Best Commercial-Style Food Dehydrators for Home Use
The best commercial-style food dehydrators include the Excalibur Performance 10-Tray for two-phase drying programs, the LEM BigBite 10-Tray for a five-year warranty, and the Cercker 14-Tray Stainless Steel for 14 trays with a 3-year warranty.
On this page (13 sections)
- The 7 best commercial-style food dehydrators in detail
- Side by side: drying area, power and top temperature
- How we picked these 7
- Is a commercial-style dehydrator too big for a home kitchen?
- What size and weight do these units need?
- What comes in the box with each dehydrator?
- Do you need hanging racks in a commercial dehydrator?
- Which of these dehydrators has the biggest trays?
- How much drying room does a family batch need?
- What power and temperature range do the 10-tray units offer?
- Which of these dehydrators has the longest warranty?
- How loud are these dehydrators?
- Which commercial-style dehydrator to buy
The best commercial-style food dehydrator in this roundup is the Excalibur Performance 10-Tray, followed by the LEM BigBite 10-Tray and the Cercker 14-Tray. In these product names, commercial points to size and build, not to a food-service certification.
This roundup covers seven large stainless units for home use, from 10 trays to 18 trays. For the broader picture, start with food dehydrators for jerky.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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3
Best for 14 trays with a 3-year warrantyCercker 14-Tray Stainless Steel
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itSeptree 18-Tray Stainless Steel
Best for the biggest batch on this list - 5
Check itAusegia 12-Tray Stainless Steel
Best for a 12-tray load with hanging drying - 6
Check itCosori 10-Tray XL Stainless Steel
Best for a family-size 10-tray load - 7
Best for a compact 10-tray set with matsCheck it
The 7 best commercial-style food dehydrators in detail
The Excalibur Performance leads for its two drying phases and 3-year warranty, and the LEM follows with a 5-year warranty and a 95 to 176°F range. The BENCHFOODS comes last because its maker doesn't state a wattage or temperature range.
Excalibur Performance 10-Tray
- 10 stainless trays, 16 sq ft
- 800W with horizontal airflow
- 85 to 165°F for up to 80 hours
- Two drying phases with a progress bar
Two drying phases at different times and temperatures let you change settings partway through a batch. Excalibur backs the Performance with a 3-year manufacturer limited warranty.
Pros
- Two drying phases in one run
- 16 sq ft of drying space on 10 stainless trays
- 3-year manufacturer limited warranty
Cons
- At 26.9 lb, it's a heavy unit to move
- Its 165°F top is lower than the 176°F on the LEM
The Excalibur Performance 10-Tray is the pick for a steady home cook who wants settings that change partway through a batch. Its panel runs two drying phases, each with its own time and temperature.
It has 16 sq ft of drying space across ten stainless trays, and the 800W unit uses horizontal airflow. Excalibur says its Hyperwave Pulse Technology and horizontal airflow dry food evenly without tray rotation.
A top window and a progress bar let you check the batch without opening the door. The hideaway door slides under the unit for easy access to dried food.
The timer runs up to 80 hours, the longest in this group. Skip it if you need a top setting above 165°F or a light unit, since at 26.9 lb it's heavy.
At 17.32 in tall, it stands far lower than the 29.53 in Septree.
LEM BigBite 10-Tray
- 10 stainless trays, 10 sq ft
- 800W with a rear-mounted fan
- 95 to 176°F in 2-degree steps
- 30-minute to 24-hour timer
A five-year factory warranty, the longest in this group, comes with a 95 to 176°F range. The 10 sq ft of drying space and dishwasher-safe trays suit a steady home batch.
Pros
- Five-year factory warranty
- Dishwasher-safe stainless trays and drip tray
- Digital panel in 2-degree steps
Cons
- Its 24-hour timer is shorter than the 48-hour timer on the Cosori XL and the 80 hours on the Excalibur
- At 10 sq ft, it has less drying room than the Excalibur or the Cosori XL
The LEM BigBite 10-Tray is the pick if a long warranty matters as much as capacity. LEM gives it a five-year factory warranty, the longest term in this group.
