The Best Solar Dehydrators for Preserving Your Harvest

Last Updated on October 2, 2023

A solar dehydrator could be the answer to your need to reduce your carbon footprint and give your dried fruits and veggies some delicious, intense flavor. Not only do they rely on renewable energy from the sun, but they can also save you money on your electricity bill.

And with a variety of sizes and styles available, there’s sure to be a solar dehydrator that fits your needs. Whether you have ample outdoor space or just enough room on a windowsill, there’s a solar dehydrator that will work for you. 

And, aside from the initial investment, solar dehydrators require no additional energy – just the sun’s power! However, you should take your needs into consideration when choosing a solar dehydrator – do you need easy-to-clean tray liners or adjustable racks to create different dried products? 

So say goodbye to wasteful packaging and preservatives and hello to delicious, nutritious snacks straight from your own backyard.

Ready to take the plunge into solar dehydration? Check out our list for some top-rated options.

Best Solar Dehydrators: This Table Will be Very Helpful for Choosing One

How Can I Dehydrate Without Electricity?

Food can be preserved for long-term storage by dehydrating, but what do you do if you don’t have access to electricity? Or what if you want to save money on your energy bill?

There are several ways to dehydrate food without using electricity, all of which are relatively simple.

Sun Drying

This method works best in hot, dry climates, and it can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for the food to dehydrate properly.

But it’s free, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. The most important thing to remember when sun drying food is to safeguard it from animals and insects.

A simple screen made of cheesecloth or wire mesh can help keep pests out while allowing air and sunlight to pass through. It is very important to keep the food covered during the night or during periods of bad weather.

But as long as you take these precautions, sun drying is a simple and effective way to preserve your food.

Air Drying

Air drying is the most common method of dehydration and is also the easiest. All you need is a warm, dry place to set your food.

The air circulated by a fan will speed up the drying process, but you can also air dry food without a fan. It will take longer, but it’s still an effective method.

If you’re drying herbs or spices, you can tie them in a bundle and hang them upside down. For fruits and vegetables, slice them thin and spread them out on a wire rack. 

Solar Dehydration

Solar dehydration is a great method for dehydrating food in hot, dry climates. All you need is a solar dehydrator and the sun.

Sunlight and heat from the sun are used for solar power dehydrators. It’s a renewable resource, so we can never run out of it.

The main downside to solar dehydration is that it can take longer than other methods. But if you have the time, it’s a great way to preserve your food.

Solar dehydration is also environmentally friendly and doesn’t require any electricity, which makes it very efficient. Solar dehydration is definitely worth considering if you want to dehydrate your food.

What is a Solar Dehydrator?

A solar dehydrator is an ideal solution for those who want to dry their food without using electricity. A solar dehydrator is a device that uses the sun’s energy to remove water from food, leaving you with nutritious and delicious dried snacks that will last for months.

Solar dehydrators can be used to preserve fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meat. They are an environment-friendly way to preserve food because they do not use electricity or any other energy source.

Solar dehydrators are easy to use and operate. They can be placed on a sunny windowsill or outside in direct sunlight. All you need to do is place the food that you want to dehydrate inside the solar dehydrator and let the sun do its work.

How to Use a Solar Dehydrator for Effective Food Preservation?

One of the best things about solar dehydrators is that they can be used to preserve a wide variety of foods.

From fruits and vegetables to meat and fish, there are few foods that can’t be effectively preserved using solar dehydration.

Here are a few tips on how to use a solar dehydrator for food preservation:

Choose the Right Foods

Not all foods are suitable for solar dehydration. Choose fruits and vegetables that are ripe but not overripe and lean meats.

Clean and Wash the Food

Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before dehydrating them in a solar dehydrator. This will remove any dirt or bacteria that could potentially spoil the produce.

Cut the Food Into Pieces

Cut the food into small pieces or slices before dehydrating. This will help the food dehydrate evenly.

Arrange the Food on the Racks

Make sure that the food is arranged in a single layer on the racks of the dehydrator. If necessary, use multiple racks to ensure that the food isn’t overcrowded.

