10 Best Solar Dehydrator in 2023 Reviews

Whether you’re getting ready for a family gathering or need fresh, dried herbs for dinner in a few days, having a solar dehydrator offers plenty of benefits.

Food is always best dried naturally – the open air helps preserve enzymes better than any other drying method – so it pays to have a fantastic solar device that can dehydrate your food like no other.

Best Solar Dehydrators at a Glance

1. Tanzfrosch 2 PCS Herb Drying Rack – Simplest Design
2. Growsun 2ft 8 Layer Herb Drying Rack Plant Hanging Mesh Dry Net W/Green Zipper – Easiest Storage
3. Original 8 Layers Herb Drying Rack – Widest Diameter
4. Docooler 4 Layer Mesh Drying Net – Most Durable Nylon Design
5. Sun Oven All American with Dehydrating Accessory Package – Best Overall
6. HYDGOOHO Layer 2ft Herb Drying Rack – Easiest Assembly
7. iPower 6 Layer Heavy Duty Drying Rack – Most Customizable
8. FaFaVilla Nylon Food Dehydrator – Tallest Dehydrator
9. Dehytray Portable Solar Food Dehydrator – Runner Up

Easy preparation and a simple drying process combine to make the ultimate solar food dryer. Choosing the right one for you can be difficult as so many are available.

We tested plenty of food dehydrators to provide you with our top 10 devices. Shopping for a food dehydrator doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you know what to look for.

Our Favorite Solar Dehydrators Reviewed

1. Tanzfrosch 2 PCS Herb Drying Rack

The Tanzfrosch 2 PCS Herb Drying Rack offers a mix of simplicity and function. When you get it, you’ll get two pieces of herb drying rack with 6 layers of mesh each. Having many meshes means more surface area for drying. That, in turn, means drying would be more efficient.

Each mesh layer of this product had a zipper. Therefore, we could readily access the contents and assess the drying process. We loved the inclusion of a pair of garden scissors and hooks. Those additions allowed us more flexibility in the drying process. For one, we had more options when looking for spaces to hang the racks.

The primary material used in making the racks is nylon. As expected, we didn’t notice any sign of the meshes retaining water and getting damp for too long. Going by this observation, we believe the racks will remain in top condition for a long time.

Our Verdict

It wouldn’t take too long for the Tanzfrosch 2 PCS Herb Drying Rack to become an indispensable tool for anyone since it optimizes the solar dehydration process for efficiency and effectiveness. Also, its durability is a huge plus.

Pros

• Six mesh layers make for rapid and efficient drying
• Zipper on each mesh layer for easy access
• Durable nylon build
• Comes with hooks and garden scissors

Cons

• The zippers could be slightly more spacious.

2. Growsun 2ft 8 Layer Herb Drying Rack Plant Hanging Mesh Dry Net W/Green Zipper

Being collapsible, we experienced a lot of conveniences using the Growsun 2ft 8 Layer Herb Drying Rack Plant Hanging Mesh Dry Net W/Green Zipper.

First, we didn’t have to worry too much about consuming space since we could just fold it up when not in use. Then the 8 layers of drying mesh were efficient and fast at drying herbs, vegetables, and fruits. So we could dry multiple units of such items within a shorter period.

Each of the 8 layers of this solar dehydrator comes with a zipper, which runs transversely, making them big enough for easy access to the contents of the mesh.

Being of polyester build, the mesh is pretty sturdy. They will not break easily for the kind of weight they’ll hold. Also, they are largely resistant to water.

The inclusion of a pair of garden scissors was thoughtful. We had all we needed to collect and dry herbs and leaves.

Our Verdict

Overall, the Growsun 2ft 8 Layer Herb Drying Rack Plant Hanging Mesh Dry Net W/Green Zipper exceeded our expectations. While we chose it for ease, it offered us a fair balance of function, durability, and efficiency.

But then, cases of the scissors not being included in the pack were disappointing.

Pros

• Eight large mesh layers
• Each layer is individually zippered
• Space-saving design is easy to fold and transport
• Sturdy build

Cons

• Cases of the scissors not being included in the pack

3. Original 8 Layers Herb Drying Rack

The Original 8 Layers Herb Drying Rack has one of the largest diameters among solar herb drying racks.

Due to this, we get ample surface area for drying, which is faster and more efficient. Besides the large diameter, having as many as 8 layers gave us a lot of space. We could dry relatively more herbs with this than some of the other options we’ve tried.

Since it comes with a hook, we had a lot of freedom in choosing where to hang it. Also, since we could hang it, we could alter the drying process and rate of drying by moving it towards or away from a source of ventilation. Overall, we had some form of control over the drying process.

