Nesco FD-75A vs Elite Gourmet EFD319

These two stackable food dehydrators sit at opposite ends of the budget range, with the Nesco FD-75A priced at $89.99 and the Elite Gourmet EFD319 at $39.99. The Nesco runs at 600W versus the Elite Gourmet's 350W, which means faster drying times for dense foods like jerky or thick fruit slices. Both machines use a round stackable tray design, though the Elite Gourmet ships with five trays to the Nesco's four. With 13,700 reviews at 4.6 stars, the Nesco carries a substantially deeper track record than the EFD319's 9,300 reviews at 4.4 stars, giving buyers more signal on long-term reliability.

Quick winner

The Nesco FD-75A is the stronger overall pick thanks to its 600W motor, higher rating, and far larger review base, but the Elite Gourmet EFD319 is a reasonable starting point for anyone spending under $40.

Key differences, measured

  • The Elite Gourmet EFD319 is 56% cheaper ($39.99 vs $89.99).
  • The Nesco FD-75A is 250 W higher (600 W vs 350 W).
  • The Elite Gourmet EFD319 has 1 more trays (5 vs 4).
  • The Nesco FD-75A is 2°F higher (160°F vs 158°F).
  • Amazon buyers rate the Nesco FD-75A 0.2 stars higher across 23,000 combined reviews.

Side-by-side specs

Spec Nesco FD-75A Food Dehydrator Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator
Price $89.99 $39.99
Rating 4.6 (13,700) 4.4 (9,300)
Power 600 W 350 W
Trays 4 5
Max temp 160°F 158°F
Material Plastic Aluminum
Color Gray Black
Dimensions 13 X 13 X 10 In 11.4 X 11.4 X 8.5 In
Voltage 120 Volts 120 Volts

The two contenders

Nesco FD-75A Food Dehydrator

Nesco FD-75A food dehydrator, Gray

The Nesco FD-75A is a 600W round dehydrator with four trays, a max temperature of 160F, and a compact 13 x 13 x 10 inch footprint that weighs just 3.5 lb. At $89.99 it sits in the mid-range of stackable dehydrators, and its 4.6-star rating across 13,700 reviews reflects consistent buyer satisfaction over many years. The gray plastic housing keeps it neutral in most kitchens, and 120V operation means it works on any standard US outlet. The higher wattage is the defining advantage: more power moves air faster and reduces total drying time compared to lower-wattage rivals.

Buy this if: Buy the Nesco FD-75A if you dehydrate regularly and want faster results, since the 600W motor shortens drying sessions compared to lower-wattage machines. It also suits buyers who want confidence from a large, established review base before spending $90.

Check price on Amazon

Read the full Nesco review →

Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator

Elite Gourmet EFD319 food dehydrator, Black

The Elite Gourmet EFD319 is a 350W dehydrator priced at $39.99, making it one of the least expensive options in this category. It ships with five trays in a compact 11.4 x 11.4 x 8.5 inch body and tops out at 158F, which is two degrees below the Nesco's 160F ceiling. The aluminum construction gives it a more rigid feel than typical all-plastic units. Its 4.4-star rating from 9,300 reviews is respectable for a budget machine, though the lower wattage means longer run times, especially for dense or moisture-heavy foods.

Buy this if: Buy the Elite Gourmet EFD319 if your budget is firm at or below $40 and you plan to dehydrate smaller batches of herbs, thin fruit slices, or other low-moisture foods where a 350W motor is adequate. The five-tray kit and aluminum body are good value at that price.

Check price on Amazon

Read the full Elite Gourmet review →

Frequently asked questions

Which dehydrator is more powerful, the Nesco FD-75A or the Elite Gourmet EFD319?

The Nesco FD-75A runs at 600W, compared to 350W for the Elite Gourmet EFD319. That extra wattage drives stronger airflow and shorter drying cycles, which matters most when you are dehydrating dense meats or thick-cut produce. For lightweight herbs or thinly sliced fruit, the difference is less dramatic but still present.

Does the Elite Gourmet EFD319 come with more trays than the Nesco FD-75A?

Yes. The EFD319 includes five trays while the Nesco FD-75A ships with four. Both models use a stackable round design, so you can typically add more trays if your recipe calls for a larger batch, though that depends on compatible expansion trays being available for each model.

How do the two dehydrators compare on max drying temperature?

The Nesco FD-75A reaches a maximum of 160F and the Elite Gourmet EFD319 tops out at 158F. Both temperatures are sufficient for USDA-recommended jerky guidelines, so neither machine leaves you meaningfully short on heat. The two-degree gap is unlikely to affect results for most recipes.

Is the price difference between these two dehydrators worth it?

The Nesco FD-75A costs roughly $50 more than the Elite Gourmet EFD319 and delivers 71 percent more wattage, a higher average rating, and a review count that is nearly 50 percent larger. For anyone who expects to dehydrate frequently or in larger batches, that premium translates to faster results and greater confidence in durability. Occasional or light users may find the EFD319 sufficient for their needs.

Check price on Amazon