Nesco FD-75A Dehydrator Review: Real Test Results

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Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

If you’ve been looking for an honest Nesco FD-75A food dehydrator review, you’re in the right place. I’ve been using my Snackmaster Pro for more than a decade to make everything from apple chips to jerky - and it’s still my top pick today.

✅ Quick Answer: Is the Nesco FD-75A a good dehydrator?
Yes. The Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro is a top-rated dehydrator with 600 watts of power, adjustable temperature control (95°F–160°F), and expandable trays (up to 12). It dries fruits, vegetables, herbs, and jerky evenly, making it a reliable, budget-friendly choice for home food preservation.

What makes this dehydrator stand out? Expandable trays, adjustable temperature control, and steady airflow for even drying.

NESCO food dehydrating, running

Whether you’re a beginner preserving garden herbs or an experienced jerky maker, the FD-75A delivers reliable results without the high price tag.

This nifty dehydrator has an adjustable temperature control and expandable tray system... which means you can stack as many trays as necessary (but run it with a minimum of four trays). "Why a minimum of four?" you ask? Because you need that amount for proper air circulation.

It's great for drying everything from apple chips to homemade beef jerky.

I love how evenly it dries food thanks to its unique airflow system. Nesco claims that there's "no more rotating trays or unevenly dried batches!" but I still rotate mine from top to bottom. Foods closest to the fan dry faster... that makes sense, right?

The 600-watt heating element works quickly too, so I can whip up tasty dehydrated foods as fast as the more expensive models and brands.

Susan with her Nesco FD-75A model food dehydratorIn use since 2012! That's me with my trusty Nesco food dehydrator.

While it comes with 5 trays to start, I appreciate that it can expand up to 12 if and when needed for bigger batches.

They also include two fruit roll sheets which are solid and are totally necessary for making fruit leathers, aka fruit roll-ups, and also included are two mesh screens called "Clean-A-Screens" which really aid in keeping the trays clean(er).

The mesh screens help stop food pieces from dropping down into the bottom of the dehydrator. And to get your beef jerky taste-buds going: they include a sample of Jerky Seasoning and Cure!

Nesco Snackmaster Pro

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Is the Nesco FD-75A Worth Buying?

The Nesco Snackmaster Pro is a great choice for anyone interested in food dehydrating. Its ease of use and consistent results make it perfect for beginners and experienced users alike.

Check out the Nesco Snackmaster Pro on Amazon and start creating your own delicious dried snacks today! That's my Amazon Affiliate link, thanks!

Why the FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Stands Out

I've been using the Snackmaster Pro for years now and as stated at the top of this review, this dehydrator is my go-to kitchen gadget for creating delicious banana cinnamon rolls to kale chips!

The adjustable temperature control is easy to see and use. I dry delicate herbs at low temps or make perfectly chewy beef jerky at higher settings. With 600 watts of power, it dries foods evenly and quickly.

When you're prepping for a family hiking trip, dry large batches of fruit and jerky all at once. The included fruit roll sheets and Clean-A-Screens are great for making fruit leathers and drying small items like herbs.

One minor drawback is the noise level - it's not super loud, but you'll definitely notice it running. It's kind of like "white noise" and beats hearing the neighbor's dog barking. Still, the convenience and quality results make the Snackmaster Pro worth every penny in my kitchen.

How Evenly Does the FD-75A Really Dry Food?

I'm always pleased by how evenly the Snackmaster Pro dries my foods. Its 600-watt motor pushes warm air throughout all the trays. Of course this is helpful when making large batches of jerky!

The adjustable thermostat lets me dial in the ideal temperature for different foods too. Fruits come out perfectly chewy at lower temps, while beef jerky gets that satisfying texture at higher settings.

Temperature Control on the FD-75A: How Precise Is It?

I love how flexible this Snackmaster Pro is when it comes to temperature control. The adjustable range from 95°F to 160°F, (see my page for Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here), and lets me fine-tune the drying process for different foods. When I make apple chips, I use the lower "fruit" setting (125°F to 135°F) to preserve more flavor.

For beef jerky, I cranked it up higher to ensure food safety. Meats are always dehydrated at a higher temperature of 160°F.

You do need to be able to control your food dehydrating temperature accurately so you'll get the best results for each type of food. The unit heats up quickly and you'll hear the heating element cycle on and off throughout the drying process. I've found this precise control really helps achieve the perfect texture, whether I'm making crispy kale chips or chewy dried fruit.

Tray Capacity: How Much Food Can the FD-75A Handle?

I am impressed by how much food I can dehydrate at once with this Snackmaster Pro. As stated, this model comes with five 13.5-inch trays, which was plenty for my initial batches of dried fruits and jerky.

