Are cold press juicers really better?

Juicing has become an incredibly popular way to get more nutrients into your diet. But with so many juicers to choose from, it can be tough to know which type is best. Cold press juicers, also known as slow juicers or masticating juicers, are one type that gets a lot of hype. But are they really superior to other types of juicers? Let’s take a detailed look at how cold press juicers work, their pros and cons, and whether they’re worth the investment.

How Do Cold Press Juicers Work?

Cold press juicers use a slow, masticating method to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. Here’s a step-by-step look at their juicing process:

1. Produce is dropped into a chute or feeding tube.
2. A rotating auger or screw presses the produce against a stainless steel screen.
3. The auger spins slowly (usually around 80 RPM) to crush and “chew” the produce.
4. The mastication process breaks down the cell walls to release the juice.
5. The juice drips through small holes in the screen into a collector.
6. The dry pulp is expelled through a separate outlet.

This cold press method minimizes heat and oxygen exposure compared to fast juicers. Enzymes and nutrients are preserved since there is less oxidation.

Benefits of Cold Press Juicers

Here are some of the biggest advantages of cold press juicers:

More Nutrients

The slow crushing process allows time for plant cell walls to break down and release key nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Studies show cold press juice retains 5-10% more vitamins and antioxidants than juice from centrifugal juicers.

Less Oxidation

Minimal heat buildup and oxygen exposure prevent oxidation. This keeps the juice from spoiling as quickly. Juice from cold press juicers can last up to 72 hours in the fridge compared to just 24 hours for juice from fast juicers.

Versatility

Cold press juicers can juice leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, wheatgrass, and even nuts. The powerful motors and mastication ability mean you can juice a wide variety of produce.

Higher Juice Yields

The crushing and squeezing action squeezes more juice out of produce. You can get up to 20% more juice compared to centrifugal models. This means you get more juice from the same amount of fruits and veggies.

Potential Drawbacks

Despite their advantages, cold press juicers do have some downsides to consider:

Slower Juicing Speed

It takes longer to make juice compared to centrifugal juicers. Cold press models have lower RPMs and must crush produce, so juicing times can be 5-10x slower.

Pulp in Juice

The juicing screens have small holes, which allow some pulp to stay in the juice. This may give the juice a thicker, chewier texture.

Higher Price

Cold press juicers come at a higher price, especially for stainless steel models. Expect to pay $200 to $400+ for a quality masticating juicer.

Trickier to Clean

Due to the small holes and mesh screens, the components can take longer to wash by hand. Some parts may need a special brush to fully clean.

Juicer Type	Processing Speed	Oxidation Level	Juice Yield	Pulp in Juice	Price Range
Centrifugal	Very fast	Higher	Lower	None	$50 – $200
Cold Press	Slow	Lower	Higher	Some	$200 – $400+

Cold Press vs. Centrifugal Juicers

Centrifugal juicers are the most common and affordable models. They shred produce using high-speed blades and spin it to separate juice from pulp using centrifugal force. Here’s how cold press and centrifugal juicers compare:

Processing Speed: Centrifugal juicers are much faster, but cold press preserves more nutrients.

Oxidation: The slower cold press process means less oxidation and longer lasting juice.

Juice Yield: You’ll get up to 20% more juice from a cold press juicer.

Pulp: Centrifugal models remove all pulp for a smooth juice, while some pulp slips into cold press juice.

Price: Centrifugal juicers are more budget-friendly, starting around $50. Expect to pay at least $200 for a cold press model.

So while cold press juicers have some clear benefits, centrifugal models work well too. Choose a centrifugal juicer if you want faster juicing and pulp-free juice at a lower cost. Opt for a cold press model if you want maximum nutrients and don’t mind higher prices.

Top Cold Press Juicer Models

If you decide a cold press juicer is right for you, here are some of the top-rated models to consider:

Tribest Slowstar – $299

• Low 47 RPM dual-edged auger
• Minimal oxidation and foaming
• 200 watt motor
• 10 year warranty

Omega NC800 – $299

• 80 RPM motor
• Extracts juice from various produces
• 5 adjustable settings
• 15-year warranty

Aicok Slow Masticating – $199

• 60 RPM auger
• Reverse function to reduce jamming
• Yields more green juice
• Budget-friendly option

Hurom H-AI – $439

• AI-powered touch screen
• Automatically adjusts to produce
• Sleek, modern design
• Pricey, but high-tech features

Be sure to read reviews to find the best cold press juicer for your budget and juicing needs. Watch out for models prone to jamming, leaking, or overheating at higher loads.

Conclusion

Cold press juicers deliver more nutrients and antioxidants compared to centrifugal models. But they come at a higher price and juice at slower speeds. Ultimately, choose a cold press juicer if you want quality over speed and convenience. Opt for a centrifugal model if you prioritize affordability and fast juicing times.

Either way, juicing is a healthy habit that helps you reap the full benefits of fresh fruits and veggies. Drink your juice right after making it to get the most nutrients and flavor. Cheers to better health!