This herb drying rack’s construction is sturdy as they come; it is waterproof and tensile.

Our Verdict

You’ll find this useful if you are out for a solar herb drying rack that can help you quickly dry many herbs. Also, if you’ll love to have a fair amount of control over the drying process, this should satisfy you too.

Pros

• Holds a lot of herbs, fruits, and food
• Features multiple zippered mesh layers
• Easy to store
• Comes with a hook and garden scissors

Cons

• Height is not adjustable.

4. Docooler 4 Layer Mesh Drying Net

The Docooler 4-layer mesh drying net adds a layer of breathability to the mix of food drying.

When we first unfolded this solar dryer, we were concerned about the durability of the design. There seemed to be many factors at play that could be easily compromised. However, each feature that we were worried about proved us wrong. The nylon rope is strong and dependable, and the internal wiring can hold much weight.

This solar food dehydrator can take on any herbs, fish, plants, fruits, and vegetables you need. Something that might come down to taste is how the storage rack looks. It uses a bright blue mesh fabric as the bug and bird protection, which we thought was appealing, but others might not. Getting food in and out of storage is simple with the front zipper design.

Our Verdict

This is one of the best solar dehydrators out there, though it wouldn’t look like it at first glance. It’s a strong and dependable mesh storage container that allows for efficient drying of your food in the open air.

If you’re looking for a solar dehydrator to outlast the competition, this solar dryer is for you.

Pros

• It can preserve fish, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
• Four wide-diameter drying layers
• Powerful nylon rope can hold plenty of weight.

Cons

• Each tray isn’t individually zippered.

5. Sun Oven All American with Dehydrating Accessory Kit

The Sun Oven All American dehydration device takes a massive step away from the others on our list in design and drying methods.

This solar dehydrator is much closer to a solar oven than the other devices we’ve tested, making it great. You can dry your herbs, fruits, and vegetables much faster than most other products or heat them for a quick snack.

Sun Oven has made high-quality solar products, but this might be one of their best. This dehydrating device is one of the best available, from the four-layer drying rack to the powerful, massive reflector sheets.

The racks are small, so you might not have as much room as other dehydrators, but the speed at which you can dry food in the sun with this device will offer you a fast turnover rate.

Our Verdict

Powerful and dependable. This dehydrating rack is the perfect addition to any outdoor cooking collection. We absolutely adore this efficient dehydrator and are sure you will as well.

Heat your food or dry out your herbs like never before with the power of the Sun Oven.

Pros

• Powerful and fast dehydrating with reflected sun rays
• You can even heat food with this solar dehydrator
• Multi-layer dehydrating sheet
• 40-recipe cookbook included

Cons

• Drying racks have less space than other dehydrators on our list.

6. HYDGOOHO Layer 2ft Herb Drying Rack

The loop atop the HYDGOOHO Layer 2ft Herb Drying Rack is such that allows easy mounting in various spots. Be it a ceiling or a door, you can readily hang this herb drying rack. The inclusion of a hook in the package makes things even better. With the hook, you can hang this rack off a wall.

Besides the ease of assembling/mounting it, this solar dehydrator offered us a lot of space. Then again, the 8 mesh layers were pretty wide, so drying was relatively fast and efficient. We would have loved the mesh layers better if each zipper extended over a larger area. But even as they were, we could still access the contents of the drying rack.

The HYDGOOHO Layer 2ft Herb Drying Rack is collapsible, making it easy to store. Since it even came with a storage bag, we had one less thing to worry about. The material is fairly durable, especially its resistance to moisture.

Our Verdict

This product should do if you’re looking for ease while drying your herbs, fruits, or nuts. From storage to assembly and usage, there isn’t much fuss.

Pros

• Easy to assembly and can be mounted in various spots
• Easy to store
• Efficient and rapid drying
• Offers ample amount of drying space

Cons

• The zippers could be wider.

7. iPower 6 Layer Heavy Duty Dryer

Make the most out of your space with this fantastic, customizable iPower dehydrator rack. You can easily dry food in the mesh capsules that can be added or removed based on need.

We love the customizable option with this amazing dryer – every two layers come with a clip to add more or remove extra ones that aren’t being used.

On top of that, every layer can be individually closed so that no bugs or animals can get through. This individual layer design is perfect for anyone looking to dry out multiple foods simultaneously – you won’t have to worry about cross-contamination or mixing herbs and vegetables.

Our favorite factor that went into adding this dehydrator to our list was the amount of storage available.

