Which Food Dehydrator is Best for You? Nesco vs Cosori and Dehydrating Kale

[@Cherbear609]

Darcy, I just love this type of video! You're so thorough; you've taken all the work out of it for us. 🤗 A while back I watched the video you did on Cosori vs Excalibur. After watching, I was satisfied with choosing the Cosori. I'm very happy with it~ it has a permanent home in my kitchen, with the noise level being so low, we don't even notice it.💕 Although I'll admit that I will never part with my older Nesco dehydrator with 5 round trays: I still use it quite often/ if the price of (extra) trays hadn't gone up so much I wouldn't have needed to buy a second machine, lol. But having two dehydrators is the best! 😉👍

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yep - I won't get rid of mine, either - it's my outside machine :D

[@lilbitatatime3763]

Great comparison. Although Nesco supplied a coupon as well it would have been nice had they offered free shipping for one month in addition. I may have been convinced to purchase a third dehydrator. The Corsori a proven workhorse and well made. Thank you Darcy! ~ Kate

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Still makes it the same price as the Cosori with the shipping included - so they are equal in price.

[@marygrott8095]

I'm so tempted to get another Cosori! Once my garden produce starts coming in, I often find myself getting frustrated because if having to wait for the previous batch of produce to be done.

[@cbass2755]

I have the exact same Cosori. I love, love, love it. I just finished whit onion slices. 😄

[@sweaterdoll]

I bought a Cosori but the temperature fluctuation was pretty extreme as the unit went on and off, so I returned it. In the end, I realized I could dehydrate near our wood stove which is our only heat this year due to the high gas bills we couldn't afford. Right now I have 6# of cabbage, 2# of mushrooms, 3# of turnips, and 3 pints of grape tomatoes all drying at once. I could never do that with a small dehydrator. I was very nervous at first, drying next to the wood stove, but once I got the hang of the temps over and around it, it got really easy. I recommend it for anyone who has a wood stove running most of the time right now. Save your power for summer dehydrating (if your area is humid like ours). But thanks for the comparison. If I decide to get another electric dehydrator, this helps a lot.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

They all fluctuate some - but if you get a wild extreme, yeah, that's a problem for any dehydrator.

[@brianwhitelaw3298]

I got my Cosori 2 weeks ago; the discount would have been nice. My poor thinking... 😁 Haven't stopped using it since though. 😁 I've had loads of fun making a variety of snacks, and I've used many of your tips and recipes. Thank you for all of the dehydrator videos. Keep up the good work. 😁👍

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

That's great!

[@brianwhitelaw3298]

@@ThePurposefulPantry I should have said, "Although the discount would have been nice I am very pleased with my dehydrator." Thank you so much. Take care. 😁

[@onenonlypirate]

What perfect timing for this video to show up on my KZbin home page! My wife was just saying "man! i wish we had a larger/2nd dehydrator; my garden is going to be bigger this year!" I don't think she waited for me to finish the full comparison before she had a Cosori ordered and made it a home on an unused counter. I have a feeling we're going to have an abundance of Apple Chips once her shipment arrives! ;)

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

And you'll have loads more than just apples to put away!

[@Thatdogwillbiteyou]

I LOVE 💕 my Cosori. Rule of thumb for me is that I don't buy copycats. The shelves in the Nesco are not only smaller but closer together. And that gap around the door! Yeah... Thank you for doing the comparison. You're why we have a Cosori. :) I watch you sneak stuff in on your family all the time. Hahaha. It's awesome! Keep up the great work, lady!!

[@JennTN411]

I have the Cosori, I love it! I discovered that I can use it to proof bread. Eta: I'll be dehydrating lots of greens to rehydrate and add to the chickens feed next winter. Can't wait to get started!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You can proof bread or yogurt in any cabinet-style machine

[@cbass2755]

You can??? How?? Thank you!!

[@JennTN411]

@@ThePurposefulPantry thank you! I clearly have not watched enough of your videos 😆

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

@@cbass2755 Use the 95F setting, remove the extra trays - and use it to proof. You can't make yogurt in it, but during the proofing stage you can use it.

[@silviag1547]

I love watching your honesty. Out of all the machines you have used which one is your favourite? I’m looking to start and don’t have one . I’m in Canada if that makes a difference.Thank you

[@ur2phunny]

Glad to see a review from you since I'm trying to decide on one of these exact same ones. I trust your judgement on a straight honest opinion.

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I've been considering another dehydrator. Thank you for the comparison.

