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Jerky is a food I associate with my childhood, with long road trips, hunting expeditions, and hikes out in the forest. Maybe that’s why I love it so much. Something about jerky—any kind of jerky—is UNBELIEVABLY comforting and satisfying. The fact that it’s also high protein, low fat, and contains various minerals is just a bonus.
It was just a matter of time until I discovered the joy of making jerky at home and the added benefits which come from it, and when I started, I wondered why I hadn’t started sooner. When I bought a dehydrator and started making my own jerky, I could make it exactly to my taste, plus I saved a ton of money! So, if you want to find the best dehydrator for jerky, keep reading, and you’ll find the right choice for you.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Unparalleled technology and design which is exclusive to Excalibur
- Long-standing history of reliability and outstanding performance
- Proudly made in the USA since 1973
If you want the premium dehydrator on the market, one with a long-standing history of quality and reliability built for decades of use, then the Excalibur is the only dehydrator you need to look at. Designed with functionality, practicality, and efficiency in mind, the Excalibur is the ultimate choice for both the beginner and the experienced.
Excalibur’s reputation speaks for itself. Capable of handling large amounts of food without being overwhelming, the compact, unostentatious design delivers incredible results, dehydrated food with superior taste, and thorough drying. If you’re on the lookout for the best beef jerky machine, the Excalibur is the obvious choice.
Top 13 Best Dehydrators For Jerky Reviews
The Excalibur dehydrator comes with a 10-year warranty, which is always the sign of a great machine. Renowned in the industry for its outstanding performance, the Excalibur is the best home food dehydrator for jerky.
The 9 trays provide 15 square feet of drying space. The nonstick poly-screen inserts allow you to dehydrate your food with minimal effort.
The Excalibur prides itself on its superior temperature control, heating no more than 115-118℉ to preserve enzymes and nutrients, great for the health-conscious. Although, it does have a temperature range of 105-165℉ for those who want the extra heat.
The large 7-inch fan encourages increased air circulation, ensuring all food is consistently and efficiently dried. Excalibur’s patented hyperaware technology and horizontal parallel drying reinforces the optimal dehydrating conditions.
Made in the USA since 1973, this is truly a trusted brand with reliable technology and a long-standing history of excellence.
Who Should Get This?
This is the perfect choice for people who intend to take their dehydrator with them far into the future, value reliability, premium performance, and only want to get the best.
Pros
- Features patented technology, exclusive to Excalibur
- Built to last, includes a 10-year warranty
- Not the most expensive dehydrator on this list
Cons
- No easy viewing transparent front panel
- A financial investment
The Presto 06300 is a great dehydrator; it’s the best cheap dehydrator for jerky; it’s simple and includes all the basics you’d need.
The 4 drying trays feature a webbed lattice design that allows airflow to move through the container and efficiently dry the food. More trays can be added, up to a maximum of 8, expanding the machine’s spatial capacity.
The settings are crude compared to other more sophisticated models; there is no on/off switch or control panel display, and the machine runs at a preset temperature of 165℉. If you don’t want to think about what to do and simply want to plug in and go, the Presto fits the bill.
A bottom-mounted fan and heating element provides consistent airflow and ensures thorough drying. Because of this construction, you won’t need to rotate trays.
The presto also provides convenience. The plug and cord can be wrapped in the base, and each tray can nest inside each other to save up to 36% space, making it easy to store. Not just this, the trays and cover are dishwasher safe.
Who Should Get This?
Perfect for beginners who want an affordable option, people that want to dip their toe in the water without making a significant investment or dealing with a complicated setup.
Pros
- Can be expanded to a greater capacity
- Is dishwasher safe
- Incredibly easy to operate
Cons
- Doesn’t offer any alternative settings or adjustment options
- Could be too simple for some users
This dehydrator’s unique design and construction bring something new to the market, breaking other dehydrators’ mold in its class.
The Sahara is the world’s first folding dehydrator. When it’s no longer in use, simply fold the machine until it becomes 1/3 of its size—a great space-saving solution.
Its 700W dual heating system can automatically switch to low power based on the food’s requirements. The radial fan provides heat and optimized air circulation, which combines both recirculated and fresh air for energy and performance efficiency. The reusable air filter is washable and helps keep the machine free from contaminants.
