Are vertical or horizontal juicers better?

Juicing has become an increasingly popular way for health-conscious consumers to get more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into their diets. Freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices retain most of the nutrients found in whole produce, in an easy-to-digest liquid form. But not all juicers are created equal. When shopping for a juicer, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to choose a vertical or horizontal model.

How Do Vertical and Horizontal Juicers Work?

Vertical juicers, sometimes called masticating or cold press juicers, work by using a rotating auger to crush and “chew” produce, squeezing out juice. The auger turns slowly, usually at around 80 RPM, which helps minimize heat buildup and oxidation. This makes vertical juicers ideal for juicing leafy greens, grasses and soft fruits. The juice is then strained through a mesh screen. Pulp is ejected through one spout, while juice comes out through another spout.

In contrast, horizontal juicers (also called centrifugal juicers) work more quickly, with a fast spinning blade that shreds produce and separates juice from pulp via centrifugal force. The blade spins at high speeds, usually between 1,000 to 15,000 RPM. A mesh strainer then separates the juice from the pulp. While centrifugal juicers are faster, the high speed blade generates more heat, which can degrade nutrients. These types of juicers are best suited for hard fruits and veggies.

Key Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Juicers

Here is a comparison of some of the main differences between vertical and horizontal juicers:

	Vertical Juicers	Horizontal Juicers
Speed	Slow (80 RPM)	Fast (1,000 – 15,000 RPM)
Juicing Method	Crushing/Pressing	Shredding/Centrifugal Force
Heat Generation	Low	High
Oxidation	Minimal	Moderate
Best for Leafy Greens	Yes	No
Best for Hard Foods	Moderate	Yes
Juice Shelf Life	72+ Hours	24 Hours
Pulp Ejection	Dry Pulp	Wet Pulp
Noise Level	Quieter	Louder
Yield	Higher	Lower
Cost	Higher Price Tag	More Affordable

Nutrient Retention

One of the biggest differences between these two types of juicers is nutrient retention. Because vertical juicers work slower, using crushing/pressing to squeeze out juice, they generate less heat. This helps preserve delicate nutrients like vitamins C and E, antioxidants, enzymes and other phytochemicals. Studies have found cold press juicers retain 20-60% more nutrients than centrifugal models.

The high speeds and heat generated by horizontal juicers may degrade nutrient quality by 5-25%. However, horizontal juicers are still an excellent way to get high doses of important nutrients from fruits and veggies. Just keep in mind that cold press vertical juicers perform better for nutrient retention.

Juicing Efficiency

Vertical masticating juicers are generally more efficient than centrifugal models, resulting in higher juice yields. The slow crushing/pressing action thoroughly squeezes out as much juice as possible. They are especially effective for juicing leafy greens like kale, spinach, wheatgrass and herbs. You’ll end up with drier pulp and up to 50% higher juice yields compared to fast horizontal juicers.

Centrifugal juicers tend to be less thorough, because the shredding blade spins so quickly. You may need to run produce through twice to get high yields. These juicers work best for hard fruits and veggies. However, juice yields for leafy greens will be lower. The pulp comes out much wetter compared to vertical juicers.

Juicing Time

If you’re short on time in the mornings, a horizontal juicer may be a better choice. The fast RPM blade makes juicing a quick process. Most centrifugal models can produce a glass of juice in under 5 minutes. Feed produce in, and you’ll have fresh juice ready for breakfast or pre-workout in no time.

Vertical juicers take a bit longer, around 10-15 minutes to make a juice. The slower crushing of fruits and veggies results in delays. These are great if you have time to spare and want to maximize nutrition. But centrifugal models are more time efficient.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Centrifugal juicers are generally considered easier to use and clean. Their fast shredding blades make quick work of most produce. Assembly and disassembly takes minutes. Most parts are dishwasher safe. A quick rinse under water and you’re good to go.

Vertical juicers tend to have more parts and can be trickier to clean. Tough, fibrous greens may jam the auger at times. And the mesh screen needs scrubbing to remove residues. All parts require hand washing. If you don’t mind taking a few extra minutes to clean your appliance, vertical juicers deliver superior juice. But centrifugal models are lower maintenance.

