Meat dehydration is a time-honored method of food preservation that extends the shelf life of various meats. By removing moisture, dehydration stops the growth of bacteria and mold, allowing meat to stay fresh for long periods. This process also concentrates flavors, creating tasty, portable snacks and ingredients for meals.
Meat dehydrators are handy kitchen appliances that make the drying process easy and safe. These devices use controlled heat and airflow to dry meat evenly, reducing the risk of spoilage. They’re great for making jerky, dried meat for camping trips, or preserving game meat after a successful hunt.
When choosing a meat dehydrator, it’s important to look at the size, temperature controls, and ease of cleaning. The number of trays affects how much meat you can dry at once, while adjustable temperature settings let you dry different types of meat properly. We tested several meat dehydrators to find the best options for home use.
Best Meat Dehydrators
We’ve picked out the top meat dehydrators for your kitchen. These machines will help you make tasty dried meats at home. Our list includes options for different budgets and needs.
COSORI Meat Dehydrator
We think this COSORI dehydrator is a great choice for anyone looking to make homemade jerky and dried snacks.
Pros
- Easy to use with preset options
- Adjustable temperature up to 176°F
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Limited capacity for large batches
- Takes up counter space
- Trays can be tricky to clean
We recently tried out this COSORI food dehydrator and were impressed with its performance. The stainless steel design looks sleek on our counter, and it’s not too bulky. We like that it comes with 5 trays, which is enough for small to medium batches of jerky or fruit slices.
The controls are simple to use. We loved the preset buttons for jerky, fruit, veggies, and yogurt. It made getting started super easy. When we wanted more control, we could adjust the time and temp ourselves. The timer goes up to 48 hours, which is plenty for most recipes.
One thing we really liked was how quiet it runs. We could barely hear it while it was working. Cleanup was pretty easy too, since the trays can go in the dishwasher. Just be careful with sticky foods – they can be a bit of a pain to scrub off. All in all, we think this COSORI dehydrator is a solid pick for home use.
Cercker 12-Tray Dehydrator
We think this dehydrator is a great buy for anyone looking to dry large batches of food at home.
Pros
- Big capacity with 12 trays
- Stainless steel construction
- Adjustable temperature and timer
Cons
- Takes up a lot of counter space
- Might be overkill for small households
- Can be noisy at higher settings
We’ve been using this Cercker dehydrator for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by its performance. The 12 stainless steel trays give us plenty of room to dry all sorts of foods. We dried a mix of apples, bananas, and beef jerky in one go, and there was still space left over.
The controls are easy to use. We can set the temperature anywhere from 70°F to 190°F, which works well for different foods. The 24-hour timer is handy too. We just set it and forget it, knowing the machine will turn off on its own.
One thing to keep in mind is the size. This dehydrator is pretty big, so it might not fit in smaller kitchens. But if you have the space, it’s worth it for the amount of food you can dry at once. We also found it runs a bit loud at higher temperatures, but not enough to be a deal-breaker. All in all, we think it’s a solid choice for anyone who wants to dry food in bulk.
Magic Mill Pro Dehydrator
We think this dehydrator is a great buy for anyone looking to make healthy snacks or preserve food at home.
Pros
- Even drying with rear-mounted fan
- Digital controls for precise timing and temperature
- Spacious with 7 stainless steel trays
Cons
- Might be too big for small kitchens
- Takes practice to get perfect results
- Can be noisy during operation
We’ve been using the Magic Mill Pro Dehydrator for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed. The rear-mounted fan does a great job of circulating air, so our jerky and fruit chips come out evenly dried every time. No more rotating trays mid-cycle!
The digital controls are a breeze to use. We can set the exact time and temperature we need, then let it run. Once it’s done, it shuts off on its own. This feature is super helpful when we’re multitasking in the kitchen.
We love how much space this dehydrator offers. With seven stainless steel trays, we can dry a big batch of apple slices and still have room for some herbs. The mesh trays are perfect for smaller items like nuts, while the fruit leather sheet lets us make tasty fruit rolls.
Cleaning up is no hassle either. The trays go right in the dishwasher, and we just wipe down the outside with a damp cloth. It’s so easy, we find ourselves using it more often than we expected.
Magic Mill Compact Dehydrator
We highly recommend this versatile dehydrator for its ease of use and efficient drying capabilities.
Pros
- Adjustable trays for different food sizes
- User-friendly digital controls
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Limited capacity for large batches
- May take up counter space
- Slightly noisy during operation
We’ve been using the Magic Mill Compact Dehydrator for a while now, and it’s become a staple in our kitchen. The five stainless steel trays are sturdy and can be adjusted to fit thicker foods. We love how we can dry different items at the same time.
The digital control panel is a breeze to use. We can set the timer and temperature with just a few taps. It’s great for making jerky, dried fruits, and even pet treats. The temperature range of 95-158°F gives us lots of options for different foods.
Cleaning is super easy too. We just pop out the trays and wash them with soap and water or toss them in the dishwasher. The compact size fits well on our counter, but it might be a tight squeeze in smaller kitchens. While it’s not silent, the noise isn’t too bad – just a soft hum in the background.
KEENSTAR 9-Tray Meat Dehydrator
We think this powerful and spacious dehydrator is a great choice for making jerky and other dried foods at home.
Pros
- Large 8.7 sq ft drying space
- Adjustable temperature and 48-hour timer
- Stainless steel trays are dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Bulky size takes up counter space
- Pricier than some basic models
- Can be noisy when running
We’ve been using this KEENSTAR dehydrator for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The 1000-watt heating element and dual fans dry food quickly and evenly. We didn’t have to rotate trays at all.
The digital controls are simple to use. We set the temp and time, then let it run. The clear door let us check on our jerky without opening it. The 9 stainless trays hold a ton of food – we made a huge batch of apple chips in one go.
Cleanup is a breeze since the trays can go in the dishwasher. While it’s not small, the stainless steel design looks nice on our counter. For the price, we think it’s a great value for anyone who wants to make jerky, dried fruit, and other snacks at home.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a meat dehydrator, we think there are a few key things to keep in mind. Let’s look at the main features to consider:
Capacity
How much meat do you plan to dry at once? Dehydrators come in various sizes, from small countertop models to large freestanding units. Pick one that fits your needs and kitchen space.
Temperature Control
Precise temperature settings are crucial for safe and effective drying. Look for a dehydrator with adjustable temperature controls, ideally between 95°F to 165°F.
Airflow
Good air circulation ensures even drying. Fan-powered models typically work best for consistent results.
Ease of Use
User-friendly features like digital controls, timers, and clear viewing windows can make the drying process much simpler.
Noise Level
Some dehydrators can be noisy. If this is a concern, look for models designed to operate quietly.
Cleaning
Removable, dishwasher-safe trays make cleanup a breeze. Non-stick surfaces are also helpful.
Price
Dehydrators range from budget-friendly to high-end. Set a budget that matches your needs and frequency of use.
Warranty
A good warranty can provide peace of mind, especially for more expensive models.
By considering these factors, we can find a meat dehydrator that suits our needs perfectly. Happy drying!