Review of the Best Fruit and Vegetable Dehydrators 2020

A dehydrator is a universal device that will come in handy in every home. With its help, it is easy to provide yourself and your family with vitamins for a whole year, as well as to prepare healthy snacks and full meals. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers you an overview of the best dehydrators for fruits and vegetables.

Dehydrator - what is it?

The device is an electrical device that removes moisture from food, while maximizing the preservation of taste, as well as enzymes necessary for the body. Removing the liquid allows you to stop the development of microorganisms and significantly extend the shelf life of products. In fact, this technique is necessary in order to process the harvested crop, make supplies for the winter, and also prepare various delicacies. The unit is convenient for its compactness and versatility - it does not take up much space and significantly reduces the processing time for food supplies, regardless of external climatic conditions.

It is important to consider that a dehydrator is somewhat different from a conventional dryer. Both of these kitchen assistants operate on the same principle, but in the dryer the air flow moves along the same plane through the trays, which is why the temperature in different compartments of the unit differs, which affects the quality of drying. Products on top are dried until a crust appears, but inside they remain moist and quickly deteriorate.

In turn, a device for maintaining a constant temperature (thermostat) is built into the dehydrator, with which it is possible to adjust the thermal regime depending on the type of food.

The air flow in this design enters through special channels and, evenly distributed, dries the contents, moving along each tray from the edge of the walls to the center. The device is effective for handling food categories such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbs. In the dehydrator, you can cook not only dried fruits, but also marshmallows, chips, crisps, vegetable sets for soups, teas, seasonings. Multifunctional models are also suitable for meat and fish.

What types are there?

• According to the heating method, infrared, convective and heating devices are distinguished.

Convective - the most common devices in which the product is affected by the hot air flow coming from the heating element and spread by the fan. The drying process is fast, since the temperature of the circulating air flows can reach 70-80⁰FROM.

Infrared units operate in gentle modes (35-65⁰FROM). Their action is based on infrared rays, which penetrate into the structure of products by several millimeters. Often, the device is capable of dehydrating in two modes - "solar" and "shadow". The first simulates the degree of heating in direct sunlight, the second gently dries at low temperatures. The best option is a cyclical combination of solar and shade processing.

There is no fan in the heating units.The drying process is carried out by slowly heating the air inside the apparatus to a certain temperature.

• Dehydrators also differ in the type of tray arrangement. There are vertical and horizontal devices.

With the vertical loading method, round or rectangular trays are stacked on top of each other and blown with air from a fan located at the top or bottom of the case.

When the trays are arranged horizontally, they slide out like trays and the heater is located at the back of the case. The shape of the trays is square, which makes it possible to rationally place the raw materials for drying, as well as cover the trays with food grade silicone mats or parchment.

How to choose a dehydrator?

The main criteria for choosing high-quality equipment are reduced to the following parameters:

1. Dimensions - determined by the number of trays. Standard models contain from 3 to 7 pallets. In vertical units there is a possibility of increasing the number of trays;
2. Case - can be made of metal, plastic or metal-plastic (combined version). The plastic housing is made from transparent or opaque materials. Pallets also come in both plastic and metal;
3. Maximum load - the maximum amount of products that the device can hold at a time;
4. Power - the amount of electricity consumed by the device. For small-sized devices intended for processing a small amount of berries and fruits, a power of 350-400 watts is sufficient. In the event that it is supposed to make substantial stocks of dried fruits, you should choose a model with a power of 500 or more W;
5. Temperature regulator - the function of adjusting the thermostat settings in different ranges. Since the temperature limits for drying fruits, vegetables, mushrooms and greens differ, the quality of the output product depends on the selected mode. There are three main modes, but the more there are, the more accurately the temperature is selected;
6. Control is a way of regulating the operation of the device. Possible electronic with buttons and display (sometimes touch) or mechanical with rotary switches;
7. Thermostat - maintains the same temperature indicators, which allows products to dry evenly and save energy;
8. The size of the trays is the width and height of the sides of one row of the electric dryer. The higher this value, the more products can be processed at a time. For drying large fruits and vegetables, it is better to choose dehydrators with a tray height higher than 30 mm.

Advantages and disadvantages of the dehydrator

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

What to look for when buying?

In addition to the main criteria, as well as the service life and warranty period, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the additional capabilities that the equipment can be equipped with.

Timer - with its help the parameters of the device functioning are set. After a specified period of time, the device will either beep or turn off automatically. With a timer, there is no need to constantly monitor the operation of the appliance.

The backlight allows you to monitor the process in the device.

The overheating protection mechanism is activated when the temperature rises sharply and shuts off the heater.

The cold blowing function allows you to turn off the heating element and bring the product to readiness by blowing cold air without overdrying the contents.

The length of the power cord - according to reviews, the optimal size is 1-2 meters.

The shutter of the heating element in vertical devices protects the heating element from the ingress of food particles and liquids.

The power indicator indicates that the device is connected to the power supply and is ready for use.

Air flow control makes it possible to change the pressure and the rate of hot steam circulation inside the unit.