Cover the Dehydrator

Once the food is arranged on the racks, cover the dehydrator. If using a solar dehydrator, make sure that the clear plastic cover is also in place.

Place the Dehydrator in the Sun

Position the dehydrator in an area that receives direct sunlight. Dehydrators should be angled to receive maximum sun exposure throughout the day, if possible.

Check on the Progress

The dehydrating process should be checked after several hours. The food should be dry and leathery to the touch when finished.

Store the Dried Food

Once the dehydrating process is complete, store the dried food in an airtight container. For best results, store the food in a cool, dark place.

The Top 5 Solar Dehydrators

Now that you know what to look for in a solar dryer, it’s time to choose the best one for your needs. We’ve rounded up our favorite solar dryers:

1. RIOGOO 4 Layer Herb Dryer Black Mesh – Best Overall
2. Active Gear Guy Collapsible Mesh Drying Rack Solar Dehydrator – Runner-Up
3. Dehytray Food Dehydrator
4. Duer International Hanging Food Pantrie Dehydration System
5. ECO NAVA 3 Tray Hanging Drying Net – Best Budget Dehydrator

1. RIOGOO Hanging Mesh Food Dehydrator

The RIOGOO Hanging Mesh Food Dehydrator is the quickest, easiest way to dehydrate your food. All you need is to put it in a sunny place or some space in your kitchen. Your food will be perfectly dried within four to twelve hours.

This unique dehydrator does not require electricity, a heating element, or any noise to dehydrate your foods – making it environmentally friendly and easy to use. The breathable mesh and waterproof fabric allow for even dehydrated foods with no mess.

The built-in steel wire ring provides sturdy support for even the heaviest of foods. With the RIOGOO Hanging Mesh Food Dehydrator, you can enjoy delicious, healthy food without all of the hassles.

Why Should You Use This Food Dehydrator?

• Environmentally friendly and easy to use.
• The enclosed zipper design and waterproof fabric keep all your herbs safely protected from flies and mosquitoes,
• The sturdy frame incorporates a steel wire ring.
• Hanging it is easy with the Velcro loop at the top.
• When done using it, fold it up for compact storage.
• Since it is made of breathable mesh, your foods will retain their flavor and nutritional value.

If you are looking for a convenient and safe means to dehydrate your food, the RIOGOO Hanging Mesh Food Dehydrator is the perfect choice for you.

Limitation and Solution

Because the netting is soft, your product will gravitate toward the center and create a mass. Shake it up every now and then to redistribute the product evenly.

2. Active Gear Guy Portable Collapsible Solar Food Dehydrator – Runner-Up

The Active Gear Guy Portable Collapsible Solar Food Dehydrator is the perfect way to preserve your food while enjoying the outdoors. The breathable nylon mesh allows airflow from all directions, so your food dries evenly and efficiently. 

The collapsible design makes it easy to set up and take down, and the sturdiness means it can withstand even the most rugged adventures. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply spending time in the backyard, the Active Gear Guy Portable Collapsible Solar Food Dehydrator is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

Is This Food Dehydrator Right for You?

• With 8 roomy compartments, you’ll have plenty of space to dry all your food.
• It is a product with a pop-up design. Its collapsible feature makes it very convenient to store. So, fold it up and put it away when you’re done.
• It has a breathable nylon mesh and allows air to flow from all directions so that your food dries evenly.
• This dehydrator is built tough, with a durable design that can withstand plenty of wear and tear, helping to prevent any damage that may occur during transit.
• It’s also super easy to use, so you’ll be able to get the most out of your food without any hassle. 
• The dehydrator comes with a bonus combo pack of hand pruners. Whether you’re trimming branches for kindling or cutting vegetables for dinner, these pruners will come in handy. You’ll be prepared for anything with one straight-blade pair and one curved-blade pair.
• This is a great value for the money and will allow you to dehydrate your food even faster and easier. 

Limitation and Solution

Unzip the bag carefully because it explodes out like a high-powered boomerang when you do.

