Best Nesco Food Dehydrators Reviews

The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro is one of the most popular dehydrators in the Nesco range. This dehydrator comes with a top-mounted fan for efficient heat distribution and it has an opaque exterior for blocking harmful light that might interfere with the dehydrating process. With a temperature range of 95-160°F, this dehydrator is ideal for drying all kinds of foods.

The dehydrator comes with a range of useful accessories such as a recipe book, mesh sheets, and solid sheets. You can make a wide range of delicious snacks in this dehydrator. If you are interested in drying large amounts of food for storage and later consumption, this is the ideal dehydrator for you.

Included Accessories

Recipe Booklet
Includes recipe book
2 solid sheets
2 mesh sheets
3 jerky spice packets

Pros

The dehydrator trays are made of BPA free plastic and safe to use with food
Easy to use for drying all kinds of foods, from meats to vegetables and more
The top-mounted fan helps the efficient distribution of heat
Easy to clean up after use
Adjustable temperature for different kinds of foods

Cons

No timer to keep track of dehydration of foods
No on or off switch on the dehydrator
Not enough space between trays
The trays are made from flimsy material
The device takes too long to dry food
The dehydrator can smell like burning rubber sometimes

Editor’s Verdict

The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is a powerful device offering up to 600 watts of drying power. It comes with the capacity of 5 trays that can be further expanded to 12 trays. You can easily dry meat, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and more in this dehydrator. The Snackmaster Pro is the ideal dehydrator for home users that want to experience power and utility in the same device.

2. Nesco FD-61WHC Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator All-In-One Kit with Jerky Gun

If you’re looking for a dehydrator that packs a powerful punch for drying a variety of foods, then the Nesco FD-61WHC is the unit for you. This dehydrator is made from quality materials that will last for years to come. The trays fit easily and you can dry everything from fruits and vegetables to nuts, herbs, fruit rollups and more. The dehydrator is also simple to use; all you need to do is plug it in and switch on the power. Let’s have a quick look at the features and technical specifications of this device.

Included Accessories

5 trays
Jerky gun
Fruit roll sheet
Clean-a-screen for drying herbs or sticky fruit
Recipe guide

Pros

Top-mounted fan for better efficiency
Converga-flow drying system
The trays are dishwasher safe
Dries with 500 watts of drying powerful
Radial air action ensures all trays get hot air

Cons

No timer for timed drying sessions
No On/Off switch
The top trays dry faster than lower trays
Provided fruit rollup trays don’t fit properly
The quality of the trays is not up to the mark

Editor’s Verdict

The Nesco FD-61WHC Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator is a compact device that does what is expected of it without any fuss. It comes with no complex controls except an adjustable thermostat that adds to the overall features of this dehydrator. The top-mounted fan with radial air action ensures all trays of the dehydrator get equal amounts of hot air and dry quickly. If you’re looking for a dehydrator that does it all in a quick and efficient manner, then pick this one today!

3. Nesco FD-1040 Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator 1000-watt

The FD-1040 is a powerful dehydrator that comes with four trays but can be expanded to fit up to 20 trays. The wonderful feature of this dehydrator is that the drying power automatically adjusts to accommodate the number of trays that are present in this dehydrator.

It is easy to set up this dehydrator as it has a programmable digital timer and patented Converga-Flow airflow system for efficient drying all over the trays. You can set up this dehydrator once and let it run with the timer on and it will switch off by itself once the timer is finished. With 1000 watts of drying power, this small dehydrator is a powerhouse.

