Must-Have Dehydrator Accessories
A quality dehydrator can dry fruit, vegetables, herbs, crackers, jerky, and much more. However, a few well-chosen accessories can make dehydrating easier, expand the types of foods you can prepare, and simplify cleanup.
Here are the accessories we recommend most often for getting the maximum value from your dehydrator.
Non-Stick Drying Sheets
For many dehydrator owners, non-stick drying sheets are the first accessory they purchase.
Standard dehydrator trays work perfectly for solid foods such as sliced fruit, vegetables, or jerky. However, they are not suitable for liquid or sticky mixtures.
Non-stick drying sheets allow you to make:
- Fruit leather
- Yogurt snacks
- Vegetable crackers
- Raw cookies
- Energy bars
- Pureed fruit snacks
Simply spread the mixture onto the sheet and place it in the dehydrator. Once drying is complete, the finished product peels away easily.
For many users, drying sheets quickly become one of the most-used dehydrator accessories.
Silicone vs Premium Non-Stick Sheets
Different types of drying sheets are available depending on your needs.
Premium non-stick sheets are excellent for everyday dehydrating and are often the most economical choice.
Silicone drying sheets are highly durable, reusable, and particularly useful for sticky foods that may be difficult to remove from standard trays.
Both options make cleanup easier and greatly expand the range of foods you can prepare.
Stainless Steel Trays
Many dehydrators use plastic trays, which are lightweight and effective. However, some users prefer stainless steel for food-contact surfaces.
Stainless steel trays offer several advantages:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean
- Odor resistant
- No concerns about food touching plastic
- Suitable for frequent use
For certain Excalibur models, stainless steel replacement trays can be used as an upgrade from the standard plastic trays. This can be an attractive option for users who plan to use their dehydrator regularly for many years.
Mesh Screens for Small Foods
Small foods such as herbs, sprouts, berries, and tiny vegetable pieces can sometimes fall through standard trays.
Mesh screens provide additional support while still allowing excellent airflow.
They are particularly useful for:
- Fresh herbs
- Small berries
- Sprouts
- Finely chopped vegetables
- Delicate foods
For anyone who regularly dries herbs from the garden, mesh screens can be a very useful addition.
Closed Trays for Liquids and Soft Foods
Some dehydrators offer solid trays that work similarly to drying sheets but with added structure.
These trays are ideal for:
- Fruit purees
- Yogurt mixtures
- Soft crackers
- Foods that may drip during drying
They can also help keep dehydrators cleaner by containing liquids that might otherwise run through the trays.
Transparent Doors
A simple upgrade that many users appreciate is a transparent door.
Being able to monitor drying progress without opening the dehydrator helps maintain stable temperatures and allows you to check foods at a glance.
This is particularly useful for long drying sessions that may last overnight or throughout the day.
Which Accessories Should You Buy First?
If you're just starting out, we usually recommend the following order:
- Non-stick drying sheets
- Stainless steel trays (if available for your model)
- Mesh screens
- Closed trays
- Transparent doors
These accessories offer the biggest improvement in versatility and convenience for most users.
Small Upgrades, Better Results
The right accessories can transform a dehydrator from a simple fruit dryer into a versatile food preparation tool. Whether you want to make fruit leather, dry delicate herbs, prepare raw snacks, or reduce food contact with plastic, a few carefully chosen accessories can help you get much more from your dehydrator.