3. DEHYTRAY Food Grade Solar Dehydrator

Introducing the DEHYTRAY Food Grade Solar Dehydrator! This handy device is perfect for drying herbs and spices and can also be used to preserve flowers and other plants. 

The dehydrator works by trapping heat and humidity inside, creating a mini-greenhouse effect that speeds up the drying process. And because it doesn’t rely on heat to dry the food, the DEHYTRAY does not destroy flavor compounds – in fact, it often enhances them. 

So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to dry your herbs and spices, the DEHYTRAY is the perfect solution. Give it a try today!

Does This Food Dehydrator Fit Your Needs?

• This dehydrator is perfect for fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even meats. The DEHYTRAY uses the sun’s power to dry your food, gently preserving its flavor and nutrition.
• The included hygrometer ensures the perfect drying result every time.
• You can easily remove dried foods from trays using food scrapers.
• This dehydrator is ready to use right out of the box – no assembly is required. Simply place your food on the tray and let the sun do its work.
• Small, open holes in the box allow for ventilation, which aids in the drying process by allowing humidity to escape and keeping the air dry and fresh. Plus, any fruit fly or larvae that happens to wander in will succumb to the high temperatures and dry out just like the food!

So why wait? Get started on your sun-drying adventure today with the DEHYTRAY Food Grade Solar Dehydrator!

Limitation and Solution

A few people have complained about the open holes in the box to trap fruit flies or larvae, but the temperatures inside the dehydrator are high enough to kill them.

4. Duer International Food Pantrie Hanging Food Dehydrator

Dehydrated foods are not only lightweight and easy to transport, but they also have a much longer shelf life than fresh foods. This makes them ideal for taking along on camping trips or long hikes.

The Duer International Food Pantrie Hanging Food Dehydrator is a great way to dehydrate foods at home so that you can have healthy snacks on hand for weekends away. This dehydrator is unique in that it has no wires and does not require electricity, making it very energy-efficient.

The trays can be lifted up from the middle, creating a neat edge border to set them back onto when you’re done. Easy to clean, the dehydrator folds up for storage in its original box.

So, are you looking for an efficient and environmentally friendly way to dry your food? Say hello to the Duer International Food Pantrie Hanging Food Dehydrator! 

What Makes This Food Dehydrator Reliable?

• This handy little dehydrator is perfect for drying fruits, vegetables, jerky, and more.
• The 5-tray system ensures even drying, and the hanging design makes it easy to store.
• Load up the trays with your desired food items, and hang the dehydrator in a sunny spot with a good breeze. Your food will be perfectly dried and ready to store or eat in just a few hours. 
• It runs on solar and wind power, so electricity is not needed.
• The product requires no assembly and is ready to use immediately!
• As a portable and light pantry, it is perfect for on-the-go use.
• The trays are large but easy to clean and fold up into their original, sturdy box for storage.

Duer International Food Pantrie Hanging Food Dehydrator is both easy to use and energy-efficient, so it’s an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthy on a budget.

Limitation and Solution

There are a few things to note about this food pantry.

First, the zipper doesn’t quite close all the way at the bottom, so it’s possible that bugs could get in. Zipped it up and tucked in the little food tag to secure it as much as possible.

Second, adding and removing trays can be a bit difficult when the pantry is full. We recommend taking them out one at a time and letting them cool before adding more food.

5. ECO NAVA Non Electric Food Dehydrator – Best Budget Dehydrator

You want to dehydrate your food without using electricity, right? You’ve got to check out the ECO NAVA Non Electric Food Dehydrator. 

This hanging net is made from 100% natural materials and is great for solar drying sheds. The large size provides plenty of space for whatever you’re trying to dry, and the mesh is fine enough to keep insects out.

It can be folded away and stored whenever you aren’t using it. The ECO NAVA dehydrator is an excellent option if you want to dry your food naturally.

What Makes This Food Dehydrator So Great?

