The Cosori Stainless Steel Dehydrator offers reliable food drying performance with even heat distribution and fast drying times. Reviewers praised its quiet operation at 46.1 dB and stainless steel trays that clean easily in the dishwasher. However, users noted that the unit includes insufficient mesh sheets and that stainless steel trays can be sticky. The dehydrator features a 600-watt motor, 6-tray capacity with 936 sq. in. total drying space, and automatic shut-off functionality. It's well-suited for beginners and home users seeking a value-priced alternative to higher-end models like Excalibur, though some users recommend purchasing additional mesh sheets for optimal performance.
Full review
Build Quality and Design
The Cosori Premium Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator measures 17.8 inches deep, 13.4 inches wide, and 12.4 inches high, making it a compact yet functional appliance for most kitchen countertops. The unit features a sleek silver finish with stainless steel trays that slide in and out easily, a design choice that sets it apart from traditional stackable models. According to BackpackingChef.com, the trays are 13 inches by 12 inches and fit flat inside a kitchen sink for soaking and cleaning, with dishwasher compatibility noted as a significant advantage. The stainless steel construction extends to the interior, which The Purposeful Pantry reviewer described as 'easy to clean' and '100% stainless steel.' However, the exterior becomes hot-to-the-touch during operation, particularly at temperatures above 145°F (63°C), with the top, sides, and back panel noted as especially warm. The unit includes a hinged door with a magnetic closure, a large glass window for monitoring progress, and a rear-mounted fan and heating element. The design allows for excellent air circulation between trays, with approximately 1.5 inches of space between each tray, as noted by BackpackingChef.com. The control panel features four illuminated buttons with a large LED display showing time and temperature, with the display toggling between settings every few seconds. The unit's 600-watt motor, operating at 120V 60Hz, provides sufficient power for efficient dehydration across its 936 square inch drying surface area.
Performance and Functionality
Cosori's 6-tray dehydrator delivers consistent performance with a temperature range of 95°F to 165°F (35°C to 74°C), maintaining variance within less than 3° as reported by BackpackingChef.com. The device's automatic shut-off feature works reliably for time-based operations, but reviewers noted that the unit resets the timer to zero if the stop button is pressed during operation, a design flaw that The Purposeful Pantry reviewer found problematic. The 48-hour timer allows for extended dehydration cycles, and the unit can be set in 30-minute increments. RTINGS tested the device and confirmed it operates quietly at 46.1 dB, making it suitable for placement near dining areas without disturbing conversation. The unit's 600-watt motor and rear-mounted fan system provide even airflow across all trays, as noted by The Saltypot.com, with the reviewer highlighting that this configuration differs from bottom-mounted fans found in older models. The dehydrator's performance in drying various foods was tested by multiple reviewers, with BackpackingChef.com reporting successful drying of rice, potatoes, fruits, fruit leathers, fish stew, lentil stew, chili, and tomato sauce. The 6-tray configuration provides 936 square inches of drying space, which The Purposeful Pantry reviewer described as 'generous clearance between trays' and noted as an advantage over the Excalibur model, which requires removing trays to accommodate bulky produce.
