Picture this: tender, marinated strips of meat, bursting with rich, savory flavors, expertly preserved to perfection. If you’re a jerky enthusiast, you know that achieving such culinary marvels requires the best food dehydrator for jerky at your side.
We’ve researched, compared, and tested to bring you detailed reviews of the top jerky dehydrators on the market, ensuring you find the perfect tool to create your own delicious beef jerky snacks.
Best Dehydrator for Jerky Overall: Cosori Premium Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator
2024 Update: Excalibur 9 Tray replaced by Cosori Food Dehydrator as top editor’s choice. New products reviewed.
In 2024, our choice for the best dehydrator for jerky is the Cosori Premium Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator. This top-rated product, a best-seller on Amazon with the highest rankings and rave reviews, stands out for its exceptional blend of power, capacity, and design. Not only is it beloved by our team, but it’s also a favorite choice among consumers, solidifying its status in the market.
- Best Dehydrator for Jerky Overall: Cosori Food Dehydrator. Its premium construction features six stainless steel trays, providing a substantial 6.48ft² of drying space. Multiple advanced features alongside a powerful 600W heating element, it delivers optimal drying efficiency for jerky, making it our top choice for jerky dehydration.
- Runner-Up: Excalibur 9-Tray Digital. Good quality, reliable, easy-to-use dehydrator for making jerky with flexible capacity (9 trays total), programmable 48-hour digital timer, and thermostat.
- Best for Budget: Hamilton Beach. Affordable, compact, and versatile unit with an adjustable digital timer, thermostat, and auto shut-off features that you won’t find easily at this price point.
- Best Mid-Range: Presto Dehydro. Vertical airflow dehydrator with 6 circular trays that can be expanded up to 12 trays, sophisticated control panel, adjustable thermostat plus a wide temperature range.
- Best Compact: Nesco Gardenmaster 4-Tray
- Best Entry-Level: Waring Pro 5-Tray
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Read on our best food dehydrator for jerky reviews to find out which model is the best for your household.
Best Food Dehydrator for Jerky: Cosori Premium Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator
The COSORI Food Dehydrator sets the bar for food preservation. Its features, design, and quality are second to none. Whether you’re an experienced jerky maker or just starting out, you’ll appreciate the ease of use, flexibility, and performance this unit brings.
One user summed it up perfectly: “Spend the extra money and buy this! It’s worth the extra cost, believe me!” Therefore, it’s no surprise that it stands as our editor’s top choice for the best food dehydrator for jerky on the market.
Features & Benefits
Boasting a large drying space of 6.48ft², the COSORI Food Dehydrator provides ample room to dry a wide variety of foods including herbs, meat, fruits, and yogurt. Its robust 600W power ensures efficient drying while its six stainless steel trays are easy to install, remove, and clean.
The unit’s 48-hour timer and 165°F temperature control system offer unparalleled precision. Just set the temperature and time, then walk away – the dehydrator does the rest.
Design & Quality
In terms of design, the COSORI Food Dehydrator is sleek, functional, and boasts high-quality construction. It’s about the size of a large toaster oven, fitting neatly into most kitchen spaces. Its shape facilitates easy loading, and the numerous tray slots let you control stack amount and height.
Tips & Tricks
When dehydrating, make sure to trim all fat off meat to prevent spoiling. For fruits, try experimenting with different types like pineapple or papaya for a tasty treat. Make sure to clean your trays after use to prevent any cross-contamination.
Pros:
- Large drying space
- Easy-to-clean stainless steel trays
- Precise temperature and time control
- Robust construction
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Might be considered bulky for smaller kitchens
- Only one fruit/small grid mat and one leather tray included
- The dehydration process can be time-consuming
Comparison with other products
Compared to cheaper, plastic models, the COSORI Food Dehydrator outperforms them in virtually every aspect. It’s quieter, easier to clean, and offers more control over the drying process. Unlike round dehydrators, it doesn’t require the rotation of trays or meticulous monitoring.
When it comes to food dehydration, no other model can quite match the COSORI Dehydrator. If you’re a jerky enthusiast or simply want to venture into the world of food preservation, this device is the top editor’s choice for numerous reasons.
