Dehydrators can run between 300-1000 watts of power, which is a substantial range of difference. For many people, the lower wattage variants aren’t ideal.
They are cheaper to purchase and more cost-effective to run but they seem to take forever when drying out the food.
Many people claim that dehydrators should have at least a 500-wattage. This allows the dehydrator to come to the correct temperature and work relatively efficiently at drying out your food. Higher ratings will be pricier and will have the ability to work quicker. Look for a model with a thermostat with full temperature control from 105F to 165F.
Avoiding the dehydrators with the lower wattages of 300-400 is recommended, as these are often older models and they don’t possess enough power to properly dehydrate certain foods.
You may find that you’re consistently having to turn the machine back on to dehydrate the moisture completely to avoid spoilage.
Is Higher Wattage Better For a Dehydrator?
The important thing to understand about wattage and how it affects your dehydrator is that the lower the wattage, the longer your appliance will take to dehydrate food. However, it also means that it will use less energy.
Many people determine the tradeoff between using a bit more energy and having the appliance work quicker to be well worth it.
If this sounds like you, you’ll want to find a dehydrator with a higher wattage rating. While 1,000 watts may be too much for most people, opting for a machine in the 500-700 range is ideal.
These high-wattage dehydrators will heat up more quickly and possess more power. Just be prepared for a more expensive price upfront, as well as higher energy costs associated with running the machine.
If you plan to dehydrate food often and in large batches, opting for a dehydrator with higher wattage is the better choice. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting additional hours for food to be done before your dehydrator can begin on the ensuing batch of items.
Purchasing a dehydrator with the right wattage is one of the most important features that you can choose from. If you end up with one that’s too low-powered for your purposes, you’ll be frustrated and may not use the appliance frequently.
Consider the types of items you wish to dehydrate and how often you’d ideally use the machine to formulate an answer.
What Else Should I Look For When Buying a Dehydrator?
For those in the market for a dehydrator, there are a few key tips to keep in mind when determining which brand to opt for. Dehydrators can be a significant investment, depending on the capacity and the wattage you choose to purchase.
Vertical flow dehydrators are often the cheapest, as they don’t spread heat as uniformly. This works for smaller batches but it may become problematic if you pack in multiple pieces of fruit or meat products.
For more uniform heating, consumers will want to find a dehydrator with a horizontal flow. These operate in a similar manner to conventional ovens and they’re often the easiest to use and the most efficient when it comes to drying food.
Other things to keep in mind when purchasing an air fryer are the size and capacity of the dehydrator. If you plan to use the appliance frequently and for large batches of items, you’ll want a larger machine with extra trays.
For those who may only use it infrequently, opting for a smaller, more affordable option is a smart move.
If you plan to leave your dehydrator on overnight, you’ll want to ensure the model you purchase is relatively quiet. There’s nothing worse than waking up to the obnoxious whirring of a noisy dehydrator.
Extra features on the dehydrator include an adjustable thermostat, a timer, and an auto shutoff safety feature. Many brands come with these add-ons, but it’s encouraged for consumers to check before they make a large purchase.
How Much Does It Cost To Run a Dehydrator?
At the forefront of many consumers’ minds when purchasing a new appliance is, how much does it actually cost to run?
Dehydrators with a higher wattage will cost more over a period of use than those with low wattages. However, you often have to run low-wattage dehydrators for a longer period — which increases the base price per session.
| Wattage | Price per kWh | Total cost (10 Hours) |
| 300-watt | 3.9 cents/hour | $0.39 |
| 500-watt | 6.5 cents/hour | $0.65 |
| 750-watt | 9.7 cents/hour | $0.97 |
| 1,000-watt | 13 cents/hour | $1.30 |
Even at the high end, a 1,000-watt dehydrator costs less than $1.50 for 10 hours. A 300-watt dehydrator running for 10 hours may not fully dehydrate its contents, so this number is expected to rise based on how long you end up having to run it.
Either way, you look at it, this ends up being significantly cheaper than a bag of pre-made jerky from the grocery store. Dehydrated fruit can also be costly at the store, so making it at home is going to save you money in the short and long term.
These numbers are based on average electricity rates within the United States. If you live in an area with higher costs associated with running electricity, you may wish to calculate these figures with your price per kWh to receive a more accurate number.
For those who are on a tight budget, running a full dehydrator at a higher wattage is generally more cost-effective. You’ll end up with a large amount of finished product, for a fraction of the cost of what you’d end up paying at a typical grocery store.
The 3 Best Dehydrators 2022
There are many great options for dehydrators on the market. However, several competitors stand out. Whether you’re looking for a high-wattage workhorse, a budget option, or a general-use all-around dehydrator, the options below have something for you.
1. Best Budget Option: Elite Gourmet Dehydrator
The Elite Gourmet food dehydrator runs at a 350-watt capacity, with 120 volts. There is an adjustable temperature that ranges from 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coming in at under $50, this dehydrator is a great option for those who have never owned a dehydrator and don’t want to make a big investment. The rounded shape fits five trays and weighs a little bit over five pounds.
This dehydrator makes the perfect gateway for dehydrating at home, though users may run out of space if they plan on making large batches of jerky or fruit.
2. Best All-Around Option: COSORI Food Dehydrator
The COSORI dehydrator features six stainless steel trays, which provide a great deal of surface area on which to put food. There is a rear-mounted fan, enabling the heat to be evenly distributed.
Coming in at a reasonable $160, this dehydrator makes a solid addition to any kitchen space. The wattage is 600, which is an ideal middle ground for home dehydrators. There is a glass front door on this dehydrator, which makes it easy to see inside and gauge the progress of your recipe.
The digital control panel feels modern and there is very little noise disturbance if you choose to leave the machine on overnight. There is also an automatic shutoff feature, which allows users to rest with peace of mind.
3. Best High-Wattage Option: Ivation 10 Tray Dehydrator
The Ivation dehydrator is commercial-grade but if you’re an avid home cook who dehydrates large batches frequently, this is a reasonable option. It’s the priciest dehydrator on the list, coming in at a little over $250.
There is a 10-tray capacity, meaning that this dehydrator holds the most food out of the competition. The rectangular shape allows you to stack the trays neatly inside, making the most of the available room.
Ivation makes an easy-to-clean dehydrator, as all the trays are removable and dishwasher safe. No need to worry about messes from sticky fruit becoming stuck onto the trays. This dehydrator reaches 1000 watts, which makes it the most powerful option for those who need efficiency.