Best Food Dehydrators for Herbs and Garden Produce
The best food dehydrators for herbs and garden produce include the Cosori 10-Tray Stainless Steel for a big batch on a small counter, the Magic Mill Pro 10-Tray for herbs and nuts on mesh trays, and the Magic Mill Pro 7-Tray Stainless Steel for herbs with two mesh screens.
On this page (16 sections)
- The 7 best food dehydrators for herbs and garden produce in detail
- Garden dehydrators side by side
- How we picked these 7
- Will a 10-tray unit fit your counter?
- Can one machine handle herbs, fruit and vegetables?
- Do herbs need a mesh screen?
- How do you compare drying space when a brand doesn't give it?
- Starting low for delicate herbs
- Timers and shutoff
- Weight and lifting
- Cleaning between herbs and fruit
- Noise in the kitchen
- What wattage tells you
- Four checks before you pick a unit
- Who each garden unit suits
- Which food dehydrator for herbs to buy
The best food dehydrator for herbs and garden produce is one with mesh screens, a low starting temperature and enough trays for your harvest. The Cosori 10-tray scores highest, followed by the Magic Mill Pro 10-tray and the Magic Mill Pro 7-tray.
Herbs and garden produce ask for different things. Small pieces need mesh, and a big harvest needs trays and drying space.
We compared trays, power, drying space, temperature range and the mesh screens each unit includes. Our food dehydrators for jerky guide covers the wider field of machines.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a big batch on a small counterCosori 10-Tray Stainless Steel
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for herbs with two mesh screensMagic Mill Pro 7-Tray Stainless Steel
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
The 7 best food dehydrators for herbs and garden produce in detail
The Cosori 10-tray scores highest because it gives 7.4 ft² of drying space in a compact body that fits a counter. The Nesco scores lowest because its body is plastic and its top setting is 160°F, the lowest maximum in this roundup.
Cosori 10-Tray Stainless Steel
- 7.4 ft² of drying space
- 95 to 167°F in 1°F steps
- Mesh screen and fruit roll sheet
- Two viewing windows and an interior light
Ten stainless steel trays with 7.4 ft² of drying space in a body that fits a kitchen counter. Cosori says its 1°F steps help balance texture and flavor.
Pros
- 7.4 ft² across 10 stainless trays
- Two viewing windows and an interior light
- Mesh screen and fruit roll sheet in the box
Cons
- Only one mesh screen comes with 10 trays, so herb-heavy batches may need more
- Weighs 17 lb, so it isn't light to move
Cosori's 10-tray unit gives you 7.4 ft² of drying space in a body that measures 14.8 in deep, 12.3 in wide and 13 in tall. That's room for a larger harvest in fewer runs, without a large footprint on the counter.
The top window and built-in light let you check herbs without opening the door. Cosori says its 1°F steps help balance texture and flavor, and the 48-hour timer covers long cycles.
It suits a gardener who dries herbs and vegetables in volume and wants a counter-sized machine. It also has 10 presets and comes with a 46-recipe cookbook.
The caution is mesh. The box includes one mesh screen for 10 trays, so an herb-heavy batch may need extra screens.
The unit is rated at 640 watts and tops out at 167°F, which gives it a little more top range than the Cosori 6-tray at 165°F.
Magic Mill Pro 10-Tray
- 10 stainless steel trays
- Mesh trays for herbs and nuts
- Rear-mounted fan
- 95 to 176°F with a digital timer
Ten stainless steel trays with mesh trays for herbs cover a big harvest. Magic Mill says its rear-mounted fan gives even drying across every tray.
Pros
- Ten trays, including mesh trays
- Dishwasher-safe trays, per Magic Mill
- Top setting of 176°F
Cons
- A 1 year manufacturer warranty, shorter than Cosori's 2 years
- No drying area in square feet, so compare by tray count
Magic Mill's 10-tray model has 10 stainless steel trays and a rear-mounted fan, so it can dry a large batch of herbs or fruit at once. Magic Mill says the mesh trays suit smaller food such as nuts and herbs.
