run at night without disturbing anyone – and there is an extra setting to decrease the fan speed even further.
Additional benefits of the Sedona food dehydrator include the digital controls, which are accessible and understandable, the lightweight and the range of goods that can be produced.
The latter advantage is arguably the most important because the primary aim with this dehydrator is to create delicious dried produce. Buyers have been able to enjoy many different types of snacks such as crackers, dried fruit, kale chips, and jerky.
Some Disappointments
While there are many five star reviews praising this food dehydrator highly and many benefits, there are a few negative aspects that have been highlighted and the majority relate to the fact that the trays are constructed from plastic.
Some people feel as though the price of this machine is too high considering the materials used, one user reported an unfortunate chemical odor and there is the additional disadvantage that the trays are not dishwasher safe.
These factors may be off-putting for some, however many other users have commented on how easy it is to clean this Sedona device and how much value for money you get compared to other, more expensive devices. Essentially, all the negative reviews either cite very minor issues or represent a very small minority of users.
Summary: is this model a recommendable product?
As this review shows, the positive features easily outweigh the negative with the Sedona SD-9000 Dehydrator and the majority of buyers would easily recommend it based on its user-friendly nature and great results.
The trays may be made of plastic, and this may be unsuitable for some prospective buyers, but this does not mean that it is an inferior product and anybody looking to experiment with dehydrating food should find that this is a convenient purchase with plenty of potentials.
8. STX Dehydra 800W-XLS Food Dehydrator
A high-quality home dehydrator is a great investment for any family looking to eat more healthily and create their own produce and the STX Dehydra 800W-XLS food dehydrator aims to help them do so with ease.
This machine contains 10 BPA-free, dishwasher safe trays and two 41mm silicone mats to provide over 3 cubic feet of drying space in one convenient, 800watt device.
Additionally, this product has a horizontal air flow, temperature controls between 85 and 155 degrees and a programmable timer. All these features and specifications sound great but this is a product from a relatively unknown brand. Should buyers try their luck with an STX dehydrator or stick with the more expensive big names?
Some Noted Features
- 10 Tray Food Dehydrator
- 85 To 155 Degrees Fahrenheit
- 40 Hour Auto Timer
- 800 Watts Of Power
- Over 3 Cubic Feet Of Drying Space
- Includes 2 Each 41 Mil Silicone Sheets For Fruit Roll-Ups
What benefits can this STX Dehydra 800W-XLS provide?
A quick glance at the online testimonials for this product shows that there are many satisfied customers because the design and process of this dehydrator are so advantageous. Users have been able to use the numerous drying trays and roll up mats to create a range of dried good from granola and dried fruit to jerky.
Some have even successfully risen bread in it. These great results are partly due to the fan system and the built-in timer. This timer is highly praised because it means users can dry food overnight without any concern and the machine is even quiet enough that it will not disturb sleeping family members.
There is another positive aspect to this STX 800W-XLS food dehydrator that has been mentioned by a number of users but it is also one that comes with a warning – the capacity.
Numerous buyers have praised this dehydrator for the way it can hold and dry a large number of numerous items at once – a benefit that is unsurprising given the 5,275 cubic inches available.
However, this large size does mean the product has larger dimensions than some other models and buyers may have to consider if they have adequate counter space for it.
Are there any negative aspects to the STX Dehydra?
The large size of this dehydrator may be seen as a flaw to people with a lack of space but generally, it is seen as a positive feature because of the range of products that can be made.
There seems to be a trend with this product where there are no definite flaws that are universally criticized, just a few minor issues that individual users have noted.
Some customers suggest that the temperature settings are a little low in comparison to other models, others question the quality of the plastic trays and the programmable timer is set to be tricky to use – although they soon got the hang of it.
Overall, Most Customers were Happy about their Purchase
It is rare to come across a product that receives such high praise on a wide number of features and has so few negative aspects. Because of this ratio, it is easy to recommend this STX Dehydra 800W-XLS because you get twice the space of some more expensive models, great features and delicious produce, all at a fraction of the price.
You may not be familiar with the brand name at the moment but if you try their dehydrator – provided you have space – you should find they are a company you can rely on.
9. Omega DH9090TW 9-Tray Food Dehydrator
A quick look at the specification for the Omega DH9090TW 9-Tray Dehydrator shows that this is a machine that means business. This dehydrator uses a large drying space, adjustable thermostat, 26-hour timer, built-in on/off switch and a 7” fan to ensure the best result and an easy process for users.
According to its makers, it is “ideal for large families, large gardens, craftspeople, and sportsmen”: does it really appeal to such a wide range of users and make the most of the produce of these large gardens?
What benefits have users seen in this Omega DH9090TW Food Dehydrator?
Starting with the undeniable positive points of this machine, there are many buyers talking about the range of products they have made with it and the ease with which they did so. The speed of the machine has led to the drying of plenty of fruits and vegetables with tasty results and there are a lot of reports about successful jerky too.
Some focus their reviews more on the inclusion of the timer, something that is not present with some similar brands and that really gives users peace of mind, while others focus on the way that the design of the trays and the inclusion of the poly mats makes everything so easy to remove and clean when the dried items are ready.