Runner-up Dehydrator for Jerky: Excalibur 3948CDB 9-Tray Digital
TL;DR
- Type: Horizontal airflow, rear-mounted fan-heater unit
- Trays: 9 rectangular trays
- Tray Material: BPA-free polypropylene #5
- Body Material: FDA-approved polycarbonate
- Digital temperature control and 48-hour timer controls, auto switch off
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty
- Net weight: 25.5 lbs
- Capacity: 14 sq. ft.
- Power rating: 600 watts
- Temperature ranges: 95°F – 165°F
- Features: Clear, detachable door
Excalibur, one of the leading US producers of food dehydrators, has recently released its latest 948CDB 9-Tray Dehydrator model with a digital timer and fluctuating temperature setting.
The timer can be set to two different temperatures that can run for different lengths of time (can be set to a high temperature for a set time period, and then to a lower temperature for a further time period. The unit will automatically change to the lower temperature when the first time period expires, and will switch off when the second one does.) up to a total of 48 hours, with automatic switch-off at the end of the cycle. The timer also has a memory which allows it to retain its settings in the event of a power interruption. This also means that the door can be removed and replaced without the timer having to be reset. The varying temperature settings ranges from a low of 95°F up to a high of 165°F.
This enables fast removal of surface moisture to prevent mold and bacteria growth, followed by a longer drying cycle at a lower drying power in order to draw interior moisture to the surface for evaporation. The ParallaxTM Horizontal Air-flow System combined with HyperwaveTM Fluctuation Technology ensures even drying of foodstuffs in all areas of the dehydrator. The lightweight polycarbonate unit has a clear door and the body is available in only one color – black. It’s square, 9-tray design offers flexibility with efficiency.
The exterior dimensions of the Excalibur 3948CDB are 17” width, 19” depth and 12.5” height. The unit weighs 25.5 lbs.
This model can dry up to 9 trays of foodstuff at a time. Each tray is 15” x 15”, giving a total drying space of 14 sq. ft. Shelves can be removed to make room for dehydrated foods that need more height than the space between each rack.
Parallexx Horizontal Air-flow Drying System is the Excalibur’s own trademark system that distributes pre-warmed hot air evenly over the foodstuffs on all the trays assuring an even heat distribution.
The food trays in this Excalibur Digital Dehydrator are made of BPA-free polypropylene #5, the safest plastic for use in contact with food and they are also dishwasher safe trays.
The casing material is FDA-approved polycarbonate, which will not give off harmful fumes at the temperatures at which the dehydrator operates.
The clear polycarbonate sheet in the door is lightweight and shatterproof, so it is less likely to be dropped and broken.
The electrical components are housed in an enclosure at the rear of the unit, and the unit has three separate safety mechanisms to protect against electrical malfunction.
It has a see-through polycarbonate door which enables the user to monitor the state of the dehydrated foods without having to open the door, improving the overall energy efficiency of the unit. If the need arises, the door can easily be removed for cleaning.
Pros
- Lightweight, robust construction
- Rear-mounted fan and heating element avoids drips and allows even airflow
- Versatile with new 2-step digital time and adjustable temperature control
- Raised control panel easier to access and view
- Automatic switch-off improves safety
- Timer Memory to avoid having to reset after power cut
- Shelves can be left out to allow larger foodstuffs to be processed
- Large capacity at 14 sq. ft.
- See-through door improves efficiency
- Door and shelves can be removed for ease of cleaning
- Spare parts are available via the manufacturer
- Flexibility in tray configuration and tray rotation
Cons
- Expensive
- No drip pan
Why We Picked Excalibur 3948CDB
- The rectangular shape of the trays makes for easier and more efficient loading of meat strips when making jerky.
- Trays can be omitted to make more space between trays, for example if one wishes to hang strips of meat vertically.
- The clear door makes it possible to monitor the process without disturbing the airflow.
- The timer and fluctuating temperature technology allows the dehydrator to be programmed to dehydrate the meat initially at a higher temperature to kill off pathogens, then at a more moderate temperature for even consistent drying.
- The dehydrator has a variable thermostat, so that, once the meat has been heated at maximum temperature long enough to prevent the growth of any harmful pathogens (at least 2 hours), the temperature can be lowered for a more even drying out cycle (145°F to 155°F for at least 2 hours).
