Article By: Suraiya Fardous
- December 6, 2023 , Last updated on : December 7, 2023
The old-school hang-and-dry method of making jerky is long gone. Besides commercial dehydrators, various options of dehydrators for home kitchens are also available on the market now. Additionally, the best part is that you do not need to spend a fortune to buy the best beef jerky dehydrator, which will make your life easier in the kitchen.
Buying guide for the best beef jerky dehydrator
The requirements for buying a beef jerky maker will differ from those for buying a different type of dehydrator. For example, you need to check for other cooking options when getting an air fryer dehydrator, which is not required when getting a beef jerky machine. Here is how you can select the best beef jerky dehydrator.
Adjustable Temperature Range
First and foremost, a meat dehydrator machine needs to be able to reach a higher temperature for dehydrating jerky. However, if you want to use the dehydrator for other purposes, you should check both the minimum and maximum temperature ranges before settling on a dehydrator.
Functionality
Besides the adjustable temperature range, you can also look for other desirable features like low noise levels, durable fans, time control, etc. If you want to place your dehydrator in your kitchen, it is suggested that you get a quiet one. Additionally, if you do not want to constantly keep an eye on the dehydrating trays, get one with a timer.
Adjustable Trays
Last but not least, the capacity or number of adjustable trays you should get will depend on your personal preference. However, dehydrators with larger capacities also cost more. Remember that you can always get a smaller dehydrator and make beef jerkies in batches.
Maintenance
Last but not least, you need to get a dehydrator that is easy to clean. This is because beef can leave behind a very pungent smell. Additionally, the trays will get sticky. You can look for stainless steel trays that are dishwasher-safe at the same time.
Best beef jerky dehydrator | Top 7 Picks
Since there are a lot of dehydrators for making beef jerky on the market, it can get quite confusing to select the best one for yourself. As a result, we have selected the best beef jerky dehydrators and ranked them based on personal experience and user reviews.
List of the best beef jerky dehydrators in 2023
COSORI CP267-FD
Excalibur 3926TB
NESCO FD-75A
Magic Mill MFD-1011
VIVOHOME VH517
Magic Mill MFD-7070
Presto 06300
COSORI CP267-FD
Capacity: 10 trays
Temperature Range: 95°–165°F
The COSORI CP267-FD is the overall best beef jerky dehydrator on the market because of its attractive features. First and foremost, it has one of the most versatile temperate ranges among the competition, with a higher maximum temperature, especially for dehydrating beef jerky. Other than that, each of the dehydration trays can hold 7.7 pounds.
In terms of features, the COSORI CP267-FD stands out from the competition because of its durable stainless steel trays that are dishwasher safe. Additionally, the overheating protection system ensures that the appliance lasts a long time. Lastly, if you are looking for inspiration, the included recipe book has 50 recipes that are beginner-friendly.
The exterior of this dehydrator has a modern/industrial look that will look good in any kitchen. Additionally, the interior of the machine is relatively easy to clean compared to other options on the market. If aesthetics is one of your main concerns, then go for this one.
Pros:
Durable stainless steel trays
Dishwasher safe trays
Overheat protection system
Includes handy recipe book
Cons:
Nothing significant
While testing the COSORI CP267-FD, we did not find anything significant against it. However, the unit you get might have defects because of manufacturing or delivery, which does not happen often, so you have nothing to worry about. In such cases, you can contact their support for a replacement. Other than that, its wide temperature range, combined with its capacity, makes it the best food dehydrator for beef jerky.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Excalibur 3926TB
Capacity: 9 trays
Temperature Range: 105°F – 165°F
If you hate it when the beef jerky gets stuck to the trays when you dehydrate them, the Excalibur 3926TB will quickly become your best friend. It has flexible dehydration trays that ensure you can easily get the dehydrated meat off after they are done. Additionally, the device is very easy to use, thanks to the handy instruction guide provided with the package.
The Excalibur 3926TB has a wide range of temperatures, although a bit less than the COSORI CP267-FD. When combined with the timer, it gives you a lot of versatility, so you can dehydrate other foods as well. Lastly, the versatility of the device also allows you to quickly dehydrate beef in a pinch.
If you have to dehydrate beef in bulk, the vast amount of tray space that this dehydrator provides will be more than enough for you. Additionally, the trays of this dehydrator are very easy to clean. So, you can start a new batch right after taking out the previous one.
Pros:
Versatile function
Easy to use
Faster dehydration
Flexible trays
Cons:
Very expensive
While the Excalibur 3926TB has some of the most desirable features you can expect in a dehydrator, it is also one of the most expensive ones out there. However, if you can meet its expensive price tag, it is definitely the best beef jerky dehydrator you can buy.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 9/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
NESCO FD-75A
Capacity: 5 trays
Temperature Range: 95°F -160°F
If you do not want to invest in the more expensive dehydrators but still want a quality beef jerky machine, the NESCO FD-75A is perfect for you. While it is a compact and portable device, you can easily expand its capacity from five trays to twelve trays. As a result, you can easily dehydrate a lot of food with it and also store it away when you are done.
