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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Food Dehydrators for Healthy Snacking

Greetings, snack enthusiasts! As the team behind The Parent Game, we understand the delicate balance of keeping your family satisfied with delicious snacks while ensuring that what they munch on is both nutritious and guilt-free. Enter the superhero of healthy snacking: the food dehydrator! This nifty appliance can transform your fresh fruits, veggies, and even proteins into delightful snacks that are bursting with flavor and nutritional goodness. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the best food dehydrators on the market and why your family will thank you for making this investment in their snacking habits!

What is a Food Dehydrator and Why You Need One

Before we dive into our top picks, let’s talk about what a food dehydrator actually is. Think of it as your kitchen’s secret weapon against soggy snacks. Food dehydrators remove moisture from food, preserving it and concentrating its flavors while keeping nutrients intact. This means you can turn ordinary apples into crunchy chips, juicy tomatoes into sun-dried magic, or even herbs into potent seasonings. Who knew saving money and eating healthy could be so much fun?

Benefits of Dehydrating Food

1. Healthy Snack Central: Forget about preservatives and unhealthy additives! Dehydrated snacks are nature’s candy, letting you control the ingredients — making them perfect for your health-conscious family.

2. Cost-effective: Say goodbye to overpriced, store-bought snacks! Buy fruits and veggies in bulk and get the most out of every bite.

3. Space-saving: Dehydrated foods take up less space than their fresh counterparts, perfect for those of us who may live in slightly cozier homes.

4. Endless Variety: From apple rings to veggie chips, to beef jerky, the possibilities are endless. Spice up your snack game!

Top 5 Food Dehydrators for Healthy Snacking

As the proud snack strategists of The Parent Game, we’ve done the homework to help you choose the best food dehydrator that fits your snacking needs. Here are our top five picks:

1. Excalibur 3926TB Food Dehydrator

When it comes to dehydrators, the Excalibur series is a timeless classic. With 9 trays and a temperature control feature, you can easily transform a massive batch of carrots into crunchy carrot chips or dry a whole apple harvest for snacking. It’s perfect for families on a mission for healthy snacking options. The multi-tray design means no more waiting around to refill your snack stash!

2. NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro

This compact and user-friendly dehydrator is perfect for families on the go. With its adjustable trays and top-mounted fan, the Nesco Snackmaster Pro offers superior air circulation for even drying. Plus, it’s easy to clean, so you can spend more time snacking and less time scrubbing!

3. COSORI CP267-FD Food Dehydrator

If you’re looking for an all-in-one dehydrator that looks great on your kitchen counter, the COSORI CP267-FD is your best friend. Featuring a digital display for precise temperature control and timing, it’s designed for maximum efficiency. The 6 stainless steel trays make it easy to dehydrate multiple foods at once – and it even comes with a recipe book to inspire your snacking creativity.

4. Hamilton Beach 32100A Food Dehydrator

Affordable and efficient, the Hamilton Beach dehydrator is the go-to choice for families looking to dip their toes into food dehydration. With 5 stackable trays and top airflow, you can make power-packed snacks without breaking the bank. It’s simple, effective, and gets the job done with minimal fuss!

5. Tribest Sedona Express Dehydrator

For the culinary adventurer, the Tribest Sedona Express offers a unique dehydrating experience. Equipped with a digital control panel and dual fan technology for optimal airflow, this machine caters to those looking to experiment with gourmet dehydrated snacks. Perfect for the chef in all of us — just imagine the Instagram-worthy treats!

Tips for Dehydrating Like a Pro

Prepping Your Food

1. Wash and Dry: Clean your fruits and veggies thoroughly and pat them dry before dehydrating.

2. Slice Evenly: Cut your food into even pieces to ensure uniform drying.

3. Blanch If Needed: For some vegetables, blanching can enhance color and texture.

Dehydrating Techniques

• Watch Your Temps: Keep an eye on the recommended temperatures for various foods. Typical ranges are 125°F – 145°F, but it’s essential to follow guidelines to preserve quality.

• Store Properly: Once dehydrated, store your snacks in airtight containers away from sunlight to maximize shelf life.

Flavor It Up

Get creative! Add spices, herbs, and marinades to enhance flavors before dehydrating. You’ll be surprised how good a little cinnamon on apples can be!

Conclusion: Snack Your Way to Health

In the epic quest for healthy snacks, food dehydrators are the unsung heroes. Now that you’re armed with the ultimate guide, you can confidently choose the perfect dehydrator to fit your family’s needs. Whether you’re evolving your snack game, preparing for school lunches, or just indulging your snack-loving soul, investing in a food dehydrator will transform your snacking experience for the better.

