Ronco 5-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Ronco
Material	Plastic
Color	White
Wattage	125 watts
Item Dimensions LxWxH	11 x 13 x 13 inches

product features

This fits your .

by entering your model number.
Get creative; Perfect for DIY arts and crafts
Make portable snacks for lunchboxes, trail snacks, or just on the go
Quiet, convection heat drying
Easy to use: Just slice and place the food in the trays
Use from 2 to 5 trays
All plastic components made from BPA, free plastic
Trays and lid are top rack dishwater safe

From the manufacturer

Ronco 5-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator

Quiet, Yet Effective

This dehydrator uses convectional heating, meaning it is quiet, effective and requires no additional energy. Use up to 5 trays (which are FDA-approved for food contact that won't deteriorate like others) at once so you can make large batches of dried goods.

Options Are Endless

With the 5-tray dehydrator, you can make apple chips, dried bananas, turkey jerky, beef jerky and tons more. An instruction booklet is included with recipes. Not only does it make food, but it's great for crafts such as ornaments and drying flowers too!

product description

Make healthy, homemade snacks for a fraction of the cost with the Ronco 5-Tray Food Dehydrator. Dehydrate your favorite fruits and vegetables while in season and enjoy them year-round. Make delicious apple chips, dried bananas, jerky and more using the Ronco Food Dehydrator. Take control of what your family eats by making the snacks they crave…without all the additives & preservatives.

product details

important information

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Questions about Ronco 5-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator

Can you control the temperature on this? Does it have a fan?

Answer: It has a fan. No you can not control the temperature. It has an even distribution of warm air to all levels.

Answer: no, there is no temperature control. nor does it have a fan. the heat rises out thru the adjustable top vent plate.

Answer: there is no temp control or fan all which would definitely help the process

Answer: No, you cannot control the temperature. There are no settings that allow you to control it.

Answer: no fan, one temperature, you just throw stuff in an leave it on for a day or over night, it works great but its the only kind ive ever owned, so i dont even know about fans, if you are asking if it over heats no, but i suggest putting a dish towel under it if you use extra marinade stuff for your meat, its easy to clean, just pull out te coil wipe and replace:) hope i was helpful

Answer: I returned this item immediately after examining it. To me it looked as though it would be more of a problem than an asset. It is poorly constructed and an item that I would not consider having in my kitchen. Hope this helps. :)

Answer: no

Answer: no, one temp

Can you dry herbs in it?

Answer: Yes, you can use it to dry herbs.

Answer: Of course you can. I also had some left over of yam, and I simply sliced them and dried. It came out like yam chips. This thing will dry anything as long as you don't need them in one hour or so. If you are new with this, just make sure the bottom of the unit is clear when you dry something, and you won't have any over-heating like some reviewers complaint about. I have been using them (2 of them I have now) for over 10 years for various items from beef jerky to anything you want to dry.

Answer: it can be used for drying fruit and veggies but you need a better quality machine with an adjustable heat

Answer: Oh I also made some kale chips. My daughter loves them... You can find the recipe on internet. Just google it.

Answer: Yes of course, but it's not a reliable device. See other feedback.

Answer: yes

Can you buy replacement trays?

Answer: You can I was needing one tray but for $ 16+ I would need to buy at least 2. $11.00 more realisticly the better buy would be getting another machine for sure. The machine is great with herbs and fruit thought not nessararly mean for beef jerky.

Answer: You can I was needing one tray but for $ 16+ I would need to buy at least 2 $ 11.00 more realistic lyrics the better buy would be getting another one for sure. The machine is great with herbs and fruit thought not nessararly mean for beef jerky.

Answer: I don't know if you can but the company ronco. I will never buy from them again. I bought mine and after 3 uses the trays started falling apart. And I have been trying for the last 9 months to get a replacement and have filled out the warranty 3times already and no response

Answer: I'm sure you can, but 3 of my 5 melted and broke apart after 3rd use. Ronco didn't respond to my questions trays being so crappy. Won't buy Ronco again!

Answer: don't want to. they will just melt in the new dehydrators.

Answer: I'm not sure- I haven't checked, but I bet Amazon sells them if they do.

