If you like to eat beef jerky, have you thought about getting the best food dehydrator for beef jerky? It’s not something that everyone has at home, but I find that it truly makes a difference in making jerky.
Why make beef jerky?
I love having beef jerky at home all the time. Not only is it a great source of protein that is also low in fat, and it is also very easy to make at home. I store it for months at a time without the need to do anything else, and the flavors remain consistent.
Why buy a food dehydrator for beef jerky?
While it is true that you can dry beef in the oven, it is difficult to do and can take a lot of work. Store-bought jerky, though, can be high in sodium and have added sugars. So, why not get a food dehydrator for jerky?
I find that the best food dehydrator for beef jerky is also great for other foods, so it is worth the money. You will be able to make jerky without much effort or supervision, and all with total control on what goes into your food.
Also, you can make all kinds of jerky. My favorite is beef, but I also make ground beef jerky, turkey, and sometimes fish. I try to use the best cuts of beef available, which is usually the eye of the round.
Reviews For The Best Food Dehydrator For Beef Jerky
Option #1: Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
This large food dehydrator has more space than any other food dehydrator I have seen. It comes with 9 shelves and 15 square feet of drying space. This machine also has a 26-hour timer and adjustable thermostat to simplify long dehydrating projects.
I like that the thermostat varies from 105 F (40 C) to 165 F (73 C), which is just the right range to dry fruits and vegetables, as well as meat. However, this is a bulky and big dehydrator, which means I have found it almost impossible to find a place for it long-term.
Another great aspect of the Excalibur is that it has a 7-in fan that keeps airflow running evenly through the food. This machine is worth looking into if you want to become an expert jerky maker, or you want to dehydrate many things at a time.
Pros | Cons |
Big space for dehydrating multiple things at once | Bulky and difficult to store |
Adjustable thermostat | Expensive |
Built-in timer |
Option #2: National Presto Dehydro Digital Electric Food Dehydrator
This small dehydrator is great for fruits, vegetables, herbs, fruit rolls, and meat. The National Presto comes with 6 transparent trays, 2 mesh screens, and 2 fruit roll sheets. It also includes a thermostat that ranges from 90 F (32 C) to 165 F (73 C), which makes it great for a variety of foods.
This machine also comes with a digital timer for up to 48 hours, making it easy for you to dry foods for longer without much supervision. While it is on the smaller side, this food dehydrator can expand and hold up to 12 trays. Because it collapses, you can also store it in any place you want without much hassle.
You should keep in mind that this dehydrator is small, so it will be loud and can’t hold as much food as you may need. However, don’t discard this dehydrator, because it still very reliable and a fan favorite.
Pros | Cons |
Expandable for easy storage and more capacity | Smaller drying surface area |
Adjustable thermostat | Loud |
Timer for up to 48 hours | Harder to clean inside |
Affordable | Longer drying times |
Option #3: OSTBA Food Dehydrator Machine
This medium-sized food dehydrator comes with an adjustable temperature range from 35-70 degrees C (95-158 degrees F). While it is a good range, it may not be as high as you need, but it is still a good alternative for beef jerky. It contains an adjustable temperature knob but no timer, so you do need to be aware of the drying process.
The OSTBA comes with 5 BPA free trays, which can all be used at the same time and can be cleaned easily. This machine also has a 2-year warranty, which in my book is something very important if you are picky about your dehydration process. This dehydrator also has an electric fan to keep air flowing through at all times.
This model isn’t too big or too small, but it may take up more counter space than you want. Since it is electric and not as big, it will make more noise than other more spacious dryers.
Pros | Cons |
Medium-sized capacity for easier storage | Loud |
Adjustable thermostat | No built-in timer |
Affordable | Less temperature range |
Final Thoughts
These three models of food dehydrator for beef jerky are all easy to find and can be relatively easy to use, so take a look for yourself and buy the one that best fits your needs. Remember that some of them are bigger in capacity but harder to clean, while others can be easier to store but take longer to dry.
