A good dehydrator changes the game.
Homesteaders with the ability to dry and preserve food can save time, money, and tons of perishables that would otherwise go to waste. But many simply can’t afford the price tag on a top-end unit.
The Nesco Snackmaster Encore is an affordable solution, making high-quality dehydrated food accessible to everyone.
This hearty little machine can dehydrate everything from wild game to frozen fruit. It’s easy to use, incredibly versatile, and sits at a price point we can all get on board with.
Quick Specs
Nesco Snackmaster Encore Food Dehydrator
Dimensions: 14” L x 10” W x 10” H | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Power: 500 W | Temperature: 95°–160° F
Those interested in dehydrating more food at once can snag an easy-to-use expansion pack of two additional trays.
Pros:
- Dries thoroughly
- Affordable
- Temperature controls
- Runs at 95°–160° F
- Easy to clean
- Liquids tray
- Suitable for meat
Special Features
The Snackmaster was designed to provide quality dehydrating at an affordable cost. Many enthusiasts consider it a great “starter” dehydrator, but it boasts various features that can compete with units at a much higher price point.
Top-Mounted Fan
In the world of electric dehydrators, the top-mounted fan reigns supreme—at least in my book.
Top-mounted fans sit above the food and direct warm air downward for circulation. While this makes the unit moretop-heavy, it’s a trade-off I prefer.
Bottom-mounted fans get really dirty. Even if a fan guard is in place, food particles and drops of liquid inevitably get all over it.
The engine and fan are mounted on the removable top end of the unit.
Quietly Powerful
The Nesco Snackmaster Encore has an impressive 500-watt engine. You can definitely hear the motor working, but it’s a pleasant background noise rather than a distracting whir of activity.
I work from home, and the unit never disturbs me. Unlike other noisier appliances, I can plug it in and leave it to purr away.
Adjustable Thermostat
Some units come with factory temperature settings, but a thermostat you can manually adjust is always better. You’ll need a different temperature when dehydrating meat items than you would to dehydrate things like herbs.
You also need a wide variety of temperatures to get the most out of your dehydrator, and the Snackmaster delivers. The dial is easy to turn, and there’s even a temperature guide printed next to it.
It’s hard to make temperature mistakes with a machine this intuitive.
Patented Drying System
The way this unit dries is unique and remarkable. It utilizes Nesco’s patented Converga-Flow drying system,…