Let’s guide you to some of the best commercial food dehydrators for 2023 so that you can make a sound decision regarding your business. Our comprehensive review ensures you find the perfect balance of affordability, capacity, and functionality for your dehydration needs.
In this article:
Best Commercial Food Dehydrator Overall
2023 Update: COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky with 10 Stainless Steel Trays is now our editor’s top choice overall. New products reviewed.
Choosing the best commercial dehydrator overall was a challenging task. However, after categorizing businesses into small, medium, large, and industrial and considering the key factors such as price, number of trays, wattage, drying space, and advanced features we’ve made our decision.
- For small businesses, the COSORI Food Dehydrator with 10 Stainless Steel Trays stands out as the best commercial dehydrator overall, primarily due to its competitive price, high-quality materials, and ample drying space.
- For medium-sized businesses, the NutriChef Premium 14 Shelf Stainless Steel Trays is our top pick.
- For large businesses, the NutriChef 20 Trays model is our choice.
- For industrial businesses, the Excalibur brand remains our preferred choice.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if items are purchased.
Best Commercial Dehydrator Reviews (Our Top Picks For Small Businesses To Industrial)
If you’re searching for a regular dehydrator, we recommend reading our regular dehydrator reviews to determine the best fit for your specific needs! However, if you’re seeking a more heavy-duty option, please proceed reading our commercial dehydrators reviews below.
Best Commercial Dehydrator For Small Businesses: COSORI Food Dehydrator, 10 Trays, 16.2 sq ft, 48H Timer, 1000W, 51 db
The COSORI Food Dehydrator for Jerky, with its 16.2ft² drying space and 1000W power, is a top-tier choice, combining affordability, quality, and functionality in one package. It is a standout choice, especially for small businesses and restaurants.
We selected this model as the best commercial dehydrator for jerky for its impressive features and high performance, as evidenced by user experiences. Users have praised its ease of use and its efficient design that allows for easy installation and removal of trays, making it a breeze to prepare batches of flavorful beef jerky.
The unit’s temperature control and timer are also highly appreciated, providing flexibility and convenience in the dehydration process. The COSORI Dehydrator’s quiet operation sets it apart from many other models, making it a perfect fit for a kitchen environment. The machine’s durability and the quality of the materials used in its construction further contribute to its top ranking.
Despite its high performance, the COSORI Dehydrator comes at a reasonable price, making it an excellent investment for small businesses.
Pros
- Easy to use with intuitive controls.
- Comes with a timer and temperature control for flexibility and convenience.
- Easy to clean, with removable trays.
- Made with high-quality materials, ensuring durability.
- Reasonably priced, offering good value for money.
- Quiet operation, making it suitable for kitchen environments.
- Comes with a recipe book, providing creative ideas for use.
- Large drying space, making it suitable for a variety of foods.
- Efficient design that doesn’t require constant tray rotation.
Cons
- Loud beeping noise when the timer finishes, which can be disruptive.
- Some users reported issues with the trays fitting properly in the lower slots.
- Some users reported receiving a unit that seemed like it was a return or open-box item.
- Lack of additional mesh pads and silicone mats specifically designed for this model.
- Small items may fall through the racks, leading to potential cross-contamination.
Runner Up Commercial Dehydrator For Small Businesses: Magic Mill 11 Trays, 18 sq ft, 167 F
The Magic Mill Food Commercial Dehydrator Machine, with its 11 Stainless Steel Trays, is a marvel of engineering and design and a true contender for the title of ‘Best Commercial Dehydrator for Small Businesses.’ Its unique features, such as the ability to stack the shelves at the bottom of the unit, provide a compact storage solution when not in use.
This also allows for versatile use as a bread proofer or plate warmer. The unit’s sides and top stay cool, thanks to the innovative design of the vent holes, which serve as inlets rather than exhaust ports. This feature not only improves efficiency but also ensures that the heat you pay for is not lost.
The Magic Mill doesn’t just impress with its design, but also with its performance. It boasts an efficient heat recovery system, which ensures that the heat you pay for is not lost but effectively used. This feature, combined with a generous 18 sq ft of drying area, makes the Magic Mill a powerhouse.
Comparing the Magic Mill to other products like the COSORI Food Dehydrator and the Septree Food Dehydrator, it stands out for its robust build and efficient performance.