Answer: If you purchase it from the manufacturer, yes

Answer: Yes. I can definitely do that.

Who is resposible if ronco wont respond or throws the customer under the bus

Answer: There are t colors of Ronco Machines. The smoke color and the clear. The clear ones crumble rapidly. The smoke do not. I have used one of the smoke for years without a problem other than to say that they are definetly entry level models.

Answer: no idea, my latest two dehydrators melted my trays, complained, no response

Answer: That happened!? That's ridiculous, thank you so much.. I am not buying this product for both of those reasons.

porque me cobraron 44.09 yluego3.00 si valía 30.00 era envío gratis

i see a lot of complaints that the unit will break/melt aftet 2-4 uses, what protection/guarantee will i get that mine won't just junk out?

Answer: Just don’t buy it get something better

Answer: Cant help you there. Cause I returned mine

It says it was made in the usa but the country of origin says china. which one is it?

Answer: china

What is the power of the engine？

Answer: There is no engine or fan. The heating element (wire) at the bottom gets warm and the warm air rises to dry . Loved mine, recently bought a second.

why does it say dehydrater when the pic shows a vegimatic?

Answer: huh?

Does it have a on / off switch. If yes, where is it

Answer: No switch automatic

Answer: No, it does not. Plug and go.

Answer: No, it turns on when you plug it in.

Answer: plug

what are the numbers on the lid for 0 through 5 ??while turning the air flow vent...

What dehydrator is good for herbs

Answer: The Ronco 5-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator comes with 5-trays made of a clear, brittle plastic. When I first used it to make beef jerky, I could hear the plastic expand after I plugged it in, and the element started to heat up. When I finished and unplugged it, I could hear the rigid plastic contract as it cooled. I’ve had and used my dehydrator for several months now, and every tray is cracked and needs replacement. I believe the cracking might also happen with herbs as well. I would recommend a more durable brand.

Answer: I have not dried herbs on mine, but lemon peels, banana peels and Apple slices. It definitely dries very well. I'm sure you will not have an issue drying the herbs.

Answer: Ronco, i wouldn't leave on over night , you woukd end up burning the herbs.

Is it bpa free?

Answer: Its junk.

Can you use this to make jerky?

Answer: It was a gift. But my grandson said he has made jerky . It comes out good. Made it lots of times.Hope this answer will help you.

Answer: I wasn't very pleased with the results making dried fruit as the trays became brittle and broke ( I used it alot) so I would say spend more money to get a better quality dehydrator which I did.

Answer: not the new ones. they melt the trays. I have two about 25 years old and still work fine. The new ones melted even the old trays.

Answer: Yes but it may take a considerable amount of time depending on the thickness of the meat and what kind of marinade is used on it.

Answer: We haven't tried yet, but according to the instruction booklet, it is possible, and gives detailed instructions on how to do it.

Answer: Yes! Does it very well! Cut meat into thin strips and evenly.

Answer: too how melted tray

Answer: Hi, yes you can. I bought this for my mother and that's what she uses it for.

Love how the rotate trays every 2 to 4 hours is not mentioned until you read manual. Toooo much trouble! Anyone omit this process? Results?

Answer: You should rotate the trays on order to get even drying. If the heat isn't too high, you can rotate them less often.

Answer: Stacked Dehydrators

Answer: Chances are the food will dehydrate quicker on the bottom. I never had the chance to find out--my trays cracked and fell apart after the first use. Good luck with yours

Answer: If you don't do it, the trays melt. I had the machine going over night and it melted my tray on the bottom....

Answer: This is an awful product. My trays simply fell apart

Is it any good

Answer: I purchased the product for a gift. I know the party has given good comints on the gift.

Answer: yes its very good but you do have to rotate the trays

Answer: My granddaughter and husband loved it . They use it very often. No complaints from them.As far as rotating the trays I don't know. But I will ask them.

Answer: junk over heated and melted trays over cooked food

Answer: they were, not now.

Is this product easy to clean

Answer: I do not recommend this particular product. I used mine once and the trays all broke. So I didn't even need to wash it.

Answer: Yes. Enjoy it! It's easy to use and clean

Answer: Yes, I just clean the trays in warm soapy water and air dry. I had a used one several years ago and the motor died and the trays were still good. I have used mine five times and it is just like new!

