9 Best Food Dehydrators with Metal Trays (October 2026)
The best food dehydrators with metal trays include the Cosori Food Dehydrator for compact kitchens, the Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine for adjustable tray spacing, and the Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine for all-metal construction.
On this page (6 sections)
- What are the best food dehydrators with metal trays?
- How do stainless steel and chrome trays compare?
- Which metal-tray dehydrator fits your batch size?
- How should you choose a food dehydrator with metal trays?
- Are stainless steel trays worth prioritizing?
- Which food dehydrator with metal trays should you choose?
The best food dehydrator with metal trays for most kitchens is the Cosori Food Dehydrator with 5 stainless steel trays. It combines a compact footprint, 3.1 ft² of drying space and temperature settings from 95–176°F.
Choose the 10-tray Cosori or seven-tray Magic Mill Pro if your usual batches need more room. For a large-capacity machine, Ausegia offers 12 stainless steel trays, while Excalibur is the pick here with chrome-plated trays.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for adjustable tray spacingMagic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for all-metal constructionMagic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for large batchesCheck it - 5
Best for simple four-tray batchesCheck it - 6
Check itPSIIDAN Food Dehydrator Machine
Best for eight-tray capacity - 7
Best for adjustable spacing on five traysCheck it - 8
Check itAusegia Commercial Large 12 Trays Food Dehydrator
Best for very large batches - 9
Check itExcalibur Food Dehydrator Select Series for Jerky
Best for chrome-plated trays
What are the best food dehydrators with metal trays?
The best choice depends on whether you need compact storage, adjustable tray spacing, or room for large batches. We compared tray material and count with the controls, dimensions and airflow features in each model.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Tray counts and metal types are stated specifically, because “metal trays” can mean stainless steel or chrome-plated shelves.
How do stainless steel and chrome trays compare?
Stainless steel trays are the main choice in this roundup, while the Excalibur uses chrome-plated trays. For more models, compare stainless steel tray dehydrators.
If stainless steel is your priority, compare the best stainless steel dehydrator options and check the tray material for each model.
| Product | Best for | Trays | Temperature | Drying space | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori Food Dehydrator | compact kitchens | 5 stainless steel | 95–176°F | 3.1 ft² | 9.7 |
| Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine | adjustable tray spacing | 5 stainless steel | 95–167°F | 9.5 | |
| Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine | all-metal construction | 7 stainless steel | 95–176°F | 9.4 | |
| Cosori Food Dehydrator | large batches | 10 stainless steel | 95–167°F | 7.4 ft² | 9.3 |
| Elite Gourmet Food Dehydrator | simple four-tray batches | 4 stainless steel | 95–158°F | 9.3 | |
| PSIIDAN Food Dehydrator Machine | eight-tray capacity | 8 stainless steel | Up to 167°F | 9.2 | |
| OSTBA Food Dehydrator | adjustable spacing on five trays | 5 stainless steel | 95–160°F | 9.1 | |
| Ausegia Commercial Large 12 Trays Food Dehydrator | very large batches | 12 stainless steel | 70–190°F | 8.8 | |
| Excalibur Food Dehydrator Select Series for Jerky | chrome-plated trays | 8 chrome-plated | 85–165°F | 8.6 |
Which metal-tray dehydrator fits your batch size?
These machines range from a compact four-tray option to a 12-tray machine built for larger batches. Match the tray count and dimensions to your typical load and available counter space.
If you plan to dry food in an oven, compare dehydrator trays for ovens.
Cosori Food Dehydrator: Best for compact kitchens
- 5 stainless steel trays
- 3.1 ft² drying space
- 95–176°F temperature range
- 4 presets
This compact Cosori pairs five stainless steel trays with 3.1 ft² of drying space. Its 95–176°F controls and four presets make it a flexible choice for different foods.
Pros
- Compact 13.9 x 11.3 x 8.9 in footprint
- Adjustable temperature in 1°F steps
- Includes mesh screen and fruit roll sheet
Cons
- Five trays offer less room than larger machines
- The stainless steel exterior needs care during operation
Cosori's five-tray model is the most compact pick in this group, at 13.9 x 11.3 x 8.9 in. Its 3.1 ft² of drying space gives you room for smaller household batches without the larger footprint of a high-capacity cabinet.
The temperature adjusts from 95–176°F in 1°F steps, and four presets cover jerky, fruit, vegetables and yogurt. Cosori also includes a mesh screen, fruit roll sheet and recipe book.
