Best Freeze Dryers

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Freeze dryers are highly effective tools for preserving food by removing moisture through a process that freezes the food and then uses sublimation to extract water. This method keeps food fresh for years while retaining its taste, nutrients, and texture, making freeze-dried foods ideal for camping, emergency supplies, and long-term storage. Home freeze dryers have become more affordable and allow people to create their own freeze-dried foods, saving money and offering control over ingredients and portion sizes. When choosing a freeze dryer, consider the unit’s size—larger models handle more food but require more space—and the pump type, which affects noise and maintenance. We evaluated different models to find the best freeze dryers for home use.

  • BLOWEST Food Dehydrator

    10

    We can’t recommend this product due to misleading marketing and poor performance as a freeze dryer.

    10

    We can’t recommend this product due to misleading marketing and poor performance as a freeze dryer.

    Pros

    • Six tiers for ample storage
    • Wide temperature range (35-80°C)
    • Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe trays

    Cons

    • Not a true freeze dryer as advertised
    • Limited customer reviews
    • Potentially unreliable performance

    We tested the BLOWEST Food Dehydrator and found it falls short of its marketing claims. Despite being called a “freeze dryer,” this machine is actually a standard food dehydrator. This key difference is crucial for buyers to understand.

    The device does offer some useful features. Its six-tier design provides plenty of space for drying various foods at once. We dried fruits, vegetables, and even made some jerky during our tests. The temperature control, ranging from 35-80°C, allowed us to adjust settings for different food types.

    Cleaning was simple thanks to the dishwasher-safe trays. However, the overall build quality felt a bit flimsy. We worry about its long-term durability with regular use. Given the misleading marketing and limited customer feedback, we suggest looking at other options for more reliable food preservation.

  • Magic Mill Compact Dehydrator

    9.7

    We recommend this dehydrator for its user-friendly design and versatile performance at a reasonable price point.

    9.7

    We recommend this dehydrator for its user-friendly design and versatile performance at a reasonable price point.

    Pros

    • Easy-to-use digital controls
    • Stainless steel trays
    • Adjustable temperature and timer

    Cons

    • Limited capacity
    • May be noisy
    • Takes up counter space

    We tested the Magic Mill Compact Dehydrator and found it to be a solid choice for home use. The digital controls make it simple to set the right temperature and time for different foods. We dried fruits, vegetables, and even made some beef jerky with good results.

    The five stainless steel trays are a nice upgrade from plastic ones found in cheaper models. They’re sturdy and easy to clean, which we appreciated after making sticky fruit leather. The adjustable tray heights came in handy when we wanted to dry thicker slices of pineapple.

    At 240 watts, this dehydrator isn’t the most powerful, but it gets the job done for most home uses. We noticed it took a bit longer to dry some foods compared to higher-wattage models we’ve used before. The unit is compact, which is great for small kitchens, but it does limit how much you can dry at once.

  • Elite Gourmet 5-Tier Dehydrator

    9.5

    We recommend this affordable dehydrator for beginners and casual users looking to make healthy snacks at home.

    9.5

    We recommend this affordable dehydrator for beginners and casual users looking to make healthy snacks at home.

    Pros

    • Easy to use and clean
    • Adjustable temperature control
    • Quiet operation

    Cons

    • Limited tray capacity
    • Plastic construction feels flimsy
    • Uneven drying on some foods

    We tested the Elite Gourmet 5-Tier Food Dehydrator and found it to be a solid entry-level option. The machine is simple to set up and use right out of the box. We liked the clear viewing window, which let us check on our food without opening the unit.

    The adjustable temperature control (95°F to 158°F) worked well for different foods. We made tasty dried fruits, vegetables, and even some beef jerky. The trays are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

    We noticed some drawbacks during our tests. The plastic construction felt a bit flimsy, and we worried about long-term durability. Some foods dried unevenly, especially on the bottom tray. We had to rotate trays for best results. The unit’s capacity is also limited compared to pricier models.

  • Septree Compact Food Dehydrator

    9.4

    We think this compact dehydrator is a great choice for small families or beginners looking to try food dehydration.

    9.4

    We think this compact dehydrator is a great choice for small families or beginners looking to try food dehydration.