Happy snacking from the team at The Parent Game! May your dehydrated treats be ever crunchy and your cravings forever satisfied!

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes. Always consult your family’s dietary needs with a qualified nutritionist or healthcare professional.

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Products We Currently Love on Amazon

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

• 𝗕𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡 𝟳 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗦: With 6 stainless steel trays providing 6.5 ft² of drying space, this dehydrator is 27% larger than standard 7-tray models, allowing you to dry more food at once

• 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗣𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗨𝗟 & 𝗘𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧: Equipped with a 600 W motor, rear-mounted drying fan, and upgraded airflow technology for faster, more even drying without manual intervention

• 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗥 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗘𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Features an advanced brushless motor with noise levels below 48 dB, letting you dehydrate your food quietly — even overnight

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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 MOUNTED FAN FOR SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION – Dries food evenly, This electric dehydration machine is equipped with a rear-mounted drying fan and air flow circulation technology to ensure even drying, there is no need to rotate the shelves as needed by other brands, monitor the dryer process easily with the transparent door window

• DIGITAL THERMOSTAT AND TIMER- AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF WHEN TIMER DONE -- An adjustable temperature and timer ensure you to have your delicious, dehydrated food done to perfect at optimal temperature and exact timing; the Countdown timer will show you when it will be done, once done it will automatically shut off, And you can set the Keep Warm Function to keep the Food warm.

• SPACIOUS ADJUSTABLE 7 STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS – INCLUDED FRUIT ROLL TRAYS! Use the trays for regular food and the mesh trays for smaller food such as nuts and herbs, for fruit roll ups use the fruit leather sheet which can also be used for drip trays! you can do a lot in one batch with the Magic Mill dehydration machine, the dehydrator comes with 7 premium stainless steel trays.

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OSTBA Food Dehydrator, Dehydrator for Food and Jerky, Fruits, Herbs, Veggies, Temperature Control Electric Food Dryer Machine, 5 BPA-Free Trays Dishwasher Safe, 240W, Recipe Book Included

• Adjustable Temperature 95-158℉ control the Food Dryer dehydrates various food with accurate temperature from low for apple slices to high for jerky to make delicious snacks and preserves more nutrients. Dehydrating food is a tried and true preservation method; it keeps all the natural vitamins and minerals in the food

• 5 Food-Grade Trays: The dehydrator for food and jerky comes with 5 BPA-Free trays that can stack on top of each other to be a good space saver. Rotate each layer you can get 2 adjustable heights for different sizes of food, giving you plenty of drying space and capacity

• User-friendly: The food dehydrator is designed with simple operation, just rotate the knob to power on/off and set the optimal temperature. A transparent window cover so you can monitor the drying process. 360° circulation airflow distributes heat evenly and efficiently

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Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine (10 Stainless Steel Trays) Digital Adjustable Timer | Temperature Control | Keep Warm Function | Dryer for Jerky, Herb, Meat, Beef, Fruit and To Dry Vegetables

• REAR MOUNT FAN FOR SUPERIOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION – DRIES FOOD EVENLY The electric dehydration machine is equipped with a rear-mounted drying fan and air flow circulation technology to promote even drying, there is no need to rotate the shelves as needed by other brands, monitor the dryer process easily with the transparent door window

• DIGITAL THERMOSTAT AND TIMER- AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF WHEN TIMER DONE -- An adjustable temperature and timer ensure you to have your delicious dehydrated food done to perfect at optimal temperature and exact timing; the Countdown timer will show you when it will be done, once done it will automatic shut off

• SPECIOUS ADJUSTABLE STAINLESS STEEL TRAYS – INCLUDED FRUIT ROLL TRAYS AND HANGING RACK FOR JERKY Use the trays for regular food and the mesh trays for smaller food as nuts and herbs, for fruit roll ups use the fruit leather sheet which can also be used for drip trays!,you will enjoy the special add-on of the hanging rack to simplify your making jerky process you can do a lot in one batch with the Magic Mill dehydration machine, this comes with 9 adjustable trays each tray is 13" X 12"

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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

• POWERFUL FOOD DRYING PROCESS - Magic Mill Compact Food Dehydrator Machine streamlines 240W drying capacity that offers an efficient food drying process. It removes excess water from foods without compromising their natural juices, taste, and nutrients – boasting a 97% retention rate of vitamins and minerals.