[@carole6779]

Awesome video! I've been sorting out the mesh screen and leather tray conundrum for my new Nesco box unit (which is crazy quiet!). Needed something with more of a lip to dehydrate baby foods for a friend, so went back to the stackable for that. I've purchased a few different screen options through your Amazon store and it's been a fun experiment. I started with the Simply Homey and Kispog, which are great, but I also wanted something "firmer", if that makes sense. So FYI, the Bright Kitchen silicone sheets with the edge (11.8" x 10.6" dimensions) fit perfectly in the Nesco. The Cosori mesh screens that are 11.8" x 10.7" also fit perfectly in the Nesco. Anyway, I have exactly the same Rubbermaid container, currently empty. Time to repurpose it as a "Green Bucket" and get some kale in the dehydrator this weekend, lol. Thanks so much for the comparison and the inspiration!!! 😊💖

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Nesco put their 7-tray machine on sale - and our coupon code works with it. AND it's available to ship to Canada! $108 USD! www.nesco.com/product/7-tray-stainless-steel-digital-dehydrator/ USE CODE preserveit20 COSORI COUPON CODE: Cosori 6-Tray: USE CODE TPP23 sl.vesync.com/Bq7trp Cosori 10-Tray USE CODE TPP2023 sl.vesync.com/f0A6lc

[@dorissale4457]

On sale for how long?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

@@dorissale4457 The Cosori deal is until the end of March - They didn't give an end date for the Nesco sale.

[@dorissale4457]

Thank you

[@melindaonamission9511]

I can't get the discount code to work for the 6 tray Cosori. I clicked the link and used the code but it says it's for select products only.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

@@melindaonamission9511 Make sure you are using the correct code - the 6-tray code is TPP23. I just tested it and it worked fine.

[@sharonmckee2403]

Hubby is going to get me a dehydrator for our anniversary. Yay! So your video is so needed!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

FUN! Happy Anniversary!

[@lucky0n3]

THANK GOODNESS.. i literally just received my Cosori last week. Thank you, Darcy!!

[@shelbylamothe8833]

Thank you! I ended up ordering the 10 tray Cosori using your coupon. This will replace my 5-tray Excalibur. So excited!

[@crtnyp]

I really appreciate your comparison videos in particular but you have an awesome channel. Thanks for all you do.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I appreciate that!

[@marygallagher3428]

Enjoyed seeing the comparison!

[@justine9980]

Great video and very helpful. A lot of details. Thanks!

[@carolwithers3645]

Love my COSORI!

[@NancySutherland]

I have the Cosori that I received as a Christmas present. I am very happy with it. I do have a question about dehydrated lemon slices. They were totally done when I put them in the jars. I waited a couple days to make sure that they weren’t getting sticky. Now a month later the jar that is now only half full because I have been using them has softened the lemon slices. Not sure what to do. Thanks so much.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Dry them again, and move them to a smaller jar.

[@jayneweathers]

Thank you so much!

[@y3rbat3ra]

Thanks for the thorough comparison, too bad all product reviews aren't this detailed.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Glad it was helpful!

[@karleedu]

I think when the time comes I'll get the Nesco. Weight is an issue as I'm older. Great video!

[@suburbanhillbilly2999]

Great comparison

[@marilynparmelee]

Good comparison

[@cmtecasseb]

Hi Darcy, you mentioned about a waiting time after you run your Cosori. Do the 10 tray model also need a cool off waiting time after each batch? Thank you.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Read your manual ;) It'll tell you how much time it needs. I seem to remember 2 hours every 48 - but don't rely on my memory !

[@sylviaprudhomme5417]

Very helpful. ❤❤❤❤

[@craftywoman8372]

I just ordered the Cosori. I’ve never used a dehydrator before so I hope everything works out ok.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Have fun with it! Here's help with it when it arrives: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ona4cmWqZ713a68

[@FermentedHomestead]

Great comparison! I have an Excalibur and you made me want to get a new dehydrator 😂 the Excalibur is so big and noisy

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I know! But it's a great machine!!

[@cbass2755]

I use a flash light to check my food…Lol. It’s fine but a light would be nice. I’d feel spoiled if my Cosori had a light inside

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

lol - yep - it's a nice little perk, but definitely not something to make a final decision about.

[@mmcbride256]

I do the same...wish it had a light

[@cbass2755]

@@ThePurposefulPantry 👍

[@TommyJones49]

Nesco for me the smaller length, deep. Looks better too.

[@leahbarkhuff3329]

I'd love to see the underside/bottom of both machines. I have the Cosori on a metal cart & its a bit wobbly because of the feet.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sounds like you need something to help it not slide. Nesco's feet aren't as tall and are round discs instead of the squarish of the Cosori. Use some picture tacky to help keep them in place, or a cut up silicone heat pad to fit under to help it not slip.

