Article By: Suraiya Fardous
- May 3, 2023 , Last updated on : November 25, 2023
If you are looking to buy a food dehydrator for herbs and need some suggestions, you are in the right place. Even the cheapest food dehydrators on the market can make your life so much easier. However, since you are spending your hard-earned money, you deserve the absolute best herb dehydrator among the competition.
Buying guide for the best herb dehydrator
The requirements for buying the best dehydrator for herbs will not be the same as the requirements for buying a different type of dehydrator. For example, you need a higher maximum temperature for the best food dehydrator for jerky, while the minimum temperature is more important for herbs. Here is how you can select the best herb dehydrators.
Temperature Range
First and foremost, the temperature range of the dehydrator will determine what you can dry with it. Since you are looking for a dehydrator for spices and herbs, you should look for a temperature range of around 95°F to 115°F. When drying herbs with dehydrators, it is essential to keep a lower temperature so you do not mistakenly burn the herbs.
Functionality
The most important feature you need to look for in a dehydrator for drying herbs is a timer. It will ensure that you do not need to constantly keep an eye on the ingredients since it will automatically turn off when the timer is up. Additionally, you can look for a dehydrator that makes less noise.
Capacity
Last but not least, the capacity of the best herb dehydrator will depend upon personal preference. However, remember that herb dehydrators with bigger capacities will also cost more. If you are under a budget, you can get a dehydrator with a lower capacity and dry your herbs in batches.
Best herb dehydrator | Top 10 Picks
Since there are a lot of dehydrators for drying herbs and spices on the market, it can get quite confusing to select the best one for yourself. Not to worry, because we have chosen the best herb dehydrators among the competition and ranked them based on personal experience and user reviews.
List of the best herb dehydrators in 2023
COSORI CP267-FD
Tribest SDE-S6780-B
Brod & Taylor DR-710S
Magic Mill MFD-7100
Septree ST-01
OSTBA GGJ-261A
Magic Mill MFD-7070
COLZER ST-06
Hamilton Beach 32100A
Nesco FD-1040
COSORI CP267-FD
Capacity: 10 trays
Temperature Range: 95°F-165°F
If you want the overall best commercial food dehydrator for drying herbs and spices, the COSORI CP267-FD is the one to get. It is one of the best stainless steel dehydrators with dishwasher-safe components that make your life easier. They have a few options for the number of trays you want with the dehydrator, so you can find something under your exact budget.
Besides durable components, the COSORI CP267-FD is perfect for drying herbs because of its temperature range. In addition to being the best for drying herbs, it is also the best for making beef jerky. Lastly, it has a functional timer, so you do not need to check the herbs constantly.
Pros:
Durable stainless steel trays
Versatile temperature control
Dishwasher safe components
Functional timer
Cons:
Can burn herbs if you use a higher temperature
While the COSORI food dehydrator CP267-FD can go as low as 95°F for herbs, it can also go as high as 165°F, which can burn herbs and spices easily. As a result, you need to remember to use the appropriate temperature when dehydrating herbs. Other than that, its durable and dishwasher-safe trays, combined with its functional timer, make it the best herb dehydrator.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Tribest SDE-S6780-B
Capacity: 12 trays
Temperature Range: 77°F-167°F
The Tribest SDE-S6780-B is the best dehydrator for herbs and spices because its features help it stand out from the crowd. For example, it is one of the only dehydrators with a lower temperature limit of 77°F, which makes it the best for drying herbs. You can rest assured that whichever herb you are drying will not burn.
Besides a lower temperature range, it has a powerful central fan that ensures the heat is evenly distributed inside the dehydrator. Additionally, it has a two-stage timer feature that allows you to automatically change the temperature after a set interval. Lastly, they provide a reusable air filter that ensures the herbs do not absorb any unwanted flavor.
Pros:
Provides the best temperature for herbs
Powerful central fan
Two-stage temperature timer
Includes reusable air filter
Cons:
Very expensive
While the Tribest SDE-S6780-B has some of the most desirable features you can expect in a dehydrator for drying herbs, it still comes second in our list because of its price. However, if you can meet its price tag, it is undoubtedly the best herb dehydrator you can buy.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 9/10
Brod & Taylor Sahara DR-710S
Capacity: 7 trays
Temperature Range: 85°F-165°F
The Brod & Taylor Sahara DR-710S stands out from the crowd because of its foldability, which allows you to reduce it to one-third of its size. Additionally, it has internal storage for the power cord. So if you are looking for a herb dehydrator that you can safely tuck away in storage after usage, this is the one.
Besides portability, the Brod & Taylor Sahara DR-710S has functional features like its washable air filter. It ensures that dust and other contaminations cannot enter the dehydrator. Other than that, its quiet operation lets you use it in the kitchen while you are cooking.
Pros:
Can be folded into 1/3rd of its size
Internal power cord storage
Washable filter
Quiet operation
Cons:
Power hungry
The only issue we noticed with the Brod & Taylor DR-710S was that heat escaped from the device, which caused it to use more power than its competitors to keep a constant temperature. Besides this issue, its portability and quiet functionality make it one of the best herb dehydrators on the market. If you do not mind the electricity bill, you can go for it.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Magic Mill MFD-7100
Capacity: 10 trays
Temperature Range: 95°F-165°F
If you want to dry very small spices and herbs, the mesh tray provided with the Magic Mill MFD-7100 is just what you need. Besides that, it also comes with a hanging rack and two nonstick trays. The silicone gloves let you hold the hot trays without any issues. Lastly, the auto shut-off feature lets you walk away from the dehydrator without any worries.