Adjust the settings to whatever you require. The easy to use display can be set with a timer of up to 198 hours.
Keep an eye on your food with the split double door front. Made from glass and featuring individual handles, this style emphasizes the practical design.
The tray shelves come in either polypropylene or stainless steel. However, the stainless steel option significantly increases the price.
Who Should Get This?
A fitting option for people who have less space and would benefit from the space-saving design. Also suitable for those who value energy efficiency and don’t mind spending more.
Pros
- Easy to store
- Energy-efficient design
- Can choose tray material
Cons
- Doesn’t include stainless steel trays
- Higher price point
The Magic Mill Commercial dehydrator is built for quantity. The fact it’s classified “commercial” indicates the design of this machine.
The stainless steel construction gives this dehydrator a refined, sleek, and modern appearance while allowing it to blend into various environments.
This dehydrator features an impressive 11 trays, increasing the former models’ 10 tray capacity, which adds 30 inches of additional drying space.
This machine is entirely BPA-free, helping you prepare food with confidence. It features an easy-to-read front-facing display with lit-up buttons and comes with fine mesh sheets, 5 non-stick trays, and 2 silicone gloves.
The 1000 watt rear-mounted drying fan and in-built airflow circulation technology support consistent drying without any risk of overheating, so you can let the machine do all the work for you.
The preset adjustable thermostat can be set with a timer for up to 24 hours, features an auto shut-off function, and covers a temperature range of 95-167℉.
Who Should Get This?
This dehydrator would suit those who want to dehydrate large amounts of jerky at once, who want an industrial quality machine and don’t mind taking up space on their counter.
Pros
- Extra-large capacity
- BPA-free
- Features inbuilt airflow circulation technology
Cons
- Higher price point
- Might be too big for some people
The Tribest Sedona Express has a compact yet comprehensive design. The all-black exterior design gives this a plain, industrial style that would complement a wide range of environments.
Featuring 11 stainless steel trays and a closed stainless steel debris tray, this dehydrator is well-sized and equipped for handling large amounts of food.
The clear glass hinged door and LED light allows for easy viewing and monitoring of the food, and the side-hinged door allows for easy tray insertion or extraction. Also, the internal air filter is not only reusable but washable too.
This machine comes with a 2-stage sequential temperature timer (TST) that allows you to begin dehydrating at a higher temperature and automatically drop to a lower temperature for the remaining time. This helps preserve nutrients.
The temperature controls range from 77-167℉ and are controlled by the front-facing display, which features an on/off switch, user buttons, and numerical display.
As a reflection of this machine’s reliability, it comes with a 10-year warranty. However, as the most expensive dehydrator on our list, this makes sense.
Who Should Get This?
Ideal for those who will use a dehydrator regularly and in large quantities, who know they will use it enough to get value for money.
Pros
- A premium quality dehydrator
- Easy to clean components
- Packs a lot into the machine capacity
Cons
- Will be too big and to comprehensive for some
- A big financial investment
The NESCO FD-75A food dehydrator has a different look from the majority of other dehydrators. The insulated, opaque, cylindrical design automatically sets this apart from other models.
This design is purposeful. The opaque construction doesn’t allow in light, which could compromise the foods’ nutritional content. The cylindrical trays are built to be stackable and customizable, so you can decide how many trays you need.
It comes equipped with 5 x 13½-inch BPA-free food-grade plastic trays but can be expanded up to 12; with each additional tray, the cylinder’s height increases.
The adjustable dial thermostat ranges from 95-160℉, and even heat distribution is created by the converge-flow system using the dehydrator’s top-mounted fan. The fan placement also eliminates any chance of liquid dripping into the center.
This machine is made in the USA and includes 2 Clean-A-Screens, 2 Fruit Roll sheets, and an instruction and recipe book.
Who Should Get This?
A wonderful dehydrator for those who don’t want a flashy, space-consuming model and would be content with an affordable basic dehydrator with simple preset options.
Pros
- The opaque design maintains optimal nutritional content
- Can be adjusted to include up to 12 trays
- Affordable dehydrator model
Cons
- No easy-viewing transparent panel
- Not as stylish as other dehydrator models
The Elifine dehydrator comes in 2 styles, designed to cater to different needs and circumstances: the 7.9 inches, 5 tray version, or a 9.5-inch 7 tray version.
