Nesco and Presto are two of the best-known names in home dehydrators, and both make round, stackable units with digital controls. The Presto Dehydro Digital (06301) comes with six trays and expands to twelve. The Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 comes with four and expands to twenty, with a 1000-watt heater. This comparison uses each manufacturer’s published specs, not our own lab testing.
Side-by-Side Specs
| Feature | Nesco Gardenmaster FD-1040 | Presto Dehydro Digital (06301) |
|---|---|---|
| Trays | 4 included, expandable to 20 | 6 included, expandable to 12 |
| Temperature | 90-160°F | 90-165°F |
| Timer | Programmable up to 48 hours | Up to 48 hours |
| Power | 1000 watts | 750 watts |
| Airflow | Top fan, Converga-Flow | Bottom fan and heater |
| Size | About 16 x 16 x 11 in, about 11 lb (4 trays) | About 15.5 x 15.5 x 12 in |
| Materials | Hard plastic, BPA-free trays | Plastic, BPA free |
| In the box | Fruit roll sheet, Clean-A-Screen, jerky seasoning sample, recipe book | 2 fruit roll sheets, 2 mesh screens |
Airflow
The Nesco has a top-mounted fan and Nesco’s Converga-Flow system, which sends heated air down the outer chamber and then across each tray. The Presto puts the fan and heater in the base. Presto says its design needs no tray rotation, and Nesco’s system is meant to spread air across the trays, but stacked units can leave some trays finishing before others, so check them near the end. See horizontal vs vertical airflow for the tradeoffs.
Capacity and Expansion
Out of the box, the Presto gives you two more trays. The Nesco wins on how far you can grow: up to twenty trays against twelve. If your batches will stay small, the Presto’s six included trays are the better start. If they might get large, the Nesco leaves more room.
Power and Temperature
The Nesco has 1000 watts against the Presto’s 750, but both are designed for their tray counts, so more watts doesn’t automatically mean faster results. The Presto reaches 165°F while the Nesco tops out at 160°F. For jerky, pre-heat the meat to 160°F, then dry at 145-160°F, as described in our jerky guide.
Cleaning
Presto lists its trays and cover as dishwasher safe. Nesco’s page says the removable bottom piece can be washed, and it does not spell out dishwasher use, so check the manual.
Which One Should You Buy?
- Choose the Presto for six trays in the box, a 165°F ceiling and dishwasher-safe parts.
- Choose the Nesco for the higher wattage and the ability to grow to twenty trays.
Read the full reviews of the Nesco and the Presto. If you’d prefer stainless steel, see Cosori vs Presto, or compare everything in the best food dehydrator guide.
