Vitamix blenders are popular high-powered blenders that can make smoothies, purees, nut butters, and more. Some people wonder if a Vitamix can also work as a juicer to make fresh juices from fruits and vegetables. While Vitamix blenders excel at making blended drinks, there are some important differences between blenders and juicers. In this article, we’ll take a close look at whether or not a Vitamix can effectively function as a juicer.
How Vitamix Blenders Work
First, let’s examine how a Vitamix blender works. Vitamix blenders are known for their powerful motors, sharp blades, and ability to blend whole foods into smooth purées. Here are some key features of Vitamix blenders:
- High-powered motor – Vitamix motors range from 2 to 5 horsepower. This allows them to blend tough ingredients easily.
- Sharp blades – Vitamix uses hardened stainless steel blades to pulverize ingredients.
- BPA-free container – Vitamix containers are made from BPA-free Eastman Tritan copolyester plastic that is durable and impact-resistant.
- Variable speed – Vitamix blenders have a variable speed dial that allows you to fine-tune the texture of your blends.
- Tamper – Most Vitamix models come with a tamper to help process thick mixtures in the container.
When you put ingredients into a Vitamix and blend, the powerful motor and sharp blades work together to chop and grind the ingredients into a smooth purée or liquid. Friction from the fast-spinning blades generates heat to warm ingredients as they blend.
How Juicers Work
Juicers work differently than blenders. There are a few main types of juicers:
- Centrifugal juicers – These juicers grind up produce using a high-speed spinning blade. They separate juice from pulp via centrifugal force.
- Masticating juicers – Also called cold press or slow juicers. They crush fruits/veggies and press out juice.
- Triturating juicers – The most high-end juicers. They have twin gears to grind produce and extract juice.
The key difference between juicers and blenders is that juicers separate the fiber/pulp from the liquid juice. Blenders mix everything together into a purée. Juicers also run at lower speeds than blenders, producing less heat and oxidation which preserves more nutrients.
Can You Juice with a Vitamix?
So can you use a Vitamix as juicer? Technically yes, but with some caveats. Here’s what you need to know:
- A Vitamix won’t fully separate juice from pulp the way a real juicer does. But it can extract a good amount of liquid if run at high speeds.
- The juice made in a Vitamix will be thicker, with more pulp. You can strain it if desired.
- Without separating pulp, yields will be lower. Expect roughly 50-75% of the juice volume compared to a dedicated juicer.
- More oxidation happens from Vitamix blades whipping ingredients at high speeds.
- Not ideal for juicing leafy greens or wheatgrass. The blender isn’t designed to extract juice from fibrous materials.
So while technically possible, a Vitamix doesn’t excel at juicing. You’ll get better yields and juice separation with an actual juicer.
Vitamix Juicing Tips
If you want to make juice in a Vitamix, here are some tips:
- Use fruits/veggies with high water content – cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, grapes, oranges, etc.
- Avoid or limit fiber-rich produce – kale, spinach, carrots, beets, apples.
- Cut ingredients into small chunks before blending.
- Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds.
- Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine mesh sieve.
- Press the pulp to extract all the liquid.
- Consume the juice immediately or store in a sealed container in the fridge up to 24 hours.
Juicer vs. Blender Comparison
Here is a table comparing key attributes of juicers vs. Vitamix blenders when making juice:
| Juicer | Vitamix Blender | |
|---|---|---|
| Pulp Separation | Extracts juice, separates pulp | Does not separate pulp |
| Juice Yield | Higher yield, drier pulp | Lower yield, pulp has moisture |
| Juice Texture | Thin, smooth juice | Thicker juice with pulp |
| Oxidation | Minimal oxidation | More oxidation from friction |
| Heat Generation | Low heat | Blades create more heat |
| Nutrient Retention | Better nutrient retention | More nutrient degradation |
| Leafy Greens | Can juice greens like kale | Not ideal for juicing greens |
As you can see, dedicated juicers excel when it comes to separating pulp, maximizing yields, generating less heat, and retaining nutrients. Juicers are also better equipped to handle leafy greens and wheatgrass.