Answer: Yes, it is easy to clean, but it is very brittle and the shelves break very easily. The Ronco Food Dehydrator is a classic example of you get what you pay for. It worked effectively, however after a single use the plastic trays started breaking. Essentially, the Ronco is a dispoable food dehydrator, so if you want it for one use it is certainly the most cost effective. If you plan on multiple uses, do not buy this dehydrator.

Answer: Hmmm. Okay.. I got the trays to go with and a tub 9f hot water will do it.. But get the trays or forever put wax paper down

Answer: Yes it is

I have a problem because the booklet wasn't in the package. How can I have this booklet?

Answer: Google "Ronco food dehdrator" and select the pdf link (it was the third result from the top on mine). It is a pdf of the instruction booklet. Alternatively, try calling them @ 1-855-85-RONCO.

Answer: The downloads are at Ronco.com

Does it dry meats to make jerky?

Answer: Yes it did and completely noiseless. I loved it so much until the heating elements stopped working after five weeks. I threw it in the trash and threw out of my heart love to dehidrators

Answer: YES, this is the 3rd dehydrator I have had and by far the best. It dries evenly and works great.

Answer: YES!! Very much so

Answer: Yes.

Can i dry tofu?

Answer: We tried to make jerky in it and we're unsuccessful so we quit using it

can you get plastic trays for Ronco dehydrator?

Answer: The replacement trays don't last any longer than the original's. The Ronco dehydrator is a CRAP and a waist of money

Answer: Yep, found best deal w/Wal-Mart

220v or 110v?

Answer: 110v

Answer: 110v and don't waste your money. this thing does not prevent the heating element from becoming ruined by the fluid coming off the food that is dehydrating. I bought a replacement and it died just as the first one did when I tried to dry tomatoes that are very wet.

Answer: I just plugged it into an existing indoor outlet--

How many additional trays can you add and still get a good result if you rotate them?

Answer: You can add up to ten trays, but remember the more trays the longer it takes

Answer: When you qualify the question with "if you rotate them", I'd say you could have a ridiculous number because one will always be closest to the heater, but practically speaking - you could probably double the amount - it might take as much as an additional day depending on what you are drying.

Answer: You can use all the trays that came with the machine. You may need to rotate the trays in order to dehydrate evenly from top to bottom

Answer: None. They will all melt. Mine did with no response from Ronco.

Answer: I can not say as it was not what I expected and I returned it .

is there an operator's manual?

Answer: Yes. It comes with a booklet.

How long does it take to dehydrate fruits and meats?

Answer:

Does the heat exceed say ...100 degrees?

Answer: It doesn't have a temperature adjustment on it, but I think it gets up to like 110 degrees. It was a little low for what I was dehydrating and it took forever and made the trays brittle. But it would be perfect for herbs or fruit leathers, certainly nothing thicker than 1/4 inch. It's super basic, if you're looking to start dehydrating every weekend get something a little more sturdy, if you want to experiment but are nervous this is the way to go. It's hard to screw up when there's nothing to adjust.

Answer: it goes up to 180 degrees

Answer: Don't Know and don't Care it was a gift to some one else and they have not stated one way or the other...

Shiped from which country ???!

Answer: USA

what is the shipping to Taiwan if I want two of these? thanks

can you dry liquids like broths

Answer: Although the dehydrator did not come with trays for liquids, I believe they are available to buy separately. Ronco does not feature broths and other liquids in the recipe book, but since they sell the trays I suspect one would be able to do this. Be aware that you would have to resort to on line searches for directions (unless they come with special order trays).

Answer: To be honest I had to look this up, there is nothing on this product it's self about broth so I researched the process of dehydrating broth and many people have used all kinds of machines. I guess with the time involved that's it's not that popular, but your question now has me wanting to try it also and thank you for that, but this is a dehydrator so it should work for that as well.

Can I make deer jerky in this?

Answer: Yes. This unit does not have a fan, simply heating coils. You should rotate the trays about every 3 to 4 hours, top to bottom, then top to bottom and so on. Properly dried jerky will take approximately 8 to 9 hours, depending on how thick the cut is. This is a simple dehydrator and works very well.