• MULTI-LAYER AND ADJUSTABLE TRAYS - This Fruit and Herb Dehydrator features five (5) food-grade adjustable trays that allow you to dry different foods, fruits, and veggies at once. The standard height between the trays is 0.6 inches, but you can raise each to 1.1 inches – perfect for thick-cut ingredients.

• TOP-NOTCH DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - Our Meat Dehydrator comes with premium stainless steel trays that passed the quality check and industry standards for food safety. The body is made from BPA-free plastic that is both durable and corrosion-resistant. The base is made from stylish stainless steel as well.

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Commercial Chef Food Dehydrator, Dehydrator for Food and Jerky, 280W Meat Dehydrator Machine for Dehydrated Foods with 5 Drying Racks and Slide Out Tray, White

• Favorite Foods: This COMMERCIAL CHEF food dehydrator (9.92” x 9.43” x 7.01”) removes moisture and locks in the original, nuanced flavors of your favorite meats, fruits, vegetables, fruits, & herbs.

• 5 Trays: Each circular drying tray can accommodate a range of food, from dried fruit to a meat tray for beef jerky. Easily hand wash each slide out tray for a seamless cleanup.

• Thermostat Range: This temperature controlled dehydrator (3.3 lbs.) includes a temperature range of 104° - 158° F. Determine your optimal setting and let this jerky maker do all the work for you!

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Food Dehydrator Machine Dryer for Jerky: Stainless Steel Dehydrater for Fruit Herb - Digital Food Drier for Meat Beef Dehydration

• 7 HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE RACKS: The food dehydrator is equipped with 7 BPA-free trays that can be rotated 180°to provide two adjustable heights, offering ample drying space for different sizes of food. Place the food in a single layer, allowing air to circulate around each piece.

• TIMER & TEMPERATURE RANGE: Drying time is adjustable from 1-24 hours and temperature from 95-158°F(35-70°C). LED display shows the set temperature, time and remaining working time. Easy to dehydrate a variety of foods at accurate time and temperatures, remove moisture from food and retains most of its nutritional value.

• EASY TO USE FOOD DEHYDRATOR MACHINE: The fruit dehydrator is easy to operate with a simple button press to set the timer and adjust the temperature. The meat dehydrator for jerky features a robust 400W drying capacity, ensuring an efficient food drying process. The 360°circulating airflow ensures even and efficient heat distribution. Jerky dehydrator dries evenly and quickly.

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

• ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE from 95ºF to 158ºF that foods are dehydrated at their optimal temperature and horizontal air flow distributes heat evenly and efficiently.

• HEALTHY SNACKS: Prepare 100% all-natural dehydrated foods and snacks with no added sugars, additives or preservatives. No more processed junk food, dry healthy fruit rolls, trail mix, granola, etc.

• FUN AND CRAFTS: Perfect for hobbyists to dry flowers, potpourri or dough crafts and pet lovers to prepare healthy and delicious 100% natural treats for their furry companions.

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Elite Gourmet EFD770WD Digital Food Dehydrator with 5x12.5” BPA Free Trays, Adjustable 48-hr Timer and Temperature from 95~158F, Jerky, Herbs, Fruit, Veggies, Dried Snacks, White

• ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE from 95ºF to 158ºF ensures that foods are dehydrated at their optimal temperature with consistent air flow distributing heat evenly and efficiently.

• ADJUSTABLE TIMER Up to 48 hours of drying time to dehydrate all your favorite fruits, veggies, meats, spices & herbs.

• BASE MOUNTED FAN & HEATER: Provides optimum air flow for the most efficient & even drying. Easy to clean, wipe with soft damp cloth, dry and store.

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Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator Select Series 10-Tray with Adjustable Temperature Control Includes Chrome Plated Drying Trays Stainless Steel Construction and Glass French Doors, 800-Watts, Black

• VERSATILE DRYING: This food dehydrator machine offers a temperature range of 85°-165° F and a timer for up to 60 hours, allowing you to efficiently dehydrate a wide variety of foods, including meat, fruit, and herbs.

• LARGE CAPACITY: With 16 sq. ft. of drying space and 10 chrome-plated trays, this dehydrator provides ample room to dehydrate large batches of food items simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

• CONVENIENT VIEWING: Equipped with glass French doors, this jerky maker enables you to observe the drying process without disrupting the environment, ensuring you achieve the desired results.

