Best Nesco Food Dehydrators Reviews

Nesco is one of the most well-known names in the home appliance segment and the company manufactures a complete range of products for use in home and kitchen.

Nesco dehydrators are designed to offer the best use in the kitchen for dehydrating all kinds of foods. The company also sells a range of accessories that make it easier to dry any foods that you want to store for later use.

Comparison Chart of Best Nesco Dehydrators

The dehydrators from Nesco are easy to use, easy to maintain and they will give you years of usage for drying your favorite foods. Buying a Nesco dehydrator from the complete range available can be a bit difficult as you have to go through the models, the prices, the features, reviews and much more.

What if we told you that we can make choosing a nesco dehydrator easier for you? We’ve reviewed an extensive list of Nesco Dehydrators and selected the best models that have the features and technical specifications ideal for home users.

In this article, we’re going to look at the dehydrators that have been selected after thorough research and understanding of functions and features of several dehydrators.

Criteria for Choosing Best Nesco Dehydrators

Finding the best Nesco dehydrators is not an easy task when you have to choose from a large number of dehydrators available in the market. We made our choice based on certain criteria that helped us to narrow down the list to 11 best dehydrators. Here is a quick look at some of the ways in which we chose these dehydrators.

1) Customer Reviews – We took an in-depth look at the user reviews and checked user feedback and experiences with using the dehydrators. The dehydrators that had a large number of satisfied users were given preference.

2) Customer Ratings – Not all customers write reviews for the products they use which is why customer ratings for a product are another good indicator of the popularity of the product among users. A lower customer rating can also mean that the users didn’t like the product that much. We also took the customer ratings in consideration while choosing these products.

3) Product Features – Every dehydrator has certain unique features. While some dehydrators are equipped with advanced features, others have high-quality construction or a modern design that can help in efficient dehydrating. We looked at the product features and ranked the devices in order of usefulness.

4) Included Accessories – Accessories are an important part of the dehydrator’s overall functions and features. There are many accessories that add new abilities to the dehydrator and make using them more fun. We took into account the various accessories available with the dehydrator and ranked it accordingly.

5) Price – While some might look for cheap dehydrators, the price is also an indicator of the kind of parts that were used in the device. We took in account the price along with all the other features to make our decision on which dehydrators offer the best use to customers.

6) Warranty – Warranty is important in a device like a dehydrator. We gave a better ranking to the dehydrators that offered a longer warranty. With an extended warranty in place, you can rest assured that you will be able to get repairs done in case your dehydrator breaks down or develops a fault.

Common Features to Be Expected in Nesco Dehydrators

There is no doubt about the fact that Nesco makes fantastic dehydrators. These dehydrators are an indispensable part of kitchens around the world and dehydrating enthusiasts trust the brand to provide superior products. Here’s a look at some of the common features you can expect in Nesco Dehydrators.

1) Unique Dehydrating System The dehydration system used in Nesco dehydrators is a patented Converge-Flow system that allows for equal distribution of hot air through the trays of the dehydrator so that every part of the food gets equal amounts of hot hair and gets dried from the inside out.

2) Adjustable Thermostat Almost all Nesco dehydrators come with an adjustable thermostat that can be used for changing the temperature according to the recipe you are using. This allows for greater flexibility in drying different kinds of foods.

3) Powerful Fan The power of the fan determines how quickly the food will dry in the dehydrator. A high powered fan also helps in distributing hot air through the trays of the dehydrator so that food can dry easily and quickly.

4) High-Quality Trays The trays in Nesco dehydrators are made from high-quality BPA free material. These trays are dishwasher safe and you can place food on them without worrying about chemical contamination. You can also buy more trays if your dehydrator supports additional trays.

5) Spacious The Nesco dehydrators are spacious enough so that you can place any kind of food on the trays. As the trays stack on top of each other, you can dry large batches of food in one session.

Reviews of Best Nesco Food Dehydrators

[best nesco food dehydrators]

1. Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator

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/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.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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 power
• 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!

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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 airflow
• Opaque vita-save exterior to prevent harmful rays
• No need to rotate trays
• Large 15 ½” trays
• Adjustable thermostat from 90-160°F
• 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!

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

4. Nesco American FD-61 Snackmaster Dehydrator

The Nesco American 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 spreads 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 comes with a range of features that make it simple to dehydrate fruits and vegetables. The adjustable thermostat adds flexibility, allowing you to dry foods at varying temperatures. The Vita-Save exterior prevents harmful light from contaminating the food. Overall, this is a wonderful dehydrator that ensures optimum usage for years to come.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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 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.

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 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.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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.

