Margaret Knoebel, Author at Taste Recipes https://www.tasteofhome.com Find Recipes, Appetizers, Desserts, Holiday Recipes & Healthy Cooking Tips Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:21:36 +0000 en-US hourly 6 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TOH_Pinterest_ProfilePhoto_RedBkg.png?resize=32,32 Margaret Knoebel, Author at Taste Recipes https://www.tasteofhome.com 32 32 The Best Drip Coffeemaker Options to Start Your Mornings https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-drip-coffee-maker/ Mon, 04 Apr 2022 12:41:27 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?post_type=listicle&p=1756514 Coffee is an essential part of the morning routine, but do you have the best drip coffeemaker at home to start your day right? Our pros tested 10 of the most popular models.

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On Sale
Braun Coffee Maker Via Amazon.com EcommVia Merchant

Best Basic Coffeemaker

Braun Brew Sense Coffee Maker

Pros:

  • Anti-drip; allows you to pour a cup mid-brew without mess
  • Adjustable brew strength
  • Warming plate with adjustable temperature
  • Sleek appearance
  • Dishwasher-safe components

Cons:

  • Replacing the charcoal filter can be clumsy

Specs

  • Capacity: 12 cups
  • Price: $94

For less than $100, you can get a phenomenal basic coffee maker: the Braun Brew Sense Coffee Maker.

“I feel like comparing this to a well-made German car,” says Maggie of this coffeemaker. The Braun Brew sense is simple and streamlined with all of the features coffee fanatics need and no frivolous extras. Its sleek appearance makes it a welcome addition to any at-home coffee bar.

With this Braun coffeemaker, you can adjust the brew strength of your favorite coffee as well as the temperature of the warming plate; that means folks that like lava-like brews can keep their pot piping hot before they add a splash of creamer. You can also program this coffeemaker so your preferred brew can be ready as soon as you are.

Breville Coffee MakerVia Merchant

Best High-End Coffeemaker

Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker

Pros:

  • Customizable settings for your personal coffee preferences
  • Super-versatile; makes coffee, single servings, cold brew and iced coffee
  • Brews quickly—less than six minutes for a full pot
  • Cone and flat-bottomed coffee filter options
  • Thermal carafe to keep coffee hot

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Too much technology for casual coffee drinkers

Specs

  • Capacity: 12 cups
  • Price: $330

In the words of Maggie, “Buckle up because we are in coffee town and this Breville coffeemaker is our mayor.” This Breville Precision Brewer Coffee Maker is a definite favorite in the Test Kitchen.

This Breville model is our favorite high-end drip coffeemaker because it does it all. Not only can you brew a standard pot of coffee, but you can also brew single-serve coffee, pour-over coffee, cold brew or iced coffee. This one coffeemaker does all of that, and it does it well.

Before you even brew your first cup, Breville sets caffeine-fiends up for success with its water test. Use a test strip to calibrate the machine to your tap’s chemistry. Once you’ve done that, you can let the coffeemaker do the work with all its preset options including a Gold setting that makes a pot according to Specialty Coffee Association specifications (fancy!).

But if you’re particular about your brew, you can create your own brewing preset; this is a game-changer for coffee aficionados. And with a child-safe lock, you never have to worry about anyone fussing with your precise coffeemaker configurations. With an advanced machine like this, you might be frequenting your favorite cafe a bit less (but be sure to up your coffee subscription to make up for it).

On Sale
Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker Via Amazon.com EcommVia Merchant

Best Versatile Coffeemaker

Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker

Pros:

  • Brews for three different vessels: coffee pot, mug and travel thermos
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Takes up a lot of counter space

Specs

  • Capacity: 12 cups
  • Price: $98

Can’t decide between a single-cup brewer and a traditional coffeemaker? You don’t have to with the Hamilton Beach FlexBrew Trio Coffee Maker.

This countertop appliance can be used to make full posts of coffee, single cups and even travel mugfuls. With three different settings, you may think this machine might be three times as complicated, but Maggie says that this Hamilton Beach coffeemaker was one of the simplest to operate: “This unit is labeled well and is really user friendly.”

With just a touch of a button you select the size and the brew strength you desire. There are also other great basic features like a programable brew so you can set the pot to be ready when you meander into the kitchen.

This multi-tasking brewer does take up more counter space than traditional coffeemakers, but it combines the functionality of several appliances.

