The Nesco FD-37 is a budget-friendly four-tray dehydrator that punches slightly above its price with a 400-watt motor and a solid 4.6-star rating from 1,300 buyers. It is a sensible first purchase for anyone who wants to dry herbs, fruits, or occasional jerky without spending much.
Beginners and budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable, no-frills dehydrator for small, routine batches of herbs, fruit, or jerky.
Skip if
You want to process large batches at once or need an adjustable temperature dial for precise control over different food types.
Power 400 W
Trays 4
Material Plastic
Color White/Clear
Weight 4.7 lb
Priced 64% below the category median ($115.49 across 38 tracked models)
Power of 400 W - lower than 70% of the 38 models we track
Trays of 4 - lower than 90% of the 38 models we track
Pros
Very affordable at $41.99
400W motor is a step up from the most basic budget units
Clear trays let you monitor drying without opening the machine
High rating at 4.6 stars across 1,300 reviews
Cons
Only 4 trays limits how much you can dry at once
No temperature control published, limiting precision
Plastic construction not suited for daily heavy use
Our scorecard
4.6/5overall
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 1,300 owner ratings
Popularity2.6/5
1,300 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other slow cookers, electric pressure and rice cookers, sous vide, food dehydrators, egg cookers, popcorn poppers, and ice cream and shaved ice machines we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At $41.99 the FD-37 is among the most affordable dehydrators from a brand with a long track record. Its 400-watt output is slightly more powerful than the entry-level 350W models Nesco also sells, which helps push adequate airflow through the four-tray stack. The white and clear color combination lets you see what is happening on the trays without lifting the lid.
At 4.7 pounds the FD-37 is light but has more heft than the ultra-compact FD-28JX, suggesting slightly sturdier tray construction. The footprint data is not published for this model, but Nesco's standard round four-tray units are countertop-friendly and easy to store flat in a cabinet.
Over 1,300 reviews at 4.6 stars is a strong showing for a machine under $45. Buyers consistently reward it for doing exactly what it promises: steady, even drying at a price that does not sting if you end up using it only a few times a year.
Performance notes
The 400-watt motor drives heat upward through four stackable plastic trays. This output is adequate for herbs, thin fruit slices, and single-layer jerky. No max temperature is listed in the spec data, which makes it harder to confirm safe drying temperatures without checking the included manual. The 4.7-pound weight indicates more tray material than the lightest budget units in the category.
What buyers say
A 4.6-star average across over 1,300 reviews places this among the better-rated dehydrators in its price bracket. The volume of reviews relative to the low price suggests a steady, satisfied user base. Most buyers appear to use it for straightforward tasks like herbs and dried fruit, where it reportedly performs consistently.
Similar slow cookers, electric pressure and rice cookers, sous vide, food dehydrators, egg cookers, popcorn poppers, and ice cream and shaved ice machines to consider
The FD-37 handles herbs, fruit slices, fruit leather, and jerky well. Thin, evenly cut pieces dry most uniformly. Thicker cuts like large vegetable chunks may require rotating trays partway through to get even results across the stack.
Can I expand the FD-37 with more trays?
Nesco sells compatible expansion trays for many of their round dehydrator models. Check the model number compatibility before purchasing additional trays to make sure they fit. Adding trays will spread the 400 watts across more surface area and increase drying time accordingly.
Is the FD-37 easy to clean?
The plastic trays are removable and the clear material makes it easy to see food residue. Most users wash them by hand with warm soapy water. The base unit should never be submerged, only wiped down with a damp cloth.
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