Every year, the Ademe evaluates the quantity of food thrown away at nearly 30 kg per inhabitant in the UK. Food waste being a real scourge, it is time to adopt the right conservation techniques such as food dehydration. It's your lucky day, because our guide compares the best dehydrators on the market to help you find the one you need. Number of trays, drying mode, compatible foods, technology, shape, features... Take stock!
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Our selection
"Do you have a craving for dried foods? If so, you should definitely get the Klarstein Fruitcube food dehydrator, which is as hearty as it…"
"How about homemade dried and crunchy fruit? The simplicity of this dehydrator goes hand in hand with its functionality and practicality, which keep their promises…"
"With a large size, high power and good capacity, the Excalibur 4926T220FB food dehydrator is the most coveted drying appliance for large families, and here's…"
"For professionals, dehydration is more than just a job! In order to guarantee the necessary quality and quantity, the Tribest Sedona Express food dehydrator is…"
Do you have a craving for dried foods? If so, you should definitely get the Klarstein Fruitcube food dehydrator, which is as hearty as it is efficient!
See the priceThis summer, fill up on delicious dried foods with the famous Klarstein Fruitcube food dehydrator. With 10 trays, it offers a very large drying surface that allows you to dehydrate as many fruits and vegetables as you want. But that's not all, if this product is in the top of the sales, it is also because it is powerful enough. Indeed, it provides a power of 550 W so as to extract all the liquid from your food. Moreover, the motor that equips this horizontal dehydrator guarantees a uniform air circulation, even if it means consuming as little energy as possible. Finally, the adjustable temperature between 40 and 70° is the little extra that will allow you to preserve the vitamins and minerals that your fruits and vegetables contain.
How about homemade dried and crunchy fruit? The simplicity of this dehydrator goes hand in hand with its functionality and practicality, which keep their promises to the end.
See priceAlthough at first glance its design is simple, the Severin 2940 food dehydrator remains the best entry-level model to date. Users particularly appreciate its practicality and functionality. Designed to dry all kinds of fruits, vegetables and herbs, it has a power of 250 W as well as 5 trays that can be adjusted as you wish. The absence of a timer and a thermostat guarantee an easy use, however, you will have to stay alert to control the dehydration process and alternate the trays. To do this, the transparent cover has been specially designed by the brand so that you can take a look at it. Let's go for an afternoon in the sun with family or friends to enjoy your dried delights and have a good time!
With a large size, high power and good capacity, the Excalibur 4926T220FB food dehydrator is the most coveted drying appliance for large families, and here's why!
See the priceThe large size of this appliance is the first criterion that catches the eye of buyers and they are right! The Excalibur 4926T220FB food dehydrator has 9 decks that guarantee an optimal volume for drying food simultaneously. The 600 W motor ensures hot air is distributed evenly over all the trays. In addition to the fact that the dehydration is homogeneous, the process is designed so that the food retains all its natural properties. Versatile, it can dry any food, from mushrooms to fruits and vegetables, not to mention meats, poultry and fish. In addition, the appliance is also equipped with a thermostat that can be adjusted from 29°C to 63°C and a timer for up to 26 hours. As for maintenance, it is the most practical of all knowing that the drawers are dishwasher safe.
For professionals, dehydration is more than just a job! In order to guarantee the necessary quality and quantity, the Tribest Sedona Express food dehydrator is the ideal device.
See the priceIf you work in the food and catering industry, then the Tribest Sedona Express food dehydrator is a must have! Its features make it a top-of-the-line professional appliance because it has a digital panel that allows you to set the temperature, time and sound level of the appliance. It is also a device with an LED light that is used to monitor the dehydration of food. But the main reason it's called Express is because it has Fast and Row technology to speed up the process. But what professionals love most are its two fans that homogenize the drying process and save maximum energy. Finally, you don't have to worry about space, because despite its 11 drying trays, this dehydrator takes up very little space.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level dehydrator
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Your guide :
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In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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| OUR SELECTION |
Klarstein Fruitcube food dehydrator
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Severin 2940 food dehydrator
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Déshydrateur alimentaire Excalibur 4926T220FB
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Déshydrateur alimentaire Tribest Sedona Express
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Do you have a craving for dried foods? If so, you should definitely get the Klarstein Fruitcube food dehydrator, which is as hearty as it is efficient!