The 800W heating element and rear-mounted fan move air across ten stainless trays, with 10 sq ft of drying space. The panel adjusts in 2-degree steps from 95°F to 176°F, so you can set the heat closely.
The glass door swings wide and closes with a magnetic latch, so tray access is simple. Its trays and drip tray are dishwasher-safe, and the feet are non-slip.
LEM also says it offers lifetime customer support, and the cord is 48 in long. Skip it if you need a timer longer than 24 hours, since the BigBite stops there.
Cercker 14-Tray Stainless Steel
- 14 stainless trays, 12.52 x 9.84 in each
- 1200W with a rear two-row fan
- 70 to 190°F in 5-degree steps
- 3-year warranty
Fourteen trays and 1200W with a 70 to 190°F range give a large load plenty of room. Cercker backs the unit with a 3-year warranty, and the kit includes a drip tray and silicone gloves.
Pros
- 14 trays in one unit
- Automatic shutdown after the timer and overheat protection
- 3-year warranty with a drip tray included
Cons
- Cercker says new stainless steel can smell, and it suggests ventilating for a few days
- Each tray is 12.52 x 9.84 in, smaller than the 15.67 in trays on the Septree
The Cercker 14-Tray is the pick for a large batch with a 3-year warranty. It has 14 stainless trays, each 12.52 by 9.84 in, which adds up to about 12 sq ft, and a 1200W unit with a rear two-row fan.
The control runs from 70°F to 190°F in 5-degree steps, with a 24-hour timer in half-hour increments. Cercker says the shutdown starts right after the timer ends, and overheat protection is built in.
The box includes a drip tray, silicone gloves, a screwdriver, a door handle and a recipe book. Cercker gives a noise figure of 50 dB or less.
It suits a cook who wants a big stack of trays without a 2000W unit. Skip it if the new-unit smell bothers you, since Cercker says stainless can smell at first and suggests a few days of ventilation.
Septree 18-Tray Stainless Steel
- 18 stainless trays, up to 34.42 sq ft
- 2000W with horizontal airflow
- 70 to 190°F with a 0.5-to-24-hour timer
- 2 hanging racks, 20 hooks and 18 silicone sheets
Eighteen trays with up to 34.42 sq ft of drying space is the most room in this group by a wide margin. Septree includes 20 hooks, 18 non-stick silicone sheets and a drip tray.
Pros
- Most drying space in this group
- Hanging racks, hooks and silicone sheets included
- Glass front door and dishwasher-safe trays
Cons
- At 29.53 in tall, check the clearance under your cabinets
- No weight is stated, so check the manual before you plan its spot
The Septree 18-Tray is the pick if you want the most drying room in this group. It has 18 stainless trays, each 15.67 in square, a stated drying area of up to 34.42 sq ft and a 2000W unit with horizontal airflow.
The panel runs from 70°F to 190°F, with a timer from 0.5 to 24 hours and an automatic shutoff. The box includes 2 hanging racks, 20 hooks, 18 non-stick silicone sheets and a drip tray.
The front door is glass, so you can watch the trays. Its trays are dishwasher-safe, which saves time after a big batch.
It suits a large family or a big harvest that would otherwise take many runs. Skip it if your counter is low or you want a compact unit, since the Septree stands 29.53 in tall.
Ausegia 12-Tray Stainless Steel
- 12 stainless trays, 15.75 x 15.75 in each
- 1200W with a rear-mounted fan
- 70 to 190°F with a 30-minute to 24-hour timer
- Hanging drying and glass front door
Twelve trays of 15.75 in each give a large load of strips room to dry. Ausegia also includes a hanger, 12 hooks and a drip tray, so hanging is an option.
Pros
- Large 15.75 in trays
- Tray and hanging drying in one unit
- Glass front door and overheat protection
Cons
- At 21.38 in deep, it needs a deep counter or floor space
- Its 24-hour timer is shorter than the 48-hour timer on the Cosori XL
The Ausegia 12-Tray is the pick if you want to dry food on trays and hang strips in the same unit. It has 12 stainless trays, each 15.75 by 15.75 in, and a 1200W motor with a rear-mounted fan.
