Using dehydration as a method for preserving food is a proven technique. This method inhibits the growth of bacteria by drying the food. When food is properly dried, it can last indefinitely, which is one reason to invest in a food dehydrator. For example, you can use this device when you want to preserve fresh produce from your garden or buy in bulk at the peak of the season. The flavor of dehydrated foods is amplified, so dried herbs (like the herbs used to season steaks) and fruits have a stronger, sweeter taste.
Air fryers, toaster ovens and ovens can be used to dehydrate foods such as apples, mangoes, pineapples, tomatoes and beef, but food dehydrators offer a much larger surface area for maximum yields.
In the Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we tested nine different dehydrators from leading brands in different sizes, shapes, and designs. Our evaluation of performance included evaluating the evenness, speed of drying, and performance of the jerky, apples, and other items.
Although all four dehydrators we tested performed similarly, the major differences were their ease of use, and how easily the trays could be assembled, used, and cleaned, as well as the ease and specificity of their control panels. Tests and reviews reveal the following to be the Best food dehydrator in Canada at present:
Sedona Express
There are 11 stainless steel trays on this digital food dehydrator from Tribest, allowing for plenty of drying while taking up less counter space. An easy-to-operate monitor and control panel, as well as a lockable door, make it a desirable product. Moreover, it was the only dehydrator we examined that included a light for easier viewing. The Sedona Express dried jerky and apples very evenly, even though some stuck to the metal. (A tray also exists, so you can stick things together easily.) The dehydrator was relatively quiet when compared to others.
The Sedona Express offers a range of dehydrating modes – fast, raw, or a combination of both – making it superior to its competitors. By cycling the temperature above the set temperature, the unit can cause food to dehydrate faster when in fast mode.
By setting the raw setting, you ensure the unit won’t exceed the preset temperature, so your food won’t get overheated. As opposed to fast mode across appliances, raw mode typically is used because it allows for a more precise dehydrating process.
Dehydrator with premium features
Despite not testing this food dehydrator, we like its stainless steel trays, see-through window, and easy controls, all at an affordable price. On Amazon, over 10,000 people have reviewed the book and it has a 4.8-star rating. A number of reviewers have commended the simplicity and quietness of this product.
This device comes with a temperature range of 95°F to 165°F, as well as programmability in 30 or 48 minute increments, making it appropriate for jerky, herbs, and any other food. Stainless steel is a stronger material than plastic, which makes this product more durable. It also comes with integrated handles that make moving it easier.
Dehydrator for food in the digital age
This Hamilton Beach Digital Dehydrator has five dehydrating trays that stack neatly.
The trays dried evenly and congealed evenly, and the parsley and jerky did not stick to them. Because the top of the unit is transparent, you can see inside the dehydrator to monitor its progress. Because the buttons are accessible, programming the unit is straightforward. The basic products and items that can easily be stored away when not in use will be appreciated by those who are searching for the basics.