Nesco Food Dehydrator: The Best Way to Preserve Food at Home?

If you’re after a simple, no-fuss way to preserve food at home, the Nesco food dehydrator might be just what you need. I’ve trusted Nesco for years—and so have loads of home dehydrating fans. It’s one of those brands that quietly gets the job done without overcomplicating things.

✅ Quick Answer: What makes a Nesco food dehydrator worth it?

Nesco food dehydrators are reliable, beginner-friendly, and use patented Converge-A-Flow® technology to ensure even drying without rotating trays. They're perfect for drying fruits, veggies, jerky, and more, and offer expandable trays and optional accessories to suit your needs.

Thanks to their smart airflow design, you get fast, even drying every time. No guesswork. No soggy surprises.

Whether you're brand new to dehydrating or already drying up a storm, here's why Nesco continues to be a favorite.


NESCO food dehydrator, running

Why Nesco is the Go-To Dehydrator Brand

I’ve been using my Nesco dehydrator since way back in 2010—and I still love it. I started with the basic four-tray model and later added a few extra trays as I got more into it.

That flexibility was a big plus for me, especially when I needed to dry bigger batches without buying a whole new machine. It’s reliable, expandable, and just plain works.





How Nesco’s Drying System Actually Works

The Secret Behind Nesco’s Converge-A-Flow® Technology

Here’s what sets Nesco apart: their airflow comes from the top and moves down through the center, then back up through the trays—kind of like a mini convection oven. It’s called Converge-A-Flow®, and the idea is to dry food evenly without rotating trays.

Now, truth be told, I still rotate mine now and then—especially if I'm drying something like bananas or jerky—just to be sure everything dries evenly.

About the On/Off Switch (or Lack Thereof)

One thing you should know: this Nesco model doesn’t have an on/off switch. You just plug it in to start it, and unplug it to stop it running. Old-school, but it works.

✅ Tip: Want it to shut off automatically? Use it with a simple plug-in timer (the kind you’d use for Christmas lights). That’s what I do when drying overnight or if I’m stepping away for a while.

NESCO temperature selector on its lid

A Simple Fix: Use a Timer for Auto Shutoff

24-Hour Plug-In Mechanical Timer - Grounded

BN-LINK 24-Hr Plug-in Mechanical Timer Grounded, 125VAC, 60 Hz, 1875W, 15A, 1/2HP
BN-LINK 24-Hr Plug-in Mechanical Timer Grounded, 125VAC, 60 Hz, 1875W, 15A, 1/2HP

You can buy a 'timer-switch' from hardware stores if you want to have the luxury of the Nesco food dehydrator turning off, say after ten hours, if you know you won't be home to shut it off.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Stack Up Your Snacks: Nesco's Expandable Tray Advantage

Nesco Dehydrator - 4-tray starter model, showing green beans being dehydrated

How Many Trays Can You Add?

One of the things I love about Nesco is how you can expand it as you go. I started with four trays, but you can stack more on—up to 12 with most models. The extra trays usually come in sets of two, and yep, they fit older models too (which is super handy if you're upgrading an old unit like I did).

💡 Tip: Even if you’re only using a couple trays for drying, keep at least four trays in place—even if some are empty. That helps keep the airflow moving the way it should.

Using Fruit Roll Sheets the Smart Way

Only have two Fruit Roll Sheets but want to make more than one batch? Here’s what I do:

  • Place one fruit roll sheet on a tray.
  • Stack an empty tray underneath and another on top to keep the airflow steady.
  • Then repeat with your second sheet.

That airflow sandwich trick keeps things drying evenly—and saves you from needing a whole stack of roll sheets.

NESCO Clean-a-Screen and Fruit Roll sheets

Nesco DEHYDRATORS Available on Amazon

💡 Tip: Outside the U.S.? Most dehydrating temps here are listed in Fahrenheit — use our quick converter to see the Celsius equivalent for your machine.

Nesco FD-80A Food + Jerky Dehydrator
Nesco FD-80A Food + Jerky Dehydrator

Nesco FD-80A Food + Jerky Dehydrator

This is a square-shaped food dehydrator, perfect for snacks, fruit, and beef jerky. White with a top black tray edge, with a white lid.

  • 700 watts of drying power
  • Expandable to 8 trays
  • 15.25 x 10.25 x 15.63 inches (LxWxH)
  • Temperature range: 95°F – 160°F
  • Comes with: 1 Clean-A-Screen, 1 Recipe Instruction Book, 1 Jerky Seasoning & Cure Sample
Nesco FD-61WHC Snackmaster Encore
Nesco FD-61WHC Snackmaster Encore

Nesco FD-61WHC Snackmaster Encore Food Dehydrator

This round Nesco Snackmaster comes with a jerky gun kit and 5 trays. It has a very light grey body with a darker grey lid.