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How about homemade dried and crunchy fruit? The simplicity of this dehydrator goes hand in hand with its functionality and practicality, which keep their promises to the end.
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With a large size, high power and good capacity, the Excalibur 4926T220FB food dehydrator is the most coveted drying appliance for large families, and here's why!
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For professionals, dehydration is more than just a job! In order to guarantee the necessary quality and quantity, the Tribest Sedona Express food dehydrator is the ideal device.
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Excellent value for money
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Cheap
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Very powerful
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Small footprint for a horizontal dehydrator
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Powerful
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Small, simple, non-bulky size
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Very good capacity
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Excellent capacity for professional use
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Large capacity
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Simple but aesthetically pleasing design with clear lid
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Polyvalent
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Functional and modern design
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Adjustable temperature to retain all the nutrients in food
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Good capacity for home use
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The unit has a thermostat and timer, both adjustable
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Economical
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Motor placed at the bottom of the unit ensures even, fast and economical drying
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Power perfectly suited for home use
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Easy to clean
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Equipped with Tribest's Fast and Row technology that ensures fast drying
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A quick trip to the appliance store will reveal two types of food dehydrators:
To make your decision, you should consider the space you have in your kitchen to ensure optimal comfort of use. As for the features, they mainly concern the options available on the dehydrators. Ideally, opt for those with an on/off button, thermostat and timer. By doing so, you will benefit from safe operation and better control of food drying, both in terms of temperature as well as drying time.
The drying surface, which can also be considered as the capacity, systematically depends on one model to another. Usually, it is the horizontal dehydrators that have a larger capacity in view of their imposing size.This capacity is calculated according to the number of trays with which the device is equipped, which can be 4, 5, 9 or even 11 trays for the largest models. To make your choice, take into account the approximate quantity of food you wish to dry. Of course, this detail is not always obvious unless you are using a dehydrator for professional purposes. For a domestic use, rely on the number of people in the household to conclude the most suitable capacity.
To choose the right food dehydrator, it is essential to define its use first. Indeed, no one is without knowing that the performance and speed of a device for domestic use will never be the same as that of a device for professional use. The type of use will therefore help you decide on the appropriate power level:
On the other hand, you will notice thata vertical dehydrator is less powerful than a horizontal dehydrator. Also, professional dehydrators can reach a power of more than 3000 W.
If
you were then used to see electric dehydrators on the market, nowadays, you will also come across solar or infrared dehydrators. No need to panic! It is simply the drying technology that the device uses and you will have to choose between :
Of course, the time it takes for food to dry relies on the presence of a timer and thermostat. Nevertheless, the shape of the appliance also has a lot to do with it in that :
Vertical dehydrators produce a constant heat from the base and require that the arrangement of the superimposed trays be changed to have a homogeneous drying. Therefore, the drying time is longer.
Food dehydrators are currently in vogue, which is confirmed by the multitude of models available on the market. About to buy yours, you still doubt about its real advantages and the circumstances in which you can use it? Discover quickly the undeniable advantages that you can find in the use of a food dehydrator.
Make way for the best food preservation technique
The principle of the electric dehydrator is to dry quickly fruits, herbs, vegetables and eventually meat. This operation allows to preserve them longer without rotting. It must be said that this technique is a complete change from the traditional methods of conservation that consisted of placing food in the refrigerator and freezer. Although they are practical and indispensable, the food that is stored in them tends to lose its taste and smell easily.
No more food waste!
If food waste tends to increase in the UK, it is clear that the dehydrator is in order. If it happens that fruits, vegetables or meats are not yet consumed after a few days, you might as well dry them in the dehydrator rather than throwing them away deliberately.
Practical to stop the mutation process of food
By removing all the water molecules from the food, the dehydrator slows down their mutation process, which allows for a longer preservation in the air. This process keeps fruits and vegetables edible for months, unlike cold storage.
Have seasonal fruits and vegetables at any time of the year
With summer already here, it must be said that this year will be promising in terms of food! Indeed, the good weather is coming with all kinds of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Thanks to a food dehydrator, you will have the pleasure of consuming these products all year long.
Healthy eating, even after months of storage
Much more than a simple conservation of food, the dehydrators were conceived so that the drying is done delicately, even if it means to preserve all their nutritional values. This is the interest of the thermostat which allows to regulate the temperature of the process. Fruits and vegetables dehydrated between 30 and 50° remain in their raw state and thus preserve their properties. There is no need to cook dehydrated foods in an oven or a frying pan at high temperatures, which reduces their vitamin content.