- The Excalibur website states that the temperature indicated on the dehydrator read-out is the average temperature that the food will achieve, not the air temperature.
- One user review reported that the processing time for ground meat jerky was reduced to 6 hours, compared with the two-day drying period required using his previous jerky maker.
- As a drip tray, a piece of food parchment can be cut to fit the base of the dehydrator
READ OUR FULL Excalibur 3948CDB 9-Tray Digital Review
Best Jerky Dehydrator for Budget: Hamilton Beach 32100A 5-Tray
TL;DR
- Type: Vertical airflow, base-mounted fan-heater unit
- Trays: 5 rectangular stackable trays (with rounded corners)
- Tray Material: BPA-free plastic
- Body Material: Not indicated
- Digital temperature control and 48-hour timer controls
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty (5 years in Canada)
- Net weight: 8 lbs
- Capacity: 4.5 sq. ft.
- Power rating: 500 watts
- Temperature range: 100°F – 160°F
- Features: Raised fan outlet
The Hamilton Beach 32100A 5-Tray dehydrator is a very affordable vertical flow dehydrator with rectangular trays and digital controls that make for an attractive, compact and practical appliance that is easy to use and to store. It has a clear lid to make it possible to monitor the dehydration process without having to open the unit.
The outside dimensions of the dehydrator are 11.2” x 5.9” x 12.8”, and it weighs 8 pounds. Its drying space is 0.9 sq. ft. per tray, with a total drying area of 4.5 sq. ft. when all 5 trays are used. There is no indication that additional trays can be used.
Features and Controls
- 48-hour digital timer with automatic shutoff.
- Adjustable digital thermostat.
- Continuous airflow provides even consistent drying.
- Clear the lid so you can easily check dehydrated foods.
- Rectangular trays are easier to load with less wasted space.
- Raised fan outlet to reduce the risk of problems with juices and food particles.
- Includes 5 trays, a lid, one fine-mesh insert sheet, and one solid sheet insert.
- The temp. range is from 100°F through 160°F.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Lightweight
- Rectangular-shaped trays convenient for placing food
- Clear lid to monitor dehydration progress
- Digital adjustable temperature control
- Digital timer with automatic shutoff
- Raised fan outlet
- Includes fine mesh insert and fruit roll sheet
Cons
- Small storage space
- May need to rearrange food during the drying process
Why We Picked Hamilton Beach 32100A
- The rectangular shape of the trays makes for easier and more efficient loading of meat strips when making delicious jerky.
- Since the lid is made of clear plastic, it is possible to view the meat on the top tray (which would take the longest to dehydrate) to monitor the progress of dehydration.
- It is also possible to open the dehydrator and check the trays below the top one without having to interrupt the drying process on the lower trays.
- Reviewers indicate that the temperature settings on this dehydrator are accurate to within a degree or two, which makes it one of the most accurate dehydrator thermostats on the market.
- The Hamilton Beach 32100A has a variable thermostat, so that, once the meat has been heated at maximum temperature long enough to prevent the growth of any harmful pathogens (at least 2 hours), the temperature can be lowered for a more even drying out cycle (145°F to 155°F for at least 2 hours).
- This Hamilton Beach jerky maker is supplied with a fruit roll sheet that can be used as a drip tray on the lowest tray, or on the base, to make clean-up easier.
READ OUR FULL Hamilton Beach 32100A 5-Tray Review
Best Mid-Range: Presto 06301 Dehydro 6-Tray Digital Electric Review
TL;DR
- Type: Vertical airflow, base-mounted fan and heating element
- Trays: 6 circular stackable trays
- Tray Material: BPA-free plastic
- Body Material: BPA-free plastic
- Digital temperature control and 48-hour timer controls
- Warranty: One year limited warranty
- Net weight: 8.5 lbs
- Capacity: 6 sq. ft.
- Power rating: 750 watts
- Temperature range: 90°F – 165°F
- Features: Expandable to 12 trays
The Presto 06301 Dehydro Digital Electric 6-Tray has a built-in digital timer and temperature controls and a 48-hour timer making it more suitable for making jerky than the basic 06300 model. It is an attractive, affordable vertical airflow dehydrator with circular trays that can be inverted to reduce its vertical height for storage.
