Can the Vitamix be used as a juicer?
Vitamix blenders are versatile kitchen appliances that can perform a variety of functions, including making smoothies, soups, nut butters, and more. Some people wonder if a Vitamix can also be used as a juicer to make fresh fruit and vegetable juices. While the Vitamix is not designed solely for juicing, it can make juice under certain conditions. In this article, we’ll explore how well the Vitamix works as a juicer, the pros and cons, and tips for getting the most juice out of a Vitamix.
Using the Vitamix as a juicer
The Vitamix uses high-powered blades that blend ingredients into a smooth liquid or puree. So while it’s not a true juicer that separates pulp from juice, you can make juice in a Vitamix. Here’s how it works:
- Chop produce into small pieces that will fit through the Vitamix’s blades.
- Add the chopped produce to the blender jar.
- Add a small amount of liquid like water or coconut water to help the Vitamix blend the produce.
- Secure the lid and blender at the highest speed for 30-60 seconds until smooth.
- Pour the contents through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp.
The resulting liquid is a juice containing nutrients and flavors extracted from the fruits and veggies. The pulp and fiber will be caught in the strainer rather than making it into your glass.
Pros of using a Vitamix as a juicer
There are some advantages to using a Vitamix blender to make juice:
- Convenience: You don’t need a separate appliance because the Vitamix allows you to make both smoothies and juices.
- Versatility: A Vitamix can juice all kinds of fruits and vegetables. Dedicated juicers may be more limited in what they can juice.
- Easy cleanup: There are fewer parts to clean than a specialized juicer.
- Cost: The Vitamix eliminates the need to buy both a blender and juicer.
- Compact Storage: The Vitamix takes up less space than having two appliances.
Cons of using a Vitamix as a juicer
There are also some downsides to making juice in a Vitamix:
- Lower yields: You’ll get less juice out of the same amount of produce compared to a dedicated juicer. The Vitamix pulp is wetter so it retains more liquid.
- Pulp in juice: Even after straining, some pulp will slip through into your juice. Juice from a true juicer is smoother.
- Oxidation: Juice made in a Vitamix tends to oxidize faster. The high-speed blending introduces air that causes separation and nutrition loss over time.
- Not ideal for leafy greens: Spinning greens don’t break down as well in a blender. A masticating juicer is best for wheatgrass, kale, and other leafy produce.
Tips for getting the most juice from a Vitamix
If you want to use a Vitamix as a juicer, here are some tips to maximize your juice yield:
- Cut produce into small, manageable pieces before adding to the Vitamix.
- Process fruits and veggies in batches rather than overload the container.
- Add liquid to help the Vitamix blend and juice the produce.
- Blend at the highest speed for 30-90 seconds per batch.
- Strain the juice through cheesecloth or a fine mesh bag to separate pulp.
- Press or squeeze the pulp to extract any remaining liquid.
- Store juice in an airtight container and drink soon for best flavor and nutrition.
- Consider a second straining for a smoother consistency.
Best fruits and vegetables to juice in a Vitamix
Certain types of produce will juice more efficiently in a Vitamix than others. Here are some of the best options:
Fruits | Vegetables |
---|---|
Apples | Carrots |
Berries | Celery |
Citrus fruits | Cucumber |
Grapes | Tomatoes |
Melons | Peppers |
Pineapple | Zucchini |
Leafy greens like kale and spinach don’t yield as much juice. And some fruits like avocados and bananas are too thick to strain the juice from the pulp.
Vitamix juicing recipes
One way to get started with juicing in a Vitamix is to try some juice recipe combinations. Here are a few to consider:
Green Juice
- 1 cucumber
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 cup kale or spinach
- 1 apple
- 1⁄2 lemon
- 1⁄2 inch ginger
- 1 cup water
Berry Juice
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 orange, peeled
Carrot Apple Juice
- 5 carrots, chopped
- 2 apples, cored and chopped
- 1⁄2 lemon
- 1 inch ginger
- 1 cup water
Tropical Juice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 mango, pitted
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1⁄2 lemon
Get creative and try your own combos – the possibilities are endless! Just stick to produce that juices well in a blender.
Should you buy a Vitamix for juicing?
Whether or not a Vitamix is worth it for juicing depends on a few factors:
- Frequency: If you only plan to juice occasionally, the Vitamix does the job. If juicing daily, a dedicated juicer may work better.
- Other uses: The Vitamix is more versatile for smoothies, soups, nut butters, etc. If you’ll use it for more than just juicing, it’s a good value.
- Yields: Vitamix juices tend to have lower yields than a quality masticating juicer.
- Budget: The Vitamix is a sizeable investment. Juicers can be found for much less.
- Pulp preference: If pulp doesn’t bother you, the Vitamix is fine. For smooth juice, a juicer works better.
For occasional juicing and other blending tasks, the Vitamix may be all you need. But serious juicing enthusiasts may still want a separate juicing appliance.
Popular juicer models to consider
If you decide to purchase a dedicated juicer in addition to or instead of a Vitamix, here are some top-rated models to consider across different juicer types and price points:
Juicer | Type | Price |
---|---|---|
Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus | Centrifugal | $$ |
Mueller Austria Juicer | Centrifugal | $ |
Omega NC800 | Masticating | $$$ |
Tribest Greenstar Elite | Twin gear | $$$$ |
Hurom H-AA Slow Juicer | Vertical masticating | $$$ |
Do your research to find the best juicer for your budget, juice preferences, and frequency of use. A quality juicer can last for years if properly maintained.
Conclusion
While the Vitamix blender is not designed specifically as a juicer, it can make fresh, nutritious fruit and vegetable juices. With a few special techniques, tips, and recipes, you can successfully use a Vitamix as a juicer on occasion or for small batches. Just keep in mind the potential drawbacks like lower yields, extra pulp, and faster oxidation compared to dedicated juicers. For versatile kitchen use, convenience, and moderate juicing needs, a Vitamix may suffice. But avid juicers may still benefit from the addition of a specialized juicing appliance designed to maximize extraction and juice quality.