Food dehydration is one of the oldest and most effective methods for preserving fruits, vegetables, meats, and herbs. Whether you’re prepping for long-term food storage, making homemade jerky, or simply reducing food waste, a reliable food dehydrator is an invaluable kitchen tool. However, like many small appliances, most dehydrators on the market today are manufactured overseas, particularly in China. Thankfully, a few companies continue to build high-quality food dehydrators in the United States, maintaining rigorous quality standards and supporting American manufacturing. Below, we highlight the brands still making food dehydrators in the USA and explain how to do your own research.
Complete List of Food Dehydrator Brands Made in the USA
Excalibur is one of the most well-known and respected names in the dehydrator market. Headquartered in Sacramento, California, the company has been producing food dehydrators in the USA for over four decades. Excalibur’s horizontal-flow dehydrators feature stackable trays, adjustable thermostats, and patented airflow systems. While some components may be globally sourced, the assembly and final manufacturing are completed in California. Their models are popular with homesteaders, raw food enthusiasts, and small-scale food producers.
Advanced Food Dehydrators, based in Redmond, Oregon, manufactures high-capacity commercial-grade dehydrators for farms, restaurants, and food processors. Their American-made units feature all-stainless steel construction and horizontal airflow systems, designed for even drying. AFD emphasizes domestic manufacturing, with production and assembly taking place at its Oregon facility. While internal components such as fans and digital controls may include imported parts, the core structure and engineering are U.S.-based.
Founded in Buffalo, New York, The Sausage Maker is a longstanding name in meat processing equipment. Their stainless steel dehydrators are designed for jerky, herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and are manufactured in the USA. These units are favored for their durability, ease of use, and digital controls. While some components may be imported, The Sausage Maker clearly identifies which of their models are made in the USA and distinguishes them from imported offerings. This transparency makes them a reliable choice for buyers seeking American-made options.
Raw Rutes is a small manufacturer located in Buffalo, New York, specializing in rugged stainless steel kitchen tools for homesteaders and serious food preservationists. Their food dehydrator, the “Rugged Food Dehydrator,” is a heavy-duty, American-made unit constructed with 304 stainless steel and built for long-term reliability. With minimal use of plastics or electronics, this dehydrator is as close to indestructible as it gets. Raw Rutes proudly builds their units in the USA with domestic labor and materials whenever possible, appealing to buyers who value transparency, simplicity, and quality.
How to Find Food Dehydrators Made in the USA
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a product labeled “Made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. This includes manufacturing, processing, and significant parts. If a company sources most of its materials or parts from abroad but assembles the product domestically, it cannot legally make an unqualified “Made in USA” claim.
However, enforcement of these standards is not always strict, and some companies use misleading terms, such as “Assembled in the USA,” “Engineered in the USA,” or “Made in the USA with Imported Components.” These phrases usually indicate that foreign parts or labor were significantly involved. For more clarity on what these labels mean, check out our guide on spotting made in the USA products: https://allamerican.org/research/how-to-find-made-in-usa/.
Materials
Understanding the materials used in a food dehydrator can help you determine the extent of American manufacturing and the product’s overall quality. Here’s a breakdown of the key components.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is commonly used for food dehydrator trays, housings, and internal structures, especially in commercial and high-end home models. The United States remains one of the world’s leading producers of stainless steel, with mills located in states such as Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Domestically sourced stainless steel is typically higher in quality and more tightly regulated. Brands like Advanced Food Dehydrators, Raw Rutes, and The Sausage Maker prioritize stainless steel construction, which often reflects their commitment to U.S. manufacturing.
Plastic Components
Some food dehydrators, particularly consumer models, use BPA-free plastic for trays, housing, or fan covers. While the U.S. has a robust plastics manufacturing industry (primarily located in the Gulf Coast region), many plastic parts used in small appliances are still imported due to lower costs. Brands that emphasize minimal plastic usage or disclose sourcing details (like Raw Rutes) are often a better choice for those seeking domestic products.
Electrical Components
Virtually all food dehydrators contain electrical components such as fans, thermostats, heating elements, and digital control panels. These parts are among the most commonly imported due to global supply chain dynamics. Countries like China, Taiwan, Germany, and South Korea dominate the production of small appliance electronics. While assembly may take place in the U.S., full domestic sourcing of these parts is rare.
Labeling
U.S. labeling laws require imported goods to be clearly marked with their country of origin under Title 19, Chapter 4, Section 1304. However, domestic goods are not required to carry a “Made in the USA” label unless they are making a marketing claim.
The FTC oversees such claims and mandates that any product labeled “Made in the USA” must meet the standard of being “all or virtually all” made domestically. Commonly misused or misleading labels include:
- “Assembled in the USA”
- “Designed in the USA”
- “Made in the USA with Global Materials”
You should be cautious of these terms and seek brands that provide detailed sourcing and production information. Contacting manufacturers directly and reviewing disclosures on their websites are the best ways to verify authenticity.
Final Tips
Another way to find country of origin information is through third-party retailers. Sites like Amazon and boutique online retailers often list the country of origin on their product pages; you might just have to do a bit of digging. And like I said, contacting the manufacturer is the best method if you can’t find the information on their website.
As always, take the time to research each brand, read beyond marketing language, and favor companies that clearly state where their products are made. Your investment in American-made products helps support domestic jobs, uphold high quality standards, and keep traditional craftsmanship alive.
Food Dehydrators Not Made in the USA
We found several brands that are outsourcing all their manufacturing overseas. We’ll keep updating this list as we find more.
- COSORI: China
- Nesco: Made in China
- Tribest: Also made in China
- Elite Gourmet: Manufactured in China
- Presto: French company, made in China
- Hamilton Beach: Made in China, along with many of their other home appliances
- NutriChef: China
- Magic Mill: China
