Finding the right food dehydrator can be a total game changer for busy families who want to make healthy snacks, preserve garden goodies, or whip up homemade treats for kids and pets. I’ve tested my fair share of dehydrators over the years and know how important it is to have something that’s easy to use, simple to clean, and big enough to handle a weekend’s worth of apple chips or jerky.
Below you’ll find my favorite picks from trusted brands like PSIIDAN, COSORI, and Magic Mill, including models that work for every kitchen and budget.
Top picks
Comparison table
| Product |
Wattage |
Number of Trays |
Temperature Range |
Is Dishwasher Safe |
Weight |
Link |
| COSORI Food Dehydrator 5-Tray |
480 watts |
5 |
95–176°F |
No |
10.8 pounds |
Get Price |
| COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine, 5 Trays |
350 watts |
5 |
95–165°F |
Yes |
4.85 pounds |
Get Price |
| COSORI 10 Tray Food Dehydrator |
1000 watts |
10 |
95–165°F |
Yes |
35.8 pounds |
Get Price |
| PSIIDAN 12-Tray Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator |
850W |
12 |
95–167°F |
Yes |
23.8 pounds |
Get Price |
| COSORI 6 Tray Food Dehydrator |
600 watts |
6 |
95–165°F |
Yes |
18.1 pounds |
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| Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator, 7-Tray |
600.00 |
7 |
— |
No |
15.97 pounds |
Get Price |
| Magic Mill Premium Food Dehydrator 15-Tray |
800 watts |
15 |
95–167°F |
Yes |
21.4 pounds |
Get Price |
| PSIIDAN 12-Tray Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator |
— |
12 |
95–167°F |
— |
23.7 pounds |
Get Price |
01
COSORI Food Dehydrator 5-Tray
COSORI
Main highlights
- Capacity: 5 trays
- Temperature range: 95 to 176°F
- Power: 480 watts
- Timer: Up to 48 hours
- Weight: 10.8 pounds
Pros
- Simple controls with four presets
- Stainless steel trays included
- Compact size fits most counters
Cons
- Lower wattage than some competitors
- Trays are not dishwasher safe
- Limited to five trays
Size
This model is compact and lightweight. It measures about 14 by 11 by 9 inches. It is suitable for small kitchens and easy to store.
Look
The exterior is bright silver stainless steel. The design is modern and clean. It blends in with most kitchen appliances.
Function
It offers four presets for common foods. The temperature can be adjusted in one degree increments. The rear fan helps ensure even drying. The timer allows for up to 48 hours of operation.
Summary
The COSORI 5 tray dehydrator is a good entry level choice. It is easy to use and well suited for making snacks and treats at home. Compared to pricier models, it has fewer trays and lower power but offers solid performance for its size.
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02
COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine, 5 Trays
COSORI
Main highlights
- Capacity: 5 trays (expandable to 7)
- Temperature range: 95 to 165 F
- Power: 350 W
- Timer: Up to 48 hours
- Weight: 4.85 lbs
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Easy to use digital controls
- Dishwasher safe trays
- Affordable price
Cons
- Limited to 5 trays unless expanded
- Lower power than larger dehydrators
- Some durability concerns
Size
This model is compact and lightweight. It fits easily on most kitchen counters. The five trays provide enough space for small to medium batches.
Look
The design is simple and modern with a white finish. The round shape and stackable trays make it easy to store when not in use.
Function
It offers digital temperature and timer controls for precise drying. The trays are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The machine operates quietly and includes safety features like overheat protection.
Summary
This dehydrator is a good choice for those new to food drying or with limited space. It is less powerful and smaller than premium models but offers reliable performance for the price.
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03
COSORI 10 Tray Food Dehydrator
COSORI
Main highlights
- Capacity: 10 trays
- Drying Space: 16.2 sq ft
- Power: 1000 W
- Temperature Range: 95 to 165 F
- Timer: Up to 48 hours
Pros
- Spacious drying area
- Precise temperature and timer settings
- Stainless steel trays are dishwasher safe
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space
- Heavier than most dehydrators
- Higher price than basic models
Size
This dehydrator is larger and heavier than most home models. It offers a substantial drying area but requires ample counter or storage space.
Look
The stainless steel finish gives it a modern and professional appearance. The LED display and touch controls add a contemporary touch.
Function
It features precise temperature and timer controls for a range of foods. The rear fan helps ensure even drying. Dishwasher safe trays simplify cleanup.
Summary
Compared to smaller or less expensive dehydrators, this model stands out for capacity and control. It is best for users who dehydrate large batches or want more features.
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04
PSIIDAN 12-Tray Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator
Brand: PSIIDAN
Main highlights
- Capacity: 12 trays
- Power: 850 watts
- Timer: Up to 48 hours
- Temperature range: 95 to 167°F
- Weight: 23.8 pounds
Pros
- Twelve large trays for high capacity
- Adjustable time and temperature settings
- Quiet operation with interior light
- Dishwasher safe trays for easy cleaning
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space
- Heavier than some alternatives
- Higher price than basic models
Size
This dehydrator is larger than many entry level models. It measures about 16 inches wide and 16 inches high, and weighs nearly 24 pounds. The twelve trays provide ample space for big batches.
Look
The stainless steel build gives it a modern and durable appearance. A glass door and interior light let you check progress without opening the unit.
Function
It offers digital controls for both time and temperature. Preset programs simplify operation for common foods. The trays are dishwasher safe, and the machine runs quietly.
Summary
This model is well suited for users who need to process large amounts of food at once. It is more spacious and versatile than most compact dehydrators, but is heavier and costs more. Its features and performance make it a strong choice for frequent use.