  • 500 watts of drying power
  • Expandable to 12 trays
  • 13.5 x 13.5 x 9.25 inches (LxWxH)
  • Temperature range: 95°F – 160°F
  • Comes with: 1 Jerky Gun with 3 tip attachments, 2 Fruit Roll Sheets, 2 Clean-A-Screens, 5 Jerky Seasoning & Cure Samples, Recipe & Instruction book
Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express
Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express

Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express Food Dehydrator

This is the new version of mine as it has an updated lid. It's a light grey body with a darker grey lid.

  • 500 watts of drying power
  • Expandable to 12 trays
  • 13.5 x 13.5 x 9.25 inches (LxWxH)
  • Temperature range: 95°F – 155°F
  • Comes with: 1 Fruit Roll Sheet, 2 Original-Flavor Jerky Spice & Cure Packets

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Must-Have Extras for Easier, Cleaner Drying

Let’s talk accessories—because trust me, a couple of simple add-ons can make dehydrating way easier (and way less messy).

What’s a Clean-A-Screen and Do I Really Need One?

Clean-A-Screens are flexible mesh inserts that sit right on top of your dehydrator trays. They stop tiny bits—like herbs or diced veggies—from falling through the cracks. Plus, they have little finger notches so you can lift them out easily.

Less mess = faster cleanup = happy dehydrator.

Fruit Roll Sheets: A Must-Have for Sticky Stuff

Making fruit roll-ups or anything puréed? You’ll want these solid Fruit Roll Sheets. They keep the goo in place while still letting air flow around it.

🚫 Don’t try subbing in plastic wrap. It blocks airflow (especially in the center) and could cause your dehydrator to overheat. Not worth the risk.

Cleanup Tips for Sticky Dehydrating Jobs

Easy Cleanup Tips for Sticky Foods

Screens make cleanup easier!

  • Soak screens in warm water.
  • Gently scrub if needed (but it’s rare!).
  • Air dry before storing.

Pro Tip: Always use screens when drying small or sticky foods. You’ll thank me later!

Nesco ACCESSORIES Available on Amazon

Nesco Fruit Roll Sheets 13.5
Nesco Fruit Roll Sheets 13.5" dia.

Nesco Solid Fruit Roll Sheets

Nesco LSS-2-6 Round clear plastic 13-1/2" diameter Fruit Roll Sheets, white.

  • 2 pk of solid fruit roll sheets
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Dry capacity up to 3 cups of pureed fruit per sheet
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Nesco models these Fruit Roll Sheets fit
Nesco Clean-A-Screen 13.5
Nesco Clean-A-Screen 13.5" dia.

Nesco Mesh Sheets

Nesco LM-2-6 Round plastic mesh 13-1/2" diameter Clean-A-Screens, white.

  • 2 pk of mesh sheets
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Check the red Amazon link to see which Nesco models these Clean-A-Screens fit
Nesco Trays for series 20 + 30 Dehydrators
Nesco Trays for series 20 + 30 Dehydrators

Nesco Trays

Nesco WT-2SG Round Speckled Plastic 13-1/2" diameter Add-A-Tray.

  • 2 pk of speckled round trays
  • 1.6 sq feet drying area
  • Fits 20 Series and 30 Series Food Dehydrators
  • Check the red Amazon link to see all the Nesco models these Add-A-Trays fit

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

So... Should You Buy a Nesco Dehydrator?

If you want something reliable, affordable, and easy to use, it’s hard to go wrong with a Nesco. I’ve used mine for years—for everything from apple slices to homemade jerky—and it still holds up like a champ.

Whether you're just getting into food dehydrating or want to expand your setup, Nesco makes it easy to grow with your needs.

Got Nesco Questions? I’ve Got Answers.

Can I make beef jerky in a Nesco dehydrator?

Yep—jerky is one of the things it does best. The airflow and temp range are perfect for meat. Some models even come with a jerky gun and seasoning packets to get you started. Need step-by-step help? Check out my full complete jerky guide here.

How many trays can I use at once?

Most Nesco models start with four trays, but you can stack up to 12 or more depending on the model. I always recommend using at least four trays—even if some are empty—to keep the airflow working right.

Where can I find good recipes for my Nesco?

You're in luck—I’ve pulled together my favorite go-to recipes in the 20 Taste-Tested Easy Recipes with Dehydrated Food book (it’s available as a PDF or paperback). You’ll also find some starter recipes in Nesco’s manual, but mine go a bit beyond the basics.

Exploring Other Options?

While I’m a big Nesco fan (been using mine since 2010!), I’ve also written up honest reviews of other dehydrators—like the Elite Gourmet and this French door Excalibur model!

If you're comparing features or thinking about trying a rear-fan style instead of stackable trays, those pages might help you decide.

If you’re ready to dive into dehydrating, don’t forget to download our free 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love PDF (below). These include favorites like carrot soup, minestrone soup, split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and banana cinnamon rolls — perfect for using up your dehydrated ingredients!

Grab 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love

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