Cuisinart
Cuisinart DHR-20 Food Dehydrator
Best entry-level dehydrator for home cooks making jerky and dried snacks.
Preserve your favorite foods with this efficient food dehydrator. It offers a simple way to dry fruits, vegetables, and meats, extending their shelf life and allowing for creative culinary uses. Its design ensures even drying, making it a practical addition to any kitchen for those who enjoy homemade jerky, fruit leathers, or dried herbs. The appliance is designed for ease of use and maintenance, fitting seamlessly into your food preparation routine. Create delicious dried foods at home with this versatile dehydrator, perfect for preparing homemade beef jerky, dried fruits, and herbs.
$99.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.0
/ 5
Category Rank
118
/ 133
#118 in Food Dehydrators
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Power
620
/ watts
Who it's for
- Home cooks with limited kitchen counter space
- Budget-conscious shoppers starting their dehydration journey
- Novices wanting a simple, plug-and-play experience
Who should skip it
- Culinary enthusiasts requiring precise temperature adjustments
- Busy users who prefer a hands-off drying process
- Batch processors needing large-scale drying capacity
Performance breakdown
Drying Capacity
Generous surface area handles bulk batches of jerky and fruit leather easily.
Temperature Precision
Analog controls lack the pinpoint accuracy required for delicate, temperature-sensitive herbs.
Airflow Efficiency
Vertical venting system provides consistent results across all five stackable trays.
Ease of Maintenance
BPA-free plastic components are straightforward to clean after sticky drying sessions.
Build Durability
Lightweight plastic construction feels functional but lacks premium, long-term structural heft.
Operational Versatility
Expandable tray design adapts well to varying ingredient volumes and types.
Key Specs
Power
620 watts
Voltage
120V
Capacity
552 square inches of dehydrating surface area
Number of Trays
5
Height
10.25"
Width
12.00"
Depth
14.00"
Weight
8.70 lbs.
Know before you buy
Yes, the unit includes a dedicated fruit roll-up sheet specifically designed for making fruit leathers and drying purees without them falling through the racks.
Because this model uses a vertical airflow system, it is important to ensure the trays are stacked properly and not overloaded. This ensures the air circulates evenly from the bottom to the top, preventing uneven drying across the different levels.
The five stackable trays are made from BPA-free plastic and are generally easy to clean by hand with warm, soapy water. While the material is durable, hand washing is recommended to preserve the integrity of the plastic over time.
The dehydrator features an adjustable analog thermostat, allowing you to lower the temperature for delicate items like herbs or flowers. While it lacks a digital readout, it provides enough control to prevent over-drying sensitive ingredients.
Yes, the design is modular, meaning you can add extra trays to the stack to increase your drying capacity. This makes it easy to scale up production when you have a large harvest or are preparing bulk batches of jerky.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.