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Deal.ai › Compare

Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator vs Excalibur Performance Series Dehydrator

Buy the Excalibur Performance Series if you want long, low-temperature runs for jerky, herbs or game and the most even drying without rotating trays. Buy the Magic Mill Pro if you want a higher top temperature, a 24-hour timer and a stainless build at a lower outlay. Owners of both praise even drying and sturdy steel trays; the Excalibur's 80-hour timer and 85°F floor are the real functional edge, while the Magic Mill runs hotter and is heavier at 36 lb.

  • Choose the Magic Mill Pro if you want a hotter top end, a simple 24-hour timer and stainless trays and housing without paying for advanced airflow tech.
  • Choose the Excalibur Performance Series if you dry jerky, herbs or game low and slow and want an 80-hour timer and even drying without rotating trays.

Prices

  • Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator: $129.20 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Excalibur Performance Series Dehydrator: $240.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator is $110.80 cheaper than the Excalibur Performance Series Dehydrator at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 11)
Magic Mill
Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator

Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator

$129.20at WalmartChecked 51 min ago
See all prices and details
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Pros
  • Reaches 176°F, higher than the Excalibur
  • 11 stainless trays give more slots
  • Trays and housing are dishwasher safe
  • Digital timer with auto shutoff and overheat protection
Cons
  • 24-hour timer is short for low-and-slow jerky
  • Heavier at 36 lb
  • No two-phase drying program
Excalibur
Excalibur Performance Series Food Dehydrator

Excalibur Performance Series Dehydrator

Excalibur Performance Series Food Dehydrator

4.6(42 ratings)
$240.00at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
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Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • 80-hour timer suits long jerky and herb runs
  • 85°F floor is better for herbs and proofing
  • Hyperwave airflow dries evenly without rotating trays
  • Two-phase drying lets you change temperature mid-run
Cons
  • Top temperature of 165°F is lower
  • Trays are best hand washed
  • Fewer trays than the Magic Mill

What separates them

Magic Mill Pro Food DehydratorExcalibur Performance Series Dehydrator
Temperature range95°F to 176°F85°F to 165°F
Timer24 hoursUp to 80 hours
AirflowHorizontal airflow systemPatented Hyperwave with Horizontal Parallex airflow
Tray count and space11 stainless trays, about 10.75 x 9.75 in each10 stainless trays, 16 sq ft total
Drying modesSingle-stage digital controlTwo-phase drying with adjustable thermostat
Build and weightStainless housing, 36 lbStainless housing, 32 lb
CleaningTrays and housing dishwasher safeStainless trays, hand clean recommended
Warranty1 year manufacturerStandard manufacturer coverage

Price history

$379.99$149.99
Nov 4Nov 11
  • Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator: lowest $149.99 on Nov 4 at Amazon; $199.99 on Nov 11.
  • Excalibur Performance Series Dehydrator: lowest $249.99 on Nov 9 at Home Depot; $373.21 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Royal KitchenReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $129.20Free shippingChecked 51 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayOpen box

    Availability unknownSold by apartment213band (99.2% positive, 11,000 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $108.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by lucianguy (100% positive, 325 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $152.14Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $199.99Free shippingChecked 51 min ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

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All 3 stores and price history →

Excalibur Performance Series Dehydrator

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by EdgecraftReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $249.99Free shippingChecked 51 min ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Peach FrogNew

    In stock

    $373.21Free shippingChecked 23 h ago
    Visit Peach Frog
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by ft._19 (100% positive, 105 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $240.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $373.21Free shippingChecked 23 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 8 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMagic Mill Pro Food DehydratorExcalibur Performance Series Dehydrator
Temperature Range95°-176° °F850F to 1650F
MaterialStainless SteelStainless-steel
ColorStainless SteelStainless Steel
Technology TypeDehydrationPatented Hyperwave Technology
Drying MethodDehydrationDehydration
AirflowHorizontal Air Flow SystemHorizontal Parallex Air Flow
Control FeaturesDigital Temperature Control, TimerTwo-phase drying, Adjustable thermostat control
Control TypeDigitalDigital
Timer Duration24 HourUp to 80 hours
Tray Capacity1110 trays
Tray MaterialStainless SteelStainless steel
Housing MaterialStainless steelStainless Steel
Show all 37 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMagic Mill Pro Food DehydratorExcalibur Performance Series Dehydrator
Included Trays11 stainless-steel drying racks10 stainless steel trays
Included Accessories1 set oven mittsFree digital download of "Preserve It Naturally"
Automatic Shut OffYes (when the timer is done)Yes (when drying is complete)
Weight36 LBS32 LB
Depth13 1/2 (External Dimensions)20.67 in
Height1715.75 in
Width1713.39 in (34 cm)
Number of Trays10—
Wattage600 watts—

What reviewers say

Magic Mill Pro Food Dehydrator

Owners generally rate the Magic Mill Pro well for capacity and its stainless build, and many use it for jerky and garden produce. Complaints center on the lack of a timer and on slower, sometimes uneven drying when all ten trays are full.

What people mention
  • CapacityPraisedOwners like that ten trays let them dry a whole harvest or several pounds of jerky at once.
  • BuildPraisedThe stainless steel body and trays are described as sturdy and easy to clean.
  • TimerCriticisedReviewers miss a timer and automatic shutoff and say they have to check the batch themselves.
  • Drying speedMixedSome find full loads take longer than expected for 600 watts, though results are good.

Excalibur Performance Series Dehydrator

  • 4.6 / 542 ratings

Questions and answers

Which is better for jerky?
The Excalibur. Its 80-hour timer and two-phase drying let you run low and long, then finish at a higher temperature. The Magic Mill's 24-hour timer can be tight for thick cuts.
Which is better for herbs?
The Excalibur, because it starts at 85°F, which protects volatile oils. The Magic Mill bottoms out at 95°F.
Which holds more food?
The Excalibur lists 16 square feet of drying space across 10 trays. The Magic Mill has 11 trays but smaller ones, so total area is close.
Which is easier to clean?
The Magic Mill. Its trays and housing are dishwasher safe. Excalibur trays are stainless but best hand washed.
Is the Excalibur worth stepping up to?
Yes if you dry jerky, game or herbs regularly and want the longer timer and even airflow. If you mostly dry fruit and vegetables at higher heat, the Magic Mill covers it.
Which lasts longer?
Both use stainless steel trays and housings. The Magic Mill backs its unit with a 1-year manufacturer warranty; Excalibur's coverage depends on the model, so check the listing.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best countertop food dehydrators
Item Dimensions
15.5"D x 11.5"W x 14"H
—
Voltage120 volts—
Model NumberMFD-1098—
Warranty1 Year Manufacturer Warranty—
sizeTray Size - 10.75" x 9.75"—
actual_colorBrushed Stainless Steel—
Removable TrayAdjustable stainless-steel drying racks—
Easy To CleanEasy to Clean with a Damp Cloth—
Dishwasher Safe ComponentsYes (trays and liners), Yes (Trays and Housing)—
Overheat ProtectionYes—
DimensionsLength 22 Width 17 Height 17—
Food Types—Vegetables, Flowers, Fresh catch, Fruits, Herbs
Use Cases—Preserve your food, Meet all your dehydrating n…
Total Volume—16 square feet of drying space
Display Type—LED
Design Style—Countertop