Noise Levels

The super fast RPM of centrifugal juicers means they run quite loudly. The whirring blade and vibrations generate significant noise. This can be disruptive early in the morning when making breakfast juices. Noise levels regularly exceed 90 dB in many models, equivalent to a blender.

Because vertical masticating juicers have a slow, quiet auger, they operate much more silently. You can juice while loved ones remain asleep without disturbance. Cold press juicers typically produce less than 60 dB of sound. If noise is a concern, a vertical model is the clear winner.

Types of Produce

When it comes to produce, vertical juicers are more versatile. The slow crushing auger thoroughly juices soft fruits like berries and citrus. Leafy greens like kale and spinach juice up with high yields. Pulp comes out bone dry. Wheatgrass and herbs also juice effectively.

Centrifugal models struggle with leafy greens, grasses and herbs. But they handle hard and fibrous fruits and veggies excellently. Carrots, beets, apples, celery and ginger juice up with ease. If you plan to only juice a few favorite fruits and veggies, a centrifugal juicer may suffice. But vertical juicers can handle just about any produce.

Juice Shelf Life

Thanks to minimal heat and oxidation, juice from vertical juicers lasts for up to 72 hours in the fridge. The cold press process preserves taste and nutrition. Juice separates over time, but a quick shake reconstitutes it.

Juice from centrifugal models begins deteriorating within 24 hours. Separation occurs quickly and nutrients degrade rapidly. For maximum shelf life, drink horizontal juicer juice immediately. If you want juice that lasts for days, a vertical model is preferable.

Cost Comparison

Horizontal juicers are generally the more affordable option, with centrifugal models starting around $50-100. Because they utilize a simple, fast spinning blade, horizontal juicers cost less to manufacture. This makes them ideal for those on a budget.

Expect to spend $300 or more for a high quality vertical masticating juicer. The auger and pressing system makes them pricier to produce. But you pay for the superior performance when it comes to nutrients, efficiency, juice yields and versatility. Vertical juicers are an investment for serious juicing enthusiasts.

Which Type of Juicer is Right for You?

Now that you know the key pros and cons of vertical and horizontal juicers, here are some recommendations based on different needs:

If you want maximum nutrients and enzyme retention:

Go with a vertical masticating juicer. The slow, crushing auger minimizes heat and oxidation, preserving more phytochemicals and vitamins compared to the centrifugal method.

If you want the highest juice yields:

Choose a vertical juicer. The pressing action thoroughly squeezes out more juice from fruits, veggies and especially leafy greens. You’ll get up to 50% higher yields compared to centrifugal models.

If you want to juice leafy greens and wheatgrass:

Vertical is best. The auger is specially designed to crush and press leafy greens, grasses and herbs. You’ll get high juice output, with dry pulp. Centrifugal juicers struggle with these foods.

If you want juice with the longest shelf life:

Go vertical. Juice lasts for 72+ hours in the fridge, thanks to minimal oxidation. Centrifugal juice goes bad within 24 hours.

If you want a quiet juicer:

Choose a vertical model. The slow crushing auger operates quietly at around 60 dB or less. Centrifugal juicers are notoriously loud at over 90 dB.

If you want the easiest to clean juicer:

Opt for a centrifugal model. All parts are dishwasher safe. Cleaning is quick and simple. Vertical juicers have more parts and need scrubbing.

If you want juice in a hurry:

Horizontal juicers are faster, producing juice in just 1-5 minutes. Verticals take 10-15 minutes due to slower pressing.

If you’re on a budget:

Centrifugal juicers start at just $50-100. With fewer parts, they cost less to make. Expect to spend $300+ for a good vertical model.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to juice quality and versatility, vertical juicers are the clear winner. But centrifugal models have their advantages when time, convenience and budget are top concerns. Assess your needs and priorities to determine which juicing method is right for your lifestyle.

Both vertical and horizontal juicers help unlock all the nutrients of fresh fruits and veggies, for a mega-dose of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Whichever style you choose, making fresh juice at home is an easy way to boost your micronutrient intake and support optimal health.