Krups Coffee Makervia merchant

Best Small Coffeemaker

Krups Simply Brew Digital Drip Coffee Maker

Pros:

  • Small footprint
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Adjustable brew strength
  • Warming plate to keep the pot hot for up to two hours

Cons:

  • Takes a long time to brew—about 9 minutes for a full pot

Specs

  • Capacity: 10 cups
  • Price: $63

Just because you’re short on counter space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a good cup of coffee. With the Krups Simply Brew Digital Drip Coffee Maker, you can make your morning cuppa and still have room to prep a quick breakfast.

This model is relatively basic, but it still makes a great cup of joe. Maggie compares the flavor that this appliance creates to French press coffee.

While streamlined, Krups Simply Brew coffeemaker does have a few features our Test Kitchen enjoyed, like the hot plate to keep your pot warm for up to two hours. You can also customize the brew strength with the touch of a button. There’s also a reusable filter basket included with this model so you never have to worry about having to keep filters in the house. One more bonus: The pot is dishwasher-safe. Toss it in after each brew to keep your coffee tasting its best.

On Sale
Oxo Coffee Makervia merchant
Lowest Price in 30 days

Best Thermal Carafe Coffeemaker

OXO Brew

Pros:

  • Double-walled thermal carafe
  • Can brew single-serve or full pots
  • Dishwasher-safe parts
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • Pricey for a basic coffeemaker
  • No warming plate

Specs

  • Capacity: 8 cups
  • Price: $178

For a no-frills cup of joe to kick-start your morning, fire up the OXO Brew. This machine is outfitted with features our pros loved along with a thermal carafe.

Now, what makes a thermal carafe so special? This double-walled coffee pot is insulated so it keeps coffee hotter for longer without the use of a warming plate. The streamlined stainless steel pot also looks nice in any modern kitchen.

Beyond the carafe, this OXO coffeemaker gained high praise from Maggie. “You can tell this machine was made with the customer in mind,” she says. That means easy-to-remove, dishwasher-safe components, intuitive controls and a drip-free valve that lets you pour a cup of joe before the pot is done brewing. Also, an indicator light automatically comes on after every 90 brews so you’ll know when it’s time to clean the coffeemaker.

While this is a traditional coffeemaker with a carafe, you can also brew smaller servings right into your favorite mug. Just swap out the large filter basket for the small one (both are included in the box). Select the smaller batch button and you’re ready for a single serving.

How We Picked Our Favorites

In this test, Maggie and our team tested each model with these standards in mind. Our pros were also sure to avoid these common coffee brewing mistakes.

  • Brew time: Because coffee is such an integral part of our wake-up routine, we don’t want to wait too long for it to brew! Ideally, a pot of coffee should brew in eight minutes or less.
  • Capacity: Keep in mind how large of a pot you want to brew when shopping for a coffeemaker. Some drip coffeemakers even include single-serve options so you can use your favorite brand of coffee or individual coffee pods.
  • Quality of coffee: Yes, the beans you brew have a lot to do with how your coffee tastes. But the right coffeemaker can ensure that your cup is extra delicious. A great model should brew coffee between 195 and 205ºF and create a satisfying flavor. If a machine can’t hit this mark, it doesn’t get our Test Kitchen’s approval.
  • Ease of use and cleanup: Bear in mind that you’re operating a coffeemaker before caffeine. Great models should be easy to use with convenient features like no-drip brewing. Dishwasher-safe parts and easy-to-clean surfaces are also big bonuses.
  • Other notable features: So many coffeemakers today offer more than just a basic drip coffee. The Test Kitchen made note of brewers that had extra features like single-cup options, nice aesthetics or small footprints. Even small variations from the basic model can take these machines from just fine to must-have.
  • Price: As always, appliances have to be worth the price you pay. Our Test Kitchen is always looking for performance and value.

Maggie made dozens of pots of coffee for this test (and kept our office well-caffeinated). Check out which ones are Test Kitchen-Preferred.

Check Out More Test Kitchen-Preferred Products

Kettles are just the tip of the testing iceberg! Our Test Kitchen is constantly testing kitchen gadgets, cleaning gear and delicious food, looking for brands that deserve the right to be called Test-Kitchen Preferred.