The digital thermostat allows a choice of drying power between 90°F through 165°F, and the timer can be set in half hour steps for up to 48 hours of drying time.
The storage space of the Presto 06301 is not indicated in its literature. It is shipped with six drying dishwasher-safe trays, two fruit roll sheets, two nonstick mesh screen trays, and a cover which are also dishwasher-safe. Six round trays at approximately 14.5” diameter give a drying area of about 1 sq. ft. per tray, or 6 sq. ft. when all four trays are used. The unit is expandable to a maximum of twelve trays, increasing the total drying space to approximately 12 sq. ft. When the dehydrator is not in use, the trays can be installed upside down so that they nest snugly into each other in their inverted position to reduce the overall height of the appliance by 40%, making it easier to store.
The base and cover of the dehydrator are made of polycarbonate which, in earlier models, may have contained trace amounts of BPA. In response to concerns expressed by some customers, the Presto Customer Service Department responded in May 2016 with the following statement:
“Current production of all Presto Dehydrators no longer contains BPA … Note: Prior production contained BPA in the cover, the indicator light, and an internal fan. Keep in mind that none of these parts come into contact with food.”
A see-through cover on the top tray lets you monitor drying progress.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Lightweight
- Clear lid
- Expandable from 6 to 12 trays
- Digital controls
Cons
- Small capacity
- Fan and heating element in the base, susceptible to damage
Why We Picked Presto 06301 Dehydro
- Since the lid is made of clear plastic, it is possible to view the meat on the top tray (which would take the longest to dehydrate) to monitor the progress of dehydration.
- It is also possible to open the dehydrator and check the trays below the top one without having to interrupt the drying process on the lower trays.
- The Presto 06301 Dehydro has a variable thermostat, so that, once the meat has been heated at maximum temperature long enough to prevent the growth of any harmful pathogens (at least 2 hours), the temperature can be lowered for a more even drying out cycle (145°F to 155°F for at least 2 hours).
- Care must be taken with this dehydrator so that meat juices and marinades do not drip into the heater and fan unit that is located in the base of the appliance.
- Dab meat dry with a paper towel before placing it on the racks.
READ OUR FULL Presto 06301 Dehydro Review
Best Compact: Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 4-Tray
TL;DR
- Type: Vertical airflow, top-mounted fan-heater unit
- Trays: 4 circular stackable trays
- Tray Material: BPA-free plastic
- Body Material: Not indicated (Plastic)
- Digital adjustable temperature control and 48-hour timer
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty
- Net weight: 8.95 lbs
- Capacity: 4 sq. ft.
- Power rating: 1,000 watts
- Temperature range: 90°F – 160°F
- Features: Converga-Flow®, expandable to 20 trays
The Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 cylindrical, stackable tray food dehydrator has a powerful 1,000-watt heating element with a maximum temperature setting of 160°F. It has a temperature range of 90°F through 160°F.
It is a compact, attractive but serious jerky maker that will be an asset to any kitchen. The 15.5” diameter circular, stackable trays provide a drying space of approximately 1 sq. ft. per tray, or 4 sq. ft. in total for the basic unit. Each tray can hold 1lb of meat and the dehydrator can accommodate up to 20 trays, according to the manual.
Most people find using 6 to 12 trays adequate (the extra trays, which must be purchased in pairs, are relatively expensive). With more than 12 trays comes the need to rotate trays vertically in order to get even dehydration. The Nesco dehydrator storage space can be increased by adding pairs of trays, for up to a total of 20 trays. When using the dehydrator, at least four trays must always be used to ensure correct operation, even if some of them do not have any food on them.
The dehydrator has a digital timer and thermostat, and the timer can be set in half-hour steps for up to 48 hours of drying time.
The patented Nesco Converga-Flow® design allows for a unique horizontal airflow within a stackable dehydrator, ensuring more even drying of food on each tray and even heat distribution.
It has a top-mounted fan and heater unit that is not vulnerable to the potential problem of food particles and juices falling into the unit and burning, or causing electrical faults.