The timer runs from 30 minutes to 24 hours in 30-minute steps, and the temperature runs from 70°F to 190°F. The box includes a hanger, 12 hooks, a drip tray, 6 silicone pads, a non-stick sheet and gloves.
The glass front door lets you monitor the batch, and Ausegia says its double row vents speed the release of moisture. Overheat protection is built in.
It suits a home cook who wants big trays and a hanging option. Skip it if you have shallow counter space, since at 21.38 in deep it needs room.
Cosori 10-Tray XL Stainless Steel
- 10 stainless trays, 16.2 sq ft
- 1000W with horizontal airflow
- 95 to 165°F in 1-degree steps
- 48-hour timer and memory function
16.2 sq ft of drying space across ten 15.6 x 15 in trays suits a large family. Cosori adds a 48-hour timer and a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Pros
- 16.2 sq ft of drying area
- 1-degree control from 95 to 165°F
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- At 21.3 in deep, it needs a deep counter or floor space
- Its 165°F top is below the 190°F ceiling on the Septree, Cercker and Ausegia
The Cosori 10-Tray XL is the pick for a family-size load on a 10-tray unit. It gives you 16.2 sq ft of drying space across ten trays that each measure 15.6 by 15 in.
The 1000W unit uses horizontal airflow, and its control runs from 95°F to 165°F in 1-degree steps. A 48-hour timer and a memory function are also built in.
Cosori includes a mesh screen, a fruit roll sheet and a recipe book with 50 recipes. The trays are dishwasher-safe, and the unit has overheat protection.
It suits a family that dries a lot of food at once and wants fine control. Skip it if you need a top setting above 165°F or a shallow unit, since it's 21.3 in deep.
Cosori backs the unit with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
BENCHFOODS 10-Tray Compact
- 10 stainless mesh trays, 6.5 sq ft
- Silicone solid and mesh mats included
- Adjustable temperature and timer
- Stainless pan drip tray and silicone oven mitt
Ten trays with 6.5 sq ft of drying area and silicone mats make this the smallest drying area in the group. BENCHFOODS includes a stainless drip tray, a silicone oven mitt and a digital recipe e-book.
Pros
- Mats and mesh trays included
- Compact body for a counter
- Adjustable temperature and timer
Cons
- BENCHFOODS doesn't state a wattage or temperature range, so check the manual before using it for jerky
- At 6.5 sq ft, it has the smallest drying area in this roundup
The BENCHFOODS 10-Tray Compact is the pick for a small kitchen with a counter to spare. It has ten stainless mesh trays and a mix of silicone mats, with 6.5 sq ft of drying area, the smallest in this roundup.
The box includes two solid silicone mats, eight mesh silicone mats, a stainless pan drip tray and a silicone oven mitt. The temperature and timer are adjustable, and a digital recipe e-book comes with the unit.
BENCHFOODS calls it a single-zone design with even airflow across the trays. It doesn't state a wattage or temperature range, so check the manual before you use it for jerky.
It suits a kitchen that dries fruit, herbs or a few strips at a time. Skip it if you want a large batch or a stated wattage.
Side by side: drying area, power and top temperature
Capacity and top temperature separate these seven more than tray count does. Only the Septree, Cercker and Ausegia reach 190°F, and the Septree's stated area is the most drying room here.
| Product | Best for | Trays | Power | Temperature range | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excalibur Performance 10-Tray | two-phase drying programs | 10 | 800W | 85 to 165°F | 9.0 |
| LEM BigBite 10-Tray | a five-year warranty | 10 | 800W | 95 to 176°F | 8.8 |
| Cercker 14-Tray Stainless Steel | 14 trays with a 3-year warranty | 14 | 1200W | 70 to 190°F | 8.6 |
| Septree 18-Tray Stainless Steel | the biggest batch on this list | 18 | 2000W | 70 to 190°F | 8.4 |
| Ausegia 12-Tray Stainless Steel | a 12-tray load with hanging drying | 12 | 1200W | 70 to 190°F | 8.2 |
| Cosori 10-Tray XL Stainless Steel | a family-size 10-tray load | 10 | 1000W | 95 to 165°F | 8.0 |
| BENCHFOODS 10-Tray Compact | a compact 10-tray set with mats | 10 | Not stated | Not stated | 7.7 |
Trays set how many shelves you get, and drying area shows how much fits on them. Use both numbers, then check the power and range against your manual before you buy.