If you’re looking to outfit your kitchen with a few new appliances, be sure to check out these tests:

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The Best Food Dehydrators of 2024, Tested by the Taste Recipes Kitchen https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-food-dehydrators/ https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-food-dehydrators/#respond Fri, 18 Mar 2022 14:27:14 +0000 https://www.tasteofhome.com/?post_type=listicle&p=1749532 Our best food dehydrator picks were chosen with every type of chef, kitchen, budget and food in mind. Read on for our favorites.

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Cosori Food Dehydrator

Best Overall Food Dehydrator

Cosori Food Dehydrator

Topping the list, the Cosori 6-Tray Food Dehydrator is my favorite model in the mid-range price set. It’s the right size to get a lot done, but not so large it’s a burden to your shelves. Plus, its sleek design will blend in with most modern kitchens.

You can see the food as it’s dehydrating, and thanks to a convenient timer—which you can set to work in 30-minute increments for up to 48 hours—you can easily walk away and not have to worry about it (check out these other kitchen appliances that practically cook for you). It offers precision drying from 95 to 165 degrees and features six stainless steel trays, a mesh screen, a fruit roll sheet and a recipe cookbook. The test food all came out nice, crispy and with good flavor, and the accessories and features make it worth the extra money.

Temp control: 95-165°F | Timer: Up to 48 hrs | Capacity: 6.5 sq. ft.
Tray material: Stainless Steel | Weight: 22 lbs. |Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 12 in. 

Pros

  • Digital control panel allows for more precise temp and time
  • Stainless steel trays are dishwasher safe (10 tray option also available)
  • Practical size with sleek design for countertop
  • Beginner-friendly and easy to use (no tray rotation necessary)
  • Includes mesh herb screen, fruit leather tray and recipe cookbook
  • Relatively affordable and quiet

Cons

  • Not ideal for tiny kitchens (but fortunately, it is stackable!)

Test Food Cook Times/Temperature

  • Apples: 5.5 hrs at 145°F
  • Tomatoes: 9 hrs at 125°F
  • Jerky: 6 hrs at 165°F

159.9913% OFF$139.99 at Amazon

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Ronco Food Dehydrator

Best Budget/Best for Beginners

Ronco Food Dehydrator

At such an affordable price, I was pleasantly wowed by the Ronco 5-Tray Food Dehydrator. Not only did it get the job done, but its low-and-slow drying method worked out better than I thought it would–particularly with the dried apples and jerky I tested.

The Ronco dehydrator’s convenient, stackable design means you can dehydrate as much or as little as you’d like. And although it’s compact, I was pleased to find that it still fits several portions of sliced-up food on each tray.

Great for beginners, the Ronco dehydrator features no confusing dials or knobs–simply plug it in and reference the manual for proper drying times. The only downside is that the manual says to rotate the trays every 2-4 hours, which can be a little difficult considering the drying process takes so long. But with over 900 five-star ratings on Amazon, this added step is by no means a deal breaker.

Temp control: None | Timer: None | Capacity: 4.75 sq. ft.
Tray material: Plastic | Weight: 5 lbs. |Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 11 in.

Pros

  • Wallet-friendly
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Straightforward and beginner-friendly
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Very quiet

Cons

  • No temp controls or timer
  • Tray rotation required
  • Took the longest out of all models (but the low-and-slow method worked great for the final product!)

Test Food Cook Times

  • Apples: 19 hrs
  • Tomatoes: 11 hrs
  • Jerky: 24 hrs

$34.99 at Amazon

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Nesco Food Dehydrator

Best Upgrade for Experienced Dehydrators

Nesco Food Dehydrator

The Nesco 7-Tray Food Dehydrator comes in at a very close second to our best overall-ranked Cosori model. Although it offers the same 6.5 sq. ft. of drying space as the Cosori, it boasts a lighter and more compact footprint, making it a great addition to any high-tech chef’s countertop. It would also make a worthy investment for anyone looking to trade in their basic dehydrator for more bells and whistles.

The Nesco dehydrator features a sleek stainless steel frame with a rear-mounted fan and a front window with interior light for easy viewing. Setting the unit up was very simple–I just set the temperature and time, and it dings and turns off when finished. No tray rotation is required. The tested food was well-dried and had a nice crunch and good flavor.

Nesco Food Dehydrator

Temp control: 90-160°F | Timer: Up to 24 hrs | Capacity: 6.5 sq. ft.
Tray material: Stainless Steel | Weight: 16 lbs. |Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 12 in.