Pros:
Automatic shut-off feature
Mesh tray for smaller ingredients
Includes various accessories
Cons:
Can be loud
The only issue we had with the Magic Mill MFD-7100 was that it was too loud, especially when the timer went off. If it goes off in the middle of the night, it is sure to wake you up. Besides the noise issue, its mesh tray, combined with its other accessories, makes it the best herb dehydrator you can get. Accessories like fruit roll trays and jerky hanging racks also make it a versatile machine.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 9/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Septree ST-01
Capacity: 10 trays
Temperature Range: 70°F-190°F
The Septree ST-01 stands out from the crowd because of its large capacity, which allows you to dry all the herbs you need in a single batch. Even though it has a capacity of ten trays, each can hold almost double the items compared to its competitors. Other than that, it has two rows of air vents to accelerate water vapor discharge.
Pros:
Large capacity
Accelerates water vapor discharge
Digital timer
Cons:
Controls could have been more accessible
The large capacity, combined with the digital timer, makes the Septree ST-01 one of the best herb dehydrators you can get. The only issue we had with this dehydrator was its design because its controls were located on the top, making them harder to access. It could be more user-friendly if they were located in the front. If you are a bit taller than the average person, this will be perfect for you.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 10/10
OSTBA GGJ-261B
Capacity: 5 trays
Temperature Range: 95°F-158°F
The OSTBA GGJ-261B is perfect for people who want to retain more nutrients in the herbs they are dehydrating. Besides great nutrient retention, it also excels in terms of ease of use. Even beginners can use it without any issues. Lastly, it is a very affordable dehydrator, which makes it perfect for people who are under a budget.
Pros:
Retains nutrients
Easy to use
Very affordable
Cons:
Temperature accuracy could be better
The biggest setback of the OSTBA GGJ-261B is that its temperature reading is a bit off compared to what is shown on the meter. However, a few degrees will not be an issue for drying herbs. Since dried herbs are used as seasonings for others ingredients or steaks, this issue is nothing significant. If you want to get the best herb dehydrator that is affordable, you can get this.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 9/10
Versatility: 9/10
Design: 10/10
Durability: 10/10
Magic Mill MFD-7070
Capacity: 7 trays
Temperature Range: 95°F-167°F
What makes the Magic Mill MFD-7070 perfect for drying herbs and spices is its accessories. It comes with mesh trays, drying trays, nonstick trays, and silicone gloves. The mesh trays are especially good for herbs and spices since they can hold them really well. Other than that, it is very easy to clean thanks to its dishwasher-safe components.
Pros:
Over-heat protection
Easy to clean
Handy accessories
Cons:
Interior is prone to rust
The biggest issue we had with this Magic Mill dehydrator was that the interior would chip or rust very easily. However, that did not cause it to have any issues with performance besides aesthetics. If you want the best herb dehydrators with overheating protection, you can get this dehydrator from Magic Mill.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 10/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
COLZER ST-06
Capacity: 12 trays
Temperature Range: 68°F-194°F
The COLZER ST-06 excels because of its large capacity of 12 trays. On top of that, its trays can hold more than its competitors, which makes it the best commercial dehydrator for drying herbs and spices. Additionally, its stainless steel build ensures it can last a long time, even with rough usage. Lastly, its silent operation makes it perfect for busy kitchens.
Pros:
Very large capacity
Food-grade stainless steel build
Silent operation
Cons:
Harder to fit in home kitchens
While the COLZER ST-06 is perfect for commercial kitchens, fitting it in home kitchens can be harder. However, if you have a spacious home kitchen, this will not be an issue for you. So, if you want the best herb dehydrator with a very large capacity and a food-grade stainless steel build, go for this one.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 9/10
Versatility: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 10/10
Hamilton Beach 32100A
Capacity: 5 trays
Temperature Range: 100°F-160°F
The Hamilton Beach 32100A comes with a fine mesh tray, which makes it perfect for smaller foods like herbs and spices. Other than that, its continuous airflow technology ensures all the herbs are dehydrated evenly. Lastly, the timer with an auto shut-off feature lets you walk away from the dehydrator without worrying about the herbs.
Pros:
Continuous airflow technology
Functional timer with auto shut-off
Fine mesh tray for smaller foods
Cons:
Gets dirty easily
The Hamilton Beach 32100A has a white body with white trays that collect stains easily. However, you can easily clean it with soap and water after usage. Alternatively, if you do not have any issues with a bit of stain, you do not have to worry about it. Besides this, it is the best herb dehydrator for people who want the timer function.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 10/10
Versatility: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Nesco FD-1040
Capacity: 4 trays
Temperature Range: 90°F-160°F
If you are looking for a small dehydrator for herbs, the Nesco FD-1040 is the one to get. It has a digital thermostat that accurately displays the temperature inside the dehydrator. Besides that, it promotes even heat distribution for drying the herbs consistently. Lastly, you can check out its 52-page recipe book for inspiration if you are out of ideas.
Pros:
Even heat distribution
Digital thermostat
Comes with a recipe book
Cons:
Small capacity
The only drawback of the Nesco FD-1040 is its limited capacity of four trays with one sq. ft. of space in each. However, you can buy additional trays to increase the dehydrator’s capacity. Other than that, its digital thermostat, combined with its even heat distribution, makes it the best herb dehydrator.
Quantitative Measurements
Functionality: 9/10
Versatility: 9/10
Design: 9/10
Durability: 9/10
Final verdict
You can get these food dehydrators on Amazon, Best Buy, or your local appliance stores. You can select the best herb dehydrator for yourself by checking which machine fits your specific requirements. Each of the dehydrators we have reviewed is unique in its own right. If you liked our top picks, check out our list of the best fruit dehydrators.
