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How to Use A Food Dehydrator?

Published on
5 min read
How to Use A Food Dehydrator? image

Best Food Dehydrators to Buy in October 2025

1 COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, 176°F Temperature Control, 5 Stainless Steel Trays Dryer Machine, 4 Presets, 48H Timer, for Dog Treats, Meat, Fruit, Veggies, Snacks, Recipe Book Included

COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, 176°F Temperature Control, 5 Stainless Steel Trays Dryer Machine, 4 Presets, 48H Timer, for Dog Treats, Meat, Fruit, Veggies, Snacks, Recipe Book Included

  • ADJUSTABLE TEMPS UP TO 176°F FOR SAFE JERKY ENSURE SAFE BEEF JERKY WITH PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL.

  • INCLUDES ACCESSORIES FOR VERSATILE DEHYDRATING EVERYTHING YOU NEED: TRAYS, COOKBOOK, SCREENS, AND MORE!

  • 4 CUSTOM PRESETS FOR EASY, PERFECT RESULTS EFFORTLESSLY MAKE JERKY, YOGURT, FRUITS, AND VEGGIES!

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$107.99 $119.99
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COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, 176°F Temperature Control, 5 Stainless Steel Trays Dryer Machine, 4 Presets, 48H Timer, for Dog Treats, Meat, Fruit, Veggies, Snacks, Recipe Book Included
2 COSORI Food Dehydrator, Bigger Than 7 Trays With Large 6.5" Drying Space, 600W Power Saves More Time Than 480W, 165°F Dehydrated Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herbs, Meat, Fruit, and Yogurt, Silver

COSORI Food Dehydrator, Bigger Than 7 Trays With Large 6.5" Drying Space, 600W Power Saves More Time Than 480W, 165°F Dehydrated Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herbs, Meat, Fruit, and Yogurt, Silver

  • 27% LARGER CAPACITY: DEHYDRATE MORE FOOD WITH 6.5 FT² DRYING SPACE.

  • RAPID & EVEN DRYING: 600 W MOTOR AND UPGRADED AIRFLOW FOR EFFICIENCY.

  • ULTRA-QUIET OPERATION: ENJOY NOISE-FREE DEHYDRATION BELOW 48 DB.

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$143.99 $159.99
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COSORI Food Dehydrator, Bigger Than 7 Trays With Large 6.5" Drying Space, 600W Power Saves More Time Than 480W, 165°F Dehydrated Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herbs, Meat, Fruit, and Yogurt, Silver
3 Prenafla Food Dehydrator, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Food Dryer with Visible Skylight and Built-in Lighting, 195°F Dehydrated Dryer for Jerky, Pet Treats, Herbs, Meat, Fruit and Yogurt, Silver

Prenafla Food Dehydrator, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Food Dryer with Visible Skylight and Built-in Lighting, 195°F Dehydrated Dryer for Jerky, Pet Treats, Herbs, Meat, Fruit and Yogurt, Silver

  • EFFORTLESSLY SWITCH TEMP UNITS WITH A 3-SEC PRESS-CELSIUS OR FAHRENHEIT!
  • MONITOR DRYING PROGRESS EASILY WITH A CLEAR SKYLIGHT AND INTERIOR LIGHT.
  • ENJOY PEACE OF MIND WITH AUTO SHUTOFF AND OVERHEAT PROTECTION FEATURES.
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$145.99
Prenafla Food Dehydrator, 8 Stainless Steel Trays Food Dryer with Visible Skylight and Built-in Lighting, 195°F Dehydrated Dryer for Jerky, Pet Treats, Herbs, Meat, Fruit and Yogurt, Silver
4 Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 BPA-Free 11.4" Trays Adjustable Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, Black

Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 BPA-Free 11.4" Trays Adjustable Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, Black

  • ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE FOR OPTIMAL FOOD DEHYDRATION FROM 95ºF TO 158ºF.
  • CREATE HEALTHY SNACKS WITH 100% NATURAL INGREDIENTS, NO ADDITIVES.
  • VERSATILE FOR DRYING CRAFTS, PET TREATS, AND MONITORING DRYING EASILY.
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$39.99
Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 BPA-Free 11.4" Trays Adjustable Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, Black
5 Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | 7 Stainless Steel Trays | Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit | Keep Warm Function, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, ETL Approved

Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | 7 Stainless Steel Trays | Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit | Keep Warm Function, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, ETL Approved

  • REAR FAN ENSURES EVEN DRYING-NO ROTATION NEEDED FOR PERFECT RESULTS!