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05
COSORI 6 Tray Food Dehydrator
COSORI
Main highlights
- Capacity: 6 trays
- Power: 600 W
- Temperature range: 95 to 165 F
- Dimensions: 17.9 x 13.5 x 12.2 in
- Weight: 18.1 lb
Pros
- Large drying capacity
- Quiet performance
- Easy to clean trays
Cons
- Takes up counter space
- Heavier than some alternatives
Size
This dehydrator is larger than many standard models. It offers six trays and a spacious interior for bigger batches. The unit is heavier and may require dedicated counter space.
Look
The stainless steel finish gives it a modern and durable appearance. The digital control panel is easy to read and use.
Function
It dries food quickly and evenly with a 600 watt motor and rear mounted fan. The timer and temperature controls allow for precise settings. Trays are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Summary
This model suits users who want to process larger quantities at once. Compared to smaller or lower powered dehydrators, it offers faster drying and more space. It is a good choice for frequent use and a variety of foods.
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06
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator, 7-Tray
Magic Mill
Main highlights
- Capacity: 7 trays
- Power: 600 W
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.3 x 10.8 in
- Material: Stainless steel
- Digital timer and temperature control
Pros
- Seven stainless steel trays provide ample space
- Digital controls for temperature and timer
- Quiet operation and even drying
Cons
- Trays are not dishwasher safe
- Larger footprint than some compact models
- No included warranty information
Size
This dehydrator is moderately sized and fits well on most kitchen counters. It offers seven trays, making it suitable for families or batch processing. The unit is heavier than some entry-level models but remains manageable.
Look
The exterior is stainless steel with a modern, clean appearance. The transparent door allows easy monitoring of food. Its design is more robust than plastic alternatives.
Function
Features include a rear-mounted fan for even drying, digital temperature and timer controls, and a keep warm function. The trays are made of stainless steel for durability. It operates quietly and is easy to set up and use.
Summary
The Magic Mill Pro is a solid choice for those seeking a balance between capacity and ease of use. Compared to other dehydrators in its price range, it offers more trays and better build quality. It is well suited for making jerky, dried fruit, and herbs at home.
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07
Magic Mill Premium Food Dehydrator 15-Tray
Magic Mill
Main highlights
- Trays: 15 stainless steel
- Power: 800 watts
- Temperature range: 95 to 167 F
- Timer: Up to 48 hours
- Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 17 inches
Pros
- Very large drying capacity
- Stainless steel trays are easy to clean
- Precise digital controls
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Takes up significant counter space
- Door durability is a concern for some users
- Higher price than basic dehydrators
Size
This dehydrator is larger than most home models. It offers 15 trays and a spacious interior for big batches. The unit is heavy and requires ample counter or storage space.
Look
Features a black exterior with a transparent door. Stainless steel trays add a professional touch. The design is functional and modern but may appear bulky compared to compact units.
Function
Digital controls allow precise temperature and timer settings. The rear-mounted fan ensures even drying. Trays and liners are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Some users report issues with the door's durability.
Summary
The Magic Mill 15-Tray Dehydrator is well suited for users who need to process large quantities at once. It is more expensive and larger than entry level models but offers more features and capacity. Comparable dehydrators in this range may have fewer trays or less power.
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08
PSIIDAN 12-Tray Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator
PSIIDAN
Main highlights
- Capacity: 12 trays
- Power: 850 W
- Timer: Up to 48 hours
- Temperature: 95 to 165°F
- Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 16 in
Pros
- Spacious with 12 trays
- Simple digital controls
- Quiet operation
- Dishwasher safe trays
Cons
- Takes up counter space
- Heavier than some alternatives
Size
This dehydrator is larger than many entry level models. It measures about 16 inches in each direction and weighs nearly 24 pounds. The size allows for bigger batches but may require dedicated counter or storage space.
Look
The unit features a stainless steel and black finish. Its rectangular shape and glass door give it a modern appearance. The interior light helps monitor progress without opening the door.
Function
It offers 12 trays for drying a variety of foods at once. Digital controls allow precise time and temperature settings. Preset programs and an auto shut off feature add convenience. Trays are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Summary
Compared to other dehydrators in its price range, this model stands out for capacity and power. It is well suited for users who want to process large amounts of food efficiently. Some may find it bulky, but the extra space and features provide good value.
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Final verdict
If you are looking for a reliable food dehydrator, the COSORI Food Dehydrator 5-Tray stands out as the best choice for budget shoppers. It offers great performance and user-friendly features at an affordable price, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking to try dehydrating without a big investment. For those who need something more compact, the COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine, 5 Trays is an excellent pick. It delivers efficient drying in a smaller footprint, ideal for kitchens with limited space. Both options are easy to use and clean, making them top choices in their respective segments.
FAQs
What temperature range do these food dehydrators offer
Most models allow precise temperature control from 95°F up to 176°F or 167°F depending on the model, ensuring safe dehydration for jerky and other foods
Are the trays and accessories dishwasher safe
Many models feature dishwasher-safe trays for easy cleaning, but some accessories may require hand washing
How do these dehydrators ensure even drying
Rear-mounted fans and advanced airflow systems circulate hot air evenly across all trays to prevent over-drying or moisture issues
Can I make snacks for kids and pets
Yes, these dehydrators are designed for making healthy, natural snacks for both kids and pets, including fruit, veggies, jerky, and dog treats
What safety features are included
Dehydrators offer built-in overheat protection, automatic shutoff, and BPA-free food contact materials for safe operation
How much food can I dehydrate at once
Capacity varies by model, from compact 5-tray units holding about 3 lbs of beef to large 10 or 12-tray models that can handle over 20 lbs
Are there presets or custom settings available
Most models provide user-friendly presets for jerky, fruit, vegetables, and yogurt, plus manual controls for custom time and temperature
