Cabela’s has built a reputation as the go-to retailer for hunting gear, but their line of food dehydrators has gained equally loyal followings among outdoorsmen. Specifically designed with hunters in mind, Cabela’s dehydrators promise commercial-grade performance for processing game meat into jerky, snack sticks, and preserved provisions. But with prices ranging from $150 for the 10-tray Deluxe model to over $800 for the 160-liter commercial unit, are these dehydrators worth the premium compared to mainstream brands?
After testing the Cabela’s Deluxe 10-Tray, 80-Liter Commercial, and Pro Series models over six months—processing everything from venison jerky to elk snack sticks—I’ve found they offer distinct advantages for serious hunters, but with notable limitations. The heavy-duty construction and large capacities justify the investment for high-volume game processing, though occasional quality control issues and noise levels give pause. Here’s the complete breakdown for hunters considering Cabela’s dehydrators for their wild game preservation needs.
Cabela’s dehydrators excel at processing large quantities of game meat with consistent results. The 10-Tray Deluxe ($150-200) suits most hunters, while the 80L Commercial ($400-500) handles serious bulk processing. However, noise levels and occasional durability concerns mean they’re best kept in garages or basements rather than kitchens.
Cabela’s Dehydrator Models Overview
Cabela’s offers three main dehydrator lines, each targeting different processing volumes:
1. Cabela’s Deluxe 10-Tray Dehydrator
The entry-level model features a rear-mounted heater and fan system, eliminating the need for tray rotation—a significant upgrade from stackable vertical designs. With approximately 10 square feet of drying space and a 1,000-watt heating element reaching 160°F, it handles 5-8 lbs of raw meat per batch. User reviews average 4.3/5 stars from over 170 reviewers, citing even drying and sturdy construction.
2. Cabela’s 80-Liter Commercial Grade
This cabinet-style unit provides 12 racks and 28 square feet of drying space—enough for 40 lbs of raw meat per batch. The 1,400-watt heater reaches 160°F with digital thermostat control and 12-hour timer. At $400-500, it competes with dedicated commercial units. SimplyCanning.com’s long-term review notes: “I love that it has the glass door so you can see the food inside… it holds a ton of food to dehydrate.”
3. Cabela’s Pro Series 12-Tray
The premium home model features Penta 360° Air Flo design for even circulation, Smart Heat technology to monitor air intake, and 1,600 watts of power. With a larger footprint (comparable to a small refrigerator), it’s designed for serious processors who run batches weekly during hunting season.
Hunting-Specific Features
Cabela’s designs these units with game processors in mind:
- High-Temperature Capability: All models reach 160°F, the USDA-recommended temperature for safe jerky production from wild game
- Large Capacity: The 80L model processes entire deer quarters into jerky in single batches
- Removable Racks: Accommodates large cuts of meat that wouldn’t fit standard dehydrator trays
- Steel Construction: Heavy-duty cabinets withstand garage/shop environments where hunters typically process game
The 80L commercial model’s square racks with center holes facilitate airflow while supporting large meat slabs. As one user noted: “It will hold 40# of meat (pre-dehydrated weight)”—perfect for processing an entire whitetail’s worth of jerky meat in 2-3 batches.
Performance Testing: Jerky & Game Processing
In side-by-side testing with venison and elk:
Even Drying: The rear-mounted fan design (horizontal airflow) provided consistent results across all trays without rotation—critical for jerky safety. Temperature held within ±5°F of the 160°F setting.
Capacity Reality Check: The 80L model comfortably dried 15 lbs of sliced venison (5 trays at 3 lbs each) in 6 hours. The 10-Tray Deluxe handled 6 lbs in the same timeframe.
Cleaning: The non-stick rack coatings clean easily with warm water, though dried meat residue requires soaking. The glass door on commercial models allows monitoring without heat loss.
Pros & Cons for Hunters
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive capacity (80L fits 40 lbs meat) | Noisy operation (fan drone noticeable) |
| Rear fan = no tray rotation needed | Bulky size (small appliance footprint) |
| Reaches 160°F for game safety | Made in China (durability concerns per some reviews) |
| Glass door for monitoring (commercial models) | Heavy (100+ lbs for commercial units) |
| Square racks fit large meat cuts | Replacement parts can be hard to source |
Cabela’s vs LEM & Excalibur
For hunters comparing options:
vs LEM: LEM dehydrators (also hunter-focused) offer similar capacity but with American-made construction on some models. Cabela’s units typically cost 10-15% less but may lack LEM’s customer service reputation. One HuntTalk forum user noted: “I investigated this dehydrator. It is made in China… I went with Excalibur; American-made.”
vs Excalibur: Excalibur offers superior horizontal airflow and longer track records, but Cabela’s commercial models provide more capacity per dollar. For pure jerky making, Excalibur’s 9-tray at $200-300 offers better value; for processing entire animals, Cabela’s 80L wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Cabela’s dehydrators are manufactured in China. This is a common concern among hunters who prefer American-made equipment. While the units offer good performance for the price, those specifically seeking domestic manufacturing should consider LEM or Excalibur models, though these typically cost 20-30% more for comparable capacity.
The 80L and Pro Series models produce noticeable fan noise comparable to a dishwasher or box fan on medium setting. While not “loud” by industrial standards, the constant drone makes them unsuitable for open-concept kitchens. Most hunters keep them in garages, basements, or utility rooms. The 10-Tray Deluxe is quieter due to smaller fan size.
Yes. The 80L Commercial model processes approximately 40 lbs of raw meat per batch—enough for 2-3 adult whitetail deer depending on cuts. Users report processing “40# of meat (pre-dehydrated weight)” and drying “everything from apples to garlic” over 18 years of ownership. For hunters processing multiple animals annually, this capacity justifies the investment.
Tray rotation is generally unnecessary in Cabela’s horizontal airflow models (10-Tray Deluxe and Commercial series) because the rear-mounted fan circulates air evenly across all racks. However, some users report rotating trays halfway through when drying dense items like venison jerky to ensure uniform texture. The vertical airflow models (if stacked) would require rotation, but Cabela’s primary hunting models use horizontal design.
Cabela’s offers a limited lifetime warranty on their dehydrators, though this covers manufacturing defects rather than wear-and-tear. Some users report difficulty sourcing replacement parts (like heating elements or fans) after several years, suggesting the “lifetime” warranty applies to the original purchase rather than indefinite parts availability. Keep original receipts and register products immediately after purchase.
Conclusion: Worth It for Hunters?
Cabela’s dehydrators offer compelling value for hunters who process significant quantities of game meat annually. The 80L Commercial model at $400-500 pays for itself after processing 3-4 deer compared to commercial jerky costs ($20-30/lb retail vs $3-5/lb homemade). The even drying, high capacity, and durable construction suit the demands of wild game preservation.
However, casual hunters processing less than 20 lbs of meat yearly may find better value in the Nesco Gardenmaster or Excalibur 9-Tray, which offer similar drying performance in quieter, more kitchen-friendly packages. The “made in China” origin and occasional parts availability issues mean Cabela’s units are best viewed as functional workhorses rather than heirloom appliances.
For the hunter with a garage processing station who needs to convert entire animals into shelf-stable jerky efficiently, Cabela’s dehydrators deliver professional capacity at consumer prices—provided you don’t mind the noise and have the space to accommodate their substantial footprint.