    Pros

    • Easy to use digital controls
    • Efficient drying in a compact size
    • High-quality stainless steel trays

    Cons

    • Limited capacity for large batches
    • May not suit heavy users
    • Fewer trays than larger models

    We recently tried out the Septree Compact Food Dehydrator and found it to be a handy little appliance. Its size is perfect for small kitchens or those new to dehydrating. The digital display is clear and simple to use, which we liked.

    The four stainless steel trays are sturdy and easy to clean. We dried some blueberries and beef jerky, and the results were great. The fan did a good job spreading heat evenly, so we didn’t need to swap trays around.

    One thing that stood out was how fast it worked. Our jerky was done in just 6 hours, much quicker than older models we’ve used. The temperature range goes up to 190°F, which is higher than some other small units. This extra heat helps speed things up.

  • Xlsdlvcnxz 800W Dehydrator

    9.3

    We think this dehydrator offers good capacity but falls short on quality and accuracy.

    9.3

    We think this dehydrator offers good capacity but falls short on quality and accuracy.

    Pros

    • Large 10-12 tray capacity
    • Stainless steel construction
    • Built-in LED light

    Cons

    • Not a true freeze dryer as advertised
    • Unclear instructions
    • Mixed customer reviews

    We tested out the Xlsdlvcnxz 800W dehydrator and found it offers plenty of space for drying fruits, veggies, and meats. The 10-12 stainless steel trays can handle big batches. We liked being able to check on foods through the glass door and LED light.

    The digital controls let us set times up to 24 hours and temps between 86-194°F. But we noticed the lowest setting was 95°F, not 86°F as claimed. This isn’t cold enough for freeze drying, despite how it’s marketed. We dried apples, bananas and figs with decent results, but true freeze drying wasn’t possible.

    While spacious, we had some issues with unclear instructions and inconsistent performance. Customer feedback was mixed too. For the price, we expected better accuracy and quality. It works okay as a basic dehydrator, but doesn’t deliver on all its promises. We suggest looking at other options unless you only need a large-capacity dehydrator and aren’t set on freeze drying.

  • Home Freeze Dryer

    9.1

    We think this freeze dryer is a decent option for home use, but it has some limitations to consider.

    9.1

    We think this freeze dryer is a decent option for home use, but it has some limitations to consider.

    Pros

    • Adjustable timer and temperature
    • 6 trays for drying multiple items
    • Quiet operation

    Cons

    • Limited 200W drying capacity
    • Unclear brand reputation
    • May be overkill for casual users

    We tried out this home freeze dryer and found it works pretty well for basic drying needs. The adjustable timer and temperature controls let us customize the settings for different foods. We liked being able to dry multiple items at once on the 6 trays.

    The 360° hot air circulation dried foods evenly without needing to rotate trays. It ran quietly too, which was nice. Cleaning was simple – we just popped the trays in the dishwasher.

    On the downside, the 200W drying capacity felt a bit limited for larger batches. We’re not familiar with this generic brand, so long-term reliability is uncertain. For occasional use it’s fine, but serious food preppers may want a more heavy-duty model.

  • YASHE 9-Tray Food Dehydrator

    9

    We recommend this versatile food dehydrator for its efficient drying technology and user-friendly features.

    9

    We recommend this versatile food dehydrator for its efficient drying technology and user-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Spacious 9-tray design
    • Adjustable temperature and timer
    • Quiet operation

    Cons

    • Bulky size
    • Learning curve for beginners
    • Some units may have quality issues

    We tested the YASHE 9-Tray Food Dehydrator and found it to be a solid choice for home use. The stainless steel construction feels sturdy and durable. We liked the roomy interior with nine trays, which gave us plenty of space to dry various foods at once.

    The dual rear fans and 360-degree hot air circulation did a great job drying our fruits, veggies, and jerky evenly. We appreciated the adjustable temperature control from 95-165°F, which let us fine-tune the drying process for different foods. The 48-hour timer was handy for longer drying sessions.

    One thing we really enjoyed was how quiet this dehydrator runs. At under 48 dB, it didn’t disturb us while working in the kitchen. The clear door made it easy to check on our food without opening the unit. We also found the included mesh sieves and fruit roll tray useful for smaller items and fruit leathers.

  • Home Food Dehydrator

    8.7

    We recommend this versatile food dehydrator for home cooks looking to preserve foods and make healthy snacks.

    8.7

    We recommend this versatile food dehydrator for home cooks looking to preserve foods and make healthy snacks.