Despite some negative reviews, the Magic Mill has proven to be a reliable and efficient machine, capable of dehydrating large quantities of food in less time than other models. It’s a heavy-duty machine, but that’s to be expected given its stainless steel construction and large capacity.
Pros
- Compact storage design with stackable shelves.
- Efficient heat recovery system.
- Large drying area.
- Robust and durable construction.
Cons
- Lack of an off switch.
- No internal cabinet light.
- Temperature swings above and below the set point.
- Uneven air distribution due to fan hub placement.
The Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine is our editor’s runner-up choice because is a worthwhile investment for those who need a large-capacity, efficient, and versatile dehydrator.
Budget Choice Commercial Dehydrator For Small Businesses: Septree Food Dehydrator 10 Trays, 1 Drip Tray, 17 sq ft, 1000 W 194F
The Septree Food Dehydrator, with its 10 trays and 1 drip tray, is our budget choice for commercial dehydrators for small businesses. After extensive research and comparison with dozens of models in the same price range or more, the Septree model consistently ranks high.
One of the standout features of this dehydrator is its serviceability. The back section, which houses the electrical components, can be easily unclipped for maintenance or repair. This thoughtful design means that if something goes wrong, a whole new back part can be sent to the customer for an easy swap, saving time and effort.
Performance-wise, the Septree dehydrator excels. It requires patience, as all good things do, but the results are worth the wait. Whether you’re making raisins from your mini-orchard or curing lamb for jerky or making tasty beef jerky, this machine delivers. Its 1k-watt energy use is typical for a residential outlet, and the unit is designed to vent out from the front grill of the door, ensuring no excess heat is observed at the bottom, sides, or back during operation.
When compared to the COSORI Food Dehydrator and the Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine, the Septree holds its own. It’s built like a tank, with a semi-industrial look that garners plenty of compliments.
Pros
- Easy to service and maintain.
- Excellent performance and efficiency.
- Thoughtful design with rails at the bottom for heat ventilation.
- Outstanding customer support.
Cons
- Odd placement of programming/temperature read.
- Trays do not fit snugly in the machine.
The Septree Food Dehydrator is a top-notch choice for small businesses looking for a reliable, efficient, and easy-to-maintain dehydrator. Its robust construction, excellent performance, and outstanding customer support make it a worthy investment.
Best Commercial Food Dehydrator For Medium Businesses: NutriChef Premium, 14 Trays, 1000W
The NutriChef Premium Food Dehydrator Machine, with its 14 stainless steel shelves and 1000 watts of power, is our top choice for those medium businesses seeking a high-quality, efficient dehydrator.
This machine is a powerhouse, standing out in the market, offering a blend of functionality, efficiency, and user-friendly design making it an ideal choice for businesses that need to process large quantities of food efficiently.
One of the standout features of the NutriChef dehydrator is its large capacity. With 14 layers, it can dehydrate up to 59.83 lbs of food at once, making it a real workhorse for medium-sized businesses. The 360° hot circulation ensures proper food preservation, delivering consistently excellent results every time.
Another key feature of this dehydrator is its robust construction. It’s well-made and efficient, with a higher wattage that ensures quick and even dehydration. However, this increased power means you’ll need to adjust your temperature and time settings to avoid over-dehydrating your food. Once you’ve found the sweet spot, you’ll be rewarded with perfectly dehydrated food every time.
When compared to other models like the COLZER 16 Tray Food Dehydrator, the NutriChef offers an extended timer and higher temperatures, providing greater versatility for a range of dehydration needs. Its user-friendly setup and easy cleaning process make it a practical choice for businesses where time and ease of use are key considerations.
However, it’s important to note a few minor drawbacks. The protective film on the unit can be tedious to remove, and the door hinges may be small for the size of the unit. Also, its larger size may require more space than expected. Despite these, NutriChef’s removable shelves offer flexibility in the quantity of food you can dehydrate at once, a feature that is particularly useful for businesses dealing with varying amounts of produce.
Pros
- High wattage for efficient dehydration.
- Large capacity with 14 layers for dehydrating up to 59.83 lbs of food at once.
- 360° hot circulation for proper food preservation.
- Extended timer and higher temperatures than other brands.
- User-friendly and easy to clean.
- Removable shelves for flexibility in dehydrating different amounts of food.
Cons
- The protective film can be tedious to remove.
- Small hinges for the size of the door.
- Larger than expected, and may require more space.
