Food dehydrators are used to dry fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs and meat at home. Our range includes more than 25 electric dehydrators with multiple trays, and the main brands are ETA, CONCEPT, MPM and SENCOR.
They suit anyone who wants to preserve a garden harvest or make snacks without additives.
How to choose a food dehydrator
Capacity and number of trays. A family drying a whole harvest of apples or mushrooms needs more trays than someone who makes a batch of fruit chips now and then. More trays also mean a larger body, so measure the space you have in the kitchen or pantry first.
Temperature control. Herbs need gentler heat than fruit and vegetables, and jerky needs more still. If you plan to dry a variety of foods, choose a model with adjustable temperature. A dehydrator with a single fixed setting is fine if you will mostly dry one kind of food, such as apples or mushrooms.
Power and airflow. A higher-wattage unit heats up faster, but even airflow matters just as much. If the heat is uneven, the top and bottom trays dry at different speeds and you have to swap them around during the process.
Timer and automatic switch-off. Drying takes several hours, sometimes overnight, so a timer lets you leave the appliance unattended. Automatic switch-off protects the food from drying out too far if you forget to take it out in time.
Cleaning and noise. Removable trays save a lot of effort, because sticky fruit residue is hard to wash off. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see whether the trays can go in the dishwasher. The fan runs for hours, so if the dehydrator will run overnight in a flat, it is worth considering how noisy it is.
Brands in our range
- ETA, CONCEPT, SENCOR: Czech makers known for a broad choice of household appliances, with dehydrators in several sizes.
- MPM: a Polish household appliance maker offering smaller appliances for everyday kitchen tasks.
- CLATRONIC: a brand of German origin making small household appliances.
- REMINGTON: best known for hair care and grooming products.
- BLACK+DECKER: known for power tools and home appliances.
- BLAUPUNKT: a brand of German origin, best known worldwide for car audio.
Also in our range: ESPERANZA, BLOW, CAMRY and ELDOM.
Frequently asked questions about food dehydrators
How long does food take to dry in a dehydrator?
It depends on the food, the thickness of the slices and the temperature you choose. Herbs dry in a few hours, while thicker fruit or meat can take ten hours or more. Thin, evenly cut pieces dry faster and more consistently.
Can you make jerky in a food dehydrator?
Yes, but only in a model whose temperature can be set high enough, because meat needs more heat than fruit. Before buying, check the temperature range stated by the manufacturer. Meat should be prepared and stored in line with food safety guidance.
Is a food dehydrator better than an oven?
A dehydrator is better for regular drying, because it is designed for steady warm airflow at low temperatures. Most ovens struggle to hold a very low temperature, use more energy and take fewer trays of food at a time. An oven can stand in for occasional small batches.
What can you dry in a food dehydrator?
Common choices are apples, bananas, plums, berries, mushrooms, tomatoes, herbs and jerky. You can also make fruit chips or spice blends. Each food needs a different temperature, so follow the instructions supplied with your model.