How we picked these 7
We compared specs, features and buyer patterns for each model. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
For home use, we weighted drying area and temperature range first, then warranty and cleanup. A model with no stated wattage or range got a lower score, since you can't plan a jerky batch without those numbers.
Is a commercial-style dehydrator too big for a home kitchen?
Not if you measure first, because the Septree stands 29.53 in tall and the Ausegia, Cosori XL and Septree are all more than 21 in deep. The Excalibur stands 17.32 in tall and the Cosori XL 16.4 in.
Height and depth on your counter
The Septree needs the most height, and the Cercker stands about 20.5 in tall. The Ausegia is 18.5 in tall, the Excalibur 17.32 in and the Cosori XL 16.4 in.
What counts as a commercial food dehydrator
In these titles, commercial describes the size and build. Read it as a size label rather than a food-service rating, and judge each model by its own specs.
For stainless-only picks, see best stainless steel food dehydrators.
What size and weight do these units need?
Measure your counter, your shelf and your cabinet height before you order, since several of these units are deep or tall. These are the sizes the product data gives:
- Excalibur Performance 10-Tray: 26.9 lb, 20.67 in deep, 15.75 in wide, 17.32 in tall
- LEM BigBite 10-Tray: 19.5 lb, 13.38 in deep
- Cercker 14-Tray: 15 in deep, 13.5 in wide, 20.5 in tall, no weight stated
- Septree 18-Tray: 21.46 in deep, 17 in wide, 29.53 in tall, no weight stated
- Ausegia 12-Tray: 21.38 in deep, 17.2 in wide, 18.5 in tall, no weight stated
- Cosori 10-Tray XL: 21.3 in deep, 16.9 in wide, 16.4 in tall, so check the manual for weight
- BENCHFOODS 10-Tray: no size or weight stated
Most of these units don't give a clear weight, so check the manual before you plan to lift one. For the LEM, check the manual for its height and width too.
What comes in the box with each dehydrator?
The Septree, Ausegia and BENCHFOODS come with the most extras, while the Excalibur and LEM come with little beyond their trays. Here is what comes in each box:
- Excalibur Performance 10-Tray: ten stainless trays and the Preserve It Naturally digital book
- LEM BigBite 10-Tray: ten trays and a drip tray
- Cercker 14-Tray: a recipe book, door handle, drip tray, silicone gloves, screwdriver and manual
- Septree 18-Tray: 18 trays, 18 non-stick silicone sheets, fruit roll sheets, 2 hanging racks, 20 hooks, a drip tray, gloves, 2 storage containers, a manual and a recipe book
- Ausegia 12-Tray: a drip tray, 6 silicone pads, a non-stick sheet, a hanger, 12 hooks and gloves
- Cosori 10-Tray XL: a mesh screen, a fruit roll sheet, a recipe book and a manual
- BENCHFOODS 10-Tray: a silicone oven mitt, a stainless drip tray, 2 solid mats, 8 mesh mats and a digital recipe e-book
Do you need hanging racks in a commercial dehydrator?
Only the Septree and Ausegia include hanging gear, which lets you hang strips instead of laying them on trays. The rest dry on trays alone.
Septree says its 2 hanging racks are for jerky, and it adds 20 hooks. The Ausegia ships a hanger with 12 hooks.
For a machine built around jerky, see best dehydrators for jerky.
Which of these dehydrators has the biggest trays?
The Ausegia and Septree have the largest trays, each about 15.7 in square, followed by the Cosori XL at 15.6 by 15 in. The LEM's trays are 11.97 in square, and the Cercker's 14 trays are 12.52 by 9.84 in.
Bigger trays let you lay longer pieces flat without cutting them down. Smaller trays let a unit sit on a shallower counter, which is the trade the Cercker and LEM make.
The Excalibur and BENCHFOODS don't state a tray size, so check the manual if you plan to dry long pieces.
