In this article, we will share with you some of the best herb Herb dehydrators and dryers on the market. Now you can grow your herbs and preserve them for longer use no matter the season.
There are a variety of reasons why individuals choose to dry food items before use. In many cases, this is done to improve the preservation of herbs. The majority of herbs have a one-week shelf life. When they’re dried, though, it’s a whole different story.
Food dehydrators are the most effective method to dry herbs nowadays. These appliances function as containers, directing a stream of hot air to dry the herbs within.
We’ll look at some of the best dehydrators for drying herbs in this article. We’ll also go through their characteristics as well as the pros and cons. If you read all the way to the conclusion, you’ll find some helpful tips and tricks for making your own decision.
So continue reading to learn all there is to know about herb dehydrators and dryers. Let’s start with a list of the top five products on the market right now.
The Top 5 Herb Dehydrators or Dryers
1. Cosori CP267-FD Premium Food Dehydrator
The Cosori CP267-FD is one of the most efficient dehydrators money can buy when it comes to drying herbs or any other form of food.
This 600-watt food dehydrator is a fairly big and powerful food drying appliance. The Cosori CP267-FD has an above-average inside space, measuring 12.4 inches tall, 13.4 inches long, and 17.8 inches broad. The temperature control on this dehydrator is one of its best features. You may set the temperature anywhere between 95 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This feature’s precision is critical for drying herbs and other delicate food items.
You can also set the timer for 30 minutes to 48 hours to automatically finish the drying operation. Another valuable feature of this herb dehydrator and dryer is overheating prevention. When the appliance overheats, this ‘failsafe’ turns it off, thus preventing any damage.
The CP267-FD comes with six stainless steel trays on which you may dry your food. A fruit roll sheet, a mesh screen, a handbook, and a recipe book are all included in the package.- Large interior space can accommodate plenty of herbs and other food items
- When in use, it is completely silent
- Precise temperature control
- Easy to clean
- Transparent door makes it easy to monitor the process
- You can’t reduce space for better efficiency when drying a smaller quantity of herbs
2. Magic Mill MFD-7070 Food Dehydrator Machine
The MFD-7070 food dehydrator is quite similar to the CP267-FD model mentioned before. They have comparable traits and similar appearances.
With a height of 19 inches, a width of 13.5 inches, and a length of 15 inches, MFD-7070 is the largest of the two. As a result, it is the best choice for individuals trying to save time.
The MFD-7070 also features a timer function that turns the dehydrator off when a certain amount of time has passed. Plus, it comes with a thermostat to provide precise temperature control.
The MFD-7070 dehydrator, like the CP267-FD, includes an overheat prevention function and comes with stainless steel trays. These stainless steel trays come in a set of seven, each measuring 13 by 12 inches. A digital display on the MFD-7070 displays all vital information regarding the ongoing procedure.
- Plenty of interior space
- Trays are dishwasher-safe
- Integrated thermostat
- Convenient digital display
- Mesh on trays might be unsuitable for carrying some herbs
- Its large size can be inconvenient at times
3. Elechomes 6-Tray Food Dehydrator
If there is just one thing that sets the Electrohomes 6-Tray dehydrator apart, it is the design.
This dehydrator is one of the few models that allow you to see everything inside it from top to bottom. This is made possible by transparent plastic trays that can be stacked on top of each other. Even the lid is see-through.
The Elechomes 6-Tray dehydrator is an exceptionally good-looking product. If you value aesthetics, you should certainly consider getting this model. It would blend in perfectly with your interior décor or against the kitchen background.
As you would expect, the fan on this cylindrical dehydrator is located at the bottom. There are also buttons and a digital display in front. This 400-watt appliance allows you to choose any temperature ranging from 95oF to 158oF. You can also set the timer from as short as 30 minutes to as long as 72 hours for more significant tasks.
Another helpful feature is the adjustable height of the trays. It’s important to note that these plastic trays are free of toxic BPA and safe for frequent usage. They are also dishwasher-friendly.