Answer: absolutly. deer jerky and cow jerky.

Answer: yes. I haven't but there are instructions on how to. The dry time is pretty long for it and you're supposed to rotate it 1/4 turns every 4 hours or so. If you're doing a lot I would look into spending a little more for a higher quality / faster working one

Answer: More than likely, but the wait time is around 36-48 hours.

Answer: yes. it was the first thing we tried. first try we over did it. so adjust your time down to start.

Answer: Yes. There are great instructions with he unit. Enjoy!

Do they sell liquid trays for this model?

Answer: Years ago they sold liners for fruit leathers & such. I'm not sure if they are still available. Sorry.

Answer: No idea. Mine failed and I threw it away.

Answer: That I do not know. Sorry!

will it work for 220 volt wiring?

Answer: No. Definitely not.

what is the temp of the heat?

Answer: The one I have heated to 137 degrees

Answer: high enough to melt plastic.

Does it dry meats to make jerky?

Answer: Yes it did and completely noiseless. I loved it so much until the heating elements stopped working after five weeks. I threw it in the trash and threw out of my heart love to dehidrators

Answer: YES, this is the 3rd dehydrator I have had and by far the best. It dries evenly and works great.

Answer: YES!! Very much so

Answer: Yes.

Product reviews of Ronco 5-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator

J. Finch : Great product

I had a Ronco dehydrader for many years previously and it always worked great. Unfortunately it was broken during a recent move and I needed to replace it. The new model is almost exactly the same as the previous one (different color is the only difference) and it works great. It dried the food well and there was no problems with the trays warping as mentioned in other reviews. It cleans up easily in the dishwasher. I'm not sure if it is supposed to go there but I have always done it that way with no issues. Just make sure it completely dries before using it again. I would definately recommend this product.

Joy : Poor product

It dries food well, but don't dry anything that is moist (tomatoes, fruit, etc) or it will leak onto the unprotected heating element and ruin the whole dehydrator. Other manufacturers of similar dehydrators correct this simple problem. But, if you are choosing this because it is in your price range, you will be wasting your money.

Danielle E Spees : Preferred replacement

This is my second Ronco Dehydrator. I had one for years & love it; but sadly it was part of a bad batch (didn't find out until afterwards) and disintegrated. My mother-in-law got me a new dehydrator for Christmas 3 yrs ago (not a Ronco), and it really didn't last a full season. It works when it wants to & will shut itself off.
So I decided to get myself a present, a new RONCO! I am now a happy girl again! I can also borrow extra trays from my mom; who's had her Ronco since they were a new product, brown & expensive! (At least since the late '80's to early '90's) She loves hers too!

Steve : Good Product

Pros:
Inexpensive
Dries about 5lbs of fruit per session.
Works well Delivered very promptly and in good shape.

Cons:
2 foot power cord.
You have to rotate the trays about every 6 hours to prevent the bottom rack from burning.

For the money a good value, low energy consumption.
Thanks

Steve

lilvixn64 : DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!

Big flop! I had to click at least one star to be able to comment. Trays melted with first use. Thought maybe I did something wrong-NO. Just junk. No temp setting to adjust. Wrote to Ronco on April 1 and didn't even get an apology, comment or anything except a confirmation my email was received. I have been checking my email (and my spam) for a response. Nothing......Here are a couple of pictures I sent to Ronco.

DougieDougDoug : Four Stars

Gave as a wedding gift and I hear it works...

Jimbo's Account : All okay - No Issues.

All okay - No Issues.

Amazon Customer : ????????????????????????

????????????????????????????

Joy : Poor product

K. Herold : Cheap product

I bought this despite other reviews. I decided on this model because of the price. I'm a sucker for kitchen gadgets and get into things just for a while. I didn't want to buy more expensive and then quit in a few months. It dehydrates great, but I wonder what I'll do once all of the trays melt. I wish I could show pictures. They can still hold food, but not for long. So, it's cheap AND it's cheap.

Cheryle Casar : Why did the Ronco trays melt down?