What Reviewers Loved
Multiple reviewers praised the Cosori dehydrator's quiet operation, with The Purposeful Pantry reviewer noting it's one of the quietest machines on the market, operating at only 46.1 dB and capable of being placed in laundry spaces without disturbance. The stainless steel trays were universally appreciated for their dishwasher compatibility and ease of cleaning, with BackpackingChef.com highlighting that they fit flat in the sink for soaking. The unit's simple digital controls were also well-received, with The Saltypot.com reviewer noting that the LED panel made it easy to set up and operate. The 600-watt motor and rear-mounted fan system were praised for providing even airflow across all trays, as noted by The Saltypot.com. The 6-tray configuration was considered a good middle ground for most users, with The Purposeful Pantry reviewer stating it offers 'generous clearance between trays' and 'not too large' for typical kitchen spaces. BackpackingChef.com reviewer also appreciated the unit's value proposition, noting it costs $210 less than a 5-tray Excalibur dehydrator while offering similar features. The included recipe book was noted as helpful by The Saltypot.com reviewer, who appreciated the 50 easy-to-make recipes from Cosori's chefs. The unit's ability to dry food evenly from top to bottom without requiring tray rotation was also highlighted as a significant advantage by BackpackingChef.com.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its many strengths, the Cosori dehydrator has several notable drawbacks that reviewers have identified. The primary concern involves the insufficient tray liners provided with the unit, with The Purposeful Pantry reviewer stating that the included mesh sheet is 'too small and rigid' and that users must purchase additional nonstick sheets. BackpackingChef.com reviewer noted that the unit comes with only one mesh dehydrator sheet and one plastic fruit roll tray, which is inadequate for regular use. The plastic fruit roll tray was described as 'not nonstick' and 'works poorly' for making fruit leather, requiring users to purchase alternative solutions. The stainless steel trays were noted as 'very sticky and hard to clean' with moisture-laden foods, as mentioned by The Purposeful Pantry reviewer, who recommended using mesh or parchment paper on most projects. Additionally, the unit's overheating protection was reported as unreliable by The Purposeful Pantry reviewer, who experienced an overheating issue with their 10-tray model that resulted in removal from their home and lack of customer service response. The unit's exterior becomes hot-to-the-touch during operation, particularly at temperatures above 145°F, as noted by BackpackingChef.com, requiring users to place it on a glass cutting board or similar surface. The timer reset feature when pressing the stop button was also identified as a significant flaw by The Purposeful Pantry reviewer, who noted it would be better if the timer could pause rather than reset.
Real-World Performance
Reviewers have extensively tested the Cosori dehydrator with various foods, with BackpackingChef.com reporting successful drying of rice, potatoes, fruits, fruit leathers, fish stew, lentil stew, chili, and tomato sauce. The reviewer noted that drying times were comparable to an Excalibur dehydrator, despite the Cosori's 600-watt motor being less powerful than some competitors. The 6-tray configuration allowed for efficient processing of large batches, with The Saltypot.com reviewer noting that the unit's rear-mounted fan system provided even airflow across all trays. The unit's ability to maintain consistent temperature within 3° variance was confirmed by BackpackingChef.com, which is crucial for food preservation. The Purposeful Pantry reviewer tested the unit's quiet operation and found it suitable for placement in laundry spaces, with the door closed producing no audible noise. The reviewer also noted that the unit's 600-watt motor and rear-mounted fan system provided excellent drying performance, with the 6-tray configuration offering 'generous clearance between trays' that allows for easier handling of bulky produce. The 48-hour timer was found to be reliable for extended dehydration cycles, with The Saltypot.com reviewer noting that the LED display made it easy to monitor progress and set up operations.
Who It's Best For
The Cosori Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator is best suited for home users who want a reliable, quiet, and easy-to-use dehydrator without breaking the bank. BackpackingChef.com reviewer, who replaced a 12-year-old Excalibur model, found the Cosori to be an excellent value proposition, particularly for those seeking a mid-range capacity unit with similar features to their previous model. The unit's 6-tray configuration with 936 square inches of drying space makes it ideal for families or individuals who process moderate amounts of food at once. The stainless steel trays and dishwasher compatibility make it particularly appealing to users who prioritize easy cleaning and maintenance. The quiet operation, at 46.1 dB, makes it suitable for placement in kitchens or laundry spaces where noise levels matter. However, the unit is not recommended for users who frequently dry small items like corn or peas, as the wire tray spacing requires mesh sheets, which are not included in the standard package. The overheating protection issues noted by The Purposeful Pantry reviewer suggest that users who plan to use the unit extensively or for long periods should be aware of potential reliability concerns. The timer reset feature when pressing the stop button makes it less ideal for users who frequently check on their drying food, as it resets the timer to zero rather than pausing it.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The Cosori dehydrator stands out in the mid-range market as a more affordable alternative to premium brands like Excalibur, with BackpackingChef.com reviewer noting it costs $210 less than a 5-tray Excalibur model while offering similar features. The unit's 600-watt motor and rear-mounted fan system provide performance comparable to higher-end models, though The Saltypot.com reviewer noted that the Excalibur's bottom-mounted fan system provides better airflow. The stainless steel construction and dishwasher compatibility make it superior to many plastic alternatives, with The Purposeful Pantry reviewer highlighting that the unit's 6-tray configuration offers 'generous clearance between trays' that allows for easier handling of bulky produce. The Cosori's 46.1 dB operation is quieter than many competitors, including the Excalibur, which The Purposeful Pantry reviewer noted is 'comparable in size' but less quiet. However, the unit's overheating protection issues and insufficient tray liners distinguish it from more reliable models like the Excalibur, which The Purposeful Pantry reviewer noted as having 'better reliability' despite being more expensive. The included recipe book and digital controls make it more user-friendly than some competitors, though the manual's accuracy for long-term storage was questioned by The Purposeful Pantry reviewer, who noted that many recipes recommend storage periods of only a few weeks rather than months.