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Food-Dehydrator Machine 12 Stainless Steel Trays, 800W Dehydrator for Herbs, 10.9ft² Meat Dehydrator for Jerky,190ºF Temperature Control,24H Timer,Powerful Drying Capacity for Fruits,Yogurt

• 【HIGH EFFICIENCY TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE】Cercker 12 trays food dehydrator madchine adopts a rear 2 row drying fan & air circulation technology upgrade.Wind speed of 2 m/s,1600 rpm. Provide a heat evenly distributed and efficient food drying process

• 【STAINLESS STEEL DESIGN】This food dehydrator is made of 100% BPA-free food-grade stainless steel. It’s corrosion-resistant & fire resistance is good.It is normal for stainless steel to have an odor. Please open the door and ventilate for 1-3 days

• 【DEHYDRATOR 12 TRAYS】Commercial food dehydrator have 12 layer food grade stainless steel trays 11.5 in, with a wrapped design,used for dishwasher. Large capacity, allowing for drying of vegetables, fruits, meat etc, while retaining nutrition in the food

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COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine for Jerky, 5 BPA-Free 12.2" Trays with 165°F Temperature Control and 48H Timer, 350W Dryer for Fruit, Herbs, Meat, Veggies and Dog Treats, 50-Recipes Book Included

• 𝗠𝗔𝗫 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣 𝗢𝗙 𝟭𝟲𝟱 °𝗙: Compared to 158 °F, the COSORI Compact Food Dehydrator Machine ensures safer beef jerky with higher temperatures. Adjustable between 95-165 °F in 1 °F increments and can run for up to 48 hours in 30-minute increments

• 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝟳 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗬𝗦: The Fruit and Herb Dehydrator comes with 5 large BPA-Free trays (Outer Diameter 12.2", Inner Diameter 11.6"). You can add 2 more trays by searching for 'CFD-TR051-WUS'. For additional sheets, search for 'COSORI N051 Accessories'

• 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟: Our Meat Dehydrator is built with solid material, ensuring durability compared to fragile clear shells. You can find more details in our video

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Hamilton Beach Digital Food Dehydrator for Fruit and Jerky, Vegetables and More, 5 Trays, Adjustable Temperature, 48 Hour Timer + Auto Shutoff, Grey (32100A)

• Healthy snacks without additives or preservatives, a digital thermostat that lets you adjust drying temperature (40 70° C/100 160° F)

• Perfect for drying fruits, vegetables, jerky & more; Note: Kindly refer the user manual before usage of the product

• 5 stackable drying trays

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KEENSTAR Food Dehydrator for Jerky 1000W, 165℉ Temperature Control, 9 Stainless Steel Trays, 8.7ft² Drying Space, 48H Timer, Dryer Machine for Dog Treats, Herb, Veggies, Meat, Fruit

• Powerful 1000W & Double Rear Fan: 1000W rated power, more efficient and better drying delicious and healthy food. KEENSTAR Horizontal Food Dehydrator makes each tier food even heat , no need to manually adjust the position of the drying tray. Double fans rotate at high speed to transmit the heat from the heat pipe to the cavity, and ensures all-round heat penetration.

• Digital Temperature & Time Control: An enclosed thermostat from 95ºF to 167ºF in 5ºF increments. At the same time, the time can be set from 0.5-48 hours in 30-minute increments. It allows you to achieve the best results when drying different foods.

• Large Capacity & Drying Accessories: 9 adjustable 304 stainless steel trays, each tray is 11.8" X 11.8", total drying space 8.7ft². Only one food dehydrator machine can makes super-large batches! Use the trays for regular food and the mesh screen for smaller food such as nuts and herbs, use the fruit leather sheet for fruit roll which can also be used for drip trays.

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Ronco 5-Tray Dehydrator, Food Preserver Quiet Operation, for Beef, Turkey, Chicken, Fish Jerky, Fruits, Vegetables, Classic White

• 5 STACKABLE TRAYS: The Ronco dehydrator comes with 5 trays so you can choose to dehydrate multiple fruits or vegetables at a time and dehydrate as little or as much as you like! The clear trays let you keep an eye on your food as it dehydrates!

• AIR & HEAT CIRCULATION: Dry food quickly and evenly with the Ronco 5-Tray Food Dehydrator. The adjustable lid vent and base vent are specially designed to allow enough circulation to properly dehydrate your food so you can get perfectly dehydrated foods, every time.

• FOOD PRESERVATION: Drying food will extend the shelf-life of your food wasting less food and saving you money. Purchase your favorite fruits and vegetables in season, dehydrate them, and enjoy year-round.

