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NESCO Snackmaster Pro Review

A reasonably priced stacked dehydrator that boasts a user-friendly design and adjustable tray space
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NESCO Snackmaster Pro Review
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Price:  $90 List
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Manufacturer:   Nesco
By Nick Miley and Michelle Powell  ⋅  Aug 11, 2021
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 12
  • Dehydrating - 25% 7.9
  • Temperature Accuracy - 25% 9.3
  • Ease of Cleaning - 25% 6.0
  • Ease of Use - 25% 4.0

Our Verdict

The NESCO Snackmaster Pro is an inexpensive and easy-to-use dehydrator. The base of this machine is much easier to clean than its competitors. We have some concerns about the trays, which are a bit flimsy and relatively difficult to clean. Despite these concerns, this machine is a great choice for those who want to ease into dehydrating with the option of expanding their activities. After all, it produces evenly dried, flavorful food on par with the top models.
REASONS TO BUY
Simplistic design
Economic
Adjustable capacity
REASONS TO AVOID
Thin trays
No timer
Difficult to check progress

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line An adjustable capacity stacked dehydrator that renders evenly dried, tasty morselsA quality dehydrator for the space conscious consumerThis unique dehydrator has ample tray space in a rectangular, stackable format; it also has simple controls and is easy to cleanA simple machine that has two settings, is easy to clean, and is very inexpensiveA solid entry-level dehydrator for those looking to try it out
Rating Categories NESCO Snackmaster Pro Presto 06301 Dehydro Hamilton Beach 32100A Nutrichef PKFD12 Commercial Chef CCD...
Dehydrating (25%)
7.9
8.5
7.4
8.5
7.3
Temperature Accuracy (25%)
9.3
9.5
7.0
5.0
7.8
Ease of Cleaning (25%)
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
4.0
Ease of Use (25%)
4.0
5.6
5.8
4.2
4.6
Specs NESCO Snackmaster Pro Presto 06301 Dehydro Hamilton Beach 32100A Nutrichef PKFD12 Commercial Chef CCD...
Tray Dimensions 13.5" diameter 15" diameter 10.5" x 13" 12" diameter 9.4" diameter
Number of Trays 5 6 5 5 5
Temperature Range 95 - 160 F 90-165 F 100-160 F Max 180 F 104-158 F
Tray Material Plastic Plastic Plastic Plastic Plastic
Power Consumption 600W 750W 500W 250W 100W
Capacity 5 sq ft 3.25 sq ft 3.75 sq ft 3.25 sq ft 5.3 sq ft
Outside Dimensions 13.5" x 13.5" x13.5" 14.5" x 15" x 7.25" 10.5" x 13" x 11" 12" x 7.5" x 13" 9.92" x 9.43" x 7.01"

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


nesco snackmaster pro - an unassuming but effective design that will accommodate expansion...
An unassuming but effective design that will accommodate expansion should you need it.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Consistent and Accurate


Many dehydrator models suffer from inconsistent temperatures, and as a result, they have inconsistent food outcomes. The morsels will be unevenly dried, or worse, over-dried. This is not the case with the Snackmaster Pro. This machine has one of the more accurate thermostats that we've evaluated. We tested several different foods in these machines — bananas, apples, herbs, tomatoes, and beef. Most machines struggle with producing quality beef jerky. Not the Snackmaster. That's quite impressive considering the price point.

nesco snackmaster pro - checking the progress of drying food in the machine is a bit of a...
Checking the progress of drying food in the machine is a bit of a pain.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Ease of Use


The Snackmaster Pro has a simple design. Often simplicity is a good thing. However, when certain useful features are absent, it can be a bit vexing. This is the case for the Pro. This machine lacks a timer, an on/ off switch, and a viewing window. In truth, most stacked dehydrators require the user to remove each tray for visual checks. However, the fan on top design makes this process a bit more awkward.

nesco snackmaster pro - complex trays like this provide ample places for food to get stuck...
Complex trays like this provide ample places for food to get stuck -- ugh.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Clean-Up


As a general rule, stack dehydrators are easier to clean than their shelf-style counterparts. The stack models' trays are the body of the dehydrator. Accordingly, they break down into manageable parts that can be held over the trash or put into the sink. The difficulty in cleaning has more to do with the complexity of the tray itself. The Snackmaster Pro has a complex tray design — not good. Conversely, this model has all of its electronics housed in the lid. Thus, the messiest part of the machine (i.e., the bottom) can be thrown into the sink with the trays.

nesco snackmaster pro - hard to clean machines can leave a bad taste in your mouth for...
Hard to clean machines can leave a bad taste in your mouth for preserving. Stackable models address this issue.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Value


Given this dehydrator's extremely competitive price point and its quality results, we argue that it's a valuable item. Sure, it lacks some standard features that may put some consumers off, but it has others that will outweigh them for the right person.

nesco snackmaster pro - if you're going to have a dial control, best to have them be...
If you're going to have a dial control, best to have them be discrete settings for accuracy and consistency.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Conclusion


The Snackmaster Pro is inexpensive, easy to use, and dries food with the best of them. We certainly like that the fan is on the top of the unit as it allows the base, which is where most of the mess ends up, to be washed instead of being wiped out. We also found the flexibility in the tray beds to be helpful when removing sticky foods. It offers simplicity in design with consistent, quality results at a price that's hard to beat. However, the savings that this product offers comes at the cost of time. If you like spending time in the kitchen and want to keep some extra bucks in your wallet, then give this machine a whirl.

Nick Miley and Michelle Powell
 

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