Its food contact surfaces are all BPA-free, for safe use with foodstuffs.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage
- Built-in timer and auto cut-off
- Digital thermostat from 90°F to 160°F
- The top-mounted fan-heater unit makes it easier to keep clean
- Expandable to 20 trays
Cons
- Small capacity
- Need to remove the lid with the fan-heater unit to check the progress
Why We Picked Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040
- The Nesco dehydrator has a variable timer and thermostat, so once the meat has been heated at maximum temperature long enough to prevent the growth of any harmful bacteria and pathogens (at least 2 hours), the drying power can be lowered for a more even drying out cycle (145°F to 155°F for at least 2 hours).
- The Nesco Gardenmaster is one of the few dehydrators recommended in a University of Wisconsin publication for making homemade jerky.
- The manufacturer claims that the Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 food dehydrator can dehydrate jerky in four hours, and customer reviews seem to confirm this time or slightly longer, which is still significantly faster than with many other similar machines.
- The user manual recommends freezing game meat to 0°F for 60 days prior to dehydrating, and post-heating poultry jerky to 165°F for at least 60 minutes, as precautions against Salmonella and other disease risks.
READ OUR FULL Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 4-Tray Review
Best Entry-Level: Waring Pro DHR30 Professional 5-Tray
TL;DR
- Type: Vertical airflow, base-mounted fan-heater unit
- Trays: 5 circular stackable trays (with flattened ends)
- Tray Material: BPA-free plastic
- Body Material: Not indicated (Plastic)
- Controls: Analog temperature settings (L, M & H) and off switch
- Warranty: One-year limited warranty extendable to five years on motor only
- Net weight: 9.6 lbs
- Capacity: 5 sq. ft.
- Power rating: 620 watts
- Temperature range: 110°F, 140°F, 175°F
- Features: Clear trays
The Waring Pro DHR30 Professional 5-tray food dehydrator is a basic vertical airflow dehydrator at an affordable price. Most customer reviews are positive about the resulting produce of the Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator, especially the delicious beef jerky that it produces. The ability to switch the appliance on and off without having to unplug it from the wall socket makes it easier and more convenient to operate than many similar models.
The outer dimensions of the unit are a height of 13.5” and a diameter of 15.5”, but the trays are not exactly round, having flat ends 11.5” apart. The capacity of the Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator is not stated in any of the literature, but a rough estimate based on the dimensions given produces a surface area of approximately 1 sq. ft. per tray. The capacity is thus approximately 5 sq. ft. when all five trays are in use. There is no indication that additional trays can be used.
The unit has three thermostat settings, Low, Medium and High, as well as a ‘Fan Only’ mode. According to the manufacturer, these settings represent temperatures of approximately 110°F, 140°F and 175°F.
According to the product insert for the Waring Pro DHR30 Dehydrator, all surfaces that come into contact with food are BPA-free, making it safe for drying foods including meats. Clear trays make it easy to monitor the dehydration process.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Lightweight
- Clear trays for ease of monitoring
- High maximum temperature
Cons
- Small capacity
- Not expandable
- Fan and heater unit in the base, susceptible to damage
Why We Picked Waring Pro DHR30
- This is a real entry-level dehydrator, but has a high enough maximum temperature for jerky making, and an adjustable thermostat that is recommended for making jerky at home.
- The Waring Pro DHR30 Professional 5-tray food dehydrator has a variable thermostat, so that, once the meat has been heated at maximum temperature long enough to prevent the growth of any harmful bacteria and pathogens (at least 2 hours), the temperature can be lowered to ‘Medium’ (140°F for at least 2 hours) for a more even drying-out cycle.
- Care must be taken when making jerky with this dehydrator so that meat juices and marinades do not drip into the heater and fan unit that is located in the base of the appliance.
- Dab meat dry with a paper towel before placing it on the racks.
- Customer reviews indicate that the plastic trays and lid are prone to warping, however, so they should be washed by hand, or removed from the dishwasher before the drying cycle starts.