[@maryjanewill3056]

Need to ask can you take some out of your dehydrated potatoes, and reseal them?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sure -

[@justjenn9011]

I have two dehydrators, but they barely keep up during the harvest season, so i may invest in another honestly. Im not sure which to get, their both very similar. Ive never been a name brand person, but, Id like the cosori i think. Id have to move it alot and those handles would be handy. And i like that its heavier duty because of the animals in my house, and kids, id want it more durable. Thanks for the comparison!

[@justjenn9011]

Oh, also, last year i ended up drying all if my kale, which was so much, but, because i ended up powdering it, it stored alot smaller, which is fine for us, cause we like it in smoothies. Definitely the way to go, at least for us.

[@vondamorphew3505]

Hi Darcy and community. Thank you for all your help. I got a Cosori for Christmas, just like yours. I am impressed by how quiet it is. I do have a question about dehydrating in general. I’m a beginner and I bought frozen fruit and vegetables, to fill my pantry quick. I cut down the strawberries and cherries into smaller pieces, so they would dehydrate faster. They are leathery, but they still stick together, and the jar because of the natural sugar in the fruit. I dehydrated them for a total of 30 hours. I even turned them over and used clean silicone tray liners after the first 12 hours. I live in a dry climate. What do I do about the clumping and sticking?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

If your fruit is sticking so much that they don't shake a part or come of the container with gentle shaking, you may need to dry longer. Frozen fruits are a little harder, but don't go by how much time you have dried, but by if they are actually dry.

[@sandrathompson1826]

I just got my new Nesco. I bought the stainless steel with 7 racks.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Hope you love it!

[@sallyeblen7032]

thanks for sharing

[@NWGR]

Has one been more reliable than the other over the past year sicne this video was made? That's my biggest concern. Thanks for the comparison!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

They've been exactly the same. I don't use the Nesco as much because it's smaller, but it's still in my arsenal.

[@NWGR]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thank you so much for the quick response. 😊

[@terryodom6073]

Hey lady, off topic, I have a question for you. Can I dehydrate Can fruit and then powder it. Fruit cocktail, peaches, pears, apricots,apple sauce.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Powders are a little harder because of the over developed sugars, but yes.

[@terryodom6073]

@@ThePurposefulPantry awesome! thanks so much, I was afraid I could only make fruit leather and that would be good too, but I was thinking I would use powder more often. I appreciate you getting back in touch with me so quickly. Bye for now.

[@wandaf6322]

I have a round Nesco Food and Jerky that I just started using after it sat in the box for about 10 years. ( I know that's crazy). So far it's working great! My hope is to get a small freeze dryer for meats.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Good for you for getting started!

[@carole6779]

Lol, not crazy. It's all about timing. And Darcy is awesome for inspiration!!! I love my round Nescos (I have 2 now). Have fun with the jerky and good luck on the freeze dryer! I saw that there will be a Freeze Dried February collaboration of KZbinrs, which should be interesting.

[@lmhendricks941]

Now that you've helped us answer that important question, would you please tell me what kind of food processor/grinder you use to make your powders? I need something that will powder up cheese, greens, broccoli, potatoes, and anything else I can dehydrate. Some of these things were just too much for my ancient processor - it bit the dust and I need a good replacement STAT! My refrigerator is full of things that I need to dry and process as soon as possible. Thanks for your generosity to others. You're my #1 go-to for all things dehydrated! God Bless!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't use a food processor at all to create powders. As you saw in the video, I use a NutriNinja blender. I also use a Cosori coffee grinder for small amounts or a Vitamix when I have more than fits into the Nutrininja (large quantities of greens). I don't dehydrate cheese, so I don't know what will handle that for powder. It's freeze-dried only for me. I also have everything I use listed in my Amazon store which is in the description box: amzn.to/3kVrkCL

[@karenmyers7122]

Great video! Excellent tips on how and when to store powder. Question - how do you clean your containers? Ex. do you wash and then put away, then grab when you're ready to fill with dehydrated food. Or, do you wash the same day you're going to use the containers like you would do for canning ?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I generally wash, store upside down, and use when needed.

[@karenmyers7122]

@@ThePurposefulPantry I appreciate your response! I'm rather concerned about any food Bourne illness. You've been Dehydrating for years and you fo pay attention to details. I've seen enough video's to know you're one to watch and subscribe to. I trust you. Thanks Darcy!

[@cbass2755]

Ah…..Darcy. That’s a new step. I have not ever seen you say to put in oven for 15 mins to dry out before storage. I’ve always done what you’ve suggested by conditioning on countertop for 5 days and shake or flip once a day checking for mold. I have no problem doing this oven thing, but is leaving on countertop not necessarily now? Can you store after your done heating it thru? Thanks Darcy….

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Iv'e done it a lot ;) Youi' just missed it.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Conditioning whole products vs powders are two different things. For beginners who don't understand what real dry is, I'll always suggest conditioning first.