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ROVRAk Food Dehydrator for Jerky, Fruit, Meat, Herbs, 12-Tray Stainless Steel Dehydrator Machine, Double-Layer Insulation, Adjustable Timer, Temperature Control, Overheat Protection (67 Recipes)

• DOUBLE-LAYER HEAT INSULATION: Newly upgraded double-layer stainless steel design prevents the surface of the machine from overheating and you from being scalded. Note: the voltage is 120V 60Hz, and the power is 1000W, only applicable to USA and Canada.

• LARGE CAPACITY: The food dehydrator comes with 12 trays, each tray is 12.5x12.5 inches, suitable for families who need to make a large number of food. Large drying space is perfect for dehydrating various fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs, etc.

• DIGITAL CONTROL: The time can be precisely controlled from 30 minutes to 24 hours in 30-minute increments by using the digital control panel. And the temperature can be adjusted precisely between 70℉ - 190℉.

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YASHE Food Dehydrator Machine, 5 Stainless Steel Trays Food Dryer, 48H Timer and Temperature Control, Recipes Book Included, 420W Dehydrators for Food and Jerky, Herbs, Meat, Fruit, Dog Treats

• Precise Temperature Control & Adjustable Timer: This food dehydrator features a temperature range from 95°F to 160°F and a 1-48 hour adjustable timer, allowing you to easily control the dehydrating process for perfect results. The automatic shut-off ensures safety and convenience, making it ideal for all your dehydrating needs, whether you're using it as a fruit dehydrator or a dehydrator for herbs

• Efficient 360° Airflow for Optimal Drying: Powered by a 420W motor, this dehydrator utilizes 360° airflow circulation to ensure even heat distribution for thorough drying. It retains up to 97% of vitamins and minerals, preserving the flavor and nutrition of your food, making it perfect for use as a mushroom dehydrator, herb dehydrator, or jerky dehydrator

• Premium Stainless Steel Embedded Trays: The lightweight yet robust stainless steel embedded trays in this small dehydrator meet food safety standards and offer excellent durability, The BPA-free plastic body and stainless steel base enhance both the durability and appearance of this meat dehydrator

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Septree 6 Trays Food Dehydrator, 500W Stainless Steel Meat Dehydrator for Jerky, Fruit Dryer Machine with 190℉ Temperature Control Adjustable Timer, for Herbs Vegetables Yogurt& Dog Treats, Silver

• Great for Home-Use: This countertop dehydrator could easily be stored away in a cabinet. It has 6 trays roughly 12" perfect square, fits well on a countertop and doesn't take up too much space in a smaller kitchen, while still letting you prep a lot of food at once! This Food dryer is very retro looking, looks like a stylish tiny microwave. Great for a dorm, apartment, or small house because of the size

• Well Build: The whole interior of this food dehydrator is stainless steel, even the removable shelves (to accommodate thicker or thinner foods or flora). The six silver metal mesh trays are tightly woven, they are also a perfect square so it's easy to slide in and out. Easy to wash, and no plastic touching your food. Sturdy and durable

• Extremely User Friendly: The jerky dehydrator machine runs quietly. The horizontal airflow dries everything evenly and you can watch the process through the oval viewing window. The built in LED digital control panel, digital temperatures preset settings range from 70º F to 190º F (20-90℃), with a countdown timer up to 24 hours, provides accurate drying times and temperatures to make it super easy

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Reemix Food Dehydrator Machine, Compact Dehydrators for Food and Jerky, Fruits, Veggies, 500W Dehydrated Dryer with Temperature Control, 5 BPA-Free Trays Dishwasher Safe, Silver

• 500W Powerful Food Dehydrator: The Reemix compact food dehydrator offers an efficient food drying process with 500W heating power. It can remove excess water from food and retain its nutrients, giving food a more delicious taste.

• Precise Temp & Time Setting: The adjustable thermostat of the food dehydrators is between 95℉to 158℉ that you can dehydrate various food at accurate temperatures to make delicious food and preserve more nutrients. With a 1-48H timer, it shuts off automatically after finishing the work.

• LED Digital Control Panel: The dehydrator is very easy to use and temperature and time Settings can be adjusted with a simple touch of a button. With LED display, very clear display of the remaining working time and the current set temperature.

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Cuisinart DHR-20P1 Food Dehydrator, 13.38 x 15.63 x 12 inches, 620 watts, Black

• EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: 552-square inches of dehydrating surface area. 620-watts of power- adjustable thermostat: fan only, low, medium and high. Top venting system

• INCLUDED: Five stackable, interlocking racks, fruit roll-up sheet

• PREMIUM COOKING: Great for beef jerky, dried fruits and herbs

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