Included Accessories

52-page recipe and instruction book
1 solid sheet
1 mesh sheet
1 packet jerky spice

Pros

Powerful 4.5 inch fan for efficient drying
2400 RPM motor for extensive air flow
Opaque vita-save exterior to prevent harmful rays
No need to rotate trays
Large 15 ½” trays
Adjustable thermostat from 90-160 degrees fahrenheit
Timer up to 48 hours

Cons

The heating ability reduces if more than 4 trays are used
The fan might make a ticking sound with extended usage
Large size trays mean they need a larger sink for cleanup
The trays might warp with extended usage or if cleaned in hot water
The drying time is too long compared to other dehydrators with similar features

Editor’s Verdict

The FD-1040 is a powerful dehydrator with a range of features that rival some of the best dehydrator models in the market. It comes with 4 trays, but you can add up to 20 trays depending on your requirements. If you’re looking for a workhorse dehydrator that will keep chugging no matter what kind of food you dry in it, then you can pick this unit with your eyes closed.

4. Nesco American FD-61 Snackmaster Dehydrator

The Nesco America FD-61 Snackmaster Dehydrator is a small and powerful unit that comes with a range of features. These features make dehydrating a fun and easy task. The unit has an adjustable thermostat that makes it easy to dry different foods at varying temperatures. With 500 watts of power, drying all kinds of foods becomes quick and highly efficient. The unit comes with the patented Converga-Flow system that forces air down a pressurized chamber from where it spread horizontally across the trays helping in even drying. This dehydrator is also expandable up to 12 trays.

Included Accessories

One fruit roll-up sheet
Recipe Booklet

Pros

Provides 500 watts of drying power
Converga-Flow action for fast drying
Expandable up to 12 trays
Vita-Save Exterior for blocking harmful rays
No need to rotate trays as air flows horizontally through the trays

Cons

The trays are made of flimsy material
The trays are slightly large for regular dishwashers
The bottom stand might be wobbly
The dehydrator takes too long to dry
Cleaning the trays by hand is difficult

Editor’s Verdict

The Nesco American FD-61 Snackmaster Dehydrator is easy to use and it comes with a range of features that make it easy to dehydrate fruits and vegetables. The dehydrator also has an adjustable thermostat so that you can dry food at varying temperatures.

The thermostat provides an additional degree of flexibility when it comes to drying foods that require different drying temperatures through the drying process. The Vita-Save exterior of the dehydrator prevents the food from getting contaminated by harmful light. In all, this is a wonderful dehydrator that is easy to use and ensures optimum usage for years to come.

5. Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express Dehydrator

The Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express Dehydrator is a small and powerful unit that dries food in just a few hours. It comes with the unique Converga-Flow drying system. This system forces the hot air through an exterior chamber that spreads the hot air horizontally through the trays.

The dehydrator is designed in a way to provide equal drying without the need to rotate the trays. The top-mounted fan is powerful at 2100 RPM and the adjustable thermostat goes from 95 to 155°F allowing for better variation in drying fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and more. Let’s have a quick look at the specifications of this dehydrator.

Included Accessories

Fruit roll sheet
2 original-flavor jerky spice and cure packets

Pros

Quick-drying with unique Converga-Flow heating system
Top-mounted fan with 500 watts of drying power
Expandable trays up to 12
Adjustable thermostat for more efficient drying
A lightweight unit that’s easy to move around

Cons

No timer
The dehydrator is a little bit noisy
No on/off switch, works by plugging into the power
The dehydrator smells of plastic when used for long durations
The trays can get disfigured if washed with really hot water

Editor’s Verdict

The Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express Dehydrator is a unique device that comes with a range of useful features. It is small, but it is powerful. It dries food quickly and efficiently with the Converga-Flow heating system that throws hot air horizontally all over the trays. The dehydrator is also expandable up to 12 trays. If you’re looking for a dehydrator that will work excellently for all kinds of drying purposes, pick this one today. You can absolutely rely on the superior construction and workmanship that is a hallmark of Nesco dehydrators.

6. Nesco FD-1018A 1000 Watt Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator

When you need a dehydrator with extensive drying capacity, check out the Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator. This is a 1000 watt machine that comes with 8 trays and it can be expanded up to a massive 30 trays. You can dry large batches of fruits and vegetables in this dehydrator and never run out of drying space.

