When you’ve spent days tracking game through rough terrain, the last thing you want is to waste that hard-earned meat. LEM Products built their reputation in the hunting community by making meat processing equipment that handles the unique demands of wild game. Their dehydrators carry that same DNA—robust construction, high capacity, and features designed specifically for jerky makers who process serious quantities of meat.
I’ve tested both the MightyBite series and the Big Bite stainless steel models with everything from whitetail deer to elk and waterfowl. Whether you’re drying 5 pounds of venison strips or processing a whole season’s worth of goose jerky, here’s what you need to know about these hunting-focused dehydrators.
MightyBite Series Overview
The MightyBite line represents LEM’s entry into the home dehydrator market, offering two primary configurations: the 6-tray and 10-tray models. Both units share the same 800-watt heating element and rear-mounted fan system, differing only in capacity and physical size.
What immediately stands out with the MightyBite is the horizontal airflow design. Unlike stacking dehydrators that force air vertically through a central column, the rear-mounted fan pushes air across all trays simultaneously. This matters tremendously when you’re drying marinated game meat—every tray gets equal heat distribution, eliminating the need to rotate trays every few hours.
The temperature range spans 95°F to 167°F, which covers everything from delicate herbs to jerky-safe temperatures. The digital timer allows you to set drying sessions up to 30 hours with automatic shutoff—a crucial safety feature when you’re starting a batch of jerky at night and heading to work the next morning.
The 167°F maximum temperature on the MightyBite is 2 degrees higher than many competitors, including some Excalibur models. This extra heat helps ensure game meat reaches safe internal temperatures faster, reducing the risk of bacterial growth during the critical initial drying phase.
Capacity-wise, the 6-tray model provides approximately 7 square feet of drying space, while the 10-tray version expands that to nearly 12 square feet. For reference, a full batch of jerky from a large deer roast (about 3 pounds of sliced meat) fits comfortably on 4-5 trays, leaving room for additional snacks.
Big Bite Stainless Steel Models
Stepping up to the Big Bite series means moving from plastic construction to full stainless steel bodies and trays. These units look like they belong in a commercial kitchen because they essentially do—LEM designed them for hunters who process meat in volume.
The Big Bite 10-tray stainless model offers 16 square feet of drying space with trays measuring 14.65″ x 11.7″. That’s significantly larger than the MightyBite trays and rivals commercial units. The 800-watt heating element with rear-mounted fan maintains consistent temperatures across all trays, even when fully loaded with marinated meat.
However, there are trade-offs. The Big Bite’s sliding door design, while space-efficient, lacks a viewing window. You can’t check drying progress without opening the unit and releasing heat. Additionally, some models max out at 150°F, which is below the USDA recommendation of 160°F for safe jerky making without pre-heating meat.
Some Big Bite models are limited to 150°F maximum temperature. When using these units for game meat jerky, you must pre-heat meat strips in an oven to 160°F internal temperature before dehydrating, or run the dehydrator longer at 150°F to ensure pathogen destruction. Always verify your specific model’s maximum temperature.
Features Built for Hunters
LEM understands that hunters have different needs than someone drying apple slices for snacks. The design choices reflect this priority:
Heavy-Duty Construction: The MightyBite’s plastic housing feels substantially thicker than budget competitors. The Big Bite’s stainless steel construction resists corrosion from acidic marinades and handles the humidity fluctuations common in garage processing setups.
Large Tray Capacity: Game animals yield large cuts. LEM’s square trays accommodate full-length muscle strips better than round dehydrators with center holes. You can lay out long strips of backstrap or goose breast without cutting them to fit.
Marinade Management: The rear-mounted fan design prevents drippings from falling onto heating elements—a common failure point in bottom-vented units when working with wet, marinated meat. The MightyBite includes a removable drip tray that catches excess marinade, making cleanup straightforward.
Extended Timer: Game meat often requires longer drying times than beef due to varying fat content and muscle density. The 30-hour timer accommodates these extended sessions without requiring you to restart the unit.
Real-World Performance Testing
In my testing with various game meats, the LEM MightyBite 10-tray processed 12 pounds of sliced venison in a single batch. Drying at 160°F, the meat reached the “bend-and-crack” stage in approximately 5.5 hours—comparable to the Excalibur 9-tray but with slightly more even results across top and bottom trays.