- The US Department of Agriculture recommends that homemade jerky is either pre-heated to an internal temperature of 160°F (165°F for poultry) prior to dehydrating or else placed in a 275°F pre-heated oven for 10 minutes after dehydrating.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Waring Pro DHR30 Professional 5-Tray Review
Comparison With Other Jerky Dehydrators
Jerky dehydrators are a relatively new phenomenon that is growing in popularity, and more players are jumping on the bandwagon of supplying them. With all the different types, styles and brands available, many with brand names that represent suppliers rather than manufacturers, it is good practice to read reviews and to look at what is behind the name before picking one from the best dehydrators for jerky on the market.
| Rank | Model | Editor's Rating | Price | Trays | Thermostat | Temp | Airflow | Material | Dimensions | Weight | Power | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Hamilton Beach 32100A 5-Tray | 4.4/5 | $ | 5 | Adjustable | 100-160 °F | Vertical | Plastic | 5.86x11.25x12.75 | 8 lbs | 500 watts | 5 years |
| 2. | Presto 06301 Dehydro 6-Tray | 4.4/5 | $$ | 5 up to 12 | Adjustable | 90-165 °F | Vertical | Plastic | 15x14.5x7.25 | 8.5 lbs | 750 watts | 1 year |
| 3. | Ronco FD6000WHGEN | 3.5/5 | $ | 5 | No | 133 °F | Vertical | Plastic | 13x11x13 | 5.3 lbs | 125 watts | 1 year |
| 4. | Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 | 4.4/5 | $$ | 4 up to 20 | Digital Adjustable | 90-160 °F | Horizontal | Plastic | 15.5x15.5x9.5 | 8.95 lbs | 1000 watts | 1 year |
| 5. | Excalibur 3948CDB | 4.1/5 | $$$$ | 9 | Adjustable | 95-165 °F | Horizontal | Polycarbonate | 21.6x19.2x16.3 | 25.5 lbs | 600 watts | 10 years |
| 6. | Waring Pro DHR30 | 4.2/5 | $ | 5 up to 9 | Adjustable | 110-175 °F | Vertical | Plastic | 14.7x12.4x11.8 | 9.6 lbs | 620 watts | 5 years |
| 7. | Tribest Sedona Express | 4/5 | $$$$$ | 11 | Digital Adjustable | 75-167 °F | Horizontal | BPA-Free Plastic | 12x17.5x14 | 20.4 lbs | 450 watts | 10 years |
| 8. | STX Dehydra 1200W-XLS | 3.4/5 | $$$ | 10 | Adjustable | 85-155 °F | Horizontal | Stainless Steel | 12.5x19x13.75 | 22.5 lbs | 600 watts | 3 years |
| 9. | TSM Products Dehydrator | 4/5 | $$$$$ | 5 | Adjustable | 95-165 °F | Horizontal | Stainless Steel | 18.8x16.5x9 | 31.4 lbs | 800 watts | 10 years |
| 10. | Raw Rutes 5-Tray | 4.7/5 | $$$$ | 5 | Adjustable | 50-175 °F | Horizontal | Stainless Steel | 20.8x10.5x21 | 35 lbs | 800 watts | 3 years |
If you’re looking for the best dehydrator overall, not just best suited for making jerky, read our in depth dehydrator reviews where we go into a lot of details, plus comparison charts, buying guides, tips plus FAQ and a lot more. Or you might consider a jerky gun.
FAQs
Jerky is a very healthy way to eat meat, given that only lean meat is used, it is not cooked with any oils or fats, and nor is all the nutrition boiled out of it. Homemade jerky is even better, in that you can control what ingredients are used in the flavoring and don’t need to add artificial preservatives or flavorants.
Most importantly, the dehydrator preserves nutrients. But there are some questions that need to be addressed and here are the most important ones we selected for our best dehydrators for jerky page.
When is the beef jerky ready?
Jerky is considered ready if it cracks when it is bent, but does not break.
What kinds of meat can I use to make jerky?
Jerky can be made from most meats, including beef, pork, venison (game meat), chicken, turkey jerky and even fish.
When using venison, choose clean, non‐damaged meat and freeze it for 60 days at 0°F before drying, as a precaution against any diseases that the animal might have been carrying.
When making jerky from pork, chicken or turkey, it is best to use pre-cooked or processed meat.
Is it safe to make beef jerky at home?
Jerky-making has been a popular traditional means of preserving meat for centuries, well before the time of commercial dehydrators, so yes, it is safe to make jerky at home.
You must simply follow the instructions in the dehydrator’s manual carefully.