Special overlays on the pallet (nets) are designed for drying herbs, berries, legumes. Multifunctional models can be equipped with trays with fine perforation instead of nets.

Expander of trays - the function of changing the height of the sections of the apparatus, is effective in cases when it is required to dry both small and large fruits.

Additional functionality also includes the ability to prepare yoghurt and marshmallows. For fermentation of fermented milk products, the set, along with the dehydrator, includes special containers (jars), and for drying the marshmallow - trays without holes or additional sheets stacked on top of the baking sheet.

Main technical characteristics

room	Specifications	Recommendations
1	Manufacturer	Models of such companies as Ezidri, Rawmid, Tefal, Zelmer are popular. The best models from the category of inexpensive dehydrators are made by the manufacturers Voltera, Diva, BelOMO, Marta.
2	Material	Stainless steel and transparent and non-transparent plastic are used. There are combined models in which the body is made of plastic, and the trays are made of metal.
3	Number of pallets	The standard quantity is 5 trays. According to buyers, this volume is sufficient for a small family. If it is supposed to make substantial stocks and prepare many dishes, then you should pay attention to the multi-tiered device.
4	Power	The higher the power ratings, the faster the food dries and the more electricity is consumed.
5	Control	Possibly electronic or mechanical. Devices with electronic regulation are much more functional, allow more accurate temperature setting and have an auto-off mode.
6	Maximum loading	Depends on the number of trays. The minimum is 1 kg, the maximum is 24 kg. If the products are supposed to be dried in small batches, then a model with a load of up to 5 kg is suitable.
7	Working temperature	The upper limit of the drying temperature should not exceed 80 degrees Celsius, which is only suitable for drying fish and meat. The minimum limit is 20 degrees. For drying vegetables, fruits, herbs, mushrooms and berries, it is advised to use 30-35 C.
8	Price	In terms of price, infrared devices differ significantly from convective and heating ones. A domestic IR device will cost 10,000 rubles, the cost of an analogue from a foreign brand is 45,000 rubles. The average price of a convective dehydrator is 12,500 rubles, a heating one is 2,000 rubles.

Selection errors

When buying an electrical appliance, it is important to carefully read the technical description for the product. Among the owners of plastic dehydrators, complaints about a chemical smell arising during the drying process are common. This is due to the fact that low-grade raw materials were used for the manufacture of the body and / or trays. High-quality drying units are made of food grade plastic, which is marked with appropriate marks.

Metal models are more expensive, but when purchasing such a product, you can not be afraid that when heated, it will begin to emit a toxic aroma. However, during the operation of the heating element, the metal tends to heat up, and therefore, before buying, it is necessary to decide where the device will be installed so as not to damage the adjacent equipment and furniture. The popularity of models from a combined material is due to safety and ease of use - a heat-resistant frame does not allow heat to pass through, and metal trays ensure that substances hazardous to health do not get into the product.

Since dust and other household dirt can enter the chamber during air intake, in order to protect food from damage, and the device from damage, a filter is installed in some dehydrators. It cleans the supplied air, facilitates the operation of the device and ensures the quality of the resulting product. Information on the presence or absence of an air filter must be sought in the instructions.

2020 quality dehydrators rating

Voltera 1000-Lux

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Dimensions: width - 38.8, length - 38.8, height - 35.1 cm;
• Power: 1000W;
• Number of pallets - 5 pieces with a height of 59 mm;
• Maximum loading: 5 kg;
• Price - 7 500 rubles.

Convective vertical apparatus with mechanical control. The body and tiers are made of opaque plastic. The maximum indicators of the thermostat - 75⁰C. Total volume - 20 liters. Weight - 5 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Kitfort KT-1908

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Dimensions: w - 43.2, d - 41.5, h - 47 cm;
• Power: 700 W;
• The number of trays - 9 pcs.;
• Price - 10,000 rubles.

Convective horizontal metal dehydrator with electronic control. Maximum drying mode - 70⁰C. Weight - 7, 2 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Radio plant Dachnik-4

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Dimensions: width - 54, length - 34, height - 59 cm;
• Power: 800W;
• Number of pallets - 4 pcs.;
• Maximum loading: 4 kg;
• Price - 8,000 rubles.

Machine with infrared drying method with mechanical control. Tiers and body made of metal material. Working range within 40-70⁰C. Total volume - 17 liters. Weight - 14 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

L'EQUIP LD-918BT Max

• Manufacturer: South Korea;
• Dimensions: w - 28, d - 41, h - 43.5 cm;
• Power: 500W;
• Number of trays: 10 pcs;
• Price - 18,000 rubles.

Convective vertical plastic dehydrator dryer with adjustable tray height and electronic control. The trays are made of transparent plastic materials. Working range within 35-70⁰C. Weight - 6 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Oberhof Fruchttrockner В-53

• Manufacturer: Germany;
• Dimensions: w. - 34.5, d. - 45, v. - 41.5 cm;
• Power: 800W;
• Number of pallets: 10 pieces;
• Price: 7990 rubles.