Ideal to vary the flavors of the meals and to discover new tastes
Having a fruit and vegetable dehydrator also means cooking differently and discovering new flavors. You won't run out of ideas to treat your family and guests with delicious desserts and soups with original tastes.
Save on expenses
Whatever the dehydration technique used (solar, electric, etc.), the use of a dehydrator always allows you to make considerable savings, particularly with regard to the cost of purchasing food. You will be able to buy your fruits and vegetables at the height of the season, therefore when their price is at its lowest, in order to preserve and consume them throughout the year. In other words, no more need to spend huge amounts of money in winter to have fruits and vegetables in your basket!
Many buyers make mistakes when purchasing their food dehydrator because they get hung up on the technical details. To avoid ruining yourself or spending more on a new appliance to replace the one that was not suitable, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of each alternative that is offered to you.
Now that you are aware of the different criteria for choice, we invite you to take a look at the different options available.
As the name implies, horizontal dehydrators are accessible across the width and have a front opening. They are usually cubic or rectangular in shape and are intended to be larger and more imposing. The motor is installed at the back, at the bottom of the unit, so that the heat is spread evenly over all the trays. Although more expensive and more cumbersome, horizontal dehydrators generally offer a more homogeneous and better controlled drying. They are particularly effective for drying raw fruits and vegetables, allowing maximum nutrient retention. But their use can be extended to drying meat and fish, especially if it is an infrared dehydrator. Their power and performance allow them to be used for professional purposes that require a large quantity of food or for intensive use.
Advantages :
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
Working in the food service industry or in the food processing industry, are you looking for the best food dehydrator to meet your regular and large quantity needs? There is no doubt that horizontal models should be your first choice. With a high power, a good consistency and a more efficient drying mode, they are able to meet your expectations in terms of quality and drying time. Horizontal dehydrators are also indicated to meet your needs. Provided you have the space to install it, you can equip your kitchen with this type of appliance.
Unlike the horizontal versions, vertical dehydrators take up less space and are much easier to use. We also appreciate their modularity, because despite their smaller capacity, it is possible to add or remove trays according to the needs of their users. On the other hand, the control of drying temperatures is much more difficult than with the other alternative. Indeed, beyond a certain number of superimposed trays, it is necessary to change their arrangement to have a homogeneous drying. This drying mode is quite normal knowing that the motor which equips the vertical dehydrators is placed at the base. The constant heat is not spread evenly and the trays placed at the top are automatically the most disadvantaged. But the good news is that the price of this type of drying equipment is very affordable and there are many different shapes (circular, oval, cubic, rectangular).
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Who is it for?
If you are looking for a food dehydrator for occasional or domestic use, this is the best option. You have the possibility to integrate additional trays if you need a larger quantity than normal. In addition, this type of appliance will easily find its place in your kitchen without you having to rearrange to install it.
Good taste
By personally using a food dehydrator, you can ensure that fresh food is properly dehydrated. You can then proceed to store it properly to keep it fresh.
Healthy and nutritious meals
Dehydrating food is as good as it gets. No food preservation method apart from this one is known to preserve 100% of the nutrients that the food has. This makes it an excellent source of healthy meals.
Reduce food waste and increase shelf life
Food dehydrators are a great device to help reduce food waste. Food dehydration is a very practical technique. If you have a vegetable garden or an orchard, you can use it to preserve your crops and protect them from mold. You will be able to enjoy your favorite fruits and vegetables, even out of season. They also provide a storage solution for excess food and leftover fruit that would spoil anyway. Plus, dehydrated foods can last up to two years without any signs of spoilage. This means that after dehydrating your excess food, you can keep it hidden away all year long.
Food Control
In addition to the ability of food dehydrators to extend the shelf life of various food products. You also have the ability to cook any variety of food you want at any time. Many food products are seasonal and cannot be purchased until they are in season again. By dehydrating them, you can preserve them for future use.
Easy to use and time saving
Dehydrating food is best done at low temperatures and can be considered a waste of time. However, that's not the least of the problems with food dehydrators, as they are programmable. You don't have to watch the dehydration process happen.