Included Accessories

• Recipe Booklet
• Fruit Roll Sheets
• Clean-a-Screen

Pros

• A powerful unit with 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 Gardenmaster 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 to waste. With more trays, the dehydrator also adds to the drying power as it has 1000 watts of drying power. If you’re looking for a massive dehydrator with amazing drying power, then pick this one today.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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.

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.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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 expanded to 7 trays. The drying happens through the large top-mounted fan that forces air down over the trays.

Included Accessories

NA

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. It’s 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.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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.

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 a large quantity of food, then pick this unit today without any doubt.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

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.

Read our Full Review Check this Product on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Customers often have queries and concerns before they choose a dehydrator for their kitchen. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Nesco Dehydrators

Q: I’ve Got Food Drippings Collected at the Bottom of My Dehydrator and These Are Very Difficult to Clean. How Can I Prevent This?

You can get dehydrator sheets that you can place under the food while it’s drying so that any drippings are collected there. In case you want to clean previous drippings, switch off and unplug the dehydrator and use a cloth dipped in a soap solution to clean these drippings.

Q: The Food Takes Too Long to Dry in These Dehydrators. What Could Be the Reason for This?

There can be a number of reasons if the food takes too long to dry. Mostly, it happens when the slices of the food are cut in large, thick pieces other than small, thin pieces. Large pieces take much longer to dry properly because the heat doesn’t get to the core of the food. Another reason can be the weather. If there is too much moisture and humidity in the air, it can make the food too moist and that can lead to longer cooking times.

Q: I Want to Make Jerky in This Dehydrator. Is There Something I Should Be Mindful Of?

Drying jerky is easy in these dehydrators. Just make sure you’ve pre-cooked the meat to kill off all the bacteria and pathogens. You can slice the jerky in long, thin strips so that all pieces can get equal amounts of heat. If needed, flip the pieces mid-way through the dehydrating session so that all sides get equal heat and get dried properly.

Q: I’ve Just Started Dehydrating Foods. Would It Be Feasible for Me to Buy a Nesco Dehydrator?

Absolutely. You can buy a Nesco dehydrator without thinking about it twice. These dehydrators are easy to use and they’re designed for beginners as well as advanced users. The features of these dehydrators are simple enough for beginners and powerful enough for advanced users.

Q: What Is the Converga-Flow Technology? How Is It Better Than a Simple Fan Based Dehydrator?

Converga-Flow is Nesco patented technology which adds to the efficiency of the dehydrators. Basically, earlier, fans mounted on top of bottom used to throw hot air through the trays, but that would lead to improper drying in trays that were further away from the fan. Through Converga-Flow, air flows through an exterior pressure chamber that opens up horizontally to each tray so that every tray gets equal amounts of heat and air. This helps in better drying and equal efficiency even for trays that are further away from the fan.

Q: My Dehydrator Makes Too Much Noise. I Don’t Know What to Do About It! Is There Any Way I Can Reduce the Noise?

If your dehydrator is making noise, it can be because of a number of reasons. If the fan is not set properly and it’s touching any other element in the dehydrator it might make noise. Often the noise is because the trays are not fixed properly in the dehydrator. Also, make sure you place the dehydrator on a solid, stable base while using it. If none of these reasons apply, you should get in touch with the customer care of your dehydrator’s manufacturer.

Q: What Are the Trays in Nesco Dehydrators Made Of?

The trays are made from high-quality BPA free plastic. These are safe to use with all kinds of foods.

Q: I Don’t Have a Time on My Dehydrator. What Are My Options?

You can use a kitchen timer with your dehydrator. Or you can simply set up an alarm on your phone when you start the dehydrator so that you remember to switch it off.

Q: I Want to Store My Dehydrator. Is There Anything I Should Keep in Mind?

If you’re storing your dehydrator away for the season, make sure you clean it of all the food particles and sticky residue. Clean and dry the trays and stack them separately from the dehydrator. Keep your dehydrator in a place that’s safe from moisture and mould. When you want to reuse the dehydrator, make sure you clean it properly with soap and a wet cloth before using.

Conclusion

Whether you’ve just started into the world of dehydrating or you’re an experienced dehydrating enthusiast, you can always count on Nesco dehydrators. These dehydrators are equipped with a range of features that are useful and make dehydrating easier and efficient. With these dehydrators, you can dry all kinds of fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, herbs and much more. Once you start using a Nesco, you will save money spent on buying dehydrated snacks from the market and you will also provide a healthier lifestyle for your family.

We hope this list has been useful for you and it has helped you to zero in on a dehydrator that meets your requirements. You can also browse through our website for more information about other dehydrators or about various topics related to dehydrating. If you have any questions that have not been answered in this article, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll get back to you at the earliest.

Most of all, pick a Nesco dehydrator today and enjoy dehydrating all the foods you’ve been thinking about.