If you’re looking to make high-quality, tender, and juicy beef jerky, a dehydrator specifically designed for this purpose is crucial. Out of the numerous dehydrators on the market, not all are suitable for beef jerky. This blog post will guide you in selecting the ideal beef jerky dehydrator that aligns with your budget!
We will discuss what to look out for when buying a dehydrator for beef jerky and how it can make your life easier. Not only will we be discussing the best ones on the market, but also give our personal opinion on which one would work best in certain situations.
1. NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
We’ve really enjoyed using the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro for our dehydrating needs. It’s compact and easy to store, but it doesn’t compromise on power. We love the adjustable thermostat because it gives us the freedom to try different recipes, and the drying process is faster than we expected. Cleaning up is a breeze since the trays are dishwasher-safe, which saves us so much time.
That said, it’s not perfect. The fan can get pretty noisy, which is noticeable if we’re in the kitchen for a while. Also, the lack of a built-in timer means we have to monitor it manually, which can be inconvenient when we’re multitasking.
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2. COSORI Food Dehydrator Machine
The COSORI Food Dehydrator feels like a professional-grade tool that’s simple to use. We love the stainless steel trays because they’re sturdy and super easy to clean. The digital control panel makes it straightforward to set the temperature and timer, and it’s so quiet that we can leave it running overnight without any disturbances. The overheat protection is a thoughtful safety feature we really appreciate.
On the flip side, it’s definitely a bigger investment compared to other models, and the bulky size might be a challenge for smaller kitchens. If you’ve got the counter space and budget, though, it’s a fantastic choice.
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3. Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine MFD-500
The Magic Mill MFD-500 has been a reliable workhorse in our kitchen. We’re big fans of its rear-mounted fan, which ensures even drying across all trays. The digital timer is a lifesaver, letting us set it and forget it without worrying about over-drying. We also love the transparent door, which makes it easy to check progress without interrupting the process.
However, we did find that cleaning the trays can be a bit tedious, especially with stickier foods. Plus, it’s not exactly compact, so finding a permanent spot for it in the kitchen can be tricky if you’re short on space.
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4. Excalibur 3926TB 9-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator
The Excalibur 3926TB is perfect for big projects, and we love its generous nine-tray capacity. It’s a game-changer for making large batches of snacks, and the adjustable thermostat and timer make it easy to customize settings for different foods. The horizontal airflow design ensures everything dries evenly, which saves us from rotating trays constantly.
That said, it’s not the quietest machine, so it’s better suited for daytime use. Also, its size makes storage a bit challenging unless you’ve got a large kitchen. For those with space and a lot to dry, though, it’s a fantastic option.
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5. Colzer Food Dehydrator Machine
The Colzer Food Dehydrator feels like a premium appliance, and we’ve been really happy with its performance. Its stainless steel construction is durable and looks sleek on the counter. We love how quiet it is, making it perfect for all-day or overnight use. The built-in timer and temperature controls are intuitive, taking the guesswork out of dehydrating.
The downsides? It’s definitely on the heavier side, so moving it around can be a chore. Also, the price tag might make it less appealing for occasional users, but if you’re serious about dehydrating, it’s worth the splurge.
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How to Choose the Best Dehydrators for Beef Jerky
Dehydrators for beef jerky permit you to avoid the costs and risks of commercial dehydrators. You can create your own custom flavors, customized to your tastes. Additionally, you have complete control over the quality of ingredients that go into it. Regardless if you are a novice or experienced beef jerker, there are many factors worth considering when purchasing a dehydrator for making your favorite snacks. This guide will discuss six important considerations when choosing a dehydrator for beef jerky.
Power Rating
The power rating of a dehydrator is important for determining how fast it will dry the meat. While running at high speeds, lower wattage models tend to produce more heat but they also cost less money. If most of your dehydrating occurs during warm summer months when the air is already hot then purchasing a higher wattage model would make sense. However, if you live in a cooler climate, you may get better results with a more energy-efficient dehydrator.
Number of Trays Available
The number of trays available in a dehydrator will affect how much meat you can dry at once. Many models have variable speed settings which allow you to increase or decrease the fan speed to suit your preferences or workload. Generally speaking, manufacturers that offer large capacities are more expensive than their less capable counterparts.