A rear fan promotes airflow through the trays. The 48-hour timer can be set in 30-minute increments, which gives you a longer run window for foods that need extended drying.
Choose this model if you want stainless steel trays and adjustable controls in a compact unit. If you're comparing food-contact materials beyond the shelves, see our best BPA-free food dehydrators.
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine: Best for adjustable tray spacing
- 5 stackable stainless steel trays
- Tray spacing adjusts from 0.6 to 1.1 in
- 95–167°F controls
- Timer up to 48 hours
Magic Mill's five stackable trays adjust to make room for thicker ingredients. The 95–167°F controls and timer of up to 48 hours cover a range of home drying tasks.
Pros
- Tray height adjusts for thicker foods
- Removable trays are dishwasher safe
- Digital timer and temperature controls
Cons
- Five trays limit batch size
- The body is BPA-free plastic, not all metal
Magic Mill's five stackable stainless steel trays let you adjust the gap from 0.6 to 1.1 in. That flexibility helps when you need more clearance for thicker-cut ingredients than a fixed tray spacing allows.
The digital controls set temperatures from 95–167°F and a timer up to 48 hours. The trays are removable and can be washed with soapy water or put in a dishwasher.
The body is BPA-free plastic, with a stainless steel base. That distinction matters if you want metal shelves but also want to know what material surrounds the drying chamber.
Pick this machine for a smaller footprint and tray spacing that can change with the food. Its five levels suit home batches, though they provide less space than the eight- and 10-tray models.
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine: Best for all-metal construction
- 7 stainless steel trays
- Stainless steel interior and exterior
- 95–176°F controls
- 600W rear fan
This Magic Mill Pro has seven stainless steel trays and stainless steel inside and out. Its rear fan, 95–176°F control range and 48-hour timer suit repeated or larger batches.
Pros
- Stainless steel interior, exterior and trays
- Seven trays for larger batches
- Keep-warm mode and automatic shutoff
Cons
- Larger than five-tray countertop models
- The maker's even-drying description is not a guarantee for every load
The Magic Mill Pro uses stainless steel for its exterior, interior and all seven trays. It suits buyers who want a more consistent metal construction across the cabinet and food shelves.
A 600W rear fan moves air from the back of the machine, and the temperature adjusts from 95–176°F in 1°F increments. The timer runs up to 48 hours, followed by automatic shutoff; a keep-warm mode holds 95°F for up to 24 hours.
The included accessories are two mesh screens and a fruit roll or drip tray. Those help with small items and fruit leather, though they are separate from the seven main stainless steel trays.
Choose the Pro for all-stainless construction and a middle-ground capacity. Buyers who need a smaller body may prefer one of the five-tray choices.
Cosori Food Dehydrator: Best for large batches
- 10 stainless steel trays
- 7.4 ft² drying space
- 10 presets
- Horizontal airflow
Cosori's 10-tray model offers 7.4 ft² of drying area for larger loads. Horizontal airflow, 10 presets, a built-in light and viewing window add convenience.
Pros
- 10 trays for larger batches
- Dishwasher-safe trays
- Built-in light and viewing window
Cons
- Needs more counter and storage space than compact models
- The stainless steel exterior may become hot during use
Cosori's 10-tray model provides 7.4 ft² of drying space for larger batches. It also includes a mesh tray, fruit roll sheet and recipe book, so you can handle small pieces and fruit leather alongside the main trays.
The machine has 10 presets, horizontal airflow and temperature adjustments in 1°F increments. A built-in light and viewing window let you check food without opening the door.
The stated temperature range is 95–167°F. Its stainless steel exterior may become hot during operation, so leave it well ventilated and avoid touching the cabinet while it runs.
Choose this Cosori when batch size matters more than a compact footprint. Its 10 trays offer the largest stated drying area among the standard countertop models here.
Elite Gourmet Food Dehydrator: Best for simple four-tray batches
- 4 stainless steel trays
- 95–158°F temperature range
- Timer up to 24 hours
- 350W
The Elite Gourmet includes four stainless steel trays in a compact 11.5 x 10 x 8 in body. Its horizontal airflow and controls up to 158°F suit modest home batches.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Dishwasher-safe removable trays
- Temperature and timer controls
Cons
- Four trays provide the least tray capacity here
- Temperature tops out at 158°F
Elite Gourmet offers four stainless steel trays in an 11.5 x 10 x 8 in body. For more compact choices, see small stainless steel dehydrators.