The digital control runs from 95°F to 176°F with a countdown timer that shuts off when the cycle ends. Magic Mill says the trays are dishwasher safe, which helps after a long run.
It suits a gardener who wants mesh trays for herbs and a higher top setting than the Cosori 10-tray. Its 600-watt rating is lower than the Nesco's 1000 watts.
The caution is the warranty. Magic Mill gives a 1 year manufacturer warranty, which is shorter than Cosori's 2 years.
Magic Mill gives no square footage for this unit, so compare tray counts and footprints instead.
Magic Mill Pro 7-Tray Stainless Steel
- 7 full-size stainless trays
- 2 mesh screens and a fruit roll tray
- Stainless steel inside and out
- 95 to 176°F in 1° steps
Seven full-size stainless trays and two mesh screens make a strong herb setup. Magic Mill says the build is stainless steel inside and out.
Pros
- Two mesh screens for herbs and small pieces
- Stainless inside and out
- Adjustable in 1°F steps up to 176°F
Cons
- Magic Mill doesn't state a warranty length, so ask before you buy
- No drying area in square feet
The Pro 7 has seven full-size stainless steel trays and two mesh screens, which makes it a good match for herbs and small pieces. Magic Mill says the build is stainless steel inside and out.
Magic Mill says the rear fan moves air evenly across every tray. The control runs from 95°F to 176°F in 1-degree steps, so you can set a low start for delicate herbs.
It suits a home cook who dries herbs in small runs and wants both mesh and full-size trays. The 48-hour timer and auto shutoff make longer cycles easier to set.
The caution is what Magic Mill doesn't state: a drying area in square feet and a warranty length. Ask before you buy if either matters to you.
At about 16 lb, it's lighter than the Cosori 6-tray's 18.1 lb, which helps if you move it often.
Cosori 6-Tray Stainless Steel
- 6 stainless trays, 6.5 ft² of drying space
- One mesh screen and one fruit roll sheet
- 95 to 165°F with a 48-hour timer
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Six stainless trays with 6.5 ft² of drying space suit a mixed harvest on the counter. Cosori includes a mesh screen, a fruit roll sheet and a 50-recipe cookbook.
Pros
- Mesh screen and fruit roll sheet in the box
- Dishwasher-safe trays, per Cosori
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- The top setting of 165°F is lower than the Magic Mill models
- Weighs 18.1 lb, among the heavier units here
The Cosori 6-tray has six stainless steel trays and 6.5 ft² of drying space, which suits a mid-size batch on the counter. It runs at 600 watts with a timer that goes up to 48 hours.
The box includes one mesh screen, one fruit roll sheet and a 50-recipe cookbook. Cosori says its rear fan and horizontal airflow dry evenly, and the trays are dishwasher safe.
It suits a cook who dries a mix of herbs and fruit and wants stainless trays with the screen included. The 2-year manufacturer warranty is longer than the Magic Mill Pro 10's 1 year.
The caution is the top setting. It reaches 165°F, lower than the Magic Mill models at 176°F, so it covers a narrower top range.
At 18.1 lb, it's among the heavier units here, so decide where it will sit before you lift it.
Excalibur Select 6-Tray
- 6 chrome trays, 9.6 ft² of drying space
- Clear glass French doors
- 85 to 165°F with a timer up to 60 hours
- 3-year limited warranty
Six chrome trays with 9.6 ft² of drying space give more room than the 6-tray Cosori. Excalibur says its Hyperwave Pulse technology dries evenly without tray rotation.
Pros
- 9.6 ft² of drying space
- Glass doors show the drying progress
- The lowest starting setting here, at 85°F
Cons
- The box has trays and a book, with no mesh screen
- At 20.67 in deep, it's the deepest unit in this roundup
The Excalibur Select 6-tray gives you 9.6 ft² of drying space across six chrome trays. That's more room than the 6-tray Cosori's 6.5 ft² on the same tray count.
Clear glass French doors let you check progress without opening the unit. Excalibur says its Hyperwave Pulse technology and horizontal airflow dry evenly without tray rotation.
The control runs from 85°F to 165°F, with a timer up to 60 hours. The 85°F floor gives you a gentler starting point for delicate herbs.