    Pros

    • Adjustable temperature control
    • Easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe trays
    • Compact size fits well in most kitchens

    Cons

    • Limited to 5 trays
    • May be noisy during operation
    • Takes up counter space

    We found this food dehydrator to be a great option for drying fruits, vegetables, herbs, and making jerky at home. The adjustable temperature control let us dial in the perfect setting for each food we tried. When drying apple slices, we set it lower around 135°F. For beef jerky, we cranked it up to 165°F.

    The five BPA-free trays provided enough space for small to medium batches. We liked how easy they were to clean – a quick rinse or run through the dishwasher did the trick. The unit’s compact size fit nicely on our counter without hogging too much space.

    In our tests, it worked well for common tasks like drying herbs and making fruit leather. The 24-hour timer was handy, letting us “set it and forget it” overnight. While not silent, the noise level wasn’t too disruptive. We did wish for a few more trays to increase capacity. All in all, we think this dehydrator offers good value for casual home use.

  • Crunchy Comets Candy

    8.7

    We think these freeze-dried candies are a fun twist on classic Skittles, offering a unique texture and intense flavor that many will enjoy.

    8.7

    We think these freeze-dried candies are a fun twist on classic Skittles, offering a unique texture and intense flavor that many will enjoy.

    Pros

    • Light and crunchy texture
    • Stronger flavor than regular Skittles
    • Easy to eat on the go

    Cons

    • Pricier than regular Skittles
    • Very sweet taste
    • Can be messy due to crumbly texture

    We tried these Crunchy Comets and were surprised by how much we liked them. The freeze-drying process gives them a light, airy crunch that’s fun to eat. It’s like biting into a colorful cloud that melts in your mouth.

    The flavor is much stronger than regular Skittles. Each piece packs a punch of fruity taste. We found ourselves savoring them one by one instead of eating them by the handful.

    These candies are great for snacking at home or taking on trips. The 10-ounce bag is a good size for sharing. We liked adding them to ice cream and yogurt for a crunchy topping.

    Some of us thought they were a bit too sweet. The intense flavor can be a lot if you eat too many at once. They can also be messy, leaving colorful dust on your fingers.

    While pricier than regular Skittles, we think these are worth trying for a new candy experience. They’re a hit at parties and make nice gifts for candy lovers looking for something different.

  • Home Candy Freeze Dryer

    8.6

    We think this freeze dryer is a good choice for candy lovers who want to experiment with making their own dried snacks at home.

    8.6

    We think this freeze dryer is a good choice for candy lovers who want to experiment with making their own dried snacks at home.

    Pros

    • Adjustable timer and temperature
    • Compact size for home use
    • Preserves nutrients and flavor

    Cons

    • Limited capacity with 6 trays
    • May be noisy during operation
    • Learning curve for beginners

    We tried out this freeze dryer and found it easy to use for drying candies and snacks. The adjustable timer and temperature controls let us customize the drying process for different treats. We liked being able to set it and forget it while our snacks dried.

    The compact size fit well on our kitchen counter without taking up too much space. It’s not too heavy, so we could move it around as needed. The 6 trays gave us enough room to dry a decent amount of candy at once, though larger batches would need multiple runs.

    We noticed the machine can get a bit loud when running, which might be annoying in small spaces. It took some trial and error to get the settings right for different candies. But once we got the hang of it, we enjoyed making our own preservative-free dried snacks.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a freeze dryer, we recommend focusing on a few key factors:

Capacity

Consider how much food you plan to freeze dry at once. Smaller units are good for individuals, while larger ones suit families or bulk processing.

Footprint

Measure your available space. Freeze dryers can be bulky, so make sure you have room for the unit and its accessories.

Noise Level

Some freeze dryers can be noisy. If this is a concern, look for models with quieter operation.

Energy Efficiency

Check the power consumption. More efficient models may cost more upfront but save money long-term.

Ease of Use

Look for user-friendly controls and clear instructions. Some units have preset programs for different foods.

Durability

Freeze dryers are an investment. We suggest choosing models with sturdy construction and good warranties.

Vacuum Pump

The pump is crucial for freeze drying. Look for units with high-quality, reliable pumps.

Price

Set a budget, but remember that cheaper isn’t always better. Balance cost with features and quality.

Additional Features

Some helpful extras to consider:

  • Automatic defrost
  • Stainless steel trays
  • Programmable cycles
  • Clear viewing window

By weighing these factors, we can find a freeze dryer that fits our needs and budget.