The NutriChef Premium Food Dehydrator Machine is a top-tier choice for medium businesses seeking an efficient, versatile, and user-friendly dehydrator. Its large capacity, 360° hot circulation, and flexible dehydrating capacity make it a worthy investment for businesses looking to scale up their dehydration operations.
Runner Up Commercial Dehydrator For Medium Businesses: COLZER 16 Tray Food Dehydrator, 1500W, 194F, <50db
COLZER Food Dehydrator is a fantastic choice for medium businesses that require a high-capacity, reliable, and efficient dehydrator.
One of the most impressive features of the COLZER Food Dehydrator is its 16-tray capacity. It’s enough room to handle large quantities of food simultaneously, a real-time-saver for commercial kitchens, hobbyists, and anyone looking to process a lot of food in one go.
The digital temperature control is a definite plus, allowing you to precisely dial in the right amount of heat, while the 24-hour timer ensures everything gets dried just the way you want it – a perfect balance of convenience and control. This stainless steel dehydrator is a solid performer, maintaining a consistent temperature within 2 degrees, ensuring optimal dehydration conditions for a variety of foods.
The built-in overheating protection system is a reassuring safety feature. It prevents the machine from getting too hot and risking damage to the unit or the food. Remember the time when your old dehydrator got so hot, that you had to stop midway? You won’t have that problem here.
The COLZER dehydrator is also praised for its quiet operation, a feature that makes it a pleasure to use in a busy commercial kitchen. It’s also easy to clean, which is a significant advantage in a commercial setting where time is of the essence.
When compared to the NutriChef Premium Food Dehydrator Machine, the COLZER offers two additional trays, providing even more space for dehydrating large quantities of food. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses that need to process large batches of food simultaneously.
Pros
- High capacity with 16 stainless steel trays.
- Consistent temperature control within 2 degrees.
- Quiet operation.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Large and heavy, may require ample space.
- The protective film can be challenging to remove.
The COLZER 16 Tray Food Dehydrator is a top-tier choice for businesses seeking a high-capacity, efficient, and reliable dehydrator. Its robust construction, consistent performance, and ease of use make it a standout choice in the commercial dehydrator market.
Best Commercial Food Dehydrator For Large Businesses: NutriChef Premium, 20 Trays, 2000W
With 20 stainless steel trays and a 2000-watt power rating, NutriChef 20 Trays foo dehydrator can handle large quantities of food at once. This is a significant advantage for large businesses that need to process substantial amounts of food regularly.
The dehydrator features dual chambers with separate controls, allowing for the simultaneous dehydration of different types of food at varying temperatures and times. This feature increases the machine’s versatility and efficiency, making it ideal for businesses that deal with a variety of food products.
The NutriChef dehydrator is user-friendly, with a digital timer and temperature control that makes it easy to set up and operate. The stainless steel construction suggests durability and long-term reliability, which are essential for a machine that will see heavy use in a business setting.
In comparison to its smaller counterpart with 14 trays and 1000 watts, the 20-tray, 2000-watt model offers more capacity and power, making it a superior choice for large businesses. The smaller model may be more suitable for less frequent or voluminous dehydrating needs, but for a large business that requires high-volume, efficient dehydration, the NutriChef 20-tray dehydrator stands out as the best choice.
Pros
- Large Capacity: With 20 stainless steel trays, this dehydrator can handle a significant amount of food at once, making it ideal for preserving large quantities of fruits, vegetables, or meats.
- Dual Chambers with Separate Controls: This feature allows for more flexibility in dehydrating different types of food at the same time.
- Even Drying: The machine does a good job of drying food evenly, eliminating the need to rotate trays.
- Digital timer and temperature control: Gives you precision control over the drying process.
- Easy to Use: The dehydrator is easy to set up and use, and the digital timer and temperature control make it easy to “set it and forget it”.
- Quality construction: Durable, sleek stainless steel trays make cleaning easy and add a touch of elegance.
- Versatile: Perfect for fruits, vegetables, meats, and more.
Cons
- Protective Plastic: The unit comes with a protective plastic covering on the stainless steel parts that is time-consuming and difficult to remove.
- Power consumption: Higher wattage means it uses more electricity.
- Size: The larger size may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.
- Cost: It’s more expensive than the smaller 14-tray model, but remember, you are paying for the extra capacity and power.
The NutriChef Electric Food Dehydrator Machine (NCFD20S) is a robust, powerful tool for anyone serious about food dehydration. With its high capacity, easy-to-use features, and quality build, it’s not just an appliance; it’s an investment in endless culinary possibilities.
