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Is centrifugal or masticating juicer better?

Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet. Fresh fruit and vegetable juices can provide a concentrated source of nutrients that are often lacking in the average Western diet. There are two main types of juicers on the market – centrifugal juicers and masticating juicers. But which type of juicer is better?

How Centrifugal Juicers Work

Centrifugal juicers are the most common and affordable type of juicer. These juicers use a fast spinning metal blade that shreds vegetables and fruit. The centrifugal force generated by the spinning pushes the juice through a strainer while the pulp stays behind.

Centrifugal juicers are fast, typically able to make a glass of juice in 5-10 seconds. The high speeds generate heat which helps extract juice from produce quickly. However, this heat also oxidizes and degrades some nutrients like enzymes. Centrifugal juicers tend to be louder with a higher RPM (revolutions per minute) motor.

How Masticating Juicers Work

Masticating juicers, also known as cold press or slow juicers, use a slower but more thorough system. They crush and press produce to squeeze out juice instead of shredding it like centrifugal models. This happens in a single auger gear at around 80-100 RPM.

The slower speed results in minimal oxidation, protecting heat-sensitive nutrients. Masticating juicers generate less heat and foam. The juice can be stored for longer without degradation. These juicers are typically quieter as well.

Juice Quality

In terms of juice quality, masticating juicers produce higher yields and drier pulp. The slower crushing and pressing action thoroughly extracts liquid. Centrifugal models filter out some juice in the separation process. The juice from masticating juicers also lasts longer due to less oxidation.

Enzyme levels are higher in cold press juices. Enzymes aid digestion and are destroyed by heat. Cold press juices also contain less foam and froth which can introduce unwanted air into the juice.

Juice Extraction

Masticating juicers generally extract 20-30% more juice from produce compared to centrifugal models. The slower speed allows more pressing and crushing to remove liquid trapped in plant cells. Centrifugal models shred produce into smaller pieces which limits juice yields.

However, centrifugal juicers have an advantage when it comes to juicing high-fiber produce like wheatgrass. The fast spinning blades are more effective at breaking down tough fibers.

Types of Produce

In terms of produce, masticating juicers can juice all types of fruits and vegetables. Their versatility allows juicing of leafy greens, grasses, sprouts, herbs, celery, apples, citrus, and more. Softer produce may get stuck in some centrifugal models.

Centrifugal juicers may struggle with certain produce like wheatgrass, spinach, kale, parsley, and cilantro. Fibrous greens may not break down fully and some juice gets left behind. Harder vegetables like carrots and beets may not fully juice either.

Speed and Convenience

Centrifugal juicers are generally much faster, producing a cup of juice in as little as 5 seconds. Cold press juicers take 60-120 seconds to produce juice. Centrifugal models are more convenient for busy schedules or making larger amounts of juice at once.

However, the faster speed results in more oxidation and louder operation. Masticating juicers require less prep time since produce doesn’t need to be chopped up as much.

Juicer Performance Compared

Centrifugal Juicer Masticating Juicer
Juicing Speed Very fast (5-10 seconds) Slow (60-120 seconds)
Juice Quality Good Excellent
Juice Yield Good Excellent
Pulp Ejection Automatic Manual
Produce Handling Chop produce Minimal prep needed
Noise Level High Low

Juicer Types

Within the two main juicer categories, there are different types based on features and functionality:

Centrifugal Juicers

  • Standard centrifugal: The most common and affordable option with a flat cutting blade, external pulp bin, and pitcher juice container.
  • Wide mouth centrifugal: Larger produce chute so whole fruits/veggies can be used with less cutting needed.
  • Ejection centrifugal: Pulp is automatically ejected out of the back instead of into an external bin for continuous juicing.

Masticating Juicers

  • Vertical single auger: Auger is positioned vertically. More compact and higher juice yields.
  • Horizontal single auger: Auger is positioned horizontally. Larger produce can be inserted.
  • Twin gear: Uses two augers rotating close together. Maximizes juice extraction.

Cleaning Difficulty

Centrifugal juicers are generally easier to clean with fewer parts. The external pulp bin is convenient to empty. The mesh basket and blade can be rinsed or placed in the dishwasher.

Masticating juicers have more parts to disassemble and clean including the auger, screen, and juicing nozzle. However, there are often brushes included to make cleaning the small spaces easier.

Maintenance

For maintenance, centrifugal juicers have fewer parts so there is less to replace or repair. The filter basket and blade may need occasional replacements. Seals may need to be checked.

Masticating juicers have more components like the auger, screen, and gaskets that wear over time. Replacement parts may be needed after a few years of regular use depending on model.

Pricing

In general, centrifugal juicers are more budget-friendly ranging from $50-$200 for most models. Masticating juicers start around $200 and can go over $400 for more efficient commercial-grade models.

So while cold press juicers often come with a higher price tag, their juice yields and quality may offset costs compared to cheaper centrifugal types.

Conclusion

When choosing between these two juicer types, masticating juicers produce higher juice yields and superior juice quality that lasts longer. They can juice all types of produce with less degradation of nutrients.

However, centrifugal juicers have the advantage of speed and convenience. They also tend to be more affordable and easier to clean and maintain.

For maximum nutrient retention and versatility for juicing leafy greens and wheatgrass, a masticating juicer is likely the better choice. But centrifugal juicers can still produce decent juice, especially if you prioritize fast juicing and don’t juice fibrous greens often.

Consider your budget, types of produce you’ll juice, and desired juice characteristics like yield, shelf life, and enzyme levels. This can help determine if a centrifugal or masticating juicer better fits your needs.