It suits a grower who wants a large, visible drying area and a 3-year limited warranty. The box has six chrome trays and the Preserve It Naturally book, with no mesh screen, so buy a screen before you dry small herbs.
The caution is depth. At 20.67 in deep, it's the deepest unit in this roundup, so measure your counter space before you order.
Cosori 5-Tray Stainless Steel
- 5 stainless trays, 3.1 ft² of drying space
- Compact 13.9 x 11.3 x 8.9 in body
- 4 presets and a 48-hour timer
- Mesh screen and fruit roll sheet
Five stainless trays in the most compact body here suit a small herb harvest. Cosori says its rear fan and horizontal airflow keep the trays drying evenly.
Pros
- Compact body for a small counter
- Mesh screen and fruit roll sheet included
- Top setting of 176°F in 1°F steps
Cons
- 3.1 ft² is the smallest stated drying area here
- 480 W, the lowest wattage in this roundup
The Cosori 5-tray is the most compact unit in this roundup, at 13.9 in deep, 11.3 in wide and 8.9 in tall. It has 3.1 ft² of drying space across five stainless steel trays.
A mesh screen and a fruit roll sheet come in the box. Cosori says its rear fan and horizontal airflow keep hot air moving evenly across the trays.
It suits a cook with a small herb harvest and a small counter who wants a simple setup. Four presets and a 48-hour timer keep the controls easy to follow.
The caution is capacity. At 3.1 ft², a big garden harvest takes several runs, and its 480-watt rating is the lowest here.
The top setting reaches 176°F in 1°F steps, which gives it more top range than the Cosori 10-tray's 167°F.
Nesco Gardenmaster Pro 8-Tray
- 8 trays that expand up to 30, per Nesco
- 1000 watts with a top-mounted fan
- 95 to 160°F adjustable thermostat
- 8 fruit roll sheets and 8 Clean-A-Screens
Eight trays that Nesco says expand up to 30 suit a harvest that keeps growing. The 1000-watt unit uses a top-mounted fan to move air through the trays.
Pros
- Expandable tray design, per Nesco
- 1000 watts of drying power
- 8 fruit roll sheets and 8 Clean-A-Screens
Cons
- Plastic body rather than stainless steel
- The 160°F top setting is the lowest maximum here
Nesco's Gardenmaster Pro starts with 8 trays and, Nesco says, expands to 30. That makes it a fit for a garden harvest that keeps growing from season to season.
The 1000-watt unit uses a top-mounted fan, and Nesco says its Converga-Flow airflow pushes air up and across the trays. The box includes eight fruit roll sheets, eight Clean-A-Screens and a 52-page recipe and instruction book.
It suits a grower who dries large amounts of herbs or fruit and wants room to add trays later. The thermostat runs from 95°F to 160°F.
The caution is the body. It's plastic rather than stainless steel, so it isn't a metal unit like the others here.
Its 160°F top setting is the lowest maximum in this roundup, so check that the range suits the foods you dry.
Garden dehydrators side by side
Tray count and power separate these units more than brand names do, so compare the numbers before you choose. The table shows the three specs every unit here publishes.
| Product | Best for | Trays | Power | Temperature range | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori 10-Tray Stainless Steel | a big batch on a small counter | 10 stainless | 640 W | 95 to 167°F | 9.1 |
| Magic Mill Pro 10-Tray | herbs and nuts on mesh trays | 10 stainless | 600 W | 95 to 176°F | 8.9 |
| Magic Mill Pro 7-Tray Stainless Steel | herbs with two mesh screens | 7 stainless | 600 W | 95 to 176°F | 8.8 |
| Cosori 6-Tray Stainless Steel | a mid-size mixed harvest | 6 stainless | 600 W | 95 to 165°F | 8.7 |
| Excalibur Select 6-Tray | watching fruit dry through glass doors | 6 chrome | 700 W | 85 to 165°F | 8.5 |
| Cosori 5-Tray Stainless Steel | a small countertop herb batch | 5 stainless | 480 W | 95 to 176°F | 8.2 |
| Nesco Gardenmaster Pro 8-Tray | a big harvest that keeps growing | 8 trays | 1000 W | 95 to 160°F | 7.9 |
How we picked these 7
We compared specs, features and the trays and screens each unit includes. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Will a 10-tray unit fit your counter?
