Herbs need low heat: Missouri Extension recommends 95 to 105°F and Penn State Extension 95 to 110°F. That rules out dehydrators whose dial starts higher, and gentle airflow helps keep light leaves on the trays.
- Best overallCosori Premium Food Dehydrator (CP267-FD)$159.99 list
- Lowest settingExcalibur 10-Tray Performance Digital (DH10SSSS13)$499.99 list
- Best budgetNesco Snackmaster Pro (FD-75A)About $90
Lowest settings compared
| Model | Price | Temperature | Timer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori Premium Food Dehydrator (CP267-FD) | $159.99 list | 95–165°F | 48 hr |
| Excalibur 10-Tray Performance Digital (DH10SSSS13) | $499.99 list | 85–165°F | 80 hr |
| Tribest Sedona Express (SDE-S6780-B) | About $550 | 77–167°F | Yes, two-stage |
| Magic Mill Food Dehydrator (MFD-7070) | $199.99 list | 95–167°F | 24 hr |
| Nesco Snackmaster Pro (FD-75A) | About $90 | 95–160°F | None |
| Excalibur 9-Tray Dehydrator with Timer (3926TB) | $279.99 list | 105–165°F | 26 hr |
No. 1Best overall
Cosori Premium Food Dehydrator (CP267-FD)
- Price
- $159.99 list
- Type
- Shelf (rear fan)
- Trays
- 6 stainless steel
- Drying area
- About 6 sq ft
- Temperature
- 95–165°F
- Timer
- 48 hr
Goes down to 95°F, holds temperature closely and has a mesh screen for small leaves.
Pros
- 95°F minimum
- Mesh screen included
Cons
- Six trays
No. 2Lowest setting
Excalibur 10-Tray Performance Digital (DH10SSSS13)
- Price
- $499.99 list
- Type
- Shelf (rear fan)
- Trays
- 10 stainless steel
- Drying area
- 16 sq ft
- Temperature
- 85–165°F
- Timer
- 80 hr
Goes down to 85°F with 16 square feet of trays.
Pros
- 85°F minimum
Cons
- $499.99 list
No. 3Best budget
Nesco Snackmaster Pro (FD-75A)
- Price
- About $90
- Type
- Stackable
- Trays
- 5, expands to 12
- Drying area
- About 5 sq ft
- Temperature
- 95–160°F
- Timer
- None
95°F minimum for about $90.
Pros
- Cheap
Cons
- Rotate trays
Watch the minimum
The Excalibur 9-Tray starts at 105°F, the top of Missouri Extension's range for herbs. It works, but it's not ideal for delicate leaves.
See how to dry herbs in a dehydrator.