Generally speaking, this dehydrator seems to be a joy to use and there are even positive comments about the noise produced which is rare for these machines, with one user likening it to the volume of the dishwasher; however, there are some areas where users disagree and some downsides to watching out for.
What are the potential problems with this Omega DH9090TW 9-Tray Dehydrator?
The area where most buyers disagree on this model is its size: one one hand you have those that feel the machine is far too big for the kitchen and question how easy it is for those with minimal space to find a home for it; on the other hand you have those that applaud the designers for the space-saving design and highlight the fact that the there are 9 trays and 15 square feet of drying space inside.
It may be a bulky machine but you can make a lot with the capacity offered. This size is a grey area but the “quick guide” comes in for more negative comments because it really is far too basic for first-timers looking for advice on timings, recipes, and other tips.
Summary: is this Omega 9-Tray Food Dehydrator still recommendable with these issues in mind?
Clearly, the space issue will be off-putting to those that have small kitchens and a lack of space and the poor quality of the manual will be off-putting to those that are trying food dehydration for the first time and need some extra guidance, meaning that this substantial machine really is more for the experienced user with big projects in mind than tentative newcomers.
If you have the confidence to use this Omega food dehydrator, you should find that the large capacity, the design of the trays and the inclusion of the timer all help to make this machine a helpful, productive tool that can be relied upon for countless loads.
10. STX Dehydra 600W Food and Jerky Dehydrator Review
Drying fruits and meat and working with raw food is becoming increasingly popular and enthusiasts are looking for a machine that can help them produce high qualities with ease – something the STX Dehydra 600W 10 Tray Food and Jerky Dehydrator is supposedly designed for.
This product uses 600 watts of power to circulate air through 10 square feet of drying space and includes 10 trays and 2 silicone mats for preparing a range of treats. There is an interesting statistic tacked on the end of the specification that claims 30,000 of this dehydrator have been sold in seven years with a customer satisfaction rate of 99.8%. Does this match up with the feedback given in customer reviews?
Some Noted Features of the STX Dehydra 600W 10 Tray Food and Jerky Dehydrator
- Features 600 Watts of Power
- 85 to 155 Degrees of Horizontal Air Flow
- 10 Dishwater Safe, BPA Free Drying Trays
- 10 Square Feet of Drying Space
- Include a 1 year – 100% – Fix or Replace Guarantee
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 13 x 14 inches
- Weight: 17 pounds
What benefits does this STX Food Dehydrator really offer?
The best place to start with a review of this product has to be the product that it makes because it doesn’t matter how great the design is if the food doesn’t dry out properly or taste good. There are many customer testimonials talking about successful attempts making fruit chips, jerky, and even home-made dog treats.
There is a sense that it is easier to dry larger pieces because of the design of the trays but, despite this, buyers have often achieved an even result in relatively good time and been able to produce high quantities because of the capacity and number of trays.
STX International claim that this quick and even drying is down to the specialized horizontal airflow system, which provides better circulation of heat, and the absence of a door, so you don’t have to keep moving shelves to check the food’s progress.
Aside from the quality of the produce, there have also been positive comments about some of the added conveniences that are on offer. To start with, this model has a heat control knob, which may sound like a basic feature to new users but is actually something of an added bonus in comparison to other dehydrators.
In addition to this, a number of users have mentioned how easy it is to clean the Dehydra. The drying trays are all dishwasher safe and the silicone mats are designed so that all foods just slide off and they can be wiped clean with basic soap and water.
Does this STX Dehydra 600W Food Dehydrator have any flaws in its design or process?
Not all the reviews for this machine are positive and a number of users are keen to point out a few flaws that suggest STX International have cut a few corners and are a little lax when it comes to attention to detail.
The silicone mats have their benefits but some suggest that they restrict the air flow, increasing the drying time, and others mention that they had to cut the sheets to fit inside the machine properly – an act that conflicts with the opinion that this dehydrator is ready to use out of the box.
This is not a major hassle but when you add in the bad, plastic odor that persists on the first few attempts and the fact there is no timer, you have to question some of the manufacturer’s choices.
Another factor that had received some criticism is the way the product looks; the use of plastics and white and neon blue colors means it is not all that stylish and some buyers wish they didn’t have to keep it out on the counter.
Unfortunately, with dimensions of 18.5 x 13 x 13.5 inches, the chances of this device fitting in a cupboard are slim to buyers may have to put up with looking at it. To make matters worse, as well as dealing with the look of the product, some buyers have complained about the noise level.
Summary: is this STX Dehydra a little too flawed?
Factors like the noise level and the aesthetics are pretty much down to personal opinions and are not that big a deal in the long run but the question marks over the design and construction may make some buyers unsure whether or not to purchase this dehydrator. STX International has clearly made some odd choices.
However, if you can get over the initial quirks with the smell and the tray shapes, you could find that this STX dehydrator has the drying action, capacity and convenience to make all the dried produce you desire. 99.8% customer satisfaction may seem a little optimistic based on this user feedback, but it is still high enough for a recommendation.
