Maggie Knoebel/Taste of Home
If you’re interested in larger batch cooking but at a smaller scale (and more affordable price point) than the Excalibur Performance Series, the Lem MightyBite 5-Tray Dehydrator is probably more your speed.
Its five trays boast 7.5 sq. ft. of drying space–the second highest on our list–and feature a 30-hour timer and adjustable temperature control that goes up to 155 degrees to dry even the most delicate berries to perfection. And if you’re feeling adventurous, use it for dehydrated cherries, apples and pears to throw in this scrumptious dried fruit energy bar recipe.
The Lem food dehydrator features a rear-mounted fan to prevent messy drippings and a clear, heat-trapping door to prevent heat loss when removing trays. The unique, square trays provide four rotation options and are removable and easy to clean.
Temp control: 95-155°F | Timer: Up to 30 hrs | Capacity: 7.5 sq. ft.
Tray material: Plastic | Weight: 14 lbs. | Dimensions: 13 x 24 x 19 in.
Pros
- Offers 7.5 sq. ft. of bulk dehydration
- Square trays offer four rotation options
- Beginner-friendly and easy to use
- Temperature control with timer
Cons
- Door has no hinges (needs to be pushed into place)
- Not dishwasher safe
Test Food Cook Times
- Apples: 9 hrs at 130°F
- Tomatoes: 8 hrs at 125°F
- Jerky: 3 hrs at 145°F
Maggie Knoebel/Taste of Home
The Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator was the fastest at cooking all three foods, which is nothing to scoff at considering all other units took at least half a day. I’d highly recommend this machine for busy families, or anyone who wants to use a dehydrator for crafts (think dried fruit for holiday wreaths and garlands), fruits or veggies—because it’ll be done in a flash.
The Presto food dehydrator is both collapsible and affordable, so you also won’t have to worry about storage or going over budget. And although it might not look as fancy as the other dehydrators on our list, more than 8,300 five-star ratings say this popular Amazon kitchen gadget is worthy of the best kitchens.
Temp control: None | Timer: None | Capacity: 4.5 sq. ft.
Tray material: Plastic | Weight: 5 lbs. | Dimensions: 14 x 15 x 7 in.
Pros
- Fasted at drying foods of all models tested
- Collapsible and easy to store
- Holds up to 8 trays (additional trays sold separately)
- Dishwasher safe
- Affordable
Cons
- No temperature controls or timer
- Other reviews mention that it’s not great for fruit leather
Test Food Cook Times
- Apples: 4 hrs
- Tomatoes: 6.5 hrs
- Jerky: 3.5 hrs
Maggie Knoebel/Taste of Home
Cabela’s is known for producing quality products for the great outdoorsman, hunter or fisherman, so it’s only fitting they also have a brand of food dehydrator. The Cabela’s Heavy Duty 6-Tray Dehydrator is a durable and reliable unit—and I can say this with confidence as I own and have used this machine for almost four years. While it can dry an array of foods, from dried fruit and vegetable snacks to delicate garnishes, its ability to cook beef jerky is where it shines.
Its high-capacity design offers 7 sq. ft. of cooking space over six trays, and its powerful, rear-mounted heater and fan provide even, consistent drying across trays (no rotation necessary), making it a perfect gift for the family huntsman.
Cabela’s dehydrator features an adjustable thermostat for more precise drying temperatures, and its six durable polypropylene trays will stand the test of time. The only downside is there’s no timer, so you need to keep your eye on your food as it’s drying (but with delicious beef jerky cooking in the kitchen, something tells me that won’t be a problem).
Temp control: 80-160°F | Timer: None | Capacity: 7 sq. ft.
Tray material: Polypropylene | Weight: 14 lbs. | Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 12 in.
Pros
- Rear-mounted fan and heater provide even, consistent drying for jerky
- Wide-range temperature control for more precise drying time
- 6 trays provide 7 sq. ft. of drying space for bulk jerky making
- Durable machine with long-lasting, polypropylene trays
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- No timer
Test Food Cook Times
- Apples: 7.5 hrs at 135°F
- Tomatoes: 10 hrs at 125°F
- Jerky: 5 hrs at 160°F
Is a square or round dehydrator better?
This is actually less about the shape and more about the orientation of the heating elements and fans. Round dehydrators usually have elements and airflow that are vertically oriented, whereas square ones are typically horizontally oriented. Horizontal options are usually more efficient, but they’re also more expensive and often larger. Vertical ones tend to run cheaper and are smaller, but they’re far better for anyone on a budget. As such, “better” is highly subjective and depends largely on your needs and how much you want to spend.