Its smaller tray count can work for occasional batches when counter or storage space is limited.
The temperature adjusts from 95–158°F, and the timer runs up to 24 hours. Horizontal airflow and a bottom-mounted fan are designed to circulate heat, while transparent trays help you watch the drying process.
The removable trays and lid are dishwasher safe. With four trays and a lower maximum temperature than the other digital models here, this pick best fits modest loads and straightforward use.
Choose it if a compact size and metal trays matter more than extra capacity or a longer timer. For households that regularly dry several foods at once, an eight-tray machine may be a better fit.
PSIIDAN Food Dehydrator Machine: Best for eight-tray capacity
- 8 stainless steel trays
- Temperature up to 167°F
- Timer up to 48 hours
- Includes mesh and drip trays
PSIIDAN combines eight stainless steel trays with a mesh tray for small items and a drip tray. A built-in light, viewing window and automatic shutoff round out its controls.
Pros
- Eight trays for multi-level batches
- Includes mesh and drip trays
- Timer runs up to 48 hours
Cons
- The exterior material is ABS and stainless steel, not all metal
- Dimensions are not specified in the product details
PSIIDAN provides eight stainless steel trays and a temperature setting up to 167°F. The included mesh tray can hold small items such as seeds, and a drip tray is included for juicier foods and fruit roll-ups.
A timer of up to 48 hours, auto shutoff and one-touch controls cover the main operating tasks. The built-in light and viewing window let you check progress without opening the door.
The body uses ABS and stainless steel, so the machine is not an all-metal construction. Its tray material is stainless steel, which is the relevant distinction for shoppers focused on the drying shelves.
Pick it for eight levels and included accessories. The available dimensions aren't specified, so measure your counter area before deciding where it will sit.
OSTBA Food Dehydrator: Best for adjustable spacing on five trays
- 5 embedded stainless steel trays
- 95–160°F temperature control
- Timer up to 48 hours
- 360° airflow
OSTBA's five embedded stainless steel trays rotate 180° to change spacing for thicker foods. The machine also has 360° airflow, adjustable temperature and a 48-hour timer.
Pros
- Tray spacing can be adjusted
- Dishwasher-safe trays
- Compact 8.26 x 11.41 x 8.18 in dimensions
Cons
- Temperature range ends at 160°F
- The body is ABS plastic and stainless steel
OSTBA's five embedded stainless steel trays rotate 180° to adjust the spacing for thicker foods. That makes this compact machine useful when you switch between thin fruit slices and larger pieces.
Its 400W motor supports 360° airflow, and the temperature adjusts from 95–160°F. The timer runs from 1 to 48 hours with automatic shutoff, and the trays are dishwasher safe.
The body combines ABS and stainless steel, rather than using metal throughout. Its dimensions are 8.26 x 11.41 x 8.18 in, giving it one of the smallest footprints in this roundup.
Choose OSTBA if variable tray spacing and a compact body are more important than a higher maximum temperature. Its five trays suit small to medium home batches.
Ausegia Commercial Large 12 Trays Food Dehydrator: Best for very large batches
- 12 stainless steel trays
- 1200W
- Temperature adjustable from 70–190°F
- Digital timer up to 24 hours
Ausegia's 12-tray machine is designed for large loads, with a 1200W motor and digital temperature settings from 70–190°F. Its broad footprint calls for a planned counter or work area.
Pros
- 12 large trays
- Food-grade stainless steel construction
- Includes accessories for different drying tasks
Cons
- Large 21.38 x 17.2 x 18.5 in footprint
- Timer is limited to 24 hours
Ausegia's 12 stainless steel trays and 21.38 x 17.2 x 18.5 in cabinet are aimed at very large batches. Each tray measures 15.75 x 15.75 in, and the machine includes a drip tray, silicone pads, a non-stick sheet, hanging accessories and silicone gloves.
The digital controls adjust temperature from 70–190°F and set a timer from 30 minutes to 24 hours. A rear-mounted fan and horizontal airflow support drying across the cabinet.
This machine uses 1200W and is specified for 110V use in the United States and Canada. Its size makes it a better fit for a dedicated work surface than a crowded counter.
Choose Ausegia when you regularly dry large quantities and have space for a full-size cabinet. The 24-hour timer is shorter than the 48-hour options in this roundup.