Pros

  • Digital control panel allows for more precise temp and time
  • Stainless steel trays are dishwasher safe
  • Practical size with sleek design for countertop
  • Beginner-friendly and easy to use (no tray rotation necessary)
  • Includes mesh herb screen, fruit leather tray and guidebook
  • Very quiet

Cons

  • Pricier than similar models
  • Guidebook was not very accurate (and provided long drying time ranges)

Test Food Cook Times

  • Apples: 5 hrs at 130°F
  • Tomatoes: 7 hrs at 120°F
  • Jerky: 4 hrs at 145°F

$169.99 at Amazon

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Weston Food Dehydrator

Most Compact Food Dehydrator

Weston Food Dehydrator

With so many appliances taking up space in the kitchen, the storage-friendly Weston 6-Tray Food Dehydrator is an underrated must-have. And although it is small, it is mighty–getting the job done in one day.

Weighing in at just 8 pounds and about half the price of most other models on this list, the Weston still comes equipped with all the bells and whistles, making it the perfect gift for any foodie. It features adjustable temperature settings, an adjustable timer (up to 48 hours) and an automatic shutoff.  It also comes with a mesh tray for drying herbs and a sheet for fruit leather.

This quiet machine is easy to use and easy to clean, equipped with six dishwasher-safe trays. My only recommendation? Rotate the trays throughout the drying process for a more uniform drying process.

Temp control: 100-160°F | Timer: Up to 48 hrs | Capacity: 5 sq. ft.
Tray material: Plastic | Weight: 8 lbs. |Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 15 in.

Pros

  • Small, compact unit
  • Digital temperature controls with timer and automatic shutoff
  • Includes mesh sheet and fruit leather tray
  • Wallet-friendly
  • Quiet

Cons

  • Clear lid only allows you to view top tray
  • Drying is not even (tray rotation recommended)

Test Food Cook Times

  • Apples: 8 hrs at 135°F
  • Tomatoes: 10 hrs at 125°F
  • Jerky: 7 hrs at 160°F

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Excalibur Performance Series Food Dehydrator

Best Large Capacity Food Dehydrator

Excalibur Performance Series Food Dehydrator

Whether you’re feeding big crowds or just have a large, busy family, the professional-grade Excalibur Performance Series 10-Tray Food Dehydrator offers more than enough space to dry dozens of items at a time. This design-forward, 10-tray unit offers 16 sq. ft. of drying space for all your favorite foods.

The machine has a timer that can be set up to 80 hours and an adjustable temperature range (85-165 degrees) that reviewers love. The low-temperature range is safe enough to use on the most delicate fruits. Pro tip: Keep fruit fresh inside these genius produce keepers until it’s time to dehydrate.

At 27 pounds, this unit is the biggest and heaviest of the models I tested. But its sleek design, innovative LED touchscreen panel and advanced heat distribution technology make the Excalibur food dehydrator the perfect addition to any enterprising homesteader’s kitchen. I especially liked the front and top viewing windows, and the progress bar that lets you track your cooking progress.

Excalibur Performance Series Food Dehydrator

Temp control: 85-165°F | Timer: Up to 80 hrs | Capacity: 16 sq. ft.
Tray material: Stainless Steel | Weight: 27 lbs. |Dimensions: 20 x 16 x 17 in.

Pros

  • 16 sq. ft. of drying space (double that of any other model tested)
  • Advanced drying technology ensures consistent air circulation and even heat distribution
  • LED display for temperature control and timer (up to 80 hours)
  • Sleek, stainless steel design with top and front windows for easy viewing
  • Includes mesh herb tray

Cons

  • The priciest of all the models
  • Heaviest of all the models (27 lbs.)
  • Not dishwasher safe

Test Food Cook Times

  • Apples: 7 hrs at 135°F
  • Tomatoes: 8 hrs at 125°F
  • Jerky: 4 hrs at 155°F

$299.99 at Amazon

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Lem Mightybite Food Dehydrator

Best Food Dehydrator for Batch Cooking

Lem MightyBite Food Dehydrator

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

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Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator

Most Efficient Food Dehydrator

Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator

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.