How much drying room does a family batch need?
The Septree's stated 34.42 sq ft is the most room here, while the 10-tray units offer 10 to 16 sq ft. Pick the size that matches how often you dry a full load.
Large batches with the 18-tray Septree
The Septree's 18 trays, two hanging racks and 20 hooks suit a large family or a garden harvest that would otherwise take many runs. A unit that size is best for people who dry food every week.
Ten trays for a steady home batch
The Excalibur, LEM and Cosori XL keep the footprint modest with 10 trays. Their drying areas of 10 to 16 sq ft fit most family loads without the bulk of an 18-tray unit.
For how to match a unit to what you dry, see best food dehydrators for herbs and garden produce. The National Center for Home Food Preservation has drying charts to check alongside any unit.
For the difference between Excalibur's Select and Performance lines, read Excalibur dehydrator models.
What power and temperature range do the 10-tray units offer?
The Excalibur runs 85 to 165°F, the LEM 95 to 176°F and the Cosori XL 95 to 165°F. Each reaches the USDA hold of 130 to 140°F for drying jerky, so features and warranty decide the pick.
Checking watts against the range
Higher wattage helps a unit heat its air, but the temperature range and timer control the drying. Read how to choose a food dehydrator for the other checks to make before you buy.
Timers and control steps
The Excalibur has the longest timer at 80 hours, and the Cosori XL runs to 48 hours in 30-minute steps. The LEM, Cercker, Septree and Ausegia all stop at 24 hours.
The Cosori XL adjusts in 1-degree steps, the LEM in 2-degree steps and the Cercker in 5-degree steps.
Which of these dehydrators has the longest warranty?
The LEM has the longest stated warranty at five years, and the Excalibur and Cercker each state three years. Cosori states two years.
Septree states its after-sales support two ways, so confirm the term with Septree before you buy. Ausegia and BENCHFOODS don't state a term.
How loud are these dehydrators?
The Cercker, Septree and Ausegia each give a noise figure of 50 dB or less. The Excalibur, LEM, Cosori XL and BENCHFOODS don't give one.
These are the brands' own figures, so compare them only with other figures. If a quiet kitchen matters most, check each manual for its noise rating before you buy.
Which commercial-style dehydrator to buy
Pick the Excalibur Performance 10-Tray if you want two drying phases and a 3-year warranty.
Pick the LEM BigBite 10-Tray if a five-year warranty and a 95 to 176°F range matter most.
Pick the Cercker 14-Tray if you want 14 trays and a top setting of 190°F.
Pick the Septree 18-Tray if you need the most room and have the height to spare.
Pick the Ausegia 12-Tray if you want to hang strips alongside trays.
Pick the Cosori 10-Tray XL if you dry for a large family and want 1-degree control.
Pick the BENCHFOODS 10-Tray Compact if counter space is tight and you can check the wattage and range in the manual first.
For a shortlist of large-capacity models, read best large food dehydrators, and see the VEVOR 10-tray review for a close alternative. Browse the stainless and large category for more.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Best for 14 trays with a 3-year warranty
Cercker 14-Tray Stainless Steel
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is a commercial-style food dehydrator?
It's a large stainless dehydrator with many trays and high wattage, often sold under a commercial label. Here, commercial describes size and build, not a food-service certification, so compare tray count, drying area and temperature range on each model before you buy.
Is a commercial food dehydrator worth it for home use?
It can be, if you dry large loads often and have the counter or floor space. A 10-tray unit such as the Excalibur Performance or LEM BigBite gives most families plenty of room, so start there if you're not sure how much you'll dry.
How tall is a commercial-style food dehydrator?
Heights vary a lot: the Cosori XL stands 16.4 in tall, the Excalibur 17.32 in and the Septree 29.53 in. Measure the clearance under your cabinets before you order, and leave room around the unit so the door can open fully.
Which commercial-style dehydrator has the most drying room?
The Septree 18-Tray has the most drying room, with a stated area of up to 34.42 sq ft across 18 trays. The Excalibur Performance and Cosori XL each state about 16 sq ft, so compare tray size and count for the rest.