Our Verdict

We adored this device and couldn’t understand how customizable it was. It’s a fantastic dryer that allows plenty of airflow so that any outside drying air thoroughly accesses your trays.

Each layer’s diameter allows plenty of storage space, so you never run out of room while drying food. Once you’re done with it, zip it up and easily store it away!

Pros

• Six layers of personalized and adjustable storage
• Breathable nylon mesh helps protect against bugs and animals
• 360-degree zipper access

Cons

• The clips can be easily compromised with too much weight.

8. FaFaVilla Nylon Food Dehydrator

Similar to the Docooler but with more space for drying food, this is a fantastic dehydration chamber for herbs, vegetables, and fruits.

What makes the Fafavilla nylon food dehydrator stand out is the additional three layers of drying netting, which helps dry out your food quicker and keep your preservation times high.

These solar dehydrators are collapsible and easy to store away should you not need them. The five trays ensure you’ll have plenty of space for drying food, and the open-air concept of the mesh fabric allows you to make the most out of the sunshine around you.

Foods taste better when left out to dry naturally, and this dryer puts that process in the palms of your hands.

Our Verdict

The strength and protection that this dehydration chamber offers are incredible. The full nylon mesh cover lets you easily and thoroughly dehydrate your food outside without worrying about intruders getting into your food while on the rack.

Though we prefer individual access to trays that other devices off, the front zipper is high-quality and ensures you can reach each layer.

Pros

• The breathable mesh design allows for indoor and outdoor drying.
• Front zipper access to all five layers
• Space-saving lightweight design

Cons

• Only one zipper rather than a zipper for each layer

9. Dehytray Portable Solar Food Dehydrator

The Dehytray is another alternative style dehydration rack that works wonders on your food. The main difference between this solar dryer and most others on our list – besides the overall design – is how portable it is.

These trays are designed to be moved around and brought with you to a picnic or an event as they are a hard plastic shell with a clip-on lid for extra rack security.

Using this solar dryer is easier than most as you don’t have to contend with knocking it over and all your contents getting mixed up and bruised. It’s more of a tray design than a hanging rack that lets you cut up fruits or vegetables and place them evenly on the bottom.

Our favorite feature of this solar dryer is the humidity vents. The vents will help clear out any extra moisture when the weather isn’t suiting your dryer.

Our Verdict

What makes this solar device special is how unique in design it is. It’s not a hanging dryer which does cause it to take up some space that other devices might not, but it’s built to be brought along with you like no other solar device on our list.

Its sturdy plastic frame is perfect for protection during transportation, and the internal hygrometer helps to measure the moisture levels in your food for a perfect dry.

Pros

• Portable
• Features humidity vents
• Hygrometer to measure moisture in food

Cons

• Not space-saving like other models reviewed here

Buyer’s Guide

Space Available

Whether it’s in the diameter of the device or the height, space is key to finding the perfect dryer. If you don’t have a ton of space, chances are you’ll run out, and you won’t be able to dehydrate as well as with other devices.

The device’s diameter is arguably more important, allowing you to place more food. A wider dryer means more foods can be dehydrated at one time.

Protection

You’re likely placing the dryer outside, so having protection from animals and the elements will be quite important. Without a sturdy casing to protect your items, it won’t matter how much space you have, as all the products you left out to dry will have been stolen or knocked to the ground.

Having nylon or plastic casing will be beneficial to the process.

Ease of Access

Sometimes, we are our worst enemies, and few species are worse than we are regarding clumsiness. For this reason, having easy access to each layer of items you’re leaving out to dry makes a difference.

With ample access, you won’t be pressed to squeeze in and check the moisture levels – you can simply open a zipper or lid, access the items easily, and then close it up for further drying.

Transportability

You won’t always use the dryer; sometimes, you might even want to take it on the road. This means the dehydrator must be easily transported when you’re on the go.

Some dehydrators will only move around without items, whereas others offer ample protection, even filled to the brim.

How to Use A Solar Dehydrator

Finding the right location to place a dehydrator is the hardest part. You’re good to go once you know where the light hits the longest throughout the day.

The dehydrator is a relatively hands-off device that makes drying items simple. Hang it or place it in the sunlight and let it do its thing. Once the items are fully prepared, open the device, and pull them out. After that, you’re done and ready to eat!

Solar dehydrators are easy to use and offer many benefits that other dryers can’t. If you’re looking for a natural way to dry out your fruits or vegetables, then a dehydrator is the perfect product. Each of the ones we reviewed today will satisfy and guarantee quality and dependable drying.