In our opinion, the best brands of food dehydrators in 2022 are :
It is the largest brand of dehydrator known in the world. Present on the market for more than 30 years, the brand works exclusively in the manufacture of food dehydrators of excellent quality, ranging from the simplest models to professional models. A reference in the field of food dehydration, it is recommended by millions of users for its products with a quality technical design and easy to use.
Having a great success in the world of culinary appliances, the Korean manufacturer Tribest launches a challenge with its Sedona brand especially dedicated to food dehydrators. The objective of this brand is none other than to provide users with high-performance equipment to enjoy a healthy diet. Combining an elegant design and high performance, Sedona dehydrators are considered as quality appliances for efficient drying.
A manufacturer of high-end appliances par excellence, Kitchen Chef is a key player for those who are desperate to have a fully equipped kitchen. With 34 years of experience in the field, the brand is essentially known for the irrevocable quality of its products. Users appreciate the originality and advanced features of Kitchen Chef products.
In the home and kitchen, the German brand Klarstein is quickly making its way through the competition and building an unwavering reputation with its simple, yet practical and effective products. You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy excellent quality, and the brand proves it by offering diversified and affordable products. In the appliance category, its food dehydrators are especially recommended for their simplicity combined with flawless quality.
Severin has been operating internationally for more than 60 years, so that its success and reputation are well established. The German brand's standard is to offer quality household and professional equipment that is indispensable in everyday life. Thousands of experienced users love Severin products and believe that they make their daily lives easier.
Cut the pieces evenly
Good dehydration starts with good preparation. And preparation means slicing food. For even, fast and efficient drying, be sure to slice or chop food into equal pieces so that it dries at the same time. Also, large pieces take longer to dry so nothing beats thin slices.
Spreading food properly
Once
the food is prepared and ready to enter the dehydration process, remember to spread it out properly on the trays. Don't spread them out or leave them on top of each other for fear that the pieces won't dry evenly.
Beware of the flavours that may be mixed!
Never dehydrate sweet and salty foods at the same time. With air circulating around the machine during drying, you risk the flavor mixing. The risk is even greater when you dehydrate pungent foods.
Lemon juice to preserve colours
You don
't necessarily think about it, but fruit can easily lose color throughout the preparation and dehydration
process.
To prevent this from happening, soak them in a mixture of lemon juice and water (half and half) for five minutes before putting them on the drying rack. The high acid content of lemon juice prevents fruits, such as apples and bananas, from turning brown during dehydration.
It is essential to remove the fat from the meat
Very lean slices of meat are much better for making jerky, while fat can go rancid quickly. That's why top chefs and the best dehydrated cookbooks mostly advise getting rid of the fat.
In our opinion, the best dehydrator for most people is the horizontal dehydrator. Regardless of the technology it is equipped with, this type of dehydrator is suitable for home use as well as professional use. The same goes for its performance and consistency which offers more convenience and efficiency in the drying process. In addition, buyers have the option of opting for small size and small capacity models if they lack space in their kitchen.
Whatever the shape, technology and specificities of your food dehydrator, good maintenance is always necessary to ensure its longevity and proper functioning. To do this, we advise you to clean the trays with a brush or a damp cloth after each use to avoid the formation of deposits, especially sugar. As for the dehydrator itself, a damp, soapy sponge will do the trick.
If you know what to look for when choosing a dehydrator, it is also important to choose the trays that make up the dehydrator with great care. As usual, focus on resistance and sturdiness, as these accessories will be used exclusively under the effect of heat. Usually, dehydrator trays and grids are made of stainless steel or plastic. The former is practical to avoid rust and oxidation, while the latter is resistant, aesthetic and easy to maintain. In both cases, check the label beforehand to ensure that the material does not contain BPA (bisphenol A).
Once dehydrated, it is essential to protect them from air, heat and humidity so that they remain edible and retain all the vitamins and minerals they contain. You can choose between vacuum bags and glass or metal jars, but make sure that they are dry. Some people put them in the refrigerator, others store them in a room protected from humidity, heat and air.
No doubt, tomatoes are the first food you have chosen to test your dehydrator? Excellent initiative, because this fruit has the advantage of drying quickly. Now, to consume it, you can make chips as a snack or use them as a garnish in a traditional meal such as spaghetti bolognese or lasagne. Finally, to give more flavour to your preparation, don't hesitate to marinate your dried tomatoes with olive oil and a note of aromatic herbs.
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