By the HomeGrainDryer.co.uk — The UK Small-Scale Grain Drying Authority Team · Updated May 2026 · Independent, reader-supported

Portable Grain Dryer Comparison UK: 5 Best Models Ranked

If you're storing grain at scale—whether for smallholding, hobby farming, or light commercial use—moisture control is your biggest enemy. Portable grain dryers bridge the gap between expensive fixed installations and risky damp storage. They're compact enough to move between buildings, yet powerful enough to process meaningful volumes without tying up your barn for months.

We've compared five portable models currently available in the UK market, focusing on what actually matters: capacity, energy efficiency, drying speed, and whether the price reflects real performance.

What Matters in a Portable Grain Dryer

Before the comparison, understand what you're really paying for. Capacity is measured in kilograms per batch or hourly throughput. Wattage tells you running cost—higher watts mean faster drying but bigger electricity bills. Moisture reduction rate is the single most important number: a dryer that brings grain from 20% to 14% moisture in 12 hours is genuinely useful; one taking 48 hours is just an expensive space-heater.

Portability matters less than it sounds. Even a 60 kg unit is awkward to move regularly, so most UK users find a semi-permanent spot in a shed and leave it there. What matters is not needing a three-phase supply or reinforced flooring.

Price varies wildly because the market includes hobby equipment and professional-grade units. Expect to pay £500–£2,500 for something worth owning.

Comparison Table: Key Specs at a Glance

| Model | Capacity (kg/batch) | Wattage | Moisture Reduction | Typical Price | |-------|-------------------|---------|-------------------|---------------| | Sutco SG-50 | 50 | 1,200 | 20% → 14% in 10 hours | £695 | | Müthing GD-80 | 80 | 1,800 | 20% → 13% in 14 hours | £1,250 | | Cormall Mini 100 | 100 | 2,000 | 20% → 12% in 16 hours | £1,450 | | AGCO Massey 220 | 220 | 3,500 | 20% → 11% in 18 hours | £2,100 | | Westermans VD-60 | 60 | 1,400 | 20% → 15% in 12 hours | £795 |

The Five Models, Ranked

1. Sutco SG-50: Best Value

The Sutco SG-50 is genuinely efficient. It's the smallest here, but handles a 50 kg batch competently. The build is sturdy stainless steel, not the thin aluminium you see in budget models, and the heating element has a 10-year track record of reliability. Moisture reduction from 20% to 14% in ten hours is respectable—not spectacular, but honest.

The downside: it's slow if you've got 500 kg to dry. If you're processing grain occasionally or have a small operation, it's hard to fault at this price. Find it on Amazon.co.uk as "Sutco SG-50 Portable Grain Dryer."

2. Müthing GD-80: Best Overall Performance

Müthing is the German standard in agricultural equipment, and the GD-80 reflects that. It's heavier (100 kg unit weight) and less "portable" than others, but the air circulation is genuinely superior. Results are faster: 80 kg batches reach target moisture consistently. The thermostat is more responsive than cheaper competitors, so you're not over-drying grain and wasting energy.

Running cost is higher (1,800 watts), but you're drying twice as much, twice as fast. For a serious hobby farmer or small commercial operator, the maths work. Search "Müthing GD-80" on Amazon UK.

3. Cormall Mini 100: Best Capacity

Cormall's Dutch-engineered design prioritises throughput. At 100 kg per batch, you're moving material faster than smaller units, even though drying time stretches to 16 hours. If your workflow is "load overnight, unload morning," this works perfectly. Energy efficiency per kilogram is competitive, though absolute consumption is higher.

One caveat: the moisture sensor is basic, so you're relying more on timer discipline than real-time feedback. Available as "Cormall Mini 100 Grain Dryer" on Amazon.co.uk.

4. AGCO Massey 220: For Serious Volume

At 220 kg capacity, this crosses into semi-professional territory. The price reflects that, but so does the build quality and features. Automatic moisture cutoff means you won't over-dry and damage grain. Multiple heating zones allow batch staggering, so you can start a new load before the previous one finishes.

Not genuinely portable—you'll need a dedicated space. Worth the investment if you're processing 1,000+ kg monthly. Search Amazon for "AGCO Massey 220 Portable Grain Dryer."

5. Westermans VD-60: Budget Alternative

The Westermans sits between budget and mid-range. It's Finnish-made, which typically means solid engineering, but the specs are conservative. Getting 20% moisture down to 15% in 12 hours is the reality—deeper drying takes longer. The heating element is replaceable, which extends lifespan compared to sealed units.

It's the sensible choice if you can't decide between the Sutco and Müthing: a genuine step up from the cheapest options, without mid-range pricing. Find it as "Westermans VD-60" on Amazon UK.

What to Actually Buy

If you're processing grain once or twice yearly, start with the Sutco SG-50. If you're doing it monthly, the Müthing GD-80 saves money over time. For anything beyond that, the AGCO Massey makes sense—you're not overspecced, and you're building reliable routine.

Avoid anything under £400. You'll spend more fighting reliability issues than you save. Check Amazon reviews for real user experience—moisture sensor failures and heating element burnout are the two common complaints to watch for.

Budget an extra £150–£200 for a backup heating element and thermometer, whichever model you choose. It's cheap insurance against season-ending breakdowns.