Runner Up Large Dehydrator: Excalibur EXCCOMM 1, 12 Trays, 99H Timer, 2400W
In line with the Excalibur brand, the Excalibur EXCCOM 1 nsf commercial dehydrator exhibits unique and high-quality attributes. All the parts are crafted from stainless steel making its cleaning process a breeze.
It is a durable piece of equipment as it can handle constant abuse without a hitch, which might be what your business needs.
It is a USA-manufactured utility that is carefully constructed with a superior design. It meets health and safety standards; therefore, a perfect investment for your business.
The adjustable thermostat offers a wide range of temperatures to choose from. This allows you to dehydrate a broad category of food. You can be sure of coming up with, more treats for your customers.
Also, the twelve steel trays that come along with it offer you enough drying space for your needs while at the same time taking up less space on your countertop courtesy of the adequate unit size.
It is a one Zone machine meaning that it is suitable for the not so busy places such as small to medium-sized businesses. For instance, it can be an ideal bet for restaurants, bakeries, orchards, and raw food kitchens.
To cap it all, it comes at a friendly price tag making it an irresistible choice.
Features
- 1 Zone
- 12 stainless steel trays
- A 99-hour timer and automatic shut off
- Stainless steel body
- A readout display for both the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales
- 12 mesh screens
- Adjustable alarm and fan delay
- Uses 2400 watts
- An adjustable thermostat with a temperature range of 60 to 208 degrees Fahrenheit
Pros
- It is wholly constructed from stainless steel, making it durable and easy to clean
- The high power makes it suitable for business ventures
- A relatively high holding capacity with the 12 steel trays
Cons
- Due to its inability to expand, it may not be sufficient if your business grows
Best Commercial Industrial Food Dehydrator: Excalibur EXCCOMM 2, 42 Trays, Dual Zone, 99H Timer
This model is an improvement of the Excalibur EXCCOMM 1. Also, a product of the US, it meets the required safety and health standards.
This industrial dehydrator boasts an incredible amount of drying space for your food courtesy of the 42 stainless steel trays, which can be sufficient for your business needs.
The trays and the system components are made of stainless steel. Therefore, cleaning them is a breeze. Moreover, it can stand the taste of time, thus making it suitable for a business setting.
The 2-zone capability allows you to create separate zone temperature controls. This gives you the convenience of drying foods that need different temperature settings separately. This feature eliminates the eventuality of overheating the food or the need for regular checkups.
Even better, the two-scale temperature display allows you to select the one that you are comfortable with. This improves your interface with the system.
The 99-hour timer comes in handy, especially if you don’t like the continuous hassle of checking up on the drying progress. This might explain why it flaunts a high price tag.
Due to its large holding capacity, it is a suitable model for large businesses with lots of traffic. It is not particularly ideal for small ventures which might find its features overwhelming for their needs.
Features
- 2 zones
- 42 stainless steel trays
- 99 hour timer
- Stainless steel body
- Adjustable thermostat
Pros
- The adjustable thermostat allows you to select the appropriate temperature according to your foodstuffs
- The 2 zone capabilities will enable you to conveniently prepare your food
- The stainless steel body makes it durable and easy to clean
- A 99-hour timer that allows you to take time off
- Offers a tremendous capacity for your business needs
Cons
- Not suitable for personal use
- Quite expensive
- Consumes a lot of power
After a thorough vetting of the models that we have reviewed, we conclude that the Excalibur EXCCOMM 2 takes the lead among the best industrial dehydrator.
What we like about this machine is the 2 zone feature that affords you the convenience of choosing favorable temperatures for different types of food. Also, its large capacity comes in handy especially if you have a business that is expanding.
Another welcoming feature is the 99-hour timer that allows you to comfortably dehydrate foods that require a long time to become ready.
Commercial Dehydrator Worth Mentioning: STX International
STX International offers you an enormous size for your dehydration needs. With sixteen square feet of drying space, you can do much. You can either choose to do batches of jerky or whatever food you have at a time or in your preferred way.
It’s an easy-to-de-assemble and clean model since the parts come apart without a struggle. The heating section can be detached from the front section in less than ten seconds. It doesn’t rattle during the dehydration process nor does it make noises due to the snuggly fitting parts.