Built to save energy, run efficiently and quietly while utilizing safety-conscious materials, this is a conscientiously designed machine.
The transparent tray display is made from BPA-free plastic; each tray measures 1.26 inches and is easily stackable. This practical design allows for easy monitoring. As a bonus, these trays are dishwasher safe.
With a temperature range of 95-158℉, 250 watts of drying power, and a timer capable of tracking up to 72 hours, this dehydrator provides all the essentials.
The stainless steel base features a simple, stylish layout. Push the on/off button and adjust the temperature dial to operate. A single power light indicates the machine is plugged in.
This dehydrator features a bottom-mounted fan which provides the airflow needed for optimal drying.
Who Should Get This?
Great for a beginner who doesn’t want to invest in a premium model but wants a safety-conscious, energy-efficient, and chemical-free dehydrator with all the essential features.
Pros
- Easy viewing construction
- BPA-free and dishwasher safe components
- One of the cheaper models
Cons
- Average timer capabilities
- Doesn’t include stainless steel trays
The Rosewill Food Dehydrator is another large-capacity option. Like other models but at a lower price, this dehydrator is excellent for those who want a commercial looking product without the commercial price.
This dehydrator includes 6 trays, although it is capable of holding up to 12 trays. Each tray is made from food-grade stainless steel and measures 15 x 13 inches. Also included are the required mesh screen layers; these are non-stick.
The 2 rear-mounted fans provide the machine with optimal horizontal airflow and can be set to operate at two modes: fast drying with both fans or energy-saving with only one fan.
Use the display to make a temperature or time adjustment. The temperature can range from 95-167℉. Set the timer for up to 99 hours, and set it with total confidence because of the 2-stage sequential temperature timer (TST), which won’t allow food to Harden or mold. A feature that is often seen on more expensive models.
The door’s tempered glass design provides easy viewing and access to your food and suits the machine’s practical nature.
Who Should Get This?
This is an excellent choice for people who want a commercial-type machine, with all the functions you’d expect from a premium machine, without having to pay the large commercial price.
Pros
- Convenient and efficient design
- Extra-long timer capability
- Commercial-type dehydrator without the high price
Cons
- Midway on the price point scale
- Similar to other models
The Chefman food dehydrator is available in classic black with a simple black and silver display.
Including 6 x 13-inch x 12-inch BPA-free plastic trays, a protective food sheet, and drip pan, this dehydrator has a lot of internal space.
This dehydrator has an adjustable digital thermostat, from 95-158℉, and features 14 temperature presets. All of this is monitored by the integrated countdown timer, capable of tracking up to 19½ hours. Then, when the time has finished, the machine will automatically shut off.
The transparent viewing window at the front of the dehydrator allows for easy monitoring, helping you keep an eye on the state of your jerky.
The design utilizes optimal airflow, creating more efficient, consistent dehydrating results without any risk of overheating.
Measuring in at 13.58” x 17.52” x 12.40” and weighing 16 lbs. this is a substantial piece but would fit the standard countertop.
The Chefman dehydrator will provide everything you need to create delicious jerky.
Who Should Get This?
It is an excellent dehydrator for people who want an average-sized dehydrator—not too big or too small—one that doesn’t cost too much and offers essential functions and easy operation.
Pros
- BPA-free components
- Average size capacity
- Features 14 temperature presets
Cons
- One of the more expensive options
- Hard to monitor items near the back of the dehydrator
The VIVOHOME dehydrator is a comprehensive machine. Equipped with 10 large capacity drying racks/trays, which can be easily detachable depending on your needs, and the kind of food you’re drying, this provides versatility.
With 1000W of drying power, this dehydrator distributes airflow from the rear placed fan and utilizes internal circulation cooling and a hot hole to aid the air circulation.
The entire machine is composed of premium quality material, a stainless steel base, sides, and trays free from BPA. The external casing also features handle holes, which help considering its size—21” x 16.5” x 17”.
The display is easy to operate, with an on/off button, temperature/time button, and adjustable controls, allowing you to tailor conditions to suit the food. The temperature ranges from 95-167℉, and the timer is capable of setting times up to 24 hours.