I can add up to seven more trays, bringing the total to 12. This means I can prep large quantities of snacks for my family without needing multiple dehydrating sessions.

The best part? Additional trays and other accessories are sold separately, and I think it's worth the investment if you plan on doing a lot of dehydrating.

Accessories Included with the FD-75A (and Which Ones to Buy)

I love how the Snackmaster Pro comes with some great extras. The two fruit roll sheets are perfect for making delicious fruit leathers. I've used them hundreds of times, and they work like a charm.

The Clean-A-Screen mesh screens are another handy addition. They're great for drying smaller items like herbs or chopped veggies without them falling through the "bare" trays.

The included jerky seasoning and cure sample is a nice touch too. It gives you a chance to try making your own jerky right out of the box.

Is the Nesco FD-75A Really Made in the USA?

I'm happy to report that the Snackmaster Pro is largely made right here in the USA. While the powerhead is imported from China, everything else is 100% American-made and assembled. It's refreshing to see a company like Nesco supporting domestic manufacturing.

This commitment to quality and local production gives me confidence in the dehydrator's durability and performance. I appreciate knowing that my purchase is helping to support American jobs and industry. The fact that it's made domestically also means faster shipping and easier access to replacement parts if needed.

FD-75A Pros & Cons: Honest Review After Years of Use

After putting this Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro through its paces, here are a few noteworthy aspects that potential buyers should consider. Here's what I found to be the high points and drawbacks of this food dehydrator.

Pros

  • Impressive drying power with 600 watts and even heat distribution
  • Adjustable temperature control (95°F-160°F) for versatile food prep
  • Expandable design with up to 12 trays for large-batch processing
  • Includes useful accessories like fruit roll sheets and Clean-A-Screens
  • Made in the USA with domestic components (except for the powerhead)

The Snackmaster Pro really shines when it comes to efficiency. I've dried everything from beef to fruit and veggies, and the results have been consistently great. The adjustable temperature lets you fine-tune the settings for different foods.

Cons

  • Initial five-tray setup may be limiting for some users
  • Additional trays must be purchased separately
  • Needs an open space on your counter when fully expanded to 12 trays
  • Noise level might be noticeable in quiet environments

While I appreciate the expandability, keep in mind that when you add more trays, the unit does become quite tall, which might be an issue in kitchens with limited vertical space as mentioned above.

What Real Buyers Say About the Nesco FD-75A

I've been scouring through customer feedback, and the Snackmaster Pro gets rave reviews! Many users, like myself, are thrilled with its performance. Beginners find it user-friendly, while experienced dehydrator folks appreciate its versatility. I've seen countless reports of successful jerky-making, which seems to be a fan-favorite.

Fruit dehydration is another hit, with people drying everything from orange slices to grapefruits. Dog owners are even using it to make homemade treats for their pups. The ability to add extra trays is a big plus for those who need more capacity.

Some international buyers mentioned it works well with voltage converters and a reminder to use my converter page for Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion here. A few users wished for instructions in other languages, but that's a minor gripe. Overall, customers seem genuinely happy with their purchase, praising its reliability and results.

Still Have Questions About the Nesco FD-75A

As a long-time user of the Nesco Snackmaster Pro, I've fielded many questions from friends and family curious about this handy kitchen gadget. Let me share some of the most common queries I've encountered and my personal experiences with this dehydrator.

Is the Nesco FD-75A good for beginners?

Yes. It’s user-friendly, comes with starter accessories, and has a simple dial temperature control — making it perfect for anyone just starting with dehydrating.

Can I make fruit roll-ups in the FD-75A?

Absolutely. The included fruit roll sheets are ideal for fruit leathers, homemade roll-ups, and even drying sauces into compact “leathers.”

How noisy is the Nesco FD-75A?

It produces a steady hum — similar to a fan or “white noise.” Noticeable, but not disruptive, and quieter than many higher-priced dehydrators.

Does it cost much to run the FD-75A?

No. With a 600-watt motor, it’s energy-efficient. Running it for 10 hours costs roughly the same as using a standard light bulb for a day (rates vary by location).

How long does the FD-75A last?

With proper care, many users (myself included) have had their unit for over 10 years. Replacement trays and accessories extend its life even further.

Thanks for checking out my in-depth Nesco FD-75A food dehydrator review! After many years of using it, I can honestly say it’s one of the best kitchen tools for healthy snacking and long-term food storage.

And before you go, don’t forget to grab your free 5 Dried Food Recipes You’ll Actually Love PDF (below). From hearty soups like carrot and split pea to chewy jerky and even sweet banana cinnamon rolls, these recipes will help you put your new dehydrator to delicious use right away.

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