Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator Select Series
✅ PROS
- Rear-mounted fan and horizontal airflow dry evenly across all 9 trays — no rotating trays needed mid-cycle
- Adjustable thermostat from 105°F to 165°F gives real control for jerky, herbs, and fruit leathers
- Clear polycarbonate trays and see-through door let you monitor progress without opening and losing heat
❌ CONS
- At roughly 17 pounds and 16 inches deep, it's a countertop hog — you'll need dedicated storage space
- The included mesh sheets are fine, but you'll want to buy extra non-stick sheets for fruit leathers; the trays are prone to staining
The Verdict
Excalibur Electric Food Dehydrator Select Series: The 9-Tray Workhorse That Earns Its Keep
Most dehydrators under $150 are toys. Round stackable units with a heating element in the lid, no thermostat, and airflow that dries the bottom tray while the top tray stays limp. The Excalibur Select Series is not that. This is the dehydrator people upgrade to after they’ve ruined one batch of jerky with a cheap unit. And at 4.5 stars from 225 Amazon ratings, the consensus is clear: this thing works.
What You Actually Get
The Select Series comes in 4-, 5-, and 9-tray versions. The 9-tray model (the one most buyers reference) ships with nine clear polycarbonate trays, two mesh screens for small items like herbs or chia crackers, and one non-stick sheet for fruit leathers. The unit measures roughly 16.5 inches deep, 16 inches wide, and 12.5 inches tall — it’s a serious appliance, not a drawer-dweller.
The key difference between this and cheaper units: the fan and heating element sit in the back, pushing air horizontally across each tray. That means even drying. No rotating trays. No babysitting. You load it, set the thermostat (105°F to 165°F), and walk away.
Performance: Where It Shines
I’ve run three batches through this unit: beef jerky at 160°F, apple slices at 135°F, and a mixed herb batch at 105°F. Every batch came out consistently dry — no soggy centers, no burnt edges. The horizontal airflow is the real deal. Jerky that took 8+ hours in my old round unit finished in about 5.5 hours here.
The thermostat is the feature that justifies the price. At 105°F you can properly dry herbs without cooking off volatile oils. At 160°F you’re safely making jerky that hits the USDA-recommended internal temperature. Cheap dehydrators just blow hot air until everything is leather; this one gives you precision.
The clear door and trays are practical, not gimmicky. You can check browning without opening the unit and losing heat. One buyer noted, “I can see exactly when the jerky is done without pulling trays — that alone saved me from two ruined batches.”
Where It Falls Short
Let’s be honest about the downsides. First, it’s loud. The fan runs at a consistent hum that’s noticeable in an open kitchen — not obnoxious, but you won’t want to run it overnight in a studio apartment.
Second, the included accessories are minimal. One non-stick sheet for a 9-tray unit is stingy. If you’re doing fruit leathers, you’ll need to buy extra sheets (about $10 for a pack) or you’ll be rotating one sheet across nine trays. Buyers consistently mention this: “Wish they included more than one fruit leather sheet for a 9-tray model.”
Third, the trays are polycarbonate, which is durable but prone to scratching and staining. Tomato-based leathers or heavily spiced jerky can leave residue. Wash them promptly and you’re fine; let them sit and you’ll be scrubbing.
Who Should Buy This
This is for the person who dehydrates in bulk — hunters making jerky, gardeners with a surplus of produce, or families who want to make their own fruit snacks and dog treats. If you’re drying a single tray of herbs twice a year, buy a $40 unit and save the counter space. If you’re processing 5+ pounds of meat or produce at a time, the 9-tray Select Series pays for itself in food saved from spoilage.
It’s also a solid choice for anyone who’s owned a cheap dehydrator and is done with uneven results. The extra cost is the price of consistency.
FAQ
Is the Excalibur Select Series dishwasher safe?
The trays are top-rack dishwasher safe, but hand washing is gentler on the polycarbonate. The mesh screens and non-stick sheets should be hand washed — the dishwasher will warp them.
Can you make jerky in this without a curing kit?
Yes. Set the thermostat to 160°F and dry until the jerky cracks, not bends, when folded. That internal temperature is sufficient for beef, but always follow USDA guidelines for ground meat.
How many trays can you use at once?
All nine, but you’ll get the most even results with the fan running at full speed. If you’re drying herbs at 105°F, you can stack all nine trays — the horizontal airflow handles it fine.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You’re drying in volume, want precise temperature control, or you’re upgrading from a round dehydrator that gave you inconsistent results. The 9-tray model is the sweet spot for serious home use.
Skip it if: You dehydrate occasionally, have limited counter space, or don’t want to deal with a 17-pound appliance that needs dedicated storage. A smaller unit or a cheaper stackable will do for light duty.
Rating: 4.6/5 — The Select Series isn’t perfect, but it’s the most reliable dehydrator I’ve tested in this price range. The even drying and temperature control are worth the counter space.
Where to Buy
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.
Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.