[@cbass2755]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Oh boy…I sure did miss that! Lol…Now, I have done this for some things. Then conditioned on my countertop after, but not everything. Do you suggest doing this for everything? I can pretty much tell if my foods are thoroughly dried though. I’ll just do this when I feel I need to. I think I understand what your saying. I get it. Thanks Darcy. 😄

[@Lee-fb4oj]

The kale seemed to stay greener in the Cosori.

[@christinaparman231]

Hi Darcy, Great video, I really love my Cosori!! Also perfect timing with dehydrating the kale which I'm going to do today, but I have a question. So I love to juice, particularly the mean green juice recipe which is kale, ginger, celery, granny smith's, lemon and cucumber. So I thought why not throw the pulp in to dehydrate and make powder and nort waste any of it. Is it okay to dehydrate it all together or should I dehydrate the different pulps separately? Thanks for all you do!!

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Sure! don't waste it!

[@Towanda99]

Which greens are not as strong tasting when mixed in things (milder)... I have spinach powder that a friend bought and even a small amount makes the food taste to much for my kids

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

All greens will leave a taste if you add too much. Use any of them, but do so sparingly until you get a feel for what works best for your taste.

[@anitahendershot3754]

I have used Nesco for a long time. I picked them up used and cheap however, after I had 2 in a row burn up I went to Cosori. Much better. Nesco had issues with a part that controls the heat quite a few years ago. I believe there were legal issues, I just don’t remember but they must not have taken care of it because my unit got hot enough to melt the trays. This was last year.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

every manufacturer has had this issue at some point in time. It's indemnic to cheap electronics to make consumers happy with cheaper products, unfortunately.

[@trudymccann3671]

What about the Magic Mill Products? Used on E-Bay? Scratch 'N Dent?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I don't have one, haven't used one, but it's fine. I can only do reviews on machines I've purchased and used, and I just am out of space tod do so :D

[@carolwarren1631]

What is the weight of both machines?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I'm sorry, I've not put them on a scale. Amazon or Cosori's website will have that info.

[@dominique8233]

Hello Darcy, do both machines use the same amount of energy /running costs? Thanks

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Both are 600watt machines like I mentioned - so yes.

[@rratschable]

This is a bit off topic, I am wondering how cost effective dehydrators are when taking rising energy costs into account. Massachussetts just raised electricity to $0.23/kwh ($0.38/kwh) after all the add ons. Does this mean a 10 hour run would cost around $4 each time?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

It's up to you. I find food preservation to be one of the best things we can do to feed our family, stock our pantry, and fight food inflation. If you're doing it just for snacks, it's likely not worth it. But food preservation is important to us, and it's a better use of our time/energy than idling watching television. Take advantage of overnight plans if they have them.

[@PDXTundra]

Are you still recommending the Cosori? On your website you aren’t.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I no longer support the home company - so I won't go out of my way to promote for them. But the machines are good, and I won't not recommend the machine - I hope that makes sense.

[@Tzippy323]

How about testing the beast by Denali?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I only have so much money to purchase a new machine occasionally - and space to have to store it while testing :)

[@XxpeachyxX12]

What type of trays do you use for your fruit leather?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Fruit leather silicone sheets by Simply Homey

[@chersgear7202]

I have an old Ronco dehydrator, but has one temperature, which is way to hot for herbs or even fruit. I tried dehydrating mint and various herbs last year and they had absolutely no taste at all. Just found the original 5 tray Cosori for 45$ and thought this would be a good upgrade until I am ready to get a large stainless steel one. I know it doesn't compare to these ones, but do you think it will be good enough for someone who only dehydrates small amounts at a time?

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

Yes, it's fine. Don't pay attention to time, though - it's a lower powered machine, so things will take longer.

[@chersgear7202]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks!!

[@karenmyers7122]

Darcy I have a SEPTREE (10 trays) . Have you heard of this brand? If so what are your thoughts about this dehydrator? I would love to know. This is my first dehydrator, so I'm wondering if this is a good one. I would GREATLY appreciate your wise input. 😌

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

I can't try every dehydrator on the market - don't have that kind of $ :D No, I haven't tried this one, but I'm sure it's fine.

[@karenmyers7122]

@@ThePurposefulPantry Thanks Darcy!

[@royaltroot1014]

I tried my cosori dehydrator for the first time and I don’t see the fan spinning when I turn it on. Then it started to get smoky after a few minutes so I turned it off.

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

You need to call Cosori

[@ourfunhousekids]

I tried the Nesco code but it doesn’t work. 😢

[@ThePurposefulPantry]

They may have removed it at this point, I'm sorry.

[@thelazychefandme]

Ok. @@ThePurposefulPantry

[@liddiasecrist5313]