Nesco Dehydrators

Kenneth Carroll
15 min readJun 7, 2024

--

Dive into the world of Nesco dehydrators as we highlight some of the best products on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned food preservation enthusiast or just starting out, our roundup covers all the essential features to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover the perfect dehydrator for your needs!

The Top 9 Best Nesco Dehydrators

  1. Nesco Food Dehydrator with Converga-Flow Drying System — The Nesco Snackmaster Encore Food Dehydrator, featuring a 4-speed Converga-Flow fan system, is a versatile and efficient option for dehydrating a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and jerky, with adjustable temperature settings and easy-to-clean trays.
  2. Nesco FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator for Fresh Snacks — Experience the versatility and efficiency of the NESCO FD-75PR Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator, with its fixed-temperatures and top-down airflow, delivering fast and even drying for multiple food types.
  3. Nesco Snackmaster Pro: Advanced Food Dehydrator Solution — Experience fast, even, and nutritious drying with the Snackmaster Pro Nesco FD-75A Food Dehydrator, complete with adjustable thermostat and Frustration Free packaging.
  4. Nesco Ultimate Food & Jerky Dehydrator — Revolutionize your food dehydration process with the NESCO FD-79 Food and Jerky Dehydrator, offering even heat distribution, programmable digital timer, and versatile temperature control, ensuring perfect results for all your favorite treats.
  5. Nesco Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator: Preserve Your Fruits and Veggies Effortlessly — The Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator provides even heat distribution and a quiet operation with its Converga-Flow drying system, making it perfect for dehydrating a variety of foods quickly and nutritiously.
  6. Nesco White Food Dehydrator and Jerky Maker — Experience effortless, even dehydration with the Nesco Food Dehydrator, featuring patented Converge-Flow technology and an adjustable thermostat for perfect drying results.
  7. Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040: Digital Food Dehydrator for Healthy Snacking — Experience faster, more nutritious drying results with the Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 Digital Food Dehydrator, featuring a digital thermostat, adjustable temperature control, and expandable design for large-scale preservation.
  8. Efficient Nesco Snackmaster Food Dehydrator — The Nesco Snackmaster FD-75PR food dehydrator offers a Vita-Save exterior design, top-mounted fan, adjustable thermostat, and unique Converga-Flow drying system for efficient food preservation in just hours.
  9. Nesco FD-80 American Harvest Dehydrator and Jerky Maker — Experience the ultimate in dehydrating power and quality with the Nesco FD-80 Food & Jerky Dehydrator, featuring an innovative square design that delivers 40% more drying space and industry-leading converge-flow technology for faster, better results.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive compensation from qualified purchases at no cost to you.

Reviews

Nesco Food Dehydrator with Converga-Flow Drying System

nesco-food-dehydrator-fd-61-1

The Snackmaster Encore Food Dehydrator is a versatile and powerful appliance designed for drying a wide range of foods. With features such as a Converga-Flow drying system, which ensures even drying without the need for tray rotation, and an adjustable thermostat for precise temperature control, users can achieve quick, consistent drying for their favorite fruits, vegetables, herbs, and jerky.

The dehydrator comes with four trays, expandable up to 12, and additional Add-A-Trays available for purchase. With a quiet, yet powerful operation and a user-friendly design, this dehydrator is perfect for dehydrating fruit rollups, banana chips, apple chips, jerky, and more.

Accompanying accessories include a fruit roll sheet, jerky seasoning and cure sample, and a recipe and instruction book.

Nesco FD-28JX Jerky Xpress Dehydrator for Fresh Snacks

nesco-fd-28jx-jerky-xpress-food-dehydrator-1

I recently purchased the Nesco Jerky Xpress and couldn’t be happier with the results. The dehydrator’s top-down fan design made quick work of my jerky. I also appreciated the adjustable temperature control to achieve perfect drying results for different foods.

One of the most impressive features of this dehydrator was how fast it dried my jerky. No more frustrating tray rotation was necessary, and the jerky turned out amazingly consistently all the way through. The expandable design also made it easy to prepare larger quantities of food.

However, one downside was that the instruction booklet could have been more thorough, and the seasoning packets were a bit disappointing. The overall experience was still enjoyable and I’m already planning to make more delicious treats with my dehydrator.

Nesco Snackmaster Pro: Advanced Food Dehydrator Solution

nesco-fd-75a-snackmaster-pro-food-dehydrator-1

Get ready to revolutionize your food preservation game with the Nesco Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator. This powerful 600-watt machine allows you to dry your favorite fruits, vegetables, and jerky in mere hours, rather than the usual days. Its unique Converga-Flow drying system ensures even and nutritious drying, without the mixing of flavors or the need for tray rotation.