• There are three hanging drying nets included with this dehydrator, which provide ample air circulation and allow sunlight to reach all sides of the food for even drying.
• It is easy to put together and take down thanks to two zippers and a rope with a handle.
• With its sturdy wire construction and good netting, the ECO NAVA dehydrator is built to last for years of trouble-free use.
• Mesh layers are easily washable.
• One of the best collapsible solar drying nets.

So why not ditch the electric dehydrator and go natural with the ECO NAVA? Your food will taste better – and you’ll feel good knowing you’re doing your part to save energy!

Limitations and Solutions

The ECO NAVA dehydrator doesn’t come with an instruction manual on how to clean or care for the product. It is unclear what materials were used in manufacturing it or what weight it will hold.

So you’ll have to figure out how to set it up on your own. But once you do, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of this natural food dehydrator!

Checklist Before Buying

Many solar dryers are on the market, but not all are created equal. When choosing a solar dryer, it’s important to consider its size, weight, portability, durability, and price.

Size

The size of the solar dryer is important because you need to make sure that it’s large enough to accommodate the amount of food you want to dehydrate. Solar dryers come in a variety of sizes, so there’s sure to be one that’s just right for your needs.

Weight

The weight of the solar dryer is also important to consider because you need to be able to transport it easily. Solar dryers range in weight from 10 pounds to 30 pounds, so there’s sure to be one that’s easy for you to carry.

Portability

Solar dryers are designed to be portable, so they can be taken with you wherever you go. If you plan on taking your solar dryer with you when you travel, it’s important to choose a model that is portable and easy to set up. Many portable solar dryers on the market are small and lightweight, so they’re easy to take with you on the go.

Durability

The durability of the solar dryer is important because you need to make sure that it’s built to last. Solar dryers are made from a variety of materials, so it’s important to choose one that’s durable and will withstand the elements.

Climate

The climate in which you live is also an important consideration when choosing a solar dryer. A solar dryer designed for sunny climates is a good choice in areas with a lot of sunshine. You should choose a solar dryer that can be used indoors and in wet climates if you live in an area with a lot of rain.

Price

The price of a solar dryer is an important consideration for anyone looking to purchase one. A variety of factors can affect the price of a solar dryer, such as the size and features of the unit.

But a few general tips can help you get the best value for your money. 

Be sure to compare prices from different retailers. Solar dryers can be found at a variety of online and brick-and-mortar stores, so it’s important to shop around to find the best deal.  

Take advantage of any discounts or coupons that may be available. By following these tips, you can be sure to get the best possible price on your solar dryer purchase.

Hanging Options

Some solar dryers come with a hanging option, which is perfect for drying items that need to be suspended. If you plan on dehydrating meats or other foods that need to be hung, make sure your solar dryer has this feature. 

Solar dryers of this type are usually larger, so they can accommodate more food.

Stackable Trays

Some solar dryers come with stackable trays, which is a great way to increase the drying area. Solar dryers with this feature are ideal for dehydrating large quantities of food.

Typically, these solar dryers are smaller in size, so they don’t take up as much space.

Food Pantry

If you’re looking for a solar dryer that can be used as a food pantry, it’s important to choose one that has this feature. They are typically larger in size so that they can accommodate more food.

They often have shelves or drawers where you can store canned goods, spices, and other non-perishable items. If you have a large family or often entertain, this type of solar dryer can be a great option.

What Foods Can be Preserved by Solar Drying?

Solar dehydrators are great for preserving all kinds of foods, but some work better than others. Fruits and vegetables tend to dehydrate well, as do meats and fish. Here are a few of the best foods to dehydrate in a solar dehydrator:

Fruits

Fruits are great to dehydrate in a solar dryer, and they make a healthy snack that can be enjoyed all year long. Dehydrated fruits can last for months, so they’re perfect for stocking up on.

Fruits such as bananas, grapes, mangoes, and pineapples can be turned into delicious and healthy snacks that are perfect for on-the-go eating.

Vegetables

Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic can be dried and then used in soups, stews, and sauces. Also, kale, spinach, and other leafy greens can easily be dehydrated and then used as a healthy powder that can be added to smoothies or juices.