I used this for the first time to dehydrate chicken livers for my dog. It was on for 24 hours when we began to smell something. Some of the trays had melted. What a mess. Livers ruined and machine an absolute mess. I had a Ronco for 30 years and it finally wore out. That is why I bought a new one. What a mistake.

J A Schiffenhaus Jr : Trays melt

The unit worked well functioned well, however after 4 months the trays began to melt and separate causing in somplaces 4 " gaps. The melting is the pulling apart of the grid in the trays and not as in melting and dripping.as per the attached pictures. I saw in the Q & A on the product that there were others that had the same problem and could not get it resolved I had another Ronco unit for over 10 years and used it all the time and never had the melting issue. It was a darker unit and the trays were a smoked dark color and I saw in the Q & A that others had the same darker unit and did not have this issue. I would not recommend this unit but if you do buy it then buy the additional warranty. I don't know if the warranty would allow for a replacement but even if it did I would say to save yourself the hassle and just buy another brand food dehydrator

Amazon Customer : Saftey Hazard

purchased 12/26/2015 - trays fell apart as soon as I started using - called Ronco and I could not remember when I purchased and they refused return - they could have checked with Amazon but they did not - I threw away broken trays - major safety hazard - I would like replacement no return - very disturbed - Dave Hawkins

Lucero : One Star

2 trays melted after first use. Do not buy!

Steve : Good Product

chris : Four Stars

Takes 2-3 days to fully dehydrate foods

Patricia Schroeder : Works, but isn't made very well

I purchased this dehydrator because it was cheaper AND ronco. It sucks. I've gotten my $40 worth of use of it though.
Within the first 3 uses 1 tray broke. I've had it less than 6 months now, used it maybe 6 times, and all of the trays are broken in some way. The heating element has broken off its plastic clips, and even melted part of the dehydrator. Do yourself a favor and buy a more expensive, durable item. This would be great for someone who only plans on using it once, or only occasionally, but if you plan on making your food on a regular basis, its not worth the money. I plan on replacing it soon, I'll have to, my trays won't be able to take another 1 or 2 uses.

kellie : Trays Disintegrate....

Since I ordered this item, I've used the dehydrator under a dozen times. Now, the trays are breaking down under the heat and use. I would not recommend this item. it made for VERY expensive dried fruit... I would have been cheaper to purchase at the grocery store.

Nate C. : Best Unit I have found so far..

This Food Dehydrator is very quiet. I have had a couple other Dehydrators that were loud and took almost two daysfor the food to finish. This unit finishes in about a day and the food tastes great. Definitely recommended!

Dan : Two Stars

A bit flimsy, trays started to melt. Bu dehydrated food quickly and evenly

Mountain Hiker : Cheaply constructed.

After opening the box and inspecting the unit I realized that it was a mistake to order it. Very poorly constructed. This unit is not for me.

Rylie Collins : Can’t regulate temperature

I have no idea how hot this dehydrator is getting. There for guessing how long something takes to dehydrate is a nightmare. Often times I’ll get unwanted air bubbles. The bottom is also way hotter than the top so trying to get an even dehydration through the entire machine is impossible.

Amazon Customer : I used your machine once. And it does not ...

I used your machine once. And it does not work correctly. All plastic details became melt. It can be a fire in my apartment. It worked just 6 hours. I also can send photos to you.

DougieDougDoug : Four Stars

Gave as a wedding gift and I hear it works...

jason reece : Five Stars

Perfect and super fast delivery. And way cheaper than any store I went to.

Nitenurce : Food dehydrator - recommended

Much larger than expected. Easy to ready, user friendly manual. The product itself is a breeze to use, nothing complicated, has multiple shelves for a variety of fruits or vegetables. Highly recommneded if you are looking for an easy to use large capacity food dehydrator. It offers a very good way to make your very own healthy snacks without all the additive/preservatives as the store bought products.

SRS : Food Dehydrator

I'd recommend this product if you are in need of a less expensive dehydrator. I really like the simple design.
It is silent and meets my needs perfectly.

JZ : Came on time and works great. Apples turned out awesome and I love that ...

Came on time and works great. Apples turned out awesome and I love that it does not make a sound.????

Peter S : Spend more for better quality, features.

