Food dehydrators stretch the shelf life of snacks. Here's how they work.

The saddest part about cleaning out the fridge is finding all of the fruits, veggies, and deli meat that you accidentally let go bad.

Home food dehydrators are an easy way to stretch the shelf life of food. Moisture is what allows bacteria and mold to grow — so once the moisture out is sucked out, dehydrated food can last anywhere from six months to a few years. If you buy too many apples or grow a really good batch of cauliflower in your garden, drying them into cinnamon apple rings or spicy cauliflower popcorn prevents the excess from being tossed. With your healthy snack menu looking more lively, you'll also have options to satisfy that crunchy craving that aren't Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Read more...

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BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Nesco Snackmaster Pro

Basic but not *too* basic, the Snackmaster is approachable and dries efficiently.

• Drying space: Up to 12 trays, 12 square feet
• Temperature range: 95 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit
• Max timer setting: N/A
• Fan position: Top

$79.99 from Best Buy

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BEST FOR JERKY

Excalibur Digital Dehydrator

Precise time and temperature controls are key in achieving chewy (but not crumbly) jerky.

• Drying space: 9 trays, 15 square feet
• Temperature range: 95 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
• Max timer setting: 48 hours
• Fan position: Rear

$329.95 from Williams Sonoma

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BUDGET PICK

Presto Dehydro

The internet's favorite low-cost dehydrator has no buttons but works well on fruits and flowers.

• Drying space: Up to 8 trays, 9 square feet
• Temperature range: Set at 165 degrees Fahrenheit
• Max timer setting: N/A
• Fan position: Bottom

$39.90 from Office Depot

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BEST FOR LEAVING UNATTENDED

Tribest Sedona

This classic choice can be confidently run overnight and reduces its energy use for smaller batches.

• Drying space: 9 trays, 12.5 square feet
• Temperature range: 85 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit
• Max timer setting: 99 hours
• Fan position: Rear

$369.95 from Williams Sonoma

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EASIEST TO STORE

Sahara Folding Dehydrator

Talk about a game changer: One of the most powerful dehydrators on the market can fold to fit in a kitchen drawer.

• Drying space: 7 trays, 11 square feet
• Temperature range: 86 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
• Max timer setting: 198 hours
• Fan position: Rear

$349.95 from Williams Sonoma

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BEST MULTICOOKER THAT DEHYDRATES

Instant Vortex Plus

If your countertops can only afford one appliance, make it Instant Pot's toaster oven, air fryer, and dehydrator combo.

• Drying space: 2 trays, 1.5 square feet
• Temperature range: 87 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
• Max timer setting: 72 hours
• Fan position: Top

$199.95 from Williams Sonoma

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QUIETEST

Aroma 6-Tray Food Dehydrator

A friendly entry point to slide-in dehydrators that's great for homes with thin walls or kids.

• Drying space: 6 trays, 5.5 square feet
• Temperature range: 95 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit
• Max timer setting: N/A
• Fan position: Top

$149.99 from Bed Bath and Beyond

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