The Snackmaster Pro boasts an adjustable thermostat that ranges from 95 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, providing the flexibility to perfect your drying results. Its top-mounted fan eliminates the worry of liquid dripping into the heating chamber, while the opaque Vita-Save exterior helps block harmful lights, preserving more of the food’s nutrients and vitamins during the drying process.

Included in the package are two fruit roll sheets, perfect for drying semi-liquids like soups, sauces, and fruit rolls; two Clean-A-Screen flexible screens for small items like herbs, spices, and potpourri; and three original jerky spice packets for making delicious jerky. A comprehensive 52-page recipe and instruction book also come along for the ride.

Featuring a speckled gray design with dimensions of approximately 13 inches by 13 inches by 10 inches, this dehydrator is both stylish and compact. It’s available in both Frustration Free Packaging (FD-75A) or retail packaging (FD-75PR) to suit your preference. The Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is a reliable, easy-to-use, and versatile kitchen appliance that will take your culinary adventures to the next level.

Nesco Ultimate Food & Jerky Dehydrator

nesco-food-jerky-dehydrator-1

The NESCO Food and Jerky Dehydrator is a top-notch, versatile kitchen appliance. This BPA-free dehydrator offers even heat distribution, providing consistent drying that’s four times faster than other food dehydrators.

With an adjustable digital temperature control ranging from 90F to 160F and a programmable digital timer for up to 24 hours, achieving the best drying results has never been easier. Expandable from four to twelve trays, it can handle a variety of food types without the need for tray rotation. The unique Converga-Flow fan provides powerful, consistent airflow for quick, even drying.

Users have praised its quiet operation, digital features, and overall ease of use. Although some have expressed concerns about its size for small spaces, the product’s performance and benefits make it an excellent addition to any kitchen.

Nesco Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator: Preserve Your Fruits and Veggies Effortlessly

nesco-fd-1018a-gardenmaster-food-dehydrator-1

So, I’ve been using the Nesco FD-1018A Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator for a while now, and I must admit, it’s quite the gadget. The first thing that caught my attention was how quiet and powerful it was; even with its 1000-watt drying power, it hardly makes a sound.

Now, let’s talk about the star feature: the Converga-Flow drying system. I used to rotate my trays every few hours, but with this dehydrator, there’s no need. The air gets pushed up and across each tray, without any need for rotation. It’s a game-changer, my friends!

But, as with any product, there are pros and cons. One thing I noticed is that the trays sometimes don’t sit completely flat on the base. It can be a bit frustrating, especially when you’re trying to dry a large batch of fruits or vegetables. However, the customer service at Nesco was quick to help and provided a simple solution.

Another minor inconvenience is that the cover and trays aren’t made of the sturdiest material. They don’t hold up well in the dishwasher, so hand-washing is the way to go.

Overall, I’m pretty happy with the Nesco Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator. It’s easy to use, efficient, and makes my snacks last way longer than they should. Just don’t forget to keep an eye on those trays!

Nesco White Food Dehydrator and Jerky Maker

nesco-food-dehydrator-jerky-maker-white-1

Introducing the Nesco Food Dehydrator & Jerky Maker — a versatile and efficient kitchen appliance that’s perfect for beginners and expert alike. Designed with the Converge-Flow technology, this dehydrator ensures even drying without the need for tray rotation. The adjustable thermostat provides a flexible temperature range of 95–160 degrees F, allowing you to customize your drying process according to your food preferences.

Expandable from six to twelve trays, this dehydrator can easily handle large quantities of food for drying. With its dishwasher-safe trays and expandable feature, it’s a breeze to clean and maintain. The included accessories like six trays, three fruit roll sheets, three clean-a-screens, three jerky seasoning & cure samples, and a recipe book make it a truly comprehensive kit for dehydrating and making jerky.

The powerful and quiet Converge-Flow fan ensures quick and consistent drying, four times faster than other dehydrators. The top-mounted fan not only eliminates dripping liquids into the heater chamber but also makes the dehydrator more user-friendly by minimizing the hassle of lifting heavy motor parts when placing additional trays.

This food and jerky dehydrator is perfect for a wide range of applications, from dehydrating fruit roll-ups, banana chips, and apple chips to making jerky and other delicious snacks. With its impressive features and flexible temperature control, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to add a functional and high-quality dehydrator to their kitchen arsenal.

Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040: Digital Food Dehydrator for Healthy Snacking

nesco-gardenmaster-fd-1040-digital-food-dehydrator-1

I recently gave the Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 Digital Food Dehydrator a try, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results. The powerful, quiet fan definitely sped up the drying process, allowing me to preserve large quantities of fruits, veggies, and jerky in no time.