Both 10-tray units take a similar footprint, at about 15 in deep and 12 in wide. Measure the space behind the counter before you order either one.
Height and clearance
The Cosori 10-tray is 14.8 in deep, 12.3 in wide and 13 in tall. The Magic Mill Pro 10-tray is 15.5 in deep, 11.5 in wide and 14 in tall, so it stands 1 in taller, which matters under a cabinet.
Footprints for all seven
Here is how the rest compare, depth by width by height:
- Cosori 6-tray: 17.8 x 13.4 x 12.4 in.
- Magic Mill Pro 7-tray: 15.5 x 11.3 x 10.8 in.
- Cosori 5-tray: 13.9 x 11.3 x 8.9 in.
- Excalibur Select 6-tray: 20.67 x 12.2 x 17.32 in.
- Nesco Gardenmaster Pro: a round unit at 17 x 15.5 x 14 in.
Can one machine handle herbs, fruit and vegetables?
Yes, these units are built for herbs, fruit and vegetables, but thick or juicy pieces take longer than thin, even slices. Plan each batch by piece size, not by the food name alone.
Thin slices and doneness
Thin, even slices dry faster and more evenly. Dried herbs should crumble easily, and dried fruit should feel pliable and leathery, not sticky.
For herb steps, see how to dehydrate herbs, and for fruit timing, see how long to dehydrate fruit.
Check your manual's chart and the National Center for Home Food Preservation guidance for exact settings. For vegetables, our how to dehydrate vegetables guide covers the cut sizes.
Plan the cycle around your thickest piece
Whole or juicy pieces take longer than thin slices, so cut garden produce to an even thickness before you load the trays. Mixed thicknesses dry unevenly, so plan around the thickest piece.
Do herbs need a mesh screen?
Herbs need mesh more than sliced fruit does, so count the screens in the box before you buy. A solid tray can let small leaves fall between the bars.
Screens in a food dehydrator for herbs
The Magic Mill Pro 7-tray includes two mesh screens, while the Cosori 5-tray, 6-tray and 10-tray each include one. The Nesco includes eight Clean-A-Screens.
When the box has no screen
The Excalibur box holds chrome trays and a book, with no mesh screen. A set of mesh sheets from our best dehydrator trays, mesh sheets and liners guide can fill that gap.
How do you compare drying space when a brand doesn't give it?
Count the trays and compare tray size, since two units with the same tray count can hold different amounts. Square feet is the clearest number when a brand gives it.
Count trays and tray size
Magic Mill gives no square feet for either Pro model, so compare its full-size trays with the Cosori 6-tray's 6.5 ft² across six trays. A seven-tray unit with full-size trays can hold more than a six-tray unit with smaller ones.
Starting low for delicate herbs
A low start gives you more control over delicate leaves, so the bottom of the dial matters more for herbs than for a batch of thick fruit. The Excalibur starts at 85°F, while the Cosori and Magic Mill units here start at 95°F.
Magic Mill describes the low end of the Pro 7's dial as low-and-slow for herbs and fruit, which is a brand claim. Check your manual and the NCHFP guidance for the setting each herb needs.
Checking doneness on herbs
Dried herbs should crumble easily, so test a few leaves when your guide says they should be close. Spread leaves in a single layer with space between pieces so air can reach every one.
Timers and shutoff
The Cosori 5-tray, 6-tray and 10-tray all have timers up to 48 hours, and the Magic Mill Pro 7 runs up to 48 hours in 30-minute steps. The Excalibur's timer runs up to 60 hours.
The Magic Mill Pro 10 has a countdown timer that shuts the unit off when the cycle ends, and the Excalibur shuts off on its own when drying is complete. Nesco's thermostat is the only control it describes, so check its manual for a timer before you plan a long run.
