NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food vs Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator
Both made our Best Food Dehydrators Under $80 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator if you want included jerky kit (gun, seasoning, cure) gets first-timers started without extra purchases. Choose the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays if you'd rather have low price. Overall we rank the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Food Dehydrators Under $80 list.
Winner overall: NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator vs Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 5 in Best Food Dehydrators Under $80 | #3 of 5 in Best Food Dehydrators Under $80 |
| Pick label | Shortlisted | |
| Brand | NESCO | Elite Gourmet |
| Key features | 5 trays included, expandable up to 12; 600W top-mounted fan with Converga-Flow drying; Adjustable thermostat, 95°F to 160°F | See full details |
| Biggest strength | Included jerky kit (gun, seasoning, cure) gets first-timers started without extra purchases | Low price |
| Main trade-off | Top-mounted single fan means the tray closest to the fan dries faster, so rotation helps | Vertical airflow means rotating trays for even drying |
| Best for | jerky | trying dehydrating on a budget |
Which should you buy?

#1 pick
Choose the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator if…
- Included jerky kit (gun, seasoning, cure) gets first-timers started without extra purchases
- 160°F ceiling covers the USDA-recommended safe starting temperature for meat
- Expandable tray system lets you scale up gradually instead of buying a large unit upfront
Best for: jerky
Prefer the alternative? See the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays section.

#3 pick
Choose the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays if…
- Low price
- Adjustable temperature up to about 158°F
- Dishwasher-safe trays (top rack)
Best for: trying dehydrating on a budget
Prefer the alternative? See the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator section.
Pros and cons of each
NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator
Pros
- Included jerky kit (gun, seasoning, cure) gets first-timers started without extra purchases
- 160°F ceiling covers the USDA-recommended safe starting temperature for meat
- Expandable tray system lets you scale up gradually instead of buying a large unit upfront
- Among the highest rating counts in the category, a sign of a long, proven track record
Cons
- Top-mounted single fan means the tray closest to the fan dries faster, so rotation helps
- 5 trays out of the box is modest for large jerky batches without buying add-on trays
- Round tray shape wastes some space compared to square trays for laying out strips
Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays
Pros
- Low price
- Adjustable temperature up to about 158°F
- Dishwasher-safe trays (top rack)
- Compact for small kitchens
Cons
- Vertical airflow means rotating trays for even drying
- Five trays limit batch size
- No timer
NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator vs Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays: common questions
Which is better, the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator or the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays?
Choose the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator if you want included jerky kit (gun, seasoning, cure) gets first-timers started without extra purchases. Choose the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays if you'd rather have low price. Overall we rank the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Food Dehydrators Under $80 list.
What is the difference between the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator and the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays?
The NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator stands out because included jerky kit (gun, seasoning, cure) gets first-timers started without extra purchases, while the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays stands out because low price. The trade-offs differ too: the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator's main caveat is that top-mounted single fan means the tray closest to the fan dries faster, so rotation helps, and the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays's is that vertical airflow means rotating trays for even drying.
Is the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator worth it over the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays instead if top-mounted single fan means the tray closest to the fan dries faster, so rotation helps is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays instead of the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator?
The Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator, 5 Trays suits trying dehydrating on a budget, while the NESCO FD-75A Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator is best for jerky.