The Elechomes 6-Tray dehydrator has a diameter of 11 inches, a height of 10 inches and comes in two color options: black and white. A fruit roll sheet, a mesh screen, and a user manual are also included in the pack.
- Unique design allows complete control
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Trays have an adjustable height
- You can reduce the volume by using fewer trays
- You can lower the temperature to as little as 95oF
- You may have to buy additional plastic mesh for drying some tiny herbs
4. Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster PRO Food Dehydrator
The Nesco FD-75A is a 600-watt cylindrical food dehydrator with all of the necessary functionality. For starters, there’s the handy temperature control.
Its temperature settings extend from 95 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, covering all of the fancy components you would want to use.
What sets the FD-75A apart from the competition is its unmatched drying power. This beast of a dehydrator can dry your herbs and other foods faster than anything else on the market.
Also, the design allows you to “upgrade” the number of trays up to 12. The product comes with five cylindrical plastic trays that can be stacked one on top of the other. But if you need an even bigger volume, you can buy and add up to seven extra trays.
Whichever route you choose, the compatible trays come free of toxic BPA. So, no matter how far you expand its space, it won’t turn into anything hazardous.
The Nesco FD-75A is 22.1 inches tall with a diameter of 13.8 inches. As a bonus for all purchases, you would also get two fruit roll sheets, two Clean-A-Screens, some jerky seasoning, and a recipe book.
- It dries the food quickly and evenly
- You can expand it by adding up to seven extra trays
- Trays are BPA-free
- You have to open the dehydrator to check food due to the opaque exterior
- It is not equipped with a timer
5. Excalibur 2400 Electric Food Dehydrator
The Excalibur 2400 is an efficient, stylish, and compact food dehydrator. The product looks like a small black box and could be mistaken for a portable safe.
It might look too ‘official’ and out of place in a kitchen, but what matters is its reliable efficacy. The temperature control on this appliance can be set anywhere from 95oF to 165oF, a comparatively wide range. It can also accommodate up to four trays inside.
This product has a length of 16.25 inches, a width of 13 inches, and a height of 6.5 inches. It also weighs 8 pounds and has a maximum power rating of 220 watts. If you seldom have to dry large quantities of food, this may be the right choice for you.
- Compact and portable
- It includes a 5-year limited warranty
- Precise temperature control dial
- Limited capacity
- Has no timer
Buying Guide — Choosing the Best Herb Dehydrator or Dryer
Here are a few things you should consider when choosing an herb dehydrator:
- Size / Capacity
Before you buy a dehydrator, you must check if the appliance is big enough to contain the amount of food you would typically need to dry in one go. On the one hand, if you overreach, you might end up with a machine you’d never really utilize.
However, if you opt for a small one, it might cost you a lot of time. This is because you will have to dry your herbs in batches instead of everything at once.
- Temperature Range
Most herbs need to dry at temperatures as low as 95oF (35oC). So, before you buy a dehydrator for herbs, you need to confirm this option and not ruin the food.
- Safety Concerns
Dehydrators usually take hours to dry herbs, and it may be necessary to leave the appliance unattended as it operates. Considering the propensity for overheating, you should consider buying a dehydrator with overheat protection built-in.
- Aesthetics
Those focusing on appearances should take a good look at photos and videos of the appliance before buying. Some herb dehydrators are pretty fancy, while others might favor function perhaps a bit too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best temperature for drying herbs?
It is best to dry most herbs at a temperature of about 95 oC (35 oC). Herb drying at higher temperatures can ruin your herbs. It could also significantly reduce the nutrients in the herbs.
2. How long does it take to dry herbs using a dehydrator?
The average food dehydrator can dry most herbs in less than 4 hours.
3. Is it safe to process food using plastic trays in dehydrators?
Some food dehydrators do have trays made of plastic. However, this should not cause concern as most are free of toxic bisphenol A (BPA).
Conclusion
When contemplating getting yourself a herb dehydrator, expect to review multiple “best of” choices. Indeed, currently, there are a good number of options worthy of a second thought. The five dryers featured in this guide fall into that category, too, so you can’t go wrong with any of them.