Weight and lifting
The Cosori 5-tray is the lightest at 10.8 lb, followed by the Magic Mill Pro 10 at 14 lb and the Magic Mill Pro 7 at about 16 lb. The Cosori 10-tray weighs 17 lb, the Cosori 6-tray 18.1 lb and the Excalibur 18.3 lb.
Nesco gives no weight for the Gardenmaster Pro. If you'll carry the unit from a cupboard to the counter each harvest, weight is worth a thought.
Cleaning between herbs and fruit
Wash the screens and trays between batches so stuck bits of herb don't end up on the next load. Cleanup is easiest on units whose trays go in the dishwasher.
Dishwasher notes by brand
Cosori says the trays on its 6-tray and 10-tray units are dishwasher safe, and Magic Mill says the same for its Pro 10. For the Pro 7, the Cosori 5-tray, the Excalibur and the Nesco, check the manual before you wash trays in a dishwasher.
Noise in the kitchen
Cosori says its 6-tray and 10-tray run under 48 dB, and the 10-tray figure is based on internal lab testing. The other units here don't give a noise figure, so check the manual if quiet running matters to you.
What wattage tells you
Wattage is the power rating, and it doesn't show how fast food dries on its own. Compare the watt rating with tray count and drying space, since power alone doesn't show how much a unit can hold.
Four checks before you pick a unit
Run through these before you pick a unit for herbs and garden produce. Each one changes how well the machine suits your harvest.
- Count the mesh screens or mesh trays in the box.
- Measure the counter depth and the height above the unit.
- Compare drying space in square feet, or count trays where no area is given.
- Check whether the trays go in the dishwasher, according to the brand.
Who each garden unit suits
Herbs and small harvests suit the compact units, while big yields suit the 10-tray models and the expandable Nesco. A mixed patch fits the mid-size 6-tray units best.
- A small kitchen or balcony gardener: the Cosori 5-tray.
- A mixed patch of herbs and fruit: the Cosori 6-tray or the Magic Mill Pro 7-tray.
- A large, steady harvest: the Cosori 10-tray or the Magic Mill Pro 10-tray.
- A harvest that keeps growing: the Nesco Gardenmaster Pro.
Which food dehydrator for herbs to buy
Pick the unit whose tray count and mesh match your harvest. If small herbs are your main job, look for two screens or mesh trays first.
- Pick the Cosori 10-tray if you want 7.4 ft² of drying space in a compact body.
- Pick a Magic Mill Pro if you want two mesh screens or mesh trays for herbs.
- Pick the Excalibur Select 6-tray if you want glass doors and 9.6 ft² on six trays.
- Pick the Cosori 6-tray if you want stainless trays and a mid-size batch.
- Pick the Cosori 5-tray if your counter and your harvest are both small.
- Pick the Nesco Gardenmaster Pro if you expect the harvest to keep growing.
For bigger setups, see our best large food dehydrators and best commercial-style food dehydrators guides. More garden drying picks are in the garden harvest drying section.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for a big batch on a small counter
Cosori 10-Tray Stainless Steel
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for herbs with two mesh screens
Magic Mill Pro 7-Tray Stainless Steel
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best food dehydrator for herbs?
For most herb batches, pick a unit with mesh screens or mesh trays and a low starting temperature, such as the Cosori 10-tray or a Magic Mill Pro. Match tray count to your harvest, since the 10-tray units handle bigger runs and the Cosori 5-tray suits a small herb patch.
Do herbs need a mesh screen in a dehydrator?
Mesh keeps small leaves from falling through the tray bars, so a screen or mesh sheet is useful for herbs. Some units here include one screen and others include two, so count them before you buy and check your manual and the NCHFP guidance for exact settings.
How much drying space do you need for a garden harvest?
Compare drying space in square feet when a brand gives it, and count trays when it doesn't. The Excalibur gives 9.6 ft², the Cosori 10-tray 7.4 ft² and the Cosori 5-tray 3.1 ft², so plan for the largest run you make.
Can a food dehydrator dry fruit and vegetables too?
Yes, the units here are built for fruit, vegetables and herbs, though thick or juicy pieces take longer than thin, even slices. Use the National Center for Home Food Preservation drying charts for food-safe handling and the exact settings for each food.