It has an accurate adjustable thermostat (according to industry standards) for your temperature settings. You get to choose whatever suits your food; therefore, can be used to develop a large number of recipes.
Its industrial-grade stainless steel ensures that the system is durable. You might recoup your investment within a lesser period.
It is a digital model that switches off after 15 hours, therefore no need of staying around to put it off. You can engage in other activities or even go to sleep.
You may also like the horizontal flow of air, which causes a consistent circulation of heat within the interior of the system. This enables a uniform drying of the food, unlike the vertical types that cause the lower trays to heat faster than the upper ones.
The only downside might be the 15-hour timer which may need some resetting to make sure that it doesn’t switch off, especially during extended dehydration.
The large gratings found on the racks prove to be a pain when dehydrating small stuff like garlic. You may need an additional rack for this purpose.
Features
- 1200 watts power
- Commercial-grade stainless steel design
- Ten trays
- 16 square feet of drying space
- A maximum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- 15-hour timer
- Fan system
- Drip tray
- Has 24 louvers on the front of the door
Pros
- One year warranty
- A horizontal air flow ensures uniform drying of your food
- The drip tray takes care of the droppings for easy cleaning and prevents the food from messing with each other
- It offers an optimal drying time courtesy of the adjustable thermostat
- Easy to assemble and clean.
Cons
- May need additional racks to prevent smallish food from falling through
- The 15-hour timer might not be enough for some food to dry appropriately hence requiring constant resetting
Buyers Guide
When it comes to selecting the best commercial dehydrator for your business, there are several key factors to consider. Here’s a quick buyer’s guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Capacity: The capacity of a dehydrator is determined by the number of trays it has. The more trays a dehydrator has, the more food you can dry at once. For large businesses, a dehydrator with a high number of trays, such as the NutriChef 20-Tray Dehydrator, would be ideal.
2. Power: The power of a dehydrator is measured in watts. A higher wattage means the dehydrator can generate more heat and dry food faster. A powerful dehydrator like the NutriChef 2000-Watt Dehydrator can handle large quantities of food efficiently.
3. Temperature Control: A good commercial dehydrator should have adjustable temperature controls. This allows you to set the optimal drying temperature for different types of food.
4. Timer: A timer is a useful feature that allows you to set the dehydrator to run for a specific amount of time. Some models, like the NutriChef and COLZER dehydrators, also have an auto shut-off feature for added safety.
5. Material: Commercial dehydrators are typically made of stainless steel because it’s durable and easy to clean. However, some models may have plastic components. Always check the material before purchasing.
6. Noise Level: Some dehydrators can be quite noisy when running. If noise is a concern for you, look for models that are known for quiet operation.
7. Price: Commercial dehydrators can vary widely in price. Determine your budget before you start shopping and remember that while higher-priced models often have more features and better performance, there are also many affordable options that offer great value.
8. Customer Reviews: Always check customer reviews before purchasing a commercial dehydrator. Reviews can provide valuable insights into a product’s performance and reliability.
9. Warranty: A good warranty can provide peace of mind. Look for a dehydrator that comes with a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship.
The best commercial dehydrator for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can find a dehydrator that will serve your business well for years to come.
Food Dehydrator – Industrial Type
The dehydrator industrial machine is a highly efficient and versatile piece of equipment used for removing moisture from various products. This advanced technology is widely utilized in multiple industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
It is designed with precision engineering, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. It operates by circulating heated air over the product, promoting the evaporation of moisture and preserving the quality and shelf life of the goods.
Furthermore, it’s equipped with advanced controls and monitoring systems, allowing for precise temperature and humidity adjustments, ensuring consistent and uniform drying results. With its robust construction and large capacity, this industrial-grade dehydrator is capable of handling high volumes of products, making it an indispensable tool for large-scale production operations.
Conclusion
In a wrap, an excellent commercial food dehydrator needs to be a robust piece of machine. It should incorporate features that will withstand the demanding tasks.
Importantly, the machine needs to be versatile since businesses come with extra tasks. For this reason, purchasing a system that can do most of the jobs can reduce the costs of running your business.
Lastly, you should consider a system that can adequately preserve your food without going bad, to avoid losses and the risk of being sued because of health issues.
![NESCO FD-75PR Snackmaster® Pro Food Dehydrator Review [5 Tray]](https://dehydratorlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/NESCO-FD-75PR-5-Tray-Snackmaster®-Pro-Food-Dehydrator-Review.jpg)