Temperature Range
One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a homemade beef jerky is you can control how it tastes and feels by adjusting the temperature and drying times. While some models include preset temperature settings, most do not come with this feature or vary wildly between models. If you plan on getting your beef jerky fix at various levels of dryness then you need to be aware that low-cost models often lack advanced temperature controls. If high temperatures don’t bother you as much as under-dried snacks then only invest in a model with a narrow temperature range.
Height of Trays
A taller dehydrator with a greater number of trays will dry more beef jerky at once than a shorter unit with fewer trays. If you plan on making a lot of dried treats for friends and family then investing in a larger machine may be the most economical choice even if it does cost more money. One thing to keep in mind though is that large units have increased energy costs due to the need to run the fan at high speeds for an extended period of time.
Ease of Use
Dehydrators come with a variety of features and many of them are more complex than beginners realize. For example, some beef jerky dehydrators have timers to automate the process so you don’t forget about your meat after adding it. Other models require constant supervision as they lack automatic shut-offs and timers at high temperatures. If you enjoy setting up an appliance and walking away until the job is done then consider purchasing a simple model that doesn’t take any extra effort on your part.
Size of the machine
By looking at this factor alone, it’s pretty easy to find out if the model that you’re interested in is really convenient or not. If you do not have enough space on your countertop, then it makes no sense for you to buy this type of appliance. Another reason why size should matter is that food dehydrators vary greatly in terms of capacity. There are some models which can handle one pound of meat while others can deal with more than ten pounds! Depending on how much food you’ll be processing at once will determine if an individual machine is enough for you or if you should consider buying a more powerful one.
Features
Some appliances offer certain features such as timers and temperature control, while others are more basic when it comes to these aspects. If you want the best dehydrator for beef jerky, then you must pick one that can regulate its heat automatically. It will be much better if this type of model also has a fan because it will speed up the entire dehydration process.
Budget
When searching for the best dehydrator for beef jerky, it is essential to set aside an appropriate budget while factoring in other variables discussed below. Many manufacturers list their products at reasonable prices; however, certain features may be more important than others. Additionally, knowing how often you intend to use the dehydrator will affect how much you are willing to pay. For example, if you are an experienced beef jerky maker, you may be interested in a more advanced machine with additional features. On the other hand, beginners may not need all the bells and whistles for an entry-level price.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does beef jerky take in a dehydrator?
Generally, beef jerky takes about 8 hours to dehydrate in a dehydrator. There is no official rule on time and temperature for making beef jerky.
2. What temperature do you dehydrate beef jerky in a dehydrator?
The general consensus is that beef jerky needs to be made at no more than 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets any higher, it will cook your beef jerky rather than dehydrate it. This can result in a chewy, unpleasant texture and an overload of sodium.
3. What are the best meats for making beef jerky?
Although almost any meat can technically be used to make beef jerky, some are better for this purpose than others. Some people prefer venison or bison because they’re lower in fat compared to other options like chuck roast, which is typically used for barbecue sandwiches. The leanest option by far though would be flank steak since only four percent of its weight is fat.
4. What are some common seasonings used for beef jerky?
The sky is the limit when it comes to seasoning your beef jerky. People have been describing its taste as similar to bacon, summer sausage, or pepperoni since the first manufactured batches were made in South Africa during WWII. Popular options include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander (ground seeds of cilantro plants), red pepper flakes, black pepper, and brown sugar. Flavoring ingredients often vary depending on cultural preference and personal taste.
5. Can you grow mold on dried meat like beef jerky? Is this safe to eat?
It’s important to dry meats like beef jerky to the point where they’re safe to eat. If they still contain a considerable amount of moisture, this creates an environment where bacteria can thrive and grow. Mold is one such bacterium that thrives under these conditions. To prevent your beef jerky from becoming unsafe to eat, it’s important to remove as much moisture as possible by dehydrating it at 145 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what to look out for when buying a dehydrator for beef jerky. The variety of options are endless, but it is much more important to know which one will work best in your specific situation.