  • DIGITAL TIMER & THERMOSTAT; AUTO SHUT-OFF FOR WORRY-FREE DEHYDRATING.

  • SPACIOUS 7 TRAYS; INCLUDES FRUIT ROLL TRAYS FOR VERSATILE DEHYDRATION!

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$149.99
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | 7 Stainless Steel Trays | Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit | Keep Warm Function, Digital Timer and Temperature Control, ETL Approved
6 Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | 5 Stackable Stainless Steel Trays Jerky Dryer with Digital Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control - Electric Food Preserver for Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Dog Treats

Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | 5 Stackable Stainless Steel Trays Jerky Dryer with Digital Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control - Electric Food Preserver for Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Dog Treats

  • PRESERVE NUTRIENTS WITH 97% VITAMIN RETENTION IN DRIED FOODS.
  • FIVE ADJUSTABLE TRAYS FOR DRYING VARIOUS FOODS SIMULTANEOUSLY.
  • USER-FRIENDLY CONTROLS FOR EASY TEMPERATURE AND TIMER ADJUSTMENTS.
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$49.99 $64.99
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Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | 5 Stackable Stainless Steel Trays Jerky Dryer with Digital Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control - Electric Food Preserver for Fruits, Veggies, Meats & Dog Treats
7 COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included

COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included

  • SAFE AND ADJUSTABLE: FLEXIBLE TEMPS FROM 95-165°F FOR PERFECT DRYING.
  • EXPANDABLE TRAYS: CUSTOMIZE WITH UP TO 7 TRAYS FOR EXTRA CAPACITY.
  • QUIET & EFFICIENT: RUNS UNDER 47 DB, ENSURING PEACEFUL DEHYDRATION.
BUY & SAVE
$49.99
COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included
8 Food Dehydrator, 12 Stainless Steel Trays in 850W Dehydrator Machine, 48 Hour Digital Timer and 165°F Temperature Adjustable, Food Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Meat, Fruit, Herbs

Food Dehydrator, 12 Stainless Steel Trays in 850W Dehydrator Machine, 48 Hour Digital Timer and 165°F Temperature Adjustable, Food Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Meat, Fruit, Herbs

  • EFFORTLESS ONE-TOUCH PRESETS FOR PERFECT DEHYDRATION EVERY TIME!

  • SAFE OVERNIGHT USE WITH AUTO SHUT-OFF FOR WORRY-FREE DRYING!

  • LARGE 12-TRAY CAPACITY FOR FAMILY SNACKS AND GARDEN HARVESTS!

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$639.99
Food Dehydrator, 12 Stainless Steel Trays in 850W Dehydrator Machine, 48 Hour Digital Timer and 165°F Temperature Adjustable, Food Dryer for Jerky, Dog Treats, Meat, Fruit, Herbs
9 Elite Gourmet EFD329WD Digital Food Dehydrator with 5 BPA Free SlimStore™ Collapsible Trays for Compact Storage, Adjustable Timer and Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Snacks, White

Elite Gourmet EFD329WD Digital Food Dehydrator with 5 BPA Free SlimStore™ Collapsible Trays for Compact Storage, Adjustable Timer and Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Snacks, White

  • CUSTOM TEMP CONTROL: DEHYDRATE PERFECTLY WITH ADJUSTABLE TEMPS (95ºF-158ºF).

  • FLEXIBLE TIMER: UP TO 48 HOURS OF PRECISE DRYING FOR PERFECT SNACKS.

  • SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: STORE EASILY WITH COLLAPSIBLE, DISHWASHER-SAFE TRAYS.

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$39.99
Elite Gourmet EFD329WD Digital Food Dehydrator with 5 BPA Free SlimStore™ Collapsible Trays for Compact Storage, Adjustable Timer and Temperature Controls, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Snacks, White
10 Rosewill Compact Food Dehydrator, 5 Stackable Trays with Adjustable 48H Timer and Temperature Control - 350W Electric Food Dryer for Jerky, Fruits, Herbs, Veggies, Meat & Dog Treats

Rosewill Compact Food Dehydrator, 5 Stackable Trays with Adjustable 48H Timer and Temperature Control - 350W Electric Food Dryer for Jerky, Fruits, Herbs, Veggies, Meat & Dog Treats