Cooking foods requires hygienic practices, but this is especially true when it comes to handling meat and making homemade jerky. All utensils and appliances, as well as your hands, should be washed thoroughly before starting. Rinse the meat that you are going to be using and ensure all your work surfaces are clean and tidy.
Ensure that your hands and all the utensils, equipment and surfaces that will come into contact with the raw meat are thoroughly washed with soap and warm water before and after use.
Use only lean meat with minimal fat or marbling.
The US Department of Agriculture recommends that home-made jerky is either pre-heated to an internal temperature of 160°F (165°F for poultry) prior to dehydrating, or else placed in a 275°F pre-heated oven for at least 10 minutes after dehydrating. This will destroy the most common food-borne pathogens of Salmonella and E. coli. Otherwise you will need to either pre-cook the meat or heat it after dehydration.
Note that the US FDA recommends that fixed temperature food dehydrators should not be used for making jerky, so only adjustable temperature models with a maximum temperature of 160°F or more will be considered.
How thin must I slice the meat to make good beef jerky?
It recommended that meat is sliced no thicker than ¼” to ⅜” to ensure thorough drying and an easy to eat snack. Cut strips to a length that fits easily onto the dehydrator trays.
Partially freezing the meat before preparing it will make it easier to cut it into thin slices.
Should I slice the meat with the grain or across/against the grain?
Slicing meat with the grain will produce chewy jerky, popular as healthy snacks especially in the Southwest.
Slicing the meat across the grain will produce a delicious jerky that is more tender, and easier to break apart and chew.
Is it necessary for the meat to still be heated if the dehydrator goes up to 160°F?
Although the interior of the dehydrator may reach a temperature of 160°F, the interior of the meat, where pathogens can occur, may not reach that temperature.
In order to be certain that all pathogens are destroyed, it is recommended that the jerky is heated at 275°F for at least 10 minutes in a preheated oven after drying.
Should I pre-cook the meat or heat it after dehydrating?
Meat that is pre-cooked before dehydration will have a shorter drying time, but the resulting jerky will have a dry, crumbly texture, which is not popular in areas where chewy, flexible jerky is the norm for healthy snacks.
How does the vinegar soak method work?
Pour vinegar into a glass, stainless steel or food-grade plastic container (do not use aluminum) and soak the meat strips for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and ensuring that the vinegar covers all the strips completely.
Drain the vinegar from the meat strips and marinate them in the refrigerator before placing them in the dehydrator.
The acidity of the vinegar (which is ascetic acid), combined with the heat of the dehydrator, will destroy the pathogens.
Can I marinate the meat before dehydrating it?
Yes, marinating whole muscle meat is a popular way of improving the flavor of jerky. Marinate the meat in a refrigerator and not at room temperature, and do not re-use the marinade. Thaw venison in the refrigerator before marinating it. Ground meat should rather be flavored by mixing it with jerky seasoning and dry spices before forming it into strips, for example with a jerky gun.
According to researchers, cure and spices aid the destruction of pathogens, even when mixed into marinades.
Is there an alternative to heating the meat to destroy pathogens when making jerky?
Yes, if you want to avoid heating the meat then you can use the vinegar soak method to kill pathogens that may be present in the meat. This method, along with pre-heating and post-heating of beef jerky, has been identified by scientists at the Universities of Georgia and Wisconsin and Colorado State University, as a safe method to prepare jerky at home. The vinegar soak method should not, however, be used on game meat, as its effectiveness in destroying Trichinella, a pathogen identified in some wild meats, has not been studied.
Wrapping It Up
There is a wide range of dehydrators for making beef jerky, but, depending on the amount of jerky you want to make, your available space and your budget, you will want to choose the one that best suits you, or you might go for a jerky gun.
When making jerky, as with other meat products, hygiene and health are of primary concern. For this reason, although manufacturers may claim that their dehydrators are safe for making jerky, it is best to follow the recommendations of the USDA regarding pre- or post-treatment of the meat.
Vinegar soaking is an alternative method that doesn’t involve heating the jerky beyond the dehydrator temperature, and is popular in some regions.
Whatever method is used, and whichever dehydrator is chosen, the production of home-made jerky is a rewarding past-time for a number of reasons, including the fresh taste, savings, and satisfaction of knowing that the jerky doesn’t contain any ‘unknowns’.
Dehydrate, and enjoy!
