Vitamix blenders are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can perform a wide range of functions. Their power and quality allow them to blend, grind, chop, knead, emulsify, and even heat ingredients. With the right attachments and techniques, you can also use a Vitamix as a juicer. While it won’t fully replace a dedicated juicer, you can make fresh, nutritious juices in your Vitamix.
Using a Vitamix as a juicer
To use a Vitamix as a juicer, you need to follow a couple of key steps:
- Use fruits and veggies with a high water content – Things like oranges, grapes, kale, cucumbers, celery, carrots, etc. will produce more juice.
- Add liquid – A little water or coconut water helps the ingredients blend into juice.
- Blend on high speed – VitaMix blenders are powerful enough to break down produce into juice on high speeds.
- Strain the results – When you’re done blending, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag to separate the juice from the leftover pulp.
It’s also helpful to add some tips when using a Vitamix as a juicer:
- Cut produce into small pieces before blending.
- Blend in batches instead of overload the container.
- Alternate between blending and straining when working with larger volumes.
- Rinse pulp to extract any remaining juice.
- Adjust ratios of produce to liquid to achieve desired consistency.
Benefits
There are some advantages to using a Vitamix as a juicer:
- Convenience – You don’t have to buy a separate appliance.
- Versatility – You can make juices and other blended drinks in one machine.
- Adjustable textures – Blending produces smoother, thicker juices.
- Retains fiber – Juices contain some pulp for added nutrition.
- Easy clean-up – Vitamix containers are simple to rinse out after juicing.
Limitations
However, there are some downsides to note when using a Vitamix as a juicer:
- Lower yields – You won’t get as much juice from produce compared to dedicated juicers.
- Extra straining – Takes more time and effort to separate juice from pulp.
- Oxidation – Juice can’t be extracted as quickly, leading to some oxidation.
- Not ideal for leafy greens – Spinning juicers extract more juice from greens like kale or spinach.
Vitamix juicing attachments
Vitamix offers some attachments that can further improve its juicing performance:
Smoothie Strainer Attachment
- Plastic strainer basket that fits inside container
- Catches pulp while pouring out juice
- Yields juice with minimal fiber/foam
- Lower oxidation than nut milk bag
- $200 purchase price
Fresh Juice Attachment
- External attachment fits on top
- Juices then ejects pulp while spinning
- Works for produce up to 3” diameter
- Optimized juicing with higher yields
- $400 purchase price
Vitamix juicing recipes
Here are some recipe ideas for juices you can make with a Vitamix blender:
Green Juice
- 1 cucumber
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 carrots
- 1 green apple
- Handful of kale or spinach
- 1⁄2 lemon
- 1-inch ginger
- 1 cup water
Berry Mix Juice
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 orange, peeled
- 1⁄4 cup coconut water
Tropical Juice
- 1 grapefruit, peeled
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 orange, peeled
- 1⁄2 cup mango chunks
- 1⁄4 cup coconut water
- 1-inch ginger
Root Vegetable Juice
- 3 carrots
- 1 beet, peeled
- 1⁄2 cucumber
- 1⁄2 lemon
- 1-inch turmeric
- 1-inch ginger
- 1 cup water
Comparison to other juicers
Here’s how using a Vitamix blender for juicing compares to some other common types of juicers:
| Vitamix Blender | Centrifugal Juicer | Masticating Juicer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juice Yield | Low-Medium | High | Very High |
| Juice Quality | Good | Poor | Excellent |
| Speed | Slow | Very Fast | Slow |
| Cleanup | Easy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Price | $$$ | $ | $$ |
As you can see, dedicated juicers generally offer higher yields and faster juicing compared to a Vitamix. But the Vitamix is more versatile and still makes decent quality juice. It can be a good option for juicing if you don’t want to buy another appliance.
Conclusion
While it won’t fully match the juice extraction and efficiency of a dedicated juicer, you can definitely use a Vitamix blender to make nutritious homemade juices. With the right techniques and attachments, a Vitamix can be a convenient way to integrate more juices into your diet without cluttering your kitchen with another bulky juicing machine.
The key is working with appropriate ingredients, adding liquid, and taking the time to strain out the pulp. Vitamix blenders are incredibly powerful and can break down fruits and veggies into drinkable juice. Just keep your expectations realistic in terms of yield compared to a juicer designed solely for juice extraction.
Consider your budget, counter space, and juicing needs to decide if purchasing a separate juicer is worthwhile or if you can meet your goals using a Vitamix. But for most casual juicing requirements, a Vitamix blender can certainly get the job done and let you whip up healthy juices to blend into your daily routine.