Excalibur Food Dehydrator Select Series for Jerky: Best for chrome-plated trays
- 8 chrome-plated trays
- Temperature range from 85–165°F
- Timer up to 80 hours
- Horizontal airflow
Excalibur's eight trays are chrome plated, rather than described as solid stainless steel. The 80-hour timer, horizontal airflow and clear glass French doors are useful features for longer batches.
Pros
- Timer runs up to 80 hours
- Clear glass doors help monitor progress
- Eight trays
Cons
- Chrome-plated trays differ from stainless steel trays
- Temperature range tops out at 165°F
Excalibur's Select Series includes eight chrome-plated trays, not stainless steel trays. It belongs in this roundup for shoppers who mean metal shelves broadly and are comfortable with a plated finish.
The adjustable temperature range is 85–165°F, and the timer runs up to 80 hours. Excalibur pairs horizontal airflow with Hyperwave Pulse Technology, and clear glass French doors provide a view of the drying process.
The unit measures 17.32 x 13.39 x 14.08 in. Its timer runs longer than the other models listed here, which can help when a recipe or food load needs a longer cycle.
Choose it if chrome-plated trays meet your needs and you value an extended timer. If you specifically want stainless steel shelves, focus on the other picks.
How should you choose a food dehydrator with metal trays?
Choose by tray material, usable capacity and controls, then check the body and accessories for other food-contact materials. A stainless steel shelf does not automatically mean the whole drying chamber is metal.
- For compact storage: Compare the five-tray Cosori, Magic Mill and OSTBA by footprint and temperature range.
- For more levels: The PSIIDAN has eight stainless steel trays, while the 10-tray Cosori adds 7.4 ft² of stated drying space.
- For all-stainless construction: The Magic Mill Pro specifies stainless steel inside, outside and across its seven trays.
- For large batches: Ausegia's 12 trays measure 15.75 x 15.75 in each, but its cabinet needs ample room.
- For a long timer: Excalibur runs up to 80 hours, but its trays are chrome plated.
Tray count alone doesn't show how much food will fit. Compare tray dimensions, spacing and total drying area, and consider the space you have for storing the machine between batches.
Are stainless steel trays worth prioritizing?
Stainless steel trays make the most sense when you want that material for the surfaces holding food. Check included screens and fruit roll sheets too, since they may use different materials.
For a broader look at the choice, read our plastic vs stainless steel dehydrator trays overview. It can help you decide whether tray material, the whole food path or the body construction matters most for your use.
Which food dehydrator with metal trays should you choose?
Choose the five-tray Cosori for a compact machine with a broad 95–176°F range, or the Magic Mill Pro if you want stainless steel inside and out. Pick the 10-tray Cosori or Ausegia for more capacity, and choose Excalibur only if chrome-plated trays fit your preference.
Before buying, compare tray dimensions and the materials of any included accessories. That final check helps ensure the machine matches the way you plan to dry food.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
-
2
Best for adjustable tray spacing
Magic Mill Food Dehydrator Machine
9.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for all-metal construction
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator Machine
9.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
Are metal dehydrator trays better than plastic trays?
Metal trays can suit you if you prefer a rigid surface and want to avoid placing food directly on plastic. Tray material alone doesn't tell you how a dehydrator dries, so compare airflow, capacity, cleaning instructions and the unit's food-contact materials too.
Check whether each tray is stainless steel, chrome plated or another metal.
Do all food dehydrators with metal trays have metal interiors?
No. Some dehydrators pair metal trays with a plastic body, while others use stainless steel for the interior or exterior too.
If you want to limit plastic contact, check the food path, including shelves, mesh screens and fruit roll sheets.
See our best non plastic food dehydrator picks for options focused on that question.
How many metal trays should a food dehydrator have?
Choose tray count by how much food you dry at once and how much space you have to store the machine. Four or five trays can suit small batches, while eight or more provide more levels for larger loads.
Tray dimensions and spacing matter too.
Our guide to how many trays come with a food dehydrator explains what to compare.
Are chrome-plated trays the same as stainless steel trays?
No. Chrome-plated trays have a metal coating, while stainless steel trays are made from stainless steel.
Excalibur's Select Series uses chrome-plated trays, so it may fit if you want metal trays but isn't the same material choice as a stainless steel model.
For a focused comparison, see our guide to the best food dehydrators with stainless steel trays.
What should I check before buying a metal-tray dehydrator?
Compare tray material, tray count, usable space, temperature range, timer length and cleaning instructions. Also check whether the body or included accessories put plastic in contact with food.
Our quick overview of plastic vs stainless steel dehydrator trays explains the main material differences.