One thing I really loved about this dehydrator was its digital thermostat. It allowed me to easily adjust the temperature to get the best results when drying different types of food. The expandable design, which lets you prepare up to 20 trays at once, was also a plus, as it meant I could dry more food in less time.

However, I did experience a couple of hiccups along the way. Firstly, after just a few months of use, the unit started making a loud, unbearable noise that prevented me from using it. I tried cleaning it, but the problem persisted, so I ended up returning it. Although Walmart was fantastic in dealing with my return, it was a bit disappointing that I had to let go of the dehydrator so soon after purchasing it.

Another issue I faced was with the unit’s warranty. It was a bit overpriced, and I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the coverage it provided. I would have preferred a more reasonable warranty that still offered good protection for my investment.

Overall, the Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 Digital Food Dehydrator was a good choice for drying and preserving large amounts of food. Its powerful fan and expandable design made the process much faster and more efficient. However, the issues I faced with the unit and its warranty mean that I’m not entirely convinced it’s the best option for everyone.

Efficient Nesco Snackmaster Food Dehydrator

nesco-snackmaster-fd-75pr-food-dehydrator-1

The Nesco FD-75PR Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is a handy kitchen appliance for those who love to preserve their favorite foods. It’s a sleek, modern dehydrator with a grey and marble finish that’s perfect for drying fruits, vegetables, and even jerky. With its 700-watt power and top-mounted fan, this dehydrator dries food in hours, not days, as opposed to traditional models.

Users will appreciate the adjustable thermostat, ranging from 95 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, making it convenient to customize the drying process according to individual preferences. The Converga-Flow drying system ensures that flavors don’t mix, and there’s no need to rotate trays.

Included with the purchase are a fruit roll sheet, Clean-A-Screen, and 9 original jerky spice and cure packets to help you get started. Measuring 13–1/2 by 13–1/2 by 11 inches, this dehydrator is compact enough to save space, while still offering plenty of room for various food items.

Nesco FD-80 American Harvest Dehydrator and Jerky Maker

nesco-fd-80-american-harvest-square-dehydrator-and-jerky-maker-white-1

I recently stumbled upon the Nesco FD-80 Snackmaster Square Food & Jerky Dehydrator while browsing through my local outdoor market. With all the talk about dehydrators these days, I thought I would give it a try for my family’s next camping trip. Boy, was I in for a pleasant surprise!

Not only did the square design offer over 40% more drying space than its round counterparts, but it was also constructed with a quiet and powerful Converge-Flow fan. This dehydrator made drying fruits, herbs, and making jerky a breeze. The adjustable thermostat allowed us to achieve the perfect drying results for different foods that needed varying temperature settings.

One of the coolest features was the patented Converge-Flow drying system. It forced air down the exterior pressurized chamber, then horizontally across each individual tray for quick and consistent drying that was four times faster than other dehydrators. We were able to dry our cherries, tomatoes, and other fruits in just a few hours!

However, one potential downside was the lack of an on/off switch. We learned to simply plug it in at the beginning of the day and unplug it at the end, which wasn’t a big issue for us.

Overall, the Nesco FD-80 Snackmaster Square Food & Jerky Dehydrator quickly became a staple in our camping gear, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to make their own dried fruits, jerky, and more. It’s a versatile and powerful tool that will elevate your outdoor meals to the next level.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to the Nesco Dehydrators buyer’s guide section! In this section, we will provide you with essential features, considerations, and advice to help you make informed decisions when purchasing a Nesco dehydrator. Note that this guide does not include specific product picks or external resource links.

What is a Nesco Dehydrator?

A Nesco dehydrator is an electronic appliance specifically designed to remove moisture from food items by exposing them to circulated warm air. This process, known as dehydration, helps preserve and extend the shelf life of meats, fruits, vegetables, and some other food items. Nesco dehydrators are popular choices for people who enjoy home-preserved and healthy eating.

Features to Look for in a Nesco Dehydrator

When selecting a Nesco dehydrator, consider the following features:

  1. Capacity: Choosing a dehydrator with the right capacity is crucial. A smaller dehydrator might not be sufficient for large batches, while a larger one may take up more counter space. 2. Material: The material used in the construction of the dehydrator affects its durability and ease of use. Stainless steel and BPA-free plastic are common materials used in Nesco dehydrators. 3. Temperature control: The ability to adjust the temperature settings allows you to control the dehydration process for different types of food items. 4. Drying trays and racks: An adequate number of trays and racks ensures that your food items can be organized properly during the dehydration process. Some models may also include trays with a non-stick surface for easy cleaning.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Nesco Dehydrator

Before buying a Nesco dehydrator, consider the following points:

  1. Purpose: Determine what you will be using the dehydrator for. If you plan on preserving large quantities of food, a larger capacity dehydrator would be more suitable. 2. Space: Nesco dehydrators come in various sizes; ensure you have enough counter space for the one you choose. 3. Budget: Dehydrators come in a range of prices. Establish a budget before making your purchase to avoid overspending.