Dehydrated vegetables are also a healthy snack option. For example, kale chips are a popular snack food that can be easily made at home with a solar dehydrator.

Meats

Meats such as chicken, beef, and pork are easily dried in solar dehydrators and then used in various recipes. Jerky is made from meat, a popular snack that’s perfect for on-the-go eating.

Jerky makes a great snack food, as it is high in protein and low in calories. It is also perfect for travel, as it requires no preparation.

Fish

Dehydrated fish can also be dried and used in various recipes. Fish can last for months when properly dehydrated, so they’re tasty, healthy, and long-lasting – perfect for your next camping trip.

Fish can also be turned into jerky, a popular and delicious snack that’s perfect for eating healthy and staying full while on the go. So, take your taste of the sea with you, no matter where you go.

Herbs

Solar dehydrators are also great for drying herbs. Dried herbs can be used to add flavor to a variety of recipes. Make homemade pesto sauce with solar-dried basil.

Dried herbs can also be used to make herbal teas, which is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy their benefits. Tea blends are a great option for solar-dried herbs.

For example, solar-dried chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm can be combined to make a calming tea. Or, combine solar-dried mint, rosemary, and ginger to create an invigorating tea blend. 

Nuts and Seeds

Who doesn’t love a good nut or seed? They’re delicious, nutritious, and can be a healthy snack that satisfies hunger without packing on the pounds.

But did you know that nuts and seeds are also suitable for solar dehydrators? A convenient and tasty snack that can be enjoyed throughout the year, dehydrated nuts and seeds are a great option for snacking.

And because they can last for months when dehydrated, they’re also great for storing and stockpiling. So go ahead and enjoy your favorite nuts and seeds – knowing that they’re not only delicious but also healthy and sustainable.

Other than Food

Solar dehydrators can also be used to dry flowers. Dried flowers make a beautiful and natural decoration for your home.

Potpourri is a popular way to use solar-dried flowers.

Decorative items of dried flowers like wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands can also be made.

How Can You Dehydrate Meat in a Solar Dehydrator? The Special Care that Is Needed

Dehydrating meat is an excellent way to preserve it for long-term storage. Solar dehydrators are a great option for those looking for an energy-efficient way to dehydrate meat to make jerky.

However, dehydrating meat in a solar dehydrator is a bit different than dehydrating other foods. Meat needs to be handled carefully and with extra care to ensure that it is properly dehydrated and safe to eat.

Here are a few steps to follow for dehydrating meat in a solar dryer:

• The first step in dehydrating meat in a solar dehydrator is to choose the right cuts of meat. The best cuts of meat for dehydration are lean and have little fat. This includes chicken, beef, pork, and turkey. Fatty meats will not only take longer to dehydrate, but they will also be less shelf-stable.
• The meat needs to be properly seasoned. A simple salt and pepper rub is all that is needed, but you can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find a flavor that you like. Once the seasoning is applied, the meat should be placed in the solar dehydrator and left to dry for 12-24 hours.
• After the allotted time, the meat should be removed from the dehydrator and stored in an airtight container. When done correctly, solar-dehydrated meat can last for months or even years.
• But, during storage, lean meat is susceptible to bacterial growth. So, it’s important to make sure that the meat is completely dry before storing it. If there is any moisture left in the meat, it will spoil quickly.
• And cook it correctly before eating. To ensure that the meat is safe to eat, it should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Best Way to Save Money and the Planet

Solar dehydration is an age-old process that uses the power of the sun to dry food. It’s a great way to preserve your harvest while not harming our planet by using up valuable resources like oil, gas, or electricity.

Not only does this method save you money in fuel costs, but there are no harmful emissions released into our atmosphere. We’ve got you covered if you want to start solar dehydrating but don’t know where to start.

Our list above includes the best solar dehydrators that will give you an edge. All you need is the sun and a little patience, and you’ll be well on your way to dried goods that will last for months.

It is sure to become one of your favorite summertime activities!