Benefits of Juicing vs Blending
Both juicing and blending offer health benefits, but there are some advantages unique to each:
Benefits of Juicing
- Juices are very easy to digest.
- Nutrients are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Makes it easier to consume a variety of produce.
- Can juice ingredients you can’t really blend like sprouts or wheatgrass.
Benefits of Blending/Smoothies
- Keeps all the fiber from the whole fruits/veggies.
- More filling than juice.
- Blends allow you to also use nuts, seeds, nut butters, etc.
- Can blend or grind anything – even ice and frozen fruit.
Both juicing and blending have a place for improving your health and getting more fruits/veggies into your diet. Juice when you want quick nutrient absorption or can’t stomach heavy foods. Blend for a hearty, filling drink containing all the fiber.
Best Fruits and Veggies to Juice
If you want to juice with your Vitamix, these fruits and veggies are great choices:
Fruits
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Apples
- Grapes
- Melons – cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon
- Berries – strawberries, blueberries, blackberries
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Peach
- Pear
Vegetables
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Beets
- Ginger
- Zucchini/summer squash
For leafy greens like kale, spinach, chard, etc. a regular juicer will extract much more juice than a Vitamix.
Vitamix Juicing Recipes
Here are a few delicious juice recipes to try in a Vitamix:
Citrus Vegetable Juice
- 1 grapefruit, peeled
- 2 oranges, peeled
- 1 cucumber
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 inch ginger
Watermelon Ginger Juice
- 3 cups watermelon chunks
- 1 apple, cored
- 1 inch ginger
- Squeeze of lime
Tropical Fruit Juice
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1 cup mango chunks
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 lime, peeled
Get creative and try mixing different fruits and veggies for juicing in your Vitamix. Combine orange juice and berries, carrot and apple juice, or melon gazpacho juice for something savory.
Cleaning Vitamix After Juicing
It’s important to clean your Vitamix thoroughly after juicing to avoid cross-contamination and residue buildup. Here are some tips:
- Rinse out container and lid immediately after juicing.
- Fill pitcher about halfway with warm water.
- Add a couple drops of dish soap.
- Run on high 30-60 seconds.
- Dump out soapy water, rinse, and repeat with just water.
- For stubborn stains, soak pitcher in warm water with lemon juice or vinegar.
- Scrub lid and blades with a dish brush to remove residue.
- Reassemble all parts once completely dry.
Be diligent about cleaning all parts after juicing or blending to maximize the life of your Vitamix.
Top Juicers to Consider
While the Vitamix can make decent juice in a pinch, a quality juicer is recommended for the best results. Here are top juicers to consider in different price ranges:
| Juicer | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus | Centrifugal | $100-150 |
| Mueller Austria Juicer Ultra 1100W | Centrifugal | $150-200 |
| Omega J8006HDS Nutrition Center | Masticating | $200-300 |
| Tribest Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer | Masticating | $400-500 |
| Super Angel Juicer | Twin Gear Triturating | $1000-1200 |
Look for models with high watt motors, stainless steel components, large chutes, and dependable warranties. Masticating and triturating juicers provide the best juice extraction but come at a higher price.
The Bottom Line
So can you use a Vitamix as a juicer? In summary:
- Yes, a Vitamix can make juice, but not without drawbacks.
- It won’t fully separate pulp and yields will be lower.
- The juice will have more oxidation and nutrient degradation.
- Juicers are preferred for leafy greens and wheatgrass.
- In a pinch, a Vitamix can juice high-water produce like oranges, grapes, melons.
- For frequent juicing and the best results, invest in a dedicated juicer.
A Vitamix is an incredibly versatile blender, but it can’t fully replace a proper juicing machine. Focus a Vitamix on smoothies and blended drinks. Get a dedicated juicer if juice is your main goal, especially with greens and wheatgrass. This ensures higher yields and minimal oxidation for the best tasting, most nutritious juices.