What makes the NESCO FD-75A perfect for beef jerky is its package deal that comes with a jerky gun, two packets of jerky seasonings, and two packets of jerky cures. Other than that, the dehydrator itself performs well because of its even heat distribution, which provides consistent results.
This dehydrator is perfect for people who want to get numerous batches of meat jerky quickly. It can dehydrate your favorite foods in mere hours. Thanks to its even heat distribution with the help of converge-flow drying action, it can dehydrate faster than its competitors. Lastly, it is an affordable machine that most people can easily get.
Pros:
Expandable trays to increase capacity
Includes jerky gun and seasoning
Even heat distribution
Compact and portable
Cons:
Hard to stack trays evenly
The only issue we faced while using the NESCO FD-75A was that the trays were hard to stack evenly on top of one another. Besides this small issue, its portability makes it the best Nesco food and jerky dehydrator that you can get. Lastly, the accessories that are provided with the devices are cherries on top.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 10/10
Magic Mill MFD-1011
Capacity: 10 trays
Temperature Range: 95°–165°F
The Magic Mill MFD-1011 stands out from the crowd because of its superior airflow technology. This, combined with its hanging dehydrator racks, makes it perfect for making dehydrating beef jerky. Additionally, it has an overheat protection system that ensures both the device and your kitchen stays safe from any accidents.
People who want a consistent result every time they use the machine can get this dehydrator. Additionally, the interface of this machine is very straightforward, so even the most non-tech-savvy people can use this machine to jerky in their home kitchen.
Pros:
Superior airflow technology
Hanging racks for jerky
Overheat protection
Cons:
Jerky can stick to trays
The only setback of the Magic Mill MFD-1011 is that the beef jerkies can stick to the trays. However, if you strictly use hanging racks for dehydrating beef, this will not be an issue for you. This small setback aside, its airflow technology, in combination with its overheating protection, makes it the best beef jerky dehydrator.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
VIVOHOME VH517
Capacity: 8 trays
Temperature Range: 95°F–158°F
While dehydrating is great for increasing food longevity, it has a bad reputation for decreasing the nutrients in the food. However, the VIVOHOME VH517 stands out from the crowd because it retains 97% of the vitamins and minerals in the food. It is made from BPA-free plastic, which also makes it better for your health than other dehydrators.
We loved how easy this dehydrator was to use. It has a knob that lets you easily control the time and temperature of the machine. Additionally, the clean-up afterward is very easy as well. Simply soak the trays in hot water, and they will be ready to go for the next round.
Pros:
High nutrient retention rate
BPA free material
Easy to clean
Cons:
Could be more durable
The BPA-free plastic build and the high nutrient retention rate of the VIVOHOME VH517 make it one of the best beef jerky dehydrators on the market. However, it can achieve its competitive price point because of its plastic material, which makes it less durable than its competitors. So, if you do not mind using the device carefully, you can go for it.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 8/10
Magic Mill MFD-7070
Capacity: 7 trays
Temperature Range: 95°F–167°F
You can get the Magic Mill MFD-7070 if you do not have the budget for a Magic Mill MFD-1011. It is an ETL list device, which means it is tested and complies with accepted national standards. Other than that, it is also functional thanks to its dishwasher-safe stainless steel trays that make your life easier.
The airflow circulation of this dehydrator ensures that the beef jerky is evenly dried for a consistent result. You do not need to rotate the trays while they are drying. Additionally, you can easily monitor their progress through the transparent window and take them out when you are satisfied with their progress.
Pros:
Functional digital thermostat and timer
Dishwasher-safe stainless steel trays
ETL listed device
Cons:
Thermal fuse blows easily
While using the Magic Mill MFD-1011, we found out that the thermal fuse blows rather easily. However, this saves the device from surges in voltage, and the fuse can be easily replaced. If you prefer a durable device that will last a long time, this is the best beef jerky dehydrator that you can get.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 9/10
Presto 06300
Capacity: 4 trays
Temperature Range: 165°F
The Presto 06300 dehydrator is one of the best beef jerky dehydrators if you are looking for one that is portable and easy to store. Even though it comes with a capacity of only four trays, it can be expanded to hold eight trays. When you are done, you can pack it up and store it easily. Other than that, its top-mounted fan ensures each beef jerky gets even heat.
If you are looking to dehydrate beef in your home solely for the financial benefit of making snacks at home, then this dehydrator is perfect for you. It is very affordable and gets the job done nicely. Overall, we loved the features this machine bring to the table at such an affordable price.
Pros:
Capacity can be increased by 50%
Top mounted fan
Easy to store
Cons:
Temperature is preset to 165°F
The only setback of this otherwise great device is that the Presto 06300 has a fixed temperature of 165°F. This is the optimal dehydrator temperature for jerky but not suitable for fruits. Since you are looking for a dehydrator for making beef jerky, this is an outstanding dehydrator that is cheap. As a result, it is the best beef jerky dehydrator that you can buy if you are under a budget.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 9/10
Versatility: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Final verdict
You can check your local electronic appliance stores, best buy, or Amazon for these dehydrators. The best beef jerky dehydrator will be the one that fits the specific requirements and budget of your kitchen. For instance, if you want the overall best one on the market, go for the COSORI CP267-FD. If you liked our top picks, check out our list of the best herb dehydrators.
