by: Susan Gast / Author, Blogger at Beesville Books, Bored Boomers, and a Food Dehydrating Fanatic!
Looking for a reliable way to preserve your favorite fruits, veggies, and meats? I'm happy to say that I've been using my Nesco Snackmaster Pro since 2010 and I've been having a blast using it!
This nifty dehydrator has an adjustable temperature control and expandable tray system... which means you can stack as many trays as necessary (with a minimum of four trays).
"Why a minimum of four?" you ask? Because you need that amount for proper air circulation.
It's great for drying everything from apple chips to homemade beef jerky.
I love how evenly it dries food thanks to its unique airflow system. Nesco claims that there's "no more rotating trays or unevenly dried batches!" but I still rotate mine from top to bottom. Foods closest to the fan dry faster... that makes sense, right?
The 600-watt heating element works quickly too, so I can whip up tasty dehydrated foods as fast as the more expensive models and brands.
While it comes with 5 trays to start, I appreciate that it can expand up to 12 if and when needed for bigger batches.
They also include two fruit roll sheets which are solid and are totally necessary for making fruit leathers, aka fruit roll-ups, and also included are two mesh screens called "Clean-A-Screens" which really aid in keeping the trays clean(er).
The mesh screens help stop food pieces from dropping down into the bottom of the dehydrator. And to get your beef jerky taste-buds going: they include a sample of Jerky Seasoning and Cure!
The Nesco Snackmaster Pro is a great choice for anyone interested in food dehydrating. Its ease of use and consistent results make it perfect for beginners and experienced users alike.
Check out the Nesco Snackmaster Pro on Amazon and start creating your own delicious dried snacks today! That's my Amazon Affiliate link, thanks!
I've been using the Snackmaster Pro for years now and as stated at the top of this review, this dehydrator is my go-to kitchen gadget for creating delicious banana cinnamon rolls to kale chips!
The adjustable temperature control is easy to see and use. I can dry delicate herbs at low temps or make perfectly chewy beef jerky at higher settings. With 600 watts of power, it dries foods evenly and quickly.
When you're prepping for a family hiking trip, you can dry large batches of fruit and jerky all at once. The included fruit roll sheets and Clean-A-Screens are great for making fruit leathers and drying small items like herbs.
One minor drawback is the noise level - it's not super loud, but you'll definitely notice it running. It's kind of like "white noise" and beats hearing the neighbor's dog barking. Still, the convenience and quality results make the Snackmaster Pro worth every penny in my kitchen.
I'm always pleased by how evenly the Snackmaster Pro dries my foods. Its 600-watt motor pushes warm air throughout all the trays. Of course this is helpful when making large batches of jerky!
The adjustable thermostat lets me dial in the ideal temperature for different foods too. Fruits come out perfectly chewy at lower temps, while beef jerky gets that satisfying texture at higher settings.
I love how flexible this Snackmaster Pro is when it comes to temperature control. The adjustable range from 95°F to 160°F, (see my page for Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here), and lets me fine-tune the drying process for different foods. When I make apple chips, I use the lower "fruit" setting (125°F to 135°F) to preserve more flavor.
For beef jerky, I cranked it up higher to ensure food safety. Meats are always dehydrated at a higher temperature of 160°F.
You do need to be able to control your food dehydrating temperature accurately so you'll get the best results for each type of food. The unit heats up quickly and you'll hear the heating element cycle on and off throughout the drying process. I've found this precise control really helps achieve the perfect texture, whether I'm making crispy kale chips or chewy dried fruit.
I am impressed by how much food I can dehydrate at once with this Snackmaster Pro. As stated, this model comes with five 13.5-inch trays, which was plenty for my initial batches of dried fruits and jerky.
I can add up to seven more trays, bringing the total to 12. This means I can prep large quantities of snacks for my family without needing multiple dehydrating sessions.
The best part? Additional trays and other accessories are sold separately, and I think it's worth the investment if you plan on doing a lot of dehydrating.
I love how the Snackmaster Pro comes with some great extras. The two fruit roll sheets are perfect for making delicious fruit leathers. I've used them hundreds of times, and they work like a charm.
The Clean-A-Screen mesh screens are another handy addition. They're great for drying smaller items like herbs or chopped veggies without them falling through the "bare" trays.
The included jerky seasoning and cure sample is a nice touch too. It gives you a chance to try making your own jerky right out of the box.
I'm happy to report that the Snackmaster Pro is largely made right here in the USA. While the powerhead is imported from China, everything else is 100% American-made and assembled. It's refreshing to see a company like Nesco supporting domestic manufacturing.
This commitment to quality and local production gives me confidence in the dehydrator's durability and performance. I appreciate knowing that my purchase is helping to support American jobs and industry. The fact that it's made domestically also means faster shipping and easier access to replacement parts if needed.
After putting this Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro through its paces, here are a few noteworthy aspects that potential buyers should consider. Here's what I found to be the high points and drawbacks of this food dehydrator.