Tips for Using Your Nesco Dehydrator

To get the most out of your Nesco dehydrator, consider these tips:

  1. Pre-treat your food: Blanch or parboil fruits and vegetables before dehydrating them to remove excess moisture and speed up the drying process. 2. Always dry foods at a consistent temperature: Fluctuations in temperature can lead to uneven drying or spoilage of the food. 3. Arrange food items properly: Proper arrangement of food items on the trays allows for even air circulation and prevents moisture buildup.

FAQ

What are Nesco Dehydrators?

Nesco Dehydrators are compact and versatile appliances designed for drying fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. They are popular for their convenience and ease of use, making them ideal for home cooking enthusiasts and people who want to preserve their food for longer periods of time. These dehydrators come in different sizes and models, but all of them have one common goal — to remove moisture from food items.

The Nesco brand is known for producing high-quality dehydrators that are efficient and reliable. Some of the key features that make Nesco Dehydrators stand out include their adjustable thermostats, heat-resistant trays, and quiet operation. They are also energy-efficient, which is an important consideration for people who want to save on their electricity bills while preserving their food.

What are the different models of Nesco Dehydrators?

Nesco offers a range of dehydrator models to suit different needs and budgets. Some of the most popular models include the Nesco Gardenmaster 2600W, Nesco FD-1500, Nesco Snackmaster Pro 2X, and Nesco SNJ-1010A Jerky Snackmaster. Each model has its own unique features and benefits, but they all share the same goal of efficiently and effectively drying food items.

The Nesco Gardenmaster 2600W, for example, is a powerful dehydrator that can handle large batches of food. It has an adjustable thermostat and heat-resistant trays that make it easy to use and maintain. On the other hand, the Nesco Snackmaster Pro 2X is a compact and portable dehydrator that is perfect for people who want to dry foods on the go. It has a unique stackable design that allows users to conserve counter space while still being able to dry their food items.

What types of food can be dehydrated using a Nesco Dehydrator?

A Nesco Dehydrator can be used to dry a wide variety of food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and even jerky. Drying food items helps preserve them for longer periods of time and also makes them easier to store and transport. Some popular food items that can be dehydrated using a Nesco Dehydrator include apples, bananas, berries, tomatoes, beef, chicken, and salmon.

Drying food items not only helps extend their shelf life but also enhances their flavor and texture. For example, dehydrated fruits can be used to make snacks, desserts, and even jams and jellies. Dehydrated meat, on the other hand, can be used to make jerky, which is a popular snack and a great source of protein.

How does a Nesco Dehydrator work?

A Nesco Dehydrator works by circulating warm air around the food items, which helps to evaporate the moisture and dry the food. The dehydrator has an adjustable thermostat that allows users to set the temperature to the desired level, depending on the type of food being dried. The heat-resistant trays hold the food items in place and ensure that they are evenly and efficiently dried.

The Nesco Dehydrator is designed to be easy to use and maintain. Users simply need to load the food items onto the trays, set the desired temperature, and start the dehydration process. The dehydrator automatically adjusts its fan speed to maintain the set temperature, ensuring that the food dries evenly and consistently. Once the food has been dried, it can be stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and extend its shelf life.

What are the benefits of using a Nesco Dehydrator?

Using a Nesco Dehydrator offers several benefits, including preserving food, saving money, and improving food quality. Drying food items helps extend their shelf life, which means that users can enjoy fresh and flavorful food for longer periods of time. This is especially important for perishable items like meat and fish, which can spoil quickly if not stored properly.

Using a Nesco Dehydrator also helps users save money, as it allows them to preserve their food items and reduce their waste. Instead of throwing away spoiled or leftover food, users can dry it and use it later. This not only helps save money but also reduces the environmental impact of food waste. Finally, using a Nesco Dehydrator can improve the quality of the food, as it helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the food items being dried.

What are the disadvantages of using a Nesco Dehydrator?

While there are several benefits to using a Nesco Dehydrator, there are also some disadvantages that users should be aware of. One of the main disadvantages is that dehydrating food items can be time-consuming, as it often takes several hours to dry certain types of food. This can be inconvenient for people who want to dry their food quickly.

Another disadvantage of using a Nesco Dehydrator is that it requires electricity to operate. While it is energy-efficient compared to other appliances, it still uses energy, which can be a concern for people who want to reduce their electricity usage. Lastly, some users may find that the appliance is not as quiet as they would like, as it does produce some noise while in operation. However, this is a common issue with most dehydrators and is not unique to the Nesco brand.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive compensation from qualified purchases at no cost to you.

--

--