Are twin gear juicers better?
Juicing has become an increasingly popular way for health-conscious consumers to get more fruits and vegetables into their diets. With so many juicer options on the market, from centrifugal to masticating to twin gear, it can be tough to know which type of juicer is really the best. Twin gear juicers, also known as triturating juicers, are one of the more expensive types of juicers but are often claimed to be the best for juicing. But are twin gear juicers really better than other types of juicers?
How Twin Gear Juicers Work
Twin gear juicers work differently than centrifugal and single auger masticating juicers. Twin gear juicers contain two interlocking gears that effectively chew up produce to squeeze out the juice. The gears turn toward each other at a very low speed, around 80-120 RPMs. This slow speed allows the juice to be extracted with very little heat buildup or oxidation.
The two gears are made with small teeth that grind and crush the fruits and vegetables. The pulverized produce is pressed against a tight screen to squeeze out the juice. The slower speed and crushing motion gets more juice out than centrifugal juicers and some masticating juicers.
Benefits of Twin Gear Juicers
There are several advantages claimed for twin gear juicing technology:
- Higher juice yields – The twin gears are efficient at crushing up fruits and veggies to squeeze out more juice.
- Minimal oxidation – The slow speed ensures oxygen is not whipped into the juice, keeping oxidation low.
- Reduced foam and froth – There is less air mixed into the juice resulting in a smoother, froth-free juice.
- Juices wheatgrass and leafy greens well – The crushing twin gears can efficiently juice soft and leafy greens.
- Versatile – Can make nut milk, baby food, sorbets, and extrude pasta.
- More nutrients – The cold press method preserves heat sensitive nutrients.
This table compares some key differences between twin gear juicers and other common juicer types:
| Juicer Type | Speed | Oxidation | Foam | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centrifugal | High | High | High | Low |
| Masticating | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
| Twin Gear | Very Low | Very Low | Minimal | High |
Downsides of Twin Gear Juicers
While twin gear juicers do have some advantages, there are also some downsides to consider:
- Price – Twin gear juicers come with a high price tag, often costing over $400.
- Size – They have a larger footprint and heavier weight than other juicers.
- Learning curve – It takes some getting used to assembling and disassembling the twin gears.
- Prep work – Produce needs to be chopped into small pieces to lower chances of jamming.
- Cleaning – More parts mean a longer cleaning time after juicing.
- Noise – Twin gear juicers operate at a louder hum than single augers.
Popular Twin Gear Juicer Models
Some of the most popular twin gear juicer brands and models include:
| Brand | Model |
|---|---|
| Tribest | Greenstar Elite |
| Super Angel | 5500 |
| Kuvings | Whole Slow Juicer |
| Sagnart | NC-900HDS |
| Omega | VSJ843 |
The Greenstar Elite and Super Angel juicers are among the most popular options. They offer versatile twin gear juicing with adjustable settings. The Super Angel has a higher yield, while the Greenstar Elite is better for beginners due to its lower price.
Twin Gear vs. Single Auger Masticating
Compared to popular single auger masticating juicers like those from Omega and Hurom, twin gear juicers excel in their juice yields and versatility. However, they come at a much higher price. Single auger juicers operate at a slower speed than centrifugal but faster than twin gear juicers. They offer efficient juicing, especially for greens, at a more moderate price point and with a smaller size.
This table compares the Tribest Greenstar Elite twin gear juicer with the Omega NC800 single auger masticating juicer:
| Specs | Greenstar Elite | Omega NC800 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Twin Gear | Single Auger |
| Speed | 110 RPM | 80 RPM |
| Chute | Small | Large |
| Yield | Very High | High |
| Noise | Medium/High | Low |
| Price | $500 | $300 |
Factors to Consider
Here are some key factors to think about when deciding between a twin gear juicer and other juicer types:
- What produce will you juice? – Leafy greens and wheatgrass juicing favor twin gears. For mainly hard fruits and veggies, a centrifugal or single auger performs well.
- Juice yield – Do you want to maximize the amount of juice? Twin gears extract the most juice.
- Oxidation concerns – If minimizing oxidation is critical, twin gears are excellent.
- Budget – Twin gear juicers come at a premium cost. Centrifugal and single gear juicers are more budget friendly.
- Frequency of use – Juicing everyday? A twin gear machine holds up better to heavy use.
- Counter space – Twin gears take up a larger footprint than other designs. Not ideal for tiny kitchens.
Conclusion
For those serious about juicing, especially leafy greens and wheatgrass, twin gear juicers offer top-notch performance. They maximize juice yields and preserve nutrients with minimal oxidation compared to other juicer types. However, they come at a steep price and require more prep work and cleaning time.
For more casual juicers after antioxidant-rich juices, a centrifugal or single auger masticating juicer likely makes the most sense. While twin gear juicing has advantages, single auger masticating juicers can still efficiently create nutritious, cold-pressed juices on a budget and with a smaller footprint. Determine your juicing needs and goals first before making a decision.