Presto Dehydro Food Dehydrator

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

59.9911% OFF$53.54 at Amazon

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Cabela's Heavy Duty Food Dehydrator

Best Food Dehydrator for Beef Jerky

Cabela’s Heavy-Duty Food Dehydrator

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).

Cabela's Heavy Duty Food Dehydrator

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

Available for $129.99


How We Tested Food Dehydrators

How We Tested Food Dehydrators

To determine the best of the best, I tested ten popular food dehydrator brands side by side over five days. Based on our testing methodology, only eight models made the cut as Test Kitchen Preferred. Below are the important factors I considered:

  • Ease of Use: We rated each model against ease of set up, user-friendly design and ease of cleaning. We also considered whether the appliance offers a “set it and forget it” feature or if you need to rotate the trays every few hours.
  • Drying Quality: Is the final product dried consistently throughout each piece and each tray?
  • Drying Time: How long did the drying process take? What temperature range does the appliance provide?
  • Functionality: Does the unit have a timer or temperature gauge? A digital display or window panel for better visibility?
  • Design and Footprint: Is it compact and easy to store or does it take up a lot of counter space? Is the design sleek or bulky? Is it made of durable, stainless steel or plastic? What volume of dehydrated food can you
  • Noise Level: Dehydrators run for several hours at a time (and sometimes overnight), so it’s important to find one that isn’t too noisy.
  • Accessories: Some dehydrators come with additional accessories, such as herb and drip trays. We considered this when evaluating each product’s value.

To assess drying capabilities for various foods, we tested three categories of food: apple slices, halved Roma tomatoes, and the ever-so-popular beef jerky. 

What to Look for When Buying a Food Dehydrator

Finding the best food dehydrator for your style and budget involves identifying models with precise temperature controls, airflow and several other factors. We’ve outlined the things to watch for below.

Temperature Control

A good dehydrator should have an adjustable thermostat, allowing the user to set exact temperatures from 80 to 140 degrees (some options provide an extended range of up to 200 degrees). The more control you have over the temperature, the greater the range of foods you can make and the more customization you’ll have for your recipes (be they ones you make yourself or find online). The range of temperatures will also determine how quickly your dehydrator works—the higher the temp, the faster it’ll go (although if you go too high, you’ll end up baking the food instead of simply drying it, so watch out for that).

Capacity, Expandability and Size

It’s important to look for models that offer ample space for the food you’d like to dry—several highly rated countertop devices offer multiple trays. Remember that because food needs to be separated and never stacked during dehydration, something as small as a single sliced apple can take up lots of room. Some models even offer expandability—meaning you can add more racks than the dehydrator comes with (although you want to pay attention to the maximum expandability, as there are limits to how many extra trays you can add). Furthermore, larger models (and those that can be expanded) take up more space, so you’ll want to ensure you have the room on your countertops (as well as storage) for a larger device if that’s what you’re considering.

Heat Distribution and Airflow

Food dehydrators are usually orientated in one of two ways: horizontally or vertically. Horizontal models usually have a heating element and fans on the back, blowing hot air horizontally across their trays. In contrast, vertical models have the fan and heating element on the bottom and aimed upward. Typically, horizontal models take up more space overall, but they are more efficient (especially with large volumes of ingredients). Vertical models are better for space-saving but less efficient, as the airflow is reduced with each tray above the elements/fans.

Materials and Build Quality 

This applies to the dehydrator’s body construction and the trays themselves. Although more budget-friendly options may be made from plastic, they won’t last as long as other, more expensive metal models—usually stainless steel (which may be dishwasher-safe, making for even easier cleaning). Metal trays and housings are also typically easier to clean than their plastic counterparts, but (as mentioned) they’re also usually more expensive.

Displays/Controls

Some dehydrators have very barebones displays/controls—usually simple dials. Other fancier options might have digital displays or even smart controls (so you can control it from your smartphone via an app, for instance). You’ll want to decide how vital these features are to you, as the more technologically advanced the device is, the more expensive it will be—but that doesn’t necessarily mean it works better, just that it might be more convenient.

Budget and Warranty

While plenty of decent-to-great food dehydrators can be had on a budget, this is ultimately a luxury category. The more you’re able to spend, the more bells and whistles your dehydrator will have—things like smart controls and the like. Furthermore, a higher price usually means a larger capacity (but you should ensure you have the space for it if you’re looking at larger devices). Watch for the warranty length and what it covers, as this will determine whether you can get the manufacturer’s assistance if something goes wrong with your dehydrator (and some warranties require you to register your device before you use it).

