WIRED has published its 2026 guide to the best food dehydrators, framing the appliances as a compact, quick alternative to canning or freezing for preserving surplus produce, foraged food, wild game or fish. The article, drawing on hands-on testing by the writer and contributing reviewer Lisa Wood Shapiro, argues that dehydrators broaden home food-preservation options — from apple and kale chips, beef jerky and fruit leathers to entire dehydrated backpacking meals and even homemade dog treats.

The guide names a top pick for each category. The Excalibur DH08SCSS13 (around $171–$180) is Best Overall, an eight-tray, 7.2-cubic-foot unit with stainless steel trays, French doors, a 700-watt motor measured at 40 decibels, an 85–165°F range and a one-year warranty. The Cosori Pioneer 5-Tray ($50) is Best Budget with a two-year warranty and praised recipe library; the Elite Gourmet EFD329WD ($46) is Best for Small Spaces, compressing to six inches; and the solar-powered Dehytray ($100–$142) is Best for Emergency Preparedness for off-grid use, though the reviewer warns of pest risks when drying meat outdoors. A Magic Mill Pro seven-tray model ($140) is also mentioned among others tested.