Oberhof Fruchttrockner В-53 horizontal convective dehydrator with timer, drying temperature control and electronic touch control. The maximum heating temperature is 70 ° C. The minimum noise level is 40 dB.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Oursson DH2400D

• Manufacturer: Korea;
• Dimensions: width - 28.1, length - 44.1, height - 31.7 cm;
• Power: 550W;
• Number of pallets - 6 pcs.;
• Maximum loading: 10 kg;
• Price - 10,000 rubles.

Vertical, electronically controlled convection drying plastic appliance. Operating mode in the range 35-70⁰C. Weight - 6.6 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

L'EQUIP IR-D5

• Manufacturer: South Korea;
• Dimensions: w - 40, d - 46.3, h - 28.2 cm;
• Power: 500W;
• Number of pallets - 5 pcs.;
• Price - 45,000 rubles.

Electronically controlled infrared dehydrator. Combined model - plastic body, metal trays. Working range 35-70⁰C. Total volume - 23 liters. Weight - 8 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

RAWMID Dream Vitamin DDV-06

• Manufacturer: Russia;
• Dimensions: width - 34.5, length - 45, height - 31 cm;
• Power: 500W;
• Number of pallets - 7 pcs.;
• Maximum loading: 4.5 kg;
• Price - 11,000 rubles.

Convective model with horizontal internal structure and electronic control. The body is made of plastic, the trays are made of transparent heat-resistant plastic. The total volume is 25 liters. Operating mode in the range 34-70⁰C. Weight - 5.3 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

KING MIX KM-D12S

• Manufacturer: China;
• Dimensions: w - 40, d - 51, h - 34.5 cm;
• Power: 500/1000 W;
• Number of trays - 12 pcs.;
• Price - 12,000 rubles.

Combined horizontal convection device with electronic control. Plastic body, stainless steel baking trays. Working range 35-75⁰C. Weight - 14.4 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Ezidri Snackmaker FD500

• Manufacturer: New Zealand;
• Dimensions: width - 34, length - 34, height - 26.8 cm;
• Power: 500W;
• Number of pallets - 5 pcs.;
• Price - 12,000 rubles.

Convective vertical dehydrating dryer made of plastic with electronic control. The trays are made of non-transparent plastic. Working range within 35-60⁰C. Three operating modes are available: Low - 35⁰C, Medium - 55⁰C, High - 60⁰C. Weight - 4 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Excalibur Economy-4400220

• Manufacturer: USA;
• Dimensions: w - 33, d - 41, h - 16.5 cm;
• Power: 220W;
• The number of trays - 4 pcs.;
• Price - 18,000 rubles.

Horizontal model with mechanical control with convective processing of products.The body is made of plastic, the pallets are made of opaque material. The operating range of the thermostat is within 35-74⁰C. Weight - 3 kg.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Which device is better to buy?

When choosing between a convection dehydrator and an infrared model, consider the pros and cons of both designs.

The advantages of convective devices include good capacity, versatility, a wide range of shapes and sizes. The disadvantages are that they are quite noisy and can significantly change the appearance of the product.

Devices with infrared radiation better retain the natural color of the product, have an antibacterial effect, consume less energy and are practically silent. Of the minuses - the high cost and small volume of loading, moreover, such devices are not suitable for all categories of products, and when cutting slices, it is necessary to strictly observe the dimensions.

The loading method can also significantly affect both the drying process and the quality of the products.

The vertical arrangement of the trays is inconvenient due to the direct interaction of the tiers with each other. But at the same time, the design is characterized by compactness and transportability, since vertical electric dryers, as a rule, are made of plastic.

Also, vertical models often have the function of completing pallets, but the more tiers are installed, the longer the moisture removal process takes. And when completing the construction, it is important to take into account the power of the heating element, so that every hour you do not have to change the trays in places for uniform drying.

Horizontal appliances are distinguished by the fact that trays are able to function autonomously, as they are located isolated from each other. This allows you to take out the trays individually, change positions or, thanks to the free space, place large portions of food. Such constructions are easier to wash, they are much easier to operate.

Which company should you choose?

The best manufacturers of convective appliances, according to the market survey, are the American company Excalibur, New Zealand's Ezidri and the Russian company Rawmid. They offer high-quality dehydrators for fruits and vegetables in the range of 10,000 - 20,000 rubles. You can buy a German device from Oberhof a little cheaper - about 8,000 rubles.

Among the manufacturers of low-cost household models, such brands as Marta (Great Britain), Olto (China), Masteritsa, Polaris and Diva (Russia) stand out, offering electric dryers at prices ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 rubles.

Devices with an infrared heater are manufactured by the Russian company Radiozavod and the South Korean company L'equip. Of interest is such a model of a dehydrator as a tablecloth dryer of the Russian brand Katrina worth up to 1,500 rubles. The principle of operation of the device is based on long-wave infrared radiation. The device itself is compact and easy to store, since it is made in the form of a spreading rug.

If you have experience using dehydrators, described in the rating, or a more interesting model, tell us about it in the comments.