Are masticating or centrifugal juicers better?

Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. But with the variety of juicers on the market, it can be tough to decide which type is best for you. Here, we’ll compare the pros and cons of masticating and centrifugal juicers to help you determine which is better for your needs.

How Masticating and Centrifugal Juicers Work

Masticating and centrifugal juicers extract juice in very different ways:

Masticating Juicers

Masticating juicers, also known as cold press or slow juicers, crush and press produce to extract juice. They have an auger that rotates slowly (usually around 80 RPM) to grind up produce and press it against a screen. This mashing and pressing motion mimics how we chew. It also keeps the juice cooler than centrifugal models.

Centrifugal Juicers

Centrifugal juicers grind up produce with a high-speed spinning metal blade. The fast spinning (1,000 to 15,000 RPM) forces the juice out through a strainer while the pulp stays behind. The friction from the blades heats up the juice more than masticating types.

Juice Yield and Quality

One of the biggest differences between these two types of juicers is the amount and quality of juice they produce:

Juice Yield

Masticating juicers typically have a higher juice yield, meaning you get more juice out of the same amount of produce. The slower crushing and pressing action thoroughly squeezes out juice trapped within fruit and vegetable cells. You can expect around 10-20% more juice compared to centrifugal models.

Juice Quality

The juice from masticating juicers is often higher quality as well. The slower, gentler juicing system results in less oxidation. This helps preserve more nutrients like vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants. Juice can be stored for up to 72 hours without degradation. Centrifugal juicers produce juice with more foam and separation. It also oxidizes rapidly, so it’s best consumed right away.

Speed and Convenience

Centrifugal juicers are generally much faster than masticating types:

Juicing Speed

The lightning-fast RPM of centrifugal juicers can churn out a glass of juice in just seconds. Masticating juicers take 1-2 minutes to make juice since they operate at a slower speed.

Prep Time

You’ll need to chop produce into smaller pieces to fit into a masticating juicer’s narrow chute. Centrifugal models have larger, circular chutes that allow you to drop in bigger pieces or whole fruits and veggies. This saves you more prep time.

Clean Up

Centrifugal juicers are typically easier to clean since they have less parts. Masticating juicers have more parts, nooks and crannies that require more time and effort to wash by hand.

Versatility

In addition to juicing, masticating models can also tackle a variety of other kitchen tasks:

Making Nut Butters

The powerful motors and crushing augers can turn nuts into homemade nut butter. Soaking the nuts first produces a smoother consistency.

Making Baby Food

Cook and puree steamed veggies and fruits to easily make healthy homemade baby food. The juice is gently extracted, preserving nutrients.

Grinding Spices, Grains and Coffee

You can grind whole spices, grains and coffee beans into fresh powder with a masticating juicer. Adjustable settings allow custom textures.

Making Pasta

The pasta press attachment turns a masticating juicer into a pasta maker. It can extrude spaghetti and various noodles from dough.

Centrifugal juicers are really only designed for making juice. While some models boast extra features like grinding grains, a masticating juicer is much more versatile for food prep and processing.

Price

There is quite a range when it comes to juicer pricing:

Juicer Type	Price Range
Centrifugal	$50 – $200
Masticating	$200 – $400

As you can see, centrifugal juicers tend to be cheaper while masticating juicers come with a higher price tag. Keep in mind that more expensive juicers often have larger chutes, higher wattage motors and longer warranties that justify the cost.

Noise Level

Centrifugal juicers tend to make more noise due to the high-speed motor and cutting blades:

Centrifugal Juicer Noise

Most centrifugal juicers operate at 60 to 80 decibels while juicing. This is about the same noise level as a vacuum cleaner.

Masticating Juicer Noise

Masticating juicers run quieter at around 50 to 60 decibels. This is similar to background conversation levels.

Safety Features

Masticating juicers often have better safety features than centrifugal models:

Overflow Protection

Some masticating juicers have sensors that automatically stop juicing if the jug is full to prevent overflow.

Overheating Protection

If the motor overheats from prolonged juicing, some masticating juicers will shut off before damage occurs.

Safer Operation

The slower RPM of masticating juicers reduces chances of injury. Fingers or produce are less likely to become trapped by the auger.

Types of Produce

The produce you plan to juice is an important factor when selecting a juicer. Here’s how masticating and centrifugal juicers handle different fruits and veggies:

Juicing Leafy Greens

Masticating juicers extract more juice and nutrients from leafy greens like kale, spinach and wheatgrass. Their slower crushing mimics chewing to break down tough cell walls.

Juicing Fruits and Veggies

For juicy produce like oranges, grapes, carrots and beets, centrifugal juicers work great. Their high-speed blades have no problem juicing fruits with rinds or hard veggies.

Juicing Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass requires a masticating juicer to fully extract its dense nutritional content. Centrifugal juicers lack the power for wheatgrass juicing.

Juicing Soft Fruits

Berries, melons and stone fruits are too soft and delicate for fast centrifugal juicers. They get pureed rather than juiced. Masticating juicers gently squeeze out their juice.

Ease of Use

For juicing newbies, centrifugal juicers are often easier to use right out of the box. Their fast, simple operation makes juicing super easy and quick.

Masticating juicers have a steeper learning curve. You’ll need to take time to prep produce, assemble all the parts and adjust settings. Once mastered though, they become simple to use.

Which Is Better for My Needs?

With all their differences compared, is a masticating or centrifugal juicer ultimately better?

There’s no definitive answer – it comes down to your own needs and priorities as a juicer. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best type of juicer for you:

Choose a masticating juicer if you want:

• Higher juice yields and nutrient quality
• Juice that lasts longer without degradation
• The ability to juice wheatgrass and leafy greens
• A versatile appliance that can make nut butter, baby food, etc.
• A higher-end machine with more power and functionality

Choose a centrifugal juicer if you want:

• Faster juicing and easier clean up
• A larger chute to reduce chopping prep time
• A budget-friendly option for casual juicing
• A simple machine with less parts to assemble
• Juice fruits and harder vegetables

Take a close look at each type of juicer, and think about what you’ll be juicing and what features are most important for your needs. This will help you pick the best juicer.

Conclusion

When it comes to masticating vs centrifugal juicers, there’s no universally “better” option. Masticating juicers produce higher yield and quality juices at slower speeds. Centrifugal juicers are faster, cheaper and simpler for juicing fruit. Consider what features align best with your priorities to decide which type of juicer is right for you.

By understanding how these two popular juicer styles differ, you can make a more informed purchase. Choose wisely and your new juicer will become a kitchen appliance you enjoy for several years of healthy, homemade juices to come!