I want to begin making small batches of jerky. Maybe eventually expand but want to start small. Looking for advice on a food dehydrator. Preferably under $100 to start.

Also, what cut of beef do you prefer or is best for jerky? Thanks for any advice in advance.

I started with one of the cheap white round ones from academy. Have upgraded to a 10 shelf unit with a timer.
My preference on meat is either top round or eye of round

I used the cheap 5 tray one from Lowes for $32. I did deer jerky with it and it turned out good! For beef exactly what alittleright said, top round or eye of round.

If you ever want to do the smoking part with propane

I am getting rid of this bought it used and did what I wanted which was just to try it and now selling 125.00
New from academy and used from college station if interested

I've had this one for 15 years. Still works great. In fact I recently just bought several more trays so I can do more jerky per batch.

https://a.co/d/1hNHg91

I use this one and have been pleased


https://www.meatyourmaker.com/process/jerky/jerky-dehydrators/10-tray-dehydrator/1117083.html#start=1

I made my own Biltong dehydrator out of leftover wood in the shop. Plywood and scraps. Cut a hole in the back for a computer fan on the outside. Wood dowels for metal hooks to hang the meat. A few holes on the top for air flow. Light bulb for a heat source.

Looks like the metal one out but made out of wood.

Here is the pic/link for it:



https://www.instructables.com/Wooden-Biltong-Box/

Here's a recipe for the Biltong. You have to soak it in vinegar to prevent mold, etc....
https://www.greedyferret.com/perfect-biltong-recipe-south-african-beef-jerky


For jerky, I have a Breville toaster oven with a dehydration setting. Works very well but that oven gets used all day every day by the kids, so I don't do much jerky in that. For smokey jerky, have a DigiQ fan for my Kamado Joe.

I went with the LEM 5 tray for a bit more convenience and a more even cook.

It is more expensive and king of a big clunky appliance but has lots of bells and whistles that allow me to produce large batches without too much fuss.

I have done a ton of jerky over the years with a presto dehydrator from Walmart. It's the one with the white round trays. No problems.

i have this one that I use when I cant make it south and use my old mans real smoke house. This thing does great with the backwoods jerky kits they sell in academy. (hot, teriyaki and sweet hot are my favorite flavors)

https://www.amazon.com/COSORI-Dehydrator-Stainless-Temperature-Compliant/dp/B07PY5M579/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2O9YCUDWHRCT1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qfjnmFyt81Otg344_22CHTjDGX_8twMSNzp71qJlVhqTKKJ7afw73AAqg5y0DyErXW2pzGVeWaTxT0djl4XunONCYTfL9fz9aYmL2_aP47WH4B4zilEnQqA292794Pf26L3BEl-iG9eZIhikF32LC-Y3Z6JTxOUxbmxF9j-z0QkcF8pixKinBTV6dcyT58oQ2QlbQ3u6MBapUM_WoLXPbLdk3Dd3SoxoEz3p3TvOVKc.yFzI4ettFaamrXPWVe3WAv1lnCrqalkq1ntvSCK0rkI&dib_tag=se&keywords=cosori+dehydrator&qid=1711392485&sprefix=cossori+d%2Caps%2C297&sr=8-3