With such extensive capacity, the dehydrator also adds more power with its Converga-Flow system and powerful 4 ½ inch fan that pushes air up through an exterior chamber. The air flows horizontally over the trays and efficiently dries up the food on the trays. Let’s have a look at the features and functions of this dehydrator.

Included Accessories

Recipe Booklet
Fruit Roll Sheets
Clean a Screen

Pros

A powerful unit, 1000 watts of drying power
Vita-Save Exterior to block harmful light
Converga-Flow system for better drying efficiency
Expandable to 30 trays with Add-A-Trays accessory
Adjustable thermostat

Cons

Bottom mounted fan is difficult to clean up
Higher tray capacity means more trays to clean
The fan might make noise if used for long sessions
The trays might melt and warp with extensive usage
The motor is not very durable

Editor’s Verdict

This is the ideal dehydrator for those who plan to dry large batches of fruits, vegetables, or meat. The FD-1018A Grandmaster Food Dehydrator comes with 8 trays, but it can be expanded up to 30 trays. This is really useful for those who have surplus produce and don’t want it to go waste. With more trays, the dehydrator also adds to the drying power as it has 1000 watts of drying power limit. If you’re looking for a massive dehydrator with amazing drying power, then pick this one today.

7. Nesco FD-80A Square-Shaped Dehydrator

The Nesco FD-80A Square Shaped Dehydrator comes with a top-mounted fan and Converga-Flow air circulation system. This unique airflow system is fast and highly efficient as the air flows horizontally over the trays instead of vertically.

The adjustable thermostat allows for changing the temperature for drying different foods easily. As the dehydrator is highly efficient, there is no need to rotate the trays. The small unit comes with a bale handle that makes it easier to carry from the kitchen shelf. Let’s have a look at the features and specifications of this device.

Included Accessories

Instruction manual

Pros

Converga-Flow airflow system helps in quicker drying
Fan on top, so no worries of drippage
Easy to set-up and use
Adjustable temperature settings
Expandable up to 8 trays

Cons

Instruction manual is not very detailed
Large trays are difficult to wash
Power cord is very short
No On/Off switch
Does not have a timer

Editor’s Verdict

The Nesco FD-80A Square Shaped Dehydrator is a small unit that offers immense power. It has a 700 watt motor that dries food quickly. The square shape of the dehydrator provides up to 41% more space than circular dehydrators. You can easily adjust the temperature of this dehydrator with the adjustable thermostat. It is easy to use and its square shape looks good on any kitchen shelf. If you’re looking for a dehydrator that dries food efficiently, then pick this one today.

8. Nesco FD-37A American Harvest Food Dehydrator, 400-watt

The Nesco FD-37A American Harvest Food Dehydrator is a simple and easy to use dehydrator that is best suited for people who dehydrate as a hobby. There are no complex controls on this dehydrator. It is a simple plug-n-play device that offers 400 watts of drying power. The temperature of this dehydrator is pre-set at 160°F and it comes with 4 trays that can be further expanded to 7 trays. The drying happens through the large top mounted fan that forces air down over the trays. Let’s have a quick look at the specification and features of this device.

Included Accessories

Pros

Simple and easy to use
Top mounted fan
Expandable up to 7 trays
Clear top to keep an eye on drying progress
Dishwasher safe trays

Cons

The fan is very loud
The motor is not very durable
The trays are made of flimsy material
Drying times can be irregular
The temperature cannot be changed. Its preset at 160°F

Editor’s Verdict

This is a no frills dehydrator that doesn’t have any complex controls to figure out. The temperature of this unit is factory set at 160°F and all you need to do is place the food on the trays and plug it in. This is a minimal dehydrator but it offers enough power to dry your basic foods for consumption at home. If you’re looking for something powerful for regular usage, you’d be better off looking at other Nesco models.

9. Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P 1000 Watt Food Dehydrator Kit

The Nesco American Harvest FD-1018 Dehydrator kit is just what you need when you want to dry large batches of fruits, vegetables, or meat. The dehydrator kit offers 1000 watts of drying power across 8 trays that can be expanded up to a massive 30. The temperature range on this dehydrator is from 95-155°F and you can adjust the temperature with the thermostat to dry different foods at different temperatures. This is the ideal dehydrator for serious dehydrating enthusiasts who are looking to dehydrate in bulk. Let’s have a quick look at the features of this device.

Included Accessories

Fruit Roll Sheets
Clean-a-screen trays
Recipe booklet, How to Dry Foods
Jerky Cure

Pros

Converga-Flow Drying system for efficient drying
No need to rotate trays
Adjustable thermostat
1000 watts of drying power
Opaque Vita-Save Exterior to block harmful rays

Cons

The motor is not very durable
The dehydrator makes noise while drying
The plastic trays can melt if the temperature gets too high
The fan is of low quality and prone to failure

Editor’s Verdict

When you want to dry a lot of fruits and vegetables, you need a dehydrator with a huge capacity and immense drying power. The Nesco American Harvest FD-1018P fits the bill for these features. The dehydrator is easy to use and you can stack up to 30 trays on it for dehydrating your favorite foods. The patented Converga-Flow technology can push air up the exterior chamber of the dehydrator and the air then flows across the trays for an even and efficient drying result. If you plan to dry large quantity of food, then pick this unit today without any doubt.

10. Nesco American Harvest FD-80 Square Dehydrator Value Package 8 Trays, Screens, Sheets, Book

The Nesco American Harvest FD-80 is a complete package when it comes to dehydrators. This unit comes with a complete range of accessories that makes it a steal in its price segment. Feature-wise, the dehydrator offers 700 watts of drying power and 40% more drying area as compared to circular dehydrators. The dehydrator comes with 4 trays originally, but it’s expanded to include 8 trays for no extra cost. The unique feature of the dehydrator is that the heating pressure adjusts to include more trays. Let’s have a quick look at the specifications of this device.

Included Accessories

8 – SQM-2-6 Clean-A- Screens
8 – SLD-2-6 Fruit Roll Sheets
Large Jerky Gun w/5 spices
“How to Dry Foods” book by Deanna De Long

Pros

Comes with a complete set of accessories
The base unit has 4 trays, the package comes with 8 trays
Extensive drying power of 700 watts
Converga-Flow Drying system for efficient drying
Square shape for 40% more drying area

Cons

Short power cord
No timer
Trays are large and difficult to wash
The heating element is not very durable

Editor’s Verdict

This dehydrator kit includes the base dehydrator Nesco FD-80 and comes with a range of accessories that make drying a fun and efficient process. There are 8 Clean-A-Screens included along with 8 Fruit Roll Sheets. You also get a Jerky Gun with five spices and a recipe book by Deanna De Long. In all, this kit makes sense for seasoned dehydrating enthusiasts who are looking for a fully loaded, no frills, and all business kit for their dehydrating sessions.

11. Nesco FD-77DT Digital Food Dehydrator (6 Tray Value Package)

Included Accessories

6 Trays (50% more capacity than Standard model)
Jerky Gun with 6 Original spice and cure packs
6 Fruit Roll Sheets
6 Clean-A-Screens

Pros

Highly useful accessories included
Converga-Flow drying system is highly efficient
50% more capacity than standard model
Digital controls for time and temperature
No need to rotate trays for even drying
Quiet operation

Cons

The dehydrator is not very stable
The trays don’t stack together too well
Trays are thin and light
Takes too long to dry

Editor’s Verdict

This dehydrator package comes with a complete range of accessories that add more capacity to the dehydrator and also make using it more fun and easy. The 6 additional trays increase the dehydrator’s capacity by 50% and you also get 6 fruit roll sheets and 6 Clean-A-Screens. The jerky gun included with this unit is perfect for making delicious jerky and you also get packets of cure and spices to add more flavor to your jerky. If you’re looking for a competent and powerful dehydrator that comes with useful accessories, you should pick this dehydrator.