The horizontal airflow proved superior for marinated meats. Unlike vertical-flow units where bottom trays can become oversaturated with moisture from above, each LEM tray dries independently. Waterfowl jerky, which tends to hold more moisture than venison, dried consistently without the sticky spots common in stacking dehydrators.
Noise levels registered at approximately 58 decibels—quieter than a conversation but noticeable in a quiet room. The Big Bite runs slightly louder at 62 decibels due to the metal housing transmitting more fan vibration.
Energy consumption averaged 0.8 kWh for a 6-hour jerky session. At average electricity rates, that’s roughly $0.12 per batch—significantly cheaper than running a smoker for the same duration.
When loading game meat, leave 1/4 inch between strips rather than crowding them edge-to-edge. The MightyBite’s airflow is powerful enough to cause strips to stick together if they touch while wet, creating moist pockets that extend drying time.
LEM vs. Excalibur for Game Meat
Comparing LEM to Excalibur—the established leader in home dehydrating—reveals distinct philosophies. Excalibur offers the 9-tray 3900 series with a 10-year warranty and Made in USA construction. LEM counters with lower prices and hunting-specific features.
| Feature | LEM MightyBite 10-Tray | Excalibur 9-Tray 3900 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $200-250 | $300-350 |
| Warranty | 1 year | 10 years |
| Max Temperature | 167°F | 165°F |
| Tray Material | Plastic (BPA-free) | Plastic (BPA-free) |
| Airflow | Horizontal rear-mount | Horizontal rear-mount |
| Best For | Budget-conscious hunters | Long-term durability |
For hunters processing 50+ pounds of meat annually, the Excalibur’s warranty and replacement parts availability may justify the higher cost. However, for seasonal processors handling 20-30 pounds yearly, the LEM delivers comparable performance at 30-40% lower cost.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning the MightyBite requires removing trays and washing the plastic components with warm, soapy water. The mesh tray inserts are dishwasher-safe on the top rack, though hand washing extends their lifespan. The drip tray slides out from the bottom—empty and rinse it after each use to prevent sticky residue buildup.
The Big Bite’s stainless steel trays can go in the dishwasher but may develop water spots. Drying them immediately with a towel prevents spotting and maintains the professional appearance.
Both models require periodic filter cleaning. The rear intake vent accumulates dust and grease from kitchen environments. Remove the filter monthly and rinse under warm water—blocked airflow forces the heating element to work harder and can lead to premature failure.
Never submerge the main unit in water. The electrical components in the back housing are not sealed against moisture. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth only, and ensure the unit is completely dry before plugging it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
For hunters processing fewer than 20 pounds of meat annually, a budget dehydrator like the Nesco Gardenmaster may suffice. However, if you value faster drying times, even heat distribution, and the ability to handle large cuts without tray rotation, the LEM MightyBite 6-tray offers excellent value at around $160.
Absolutely. While designed with meat in mind, LEM dehydrators handle fruits, vegetables, and herbs effectively. The 95°F minimum temperature is ideal for drying delicate herbs without destroying volatile oils, and the horizontal airflow prevents the flavor mixing common in vertical-flow units.
The 6-tray model handles approximately 7-8 pounds of sliced meat per batch—enough for most weekend hunters. Choose the 10-tray if you process whole deer or multiple game animals at once, or if you want the flexibility to dry meat and fruit leather simultaneously without mixing flavors.
Smokers add flavor but require constant monitoring and weather cooperation. LEM dehydrators work indoors year-round with set-and-forget convenience. Many hunters use both—smoking meat for 1-2 hours for flavor, then finishing in the dehydrator for consistent texture and safer drying temperatures.
Conclusion
LEM dehydrators deliver exactly what hunters need: high capacity, robust construction, and temperatures high enough for safe game meat processing without pretreating. The MightyBite series strikes the best balance of price and performance for most hunters, while the Big Bite stainless models suit those running small commercial operations or processing multiple animals per season.
The 1-year warranty is shorter than Excalibur’s decade-long coverage, but at 30-40% lower cost, you could replace the LEM twice and still spend less. For hunters prioritizing function over brand prestige, the LEM MightyBite earns its place in the processing room.
