Is the NESCO 5-tray dehydrator worth it?

At $56.99 at Walmart as of November 4, 2026, it is a low-cost way to get digital temperature and timer control. It suits beginners and small batches; serious jerky makers may want a unit that reaches higher temperatures.

What temperature range does it have?

It runs from 95° to 158°F, set on the digital panel. That covers fruit, vegetables and most fruit leather, but is below the 160°F some jerky recipes call for.

How much food fits on five trays?

The five trays measure 12.5 by 10.75 inches each, for 672 square inches total. That is roughly a few pounds of sliced fruit or a batch of jerky per run.

Does it have a timer?

Yes. The digital timer runs from 1 to 24 hours in half-hour increments and shuts the unit off when it ends.

How do I clean the trays and base?

The clear plastic trays hand-wash; they are not designed for a dishwasher. Wipe the base and fan area carefully, since the bottom-mounted fan can collect crumbs and drips.

The $56.99 Walmart price as of November 4, 2026 is already near the bottom of its recent range. Watch for holiday kitchen-appliance sales for further drops.

Where is the NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator cheapest?

At Walmart, for $56.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 501 ratings.

Where can I buy the NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator?

5 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Walmart, Amazon, Fleet Farm, Best Buy.

NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator

4.4

Best price now

$56.99at WalmartVerified

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator

4.4

Best price now

$56.99at WalmartVerified

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Our take on the NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator

The NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator is a 420-watt countertop unit with a bottom-mounted fan, digital temperature control from 95° to 158°F, and a 1- to 24-hour timer in half-hour steps. Its five clear trays give 672 square inches of drying space and fold for compact storage. At $56.99 at Walmart as of November 4, 2026, it sits at the low end of its recent price range, making it one of the cheaper ways into a digital dehydrator.

Best forFirst-time dehydrator buyersJerky, fruit leather and dried fruitSmall households drying in batchesBuyers who want a digital timer on a budget

Pros

Digital temperature and timer control, unusual at this price
Clear trays let you watch drying without opening the unit
Bottom-mounted fan spreads heat evenly across trays
Trays fold down for compact storage
Large 672 square inches of drying space for the footprint

Cons

158°F top temperature is low for some jerky recipes
Plastic trays can warp or crack with rough handling
Bottom fan pulls drips and crumbs into the base
No on/off switch beyond the digital panel
17 lbs and bulky to move once loaded

NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stock
$56.99Free shippingVerified
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Best BuyNew
In stock
$69.99Free shippingObserved Nov 4, 2026, 5:40 PM
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Fleet FarmNew
In stock
$59.99+ $19.99 shippingObserved Nov 4, 2026, 5:40 PM
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eBayOpen box
Availability unknownSold by msolo12 (100% positive, 64 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$22.49+ $22.14 shippingVerified
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AmazonNew
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$56.99Free shippingObserved Nov 4, 2026, 5:40 PM
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eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by goldenoakme (99.6% positive, 470 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$63.90Free shippingVerified
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Also available at

WalmartCheck price at Walmart

NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator price history

$56.99$56.99

Nov 4Nov 5

Lowest price we've seen: $56.99 on Nov 4 at Walmart. Tracked across 4 stores since Nov 4.

What reviewers say

Owners of NESCO dehydrators generally rate them well for value and even drying, and this model holds 4.4 out of 5 from 501 ratings. Complaints tend to center on tray durability and cleaning the fan area.

Pros

Even drying across trays
Simple digital controls
Good value for the drying space
Clear trays make monitoring easy

Cons

Trays feel flimsy
Cleaning around the bottom fan is awkward
Top temperature limits some recipes

About the NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator

When it comes to serious dehydration needs, NESCO dehydrators are your top choice. Its sleek look and quiet operation allow you to display it in your kitchen for easy access. The bottom mounted fan ensures uniform heat distribution. The digital control panel allows temperature adjustment between 95°-158°F and set the timer in half hour increments ranging from one to 24 hours. Includes 5 clear trays measuring 12.5” x 10.75” for a total of 672 square inches of drying space with a compact, foldable tray design. The full transparent view allows you to monitor the drying process.

Specifications

color: ClearSource
Number of trays: 5Source
Temperature range: 95°-158°FSource
Timer range: 1-24 hours in half hour incrementsSource

Questions and answers

Is the NESCO 5-tray dehydrator worth it?: At $56.99 at Walmart as of November 4, 2026, it is a low-cost way to get digital temperature and timer control. It suits beginners and small batches; serious jerky makers may want a unit that reaches higher temperatures.
What temperature range does it have?: It runs from 95° to 158°F, set on the digital panel. That covers fruit, vegetables and most fruit leather, but is below the 160°F some jerky recipes call for.
How much food fits on five trays?: The five trays measure 12.5 by 10.75 inches each, for 672 square inches total. That is roughly a few pounds of sliced fruit or a batch of jerky per run.
Does it have a timer?: Yes. The digital timer runs from 1 to 24 hours in half-hour increments and shuts the unit off when it ends.
How do I clean the trays and base?: The clear plastic trays hand-wash; they are not designed for a dishwasher. Wipe the base and fan area carefully, since the bottom-mounted fan can collect crumbs and drips.
When is it cheapest?: The $56.99 Walmart price as of November 4, 2026 is already near the bottom of its recent range. Watch for holiday kitchen-appliance sales for further drops.
Where is the NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator cheapest?: At Walmart, for $56.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator?: Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 501 ratings.
Where can I buy the NESCO 5-Tray Rectangular Food Dehydrator?: 5 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Walmart, Amazon, Fleet Farm, Best Buy.