It's merely a fixed heat source, so it's nothing you couldn't do in your oven. Many of the recipes I wanted to try call for variable heat, and this unit is only on/off. Most importantly, the bottom plastic tray melted on the very first use. Can't recommend.

Nightmare Blades : TOTAL GARBAGE

TOTAL GARBAGE!!!!! Food goes bad while it is to be drying. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE. ended up in the trash where it belongs.

DDW : My own healthy snacks

I have only used it once since I got it because you can make so many snacks at one time. There are 5 trays and you can dehydrate as much fruit as you need. Depending on the fruit and how you want it to come out, it does take about a day or so, but it is completely worth it. You get great healthy snacks, at low cost and you can baggy them for later.

Stephanie Molloy : A MUST BUY, love it!!!

I absolutely LOVE this, I make everything! Best item I've ever bought! Everyone should have one of these! I love making my beef jerky & strawberry chips. Plus I'm saving a lot of money this way. As a mom it's wonderful! Perfect for the whole family!!!

Amazon Customer : Arrived broken

Machine arrived with 3 broken plastic trays. Cheap.

69101 : I'm a little disappointed

I got this for Christmas. I've had a lot of fun with it and it makes great dried fruit. I even made some crackers wtih it. I've used it a lot, but it's a month old and some of the trays have melted and gone out of shape. I think if you are going to use a dehydrator a lot, you will be happier with one that has sturdier construction.

M : One Star

Quit working after 2 months of hardly being used.

Amazon Customer : Calidad

Exellente

Amazon Customer : Saftey Hazard

Danielle Asher : Dangerous fire hazard!

Do not buy this machine! I purchased this as a gift for my father. First off, all advertised pieces were not included. Second, and most importantly, the machine is a major fire hazard. Upon first use, one of the trays melted, and the bottom piece of the machine melted! My dad was alerted to this issue when his home filled up with smoke! Sending this back for a refund. Don't be fooled by the brand name... this machine is a waste of money, and will put your loved ones at risk. There are way better machines out there!

Danielle E Spees : Preferred replacement

Trisha M. : Five Stars

Great

Amazon Customer : Saftey Hazard

crystal scott : It works like it's supposed to but nobody told me you have ...

Not what I expected. Too much trouble to dry fruit and veggies. Needs time and commitment. It works like it's supposed to but nobody told me you have to stay awake for 36 hrs turning trays and changing positions of trays.

Trisha M. : Five Stars

Great

Johanna : Don't waste your money buying this fraud...

I totally regret buying this dehydrator... I ordered it on January 6, 2013 and I finally got 3 weeks later. First, the seller never sent me the tracking number and I received some emails from him saying that the item was forwarded to a different address... but how could I forward it without a tracking number. Then he was blaming me for giving a faulty address when I get a lot of items from Amazon and I never had this problem before getting them. The communication with him was really hard and when I finally got the tracking number from him, I checked and realized he sent the package some weeks later. The worst part is that this dehydrator worked only for two weeks and I only used it 6 times. I couldn't believe it!!! Definitely a rip off... The reason I gave one star is because the system doesn't allow me to strip him from any. So don't waste your money in something that doesn't worth it.

Patrick Daugherty : Works great. Takes a bit longer than the bigger more ...

Works great. Takes a bit longer than the bigger more expensive ones, but you get what you pay for. I don't mind the extra work. And everything's turned out great so far

DougieDougDoug : Four Stars

Gave as a wedding gift and I hear it works...

Justin : Do NOT Buy!

I use to have a Ronco Food Dehydrator a long time ago, and I wanted a new one. I only got one use out of it. The trays are make of a CHEAP PLASTIC that MELTS into and onto the food. I am so mad, I tried to contact Ronco to complain and the person from India on the phone could not understand me, and hung upon me. I follwed the directions to the T, even numbering the trays and rotating them as said in the manual. I don't know why things that are made today are so bad, when the exact same product bought ten years ago worked fine. I just thought I would warn any potential buyer of this BAD PRODUCT.

Amazon Customer : excelente!! THANK YOU

excelente!! THANK YOU

Lucero : One Star

2 trays melted after first use. Do not buy!

lilvixn64 : DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!

you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you