Value at This Price
The Cosori Premium Stainless Steel Food Dehydrator is priced at $139.99, offering significant value compared to premium models like the Excalibur, which BackpackingChef.com reviewer noted costs $210 more for a similar 5-tray configuration. The unit's 600-watt motor, 6-tray configuration, and stainless steel construction provide excellent performance for the price point, with The Saltypot.com reviewer noting that the Cosori brand is known for 'affordable and of great quality.' The included recipe book, digital controls, and 48-hour timer add to its value proposition, though The Purposeful Pantry reviewer noted that users will likely need to purchase additional mesh sheets and fruit leather trays to fully utilize the unit's capabilities. The unit's quiet operation and dishwasher-compatible trays provide long-term value for users who prioritize ease of maintenance and noise levels. However, the overheating protection issues and timer reset feature may impact long-term satisfaction, as noted by The Purposeful Pantry reviewer who experienced problems with their 10-tray model. The unit's 2-year limited warranty and 30-day free returns provide some consumer protection, though the lack of replacement parts for overheating issues was noted as a concern. The reviewer also highlighted that while the unit is affordable, the need for additional accessories makes it less cost-effective for users who don't already own mesh sheets or parchment paper.
Strengths
- +Dries food evenly from top to bottom with no need to rotate trays
- +Dries food fast with 600 watts of power and consistent temperature maintenance
- +Quiet operation at 46.1 dB, suitable for kitchen use
- +Stainless steel trays fit flat in sink for cleaning and are dishwasher safe
Watch-outs
- −Unit comes with only 1 mesh dehydrator sheet that is too small and rigid
- −Stainless steel trays can be sticky and hard to clean with moisture-laden foods
How it compares
Unlike the Cosori Pioneer 5-Tray model, the Cosori Stainless Steel Dehydrator offers dishwasher-safe stainless steel trays that fit flat in the sink, making cleaning more convenient. However, it shares the same issue of insufficient mesh sheets and lacks the Pioneer's slightly better temperature variance control. Compared to the Magic Mill 7 Tray Pro, it has fewer trays and less precise temperature controls, though it does offer quieter operation.
Who this is for
At a glance: beginners seeking easy cleanup.
Why you’d buy the Cosori Stainless Steel Dehydrator
- Dries food evenly from top to bottom with no need to rotate trays.
- Dries food fast with 600 watts of power and consistent temperature maintenance.
- Quiet operation at 46.1 dB, suitable for kitchen use.
Why you’d skip it
- Unit comes with only 1 mesh dehydrator sheet that is too small and rigid.
- Stainless steel trays can be sticky and hard to clean with moisture-laden foods.
Rating sources
“Dries food evenly from top to bottom with no need to rotate trays. Dries food fast. Drying times are comparable to an Excalibur dehydrator.”
“Cosori food dehydrators are a great brand of dehydrators that will make food preservation through drying food easy and fun!”
“I am a big fan of the Cosori brand because their products are affordable and of great quality. But what about this product? Will it live up to the hype and be worth investing your money in?”
“I think it's kind of stingy for a company not to not to at least give you like three of these piece at least to fill up half of your machine because you're going to need these anyway.”
Our 3.9 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