The Snackmaster Pro really shines when it comes to efficiency. I've dried everything from beef to fruit and veggies, and the results have been consistently great. The adjustable temperature lets you fine-tune the settings for different foods.
While I appreciate the expandability, keep in mind that when you add more trays, the unit does become quite tall, which might be an issue in kitchens with limited vertical space as mentioned above.
I've been scouring through customer feedback, and the Snackmaster Pro gets rave reviews! Many users, like myself, are thrilled with its performance. Beginners find it user-friendly, while experienced dehydrator folks appreciate its versatility. I've seen countless reports of successful jerky-making, which seems to be a fan-favorite.
Fruit dehydration is another hit, with people drying everything from orange slices to grapefruits. Dog owners are even using it to make homemade treats for their pups. The ability to add extra trays is a big plus for those who need more capacity.
Some international buyers mentioned it works well with voltage converters and a reminder to use my converter page for Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion here. A few users wished for instructions in other languages, but that's a minor gripe. Overall, customers seem genuinely happy with their purchase, praising its reliability and results.
As a long-time user of the Nesco Snackmaster Pro, I've fielded many questions from friends and family curious about this handy kitchen gadget. Let me share some of the most common queries I've encountered and my personal experiences with this dehydrator.
How do I use the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator for the first time?
When I first got my Snackmaster Pro, I started by washing all the trays and accessories with warm, soapy water. After drying them thoroughly, I assembled the unit and ran it empty for about 30 minutes to eliminate any manufacturing odors.
Then, I was ready to go! I began with something simple like apple slices, arranging them on the trays without overlapping. I set the temperature to around 135°F and let it run for about 6-8 hours, checking periodically until they reached my desired crispness.
Can I leave my Nesco dehydrator on overnight safely?
I've often left my Snackmaster Pro running overnight without any issues. It's designed for extended use, and I feel comfortable doing so. However, I always make sure it's on a heat-resistant surface away from anything flammable. I also avoid leaving it unattended when dehydrating meat products, just to be extra cautious.
How long does it typically take to make jerky in the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro?
In my experience, making jerky in the Snackmaster Pro usually takes between 4 to 12 hours, depending on the thickness of the meat and how dry I want it. I typically slice my meat about 1/4 inch thick and set the temperature to 160°F. I always check it after 4 hours and then every hour or so after that until it reaches my preferred texture.
What is the maximum number of trays I can stack on the Nesco Snackmaster Pro Dehydrator?
While my Snackmaster Pro came with 5 trays, I've expanded it to its maximum capacity of 12 trays. This flexibility is one of my favorite features, allowing me to dehydrate large batches when needed. The best part is that I don't need to rotate the trays, thanks to the Converga-Flow drying system.
Are there any tips for cleaning and maintaining the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro?
Cleaning my Snackmaster Pro is pretty straightforward. I wash the trays and accessories in warm, soapy water after each use. For tougher residues, I soak them first. The base unit I wipe down with a damp cloth. I never immerse it in water. To keep things running smoothly, I make sure the fan and heating element are free from debris. If I notice any wear on the trays or accessories, I replace them to ensure optimal performance.
Some folks use their dishwasher but a caveat here: Do NOT let the trays or accessories remain in the dishwasher during the HOT drying cycle. Take them OUT before the drying cycle!
How does the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster Pro compare to other food dehydrators on the market?
I've found the Snackmaster Pro to be a solid mid-range option. Its adjustable temperature control (95°F to 160°F) gives me more flexibility than some basic models. The expandable tray system is a big plus, allowing me to start small and add more capacity as needed. See my handy-dandy °F to °C converter here.
Compared to some high-end dehydrators, it lacks features like a built-in timer or digital controls. But for its price point, I think it offers great value. The Converga-Flow system dries food evenly without tray rotation, which isn't always the case with cheaper models.
One thing to note is that it's a tad louder than some other dehydrators I've used. It's not a deal-breaker for me, but it might be a consideration if you're sensitive to noise. Again, I think it makes a great "white noise" audio background!
Thanks for taking the time to ready my Nesco FD-75A Food Dehydrator review. I appreciate it.
Don't forget to get your free "Six Simple Steps" eBook where I share how to dehydrate food safely!
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Hi, I'm Susan Gast and I've been making food preservation simple since 2010.
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Hi, I'm Susan Gast and I've been making food preservation simple since 2010. Let me show you how to keep your food pantry full, whatever the reason or season!
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Should you purchase an item through their links, I may receive compensation. The price you pay does not increase.
THANKS for your support! Read full disclosure here.
easy FOOD DEHYDRATING: Making food preservation simple since 2010.
I show you how to keep your food pantry full, whatever the reason or season!
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: I am an Affiliate for Amazon, and other sellers of quality merchandise.
Should you purchase an item through their links, I may receive compensation. The price you pay does not increase.
THANKS for your support! Read full disclosure here.
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easy FOOD DEHYDRATING: Making food preservation simple since 2010. I show you how to keep your food pantry full, whatever the reason or season!
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