Ease-of-Use and Maintenance

You must keep your dehydrator clean like any other kitchen appliance. Ones that are harder to disassemble for cleaning will ultimately have a shorter overall lifespan, as the increased difficulty in getting them apart inevitably means they’re harder to keep clean. You don’t want to toy with food waste, as that’s a good way to potentially make yourself (and whoever you’re serving food to) ill. The easier a dehydrator is to clean, the more use you can likely get out of it. The simpler they are to put together and take apart, the better.

Noise Level

While it won’t affect the device’s overall quality/capabilities, the noise level of a dehydrator might affect your tolerance for using it in your home. Higher-end models will tend to be better insulated and quieter overall. Less expensive models, especially plastic ones, will likely run fairly loud, so you’ll want to consider how much ambient noise you can tolerate before buying.

Additional Accessories

As mentioned above, a dehydrator might have numerous additional accessories—including drip trays, spatulas, herb racks, etc. These could be a make-or-break situation if you want to dry specific foods, so pay attention to what’s included with your purchase. Not all dehydrators include an auto-timer, so you’ll want to watch for that (models without an auto-timer will require you to turn it on and off manually). Furthermore, some dehydrators have a transparent door, which allows you to actually look at the food you’re dehydrating—which can allow you to gauge how dry it is without opening the device and losing a bunch of heat. Additionally, many of these things can be purchased separately, should you have a specific dehydrator in mind that doesn’t come with them on its own.

Why You Should Trust Us

Maggie Knoebel

As associate recipe editor/tester, I test and prepare recipes for Taste Recipes‘s photo and video studios. I also utilize our kitchen to test appliances and gadgets to help the Taste Recipes audience make more informed buying decisions. As an alumna of the Culinary Institute of America, I earned two degrees in baking and pastry arts. While my expertise lies in yeast dough, bread baking and cake and cookie decorating, I am no stranger to food dehydrators.

I’ve always loved making fruit leather, and I’ve been making it since I was a kid with my parents’ old-school dehydrator. I love the newer models and currently own Cabela’s Heavy Duty 6-Tray Dehydrator, which I often use for making jerky and orange slice garlands for Christmas. I also have used it to make cocktail garnishes and cocktail kits. Food dehydrators are practical appliances that can help save money and prevent food waste; I like dehydrating leftover produce and using large quantities of food I can buy inexpensively in bulk. It’s also a clever way to use out-of-season produce!

With both professional and personal experience using food dehydrators for various purposes, I was eager to spearhead the Taste Recipes Test Kitchen’s first round of food dehydrator testing with the most popular brands and models. 

Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Taste Recipes, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.

How We Found the Best Food Dehydrators  

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At Taste Recipes, we’re serious about good food. That’s why every single recipe that our readers submit gets reviewed, made and sampled by our team of culinary experts. We want to make sure that everything from our kitchens deserves the label Test Kitchen-Approved. 

The same goes for products. Our pros want to know what foods, gadgets and cleaning supplies are the best to fill your pantry and home. We put every product through a thorough testing process. Then, our Test Kitchen team chooses the winners. Those best-tasting and top-performing products get our stamp of approval: to be called Test Kitchen-Preferred. 

Along with hands-on testing by our team, we also consider the greater market, paying special attention to brand reputations, product quality, and even customer testimony. This list is comprised not just of our own research but also with input from external professionals and consumer reviews taken into close consideration. Ultimately, we want to make sure you’re only getting to see the best of the best based on that research—and we believe this list of food dehydrators is a sturdy representation of just that.

FAQ

Why is the Excalibur dehydrator so special?

The Excalibur Performance Series 10-Tray Food Dehydrator represents the pinnacle of dehydrator design. It’s made from high-end materials, includes some of the top technologies in the space, and boasts one of the most design-forward exteriors. That also means it’s among the most expensive, so that’s a consideration you’ll have to make as a potential buyer.

What is the best dehydrator for raw meat?

According to our research and testing, Cabela’s Heavy Duty 6-Tray Dehydrator is the best for jerky-making and, therefore, is our pick for the best dehydrator for raw meat.

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.

The post The Best Food Dehydrators of 2024, Tested by the Taste Recipes Kitchen appeared first on Taste Recipes.

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