  • EFFICIENT 360° HOT AIR CIRCULATION FOR OPTIMAL DRYING RESULTS!
  • MULTI-LAYER TRAYS ALLOW SIMULTANEOUS DRYING OF VARIOUS FOODS!
  • PRECISE TEMPERATURE CONTROL ENSURES PERFECT DEHYDRATION EVERY TIME!
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$29.99 $39.99
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Rosewill Compact Food Dehydrator, 5 Stackable Trays with Adjustable 48H Timer and Temperature Control - 350W Electric Food Dryer for Jerky, Fruits, Herbs, Veggies, Meat & Dog Treats
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Using a food dehydrator is a simple process that involves preparing food, loading it into the dehydrator trays, setting the temperature and time, and allowing the dehydrator to do its job.

Start by preparing the food you want to dehydrate by slicing it thinly and evenly. This will help the food dehydrate more evenly and quickly. Next, load the food onto the trays of the dehydrator, making sure there is enough space between each piece for air circulation.

Once the food is loaded, set the temperature and time according to the manufacturer's instructions or the specific requirements of the food you are dehydrating. Some foods may require a higher temperature or longer drying time than others.

Turn on the dehydrator and let it run until the food is fully dehydrated. Check the food periodically to ensure it is drying evenly and adjust the temperature or time if necessary. Once the food is dehydrated, remove it from the dehydrator and allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container.

By following these simple steps, you can easily use a food dehydrator to preserve your favorite fruits, vegetables, meats, and more for future use.

What is the difference between dehydrating and freeze drying?

Dehydrating and freeze drying are both methods of removing moisture from food to extend its shelf life, but they differ in their processes and end results.

Dehydrating involves using heat to remove moisture from food, typically by placing it in an oven or food dehydrator. This process can take several hours or even days, depending on the food being dehydrated. The end result of dehydration is a more concentrated and preserved version of the original food, which retains its flavor and nutritional content but has a firmer texture.

Freeze drying, on the other hand, involves freezing the food at low temperatures and then removing the ice crystals through sublimation, which is the process of turning a solid directly into a gas without passing through the liquid phase. This method preserves the food's original texture, flavor, and nutritional content better than dehydration, and the end result is lightweight, easy to rehydrate, and has a longer shelf life.

In summary, dehydrating uses heat to remove moisture and preserve food, resulting in a firmer texture, while freeze drying involves freezing the food and removing the ice crystals through sublimation, resulting in a lighter, more concentrated, and better-preserved end product.

What is the best way to rehydrate dehydrated foods?

The best way to rehydrate dehydrated foods is to soak them in water for a specific amount of time. The time required for rehydration depends on the type of food being rehydrated. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Fruits and vegetables: Place the dehydrated fruits or vegetables in a bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have rehydrated and become soft.
  2. Beans and legumes: Place the dehydrated beans or legumes in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 1-2 hours, or until they are fully rehydrated.
  3. Meat and poultry: Place the dehydrated meat or poultry in a bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have rehydrated and become tender.
  4. Grains: Place the dehydrated grains in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are fully rehydrated.

It's important to note that some dehydrated foods may require longer soaking or cooking times, so it's best to follow the instructions on the packaging or recipe. Additionally, adding flavorings such as herbs, spices, or broth to the soaking water can help enhance the taste of the rehydrated food.

What is the best way to clean a food dehydrator?

  1. Unplug and disassemble the dehydrator: Before cleaning, make sure the dehydrator is unplugged and all removable parts are taken apart.
  2. Wash the trays: If the trays are dishwasher safe, place them in the top rack of the dishwasher. Otherwise, wash them by hand with warm, soapy water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub any food residue.
  3. Clean the interior: Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior of the dehydrator. Be careful not to get any water into the heating element or fan.
  4. Clean the exterior: Wipe down the exterior of the dehydrator with a damp cloth or sponge.
  5. Dry everything thoroughly: After cleaning, make sure all the parts are completely dry before reassembling the dehydrator.
  6. Clean the heating element: If there is any debris or food stuck to the heating element, gently remove it with a soft brush or cloth. Be careful not to damage the heating element.
  7. Deodorize: If there are any lingering odors in the dehydrator, you can place a few bowls of baking soda in the dehydrator overnight to help absorb the odors.

By following these steps, you can keep your food dehydrator clean and in good working condition for years to come.