This is one of the more expensive dehydrators on this list but comes with the quality and functions you’d expect from such an investment.
Who Should Get This?
This dehydrator is perfect for people who want to invest straight-away in a premium, comprehensive machine that will benefit from the extra-large capacity and can afford to spend more.
Pros
- Above-average timer function
- Provides an extra-large capacity
- BPA-free components
Cons
- The large capacity may be unsuitable for some
- Higher price point
The Nutrichef food dehydrator is the mid-point average on our list. This dehydrator includes the essential, standard features you’d expect; it looks like several other dehydrators and comes about mid-point in terms of financial investment.
The 6 food-grade stainless steel dryer trays are easy to insert and extract. This makes clean up easier—since the trays are also dishwasher safe and gives options for using fewer trays if required. Also included are a fruit roll sheet and mesh screen.
The glass front door allows for easy viewing, increasing efficiency and practicality.
The rear-mounted motor and fan provide 360° hot air circulation, creating a consistently heated optimal environment and minimizing overheating risk.
The easy-to-navigate touch control LED front display allows temperature and time adjustment. Set the machine to operate at temperatures ranging from 95-167℉, and take comfort from the automatic shut-off, overheat protection, and memory function.
Who Should Get This?
Made for people who want a well-made dehydrator with features found on more expensive models, who have adequate space on their countertop and don’t mind investing.
Pros
- Convenient dishwasher safe components
- Good-sized internal capacity
- Includes all the essential features you’d need
Cons
- Resembles other dehydrators on this list
- Mid-point on the price point
This dehydrator deviates from the other models in this list. While this is a dehydrator, it also serves as an air fryer, rotisserie, and convection oven. This machine fits a lot into its design!
Coming in a 6.3-liter capacity, this is a well-sized interior for a decent amount of food. The interior is also equipped with lighting so you can quickly check the state of your food.
The easy to read digital temperature control panel comes with a range of preset options; simply select “dehydrate” to turn your meat pieces into delicious jerky. The temperature and time can also be adjusted on this panel to suit your requirements.
The interior features 2 x 9.5” x 10” removable mesh air flow racks, which are dishwasher safe. Also included in the package is an air fryer basket, rotisserie spit, and removable drip tray.
The Chefman comes with advanced safety technology and a 1-year warranty for added peace of mind.
Who Should Get This?
For those who want more than just a dehydrator, who want a variety of options, or who have limited kitchen space and need a multifunctional machine.
Pros
- Convenient dishwasher safe components
- Includes 1-year warranty
- Is a multifunctional machine
Cons
- Only has 2 trays/racks
- Not only a dehydrator
The BioChef Arizona Sol is reasonably priced but offers a good selection of features and utilizes a similar style to other dehydrators of its kind. The dehydrator comes in 2 color options: black and white.
The 9 stainless steel drying trays are sturdy and long-lasting, a characteristic of the material, and easily extracted or inserted. This allows for more options; when you need to dehydrate larger food items, simply remove some of the trays to make space.
The dehydrator has a temperature range of 95-158℉, which can be easily adjusted on the display panel. The display panel itself is easy to operate, with five buttons and a small screen.
The BioChef harnesses the power of horizontal airflow, similar in design to a fan-forced one, which allows for efficient drying.
Both the inner and outer casing of the machine is entirely BPA-free. Instead, it’s made from polypropylene (PP), which is renowned as being strong, durable, and able to handle high temperatures, and—as a bonus—it’s not a health risk.
Who Should Get This?
This would suit a range of people. If someone is willing to spend a little more and deal with controlling the presets and any adjustments, the BioChef is a solid choice.
Pros
- Utilizes BPA-free materials
- Choice of color
- Extensive temperature range
Cons
- Doesn’t use new technology
- An average style and construction, similar to other models
Final Verdict: Best Dehydrator For Jerky For Your Money
With so many dehydrators on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for you. If you want to cut through all the choices and get to the best meat dehydrator for jerky, the Excalibur is the number one choice.
Built to last, with a long-standing American heritage and renowned reputation for high-performance and efficiency, Excalibur produces exceptional dehydrated food. Even better, it doesn’t cost as much as other dehydrator options. After you get your first time of homemade jerky from the Excalibur, you’ll wonder why you bothered with store-bought.
