Juicing has become an increasingly popular way for people to get more fruits and vegetables into their diets. With the rise in popularity, there has also been an explosion in the types of juicers available. Two terms you may come across are “cold press” and “masticating” juicers. But are they the same thing? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Cold Press Juicer?
A cold press juicer, sometimes also called a slow juicer, uses a pressing and grinding method to extract juice from fruits and vegetables. It operates at slow speeds, typically around 80-100 RPMs. The slow speed allows the juicer to press and squeeze the produce, releasing the juice while minimizing heat buildup and oxidation.
Cold press juicers have a pressing mechanism consisting of an auger that crushes the produce against a stainless steel mesh filter. The auger squeezes the pulp, enabling more juice to be extracted. The slower speeds protect the nutrients and enzymes from being destroyed by heat and oxidation.
Some key features of cold press juicers:
- Slow masticating technology that operates at 80-100 RPMs
- Uses a pressing auger and stainless steel mesh filter to squeeze out juice
- Minimizes heat buildup and oxidation
- Preserves nutrients and enzymes
- Higher juice yields
- Less foaming and separation
Cold pressing is one of the best methods for juicing leafy greens like kale, spinach, and wheatgrass. The slower speed allows more time to thoroughly crush and press the leaves. Cold press juicers also tend to handle softer fruits and vegetables better than centrifugal juicers.
What is a Masticating Juicer?
A masticating juicer works by using a slow, crushing and grinding action to break down fruits and vegetables. Masticating means “chewing” or “grinding” in Latin. This type of juicer has a single auger (screw-like blade) that rotates and chews up the produce as it’s pushed through a chute.
The auger turns at slow speeds, usually between 70-100 RPMs. It crushes and grinds the produce into a pulpy mush. This pulp is then pressed against a stainless steel mesh filter, squeezing out the juice. The slower speeds protect nutrients from being degraded by heat and oxidation.
Key features of masticating juicers include:
- Auger rotates at slow speeds of 70-100 RPMs
- Auger grinds and crushes produce into pulp
- Pulp pressed against a stainless steel mesh filter
- Minimizes heat buildup and oxidation
- Higher juice yields
- Juice can be stored longer
Masticating juicers are ideal for juicing all types of fruits and vegetables – from hard items like carrots to soft greens like spinach. The slower crushing action allows more time to thoroughly extract juice and minimize waste.
The Similarities Between Cold Press and Masticating Juicers
So are cold press and masticating juicers the same thing? There are many similarities between the two:
- Slow speeds – Both operate at low RPMs around 80-100.
- Pressing/grinding – They use an auger and screen to press out juice.
- Higher yields – The slower speed results in more juice extracted.
- Less oxidation – Juice can be stored longer with minimal nutrient loss.
- Versatile – Excellent for juicing all types of fruits and vegetables.
The slow crushing speeds and pressing action is what allows these types of juicers to efficiently extract juice while preserving nutrients. This differs from centrifugal juicers which spin produce at very high speeds, generating more heat and foam.
Cold press and masticating juicers operate very similarly. You can consider them nearly the same type of juicing technology. However, there are some slight differences.
The Differences Between Cold Press and Masticating Juicers
While cold press and masticating juicers utilize the same general working principles, there are some differences between the two:
| Cold Press Juicer | Masticating Juicer |
|---|---|
| Typically uses a hydraulic pressing system with a lever to exert pressure | Relies more on the auger and screen to squeeze out juice |
| Generates a bit more pressure and friction during juicing | Runs slightly quieter with less friction and vibration |
| Higher yields especially for greens and wheatgrass | May have slightly lower yields depending on produce |
| Minimal heat and oxidation | Minimal heat and oxidation |
The biggest difference is that cold press juicers utilize more of a lever-activated hydraulic pressing system. This generates higher pressure and friction to squeeze juice out of produce. Masticating juicers rely more solely on the auger and screen.
Cold press juicers tend to have slightly higher juice yields, especially for leafy greens and wheatgrass. The added hydraulic pressing action is able to thoroughly crush and press greens to extract more juice.
In terms of preserving nutrients, both methods result in very minimal heat buildup and oxidation. Juice can be stored for longer with less degradation compared to centrifugal juicers.
Common Features of Cold Press and Masticating Juicers
Despite some small differences, cold press and masticating juicers share many of the same features and benefits:
- Slow masticating technology – Operate at 70-100 RPMs to minimize oxidation.
- Higher yields – More juice extracted from produce with less waste.
- Drier pulp – Pulp is thoroughly pressed and squeezed.
- Minimal oxidation – Juice retains nutrients longer.
- Quieter operation – Run much quieter than centrifugal juicers.
- Versatility – Juice all types of fruits and vegetables.
- Compact size – Small countertop footprint. Vertical designs have small footprint.
Both styles of juicers are able to provide high-quality, nutrient-rich juice. They maximize the juice extracted from produce while preserving heat-sensitive nutrients.
Cold Press vs Masticating – Which Should You Choose?
So when deciding between a cold press or masticating juicer, which type is better? Here are some key considerations:
- Juicing Needs – If juicing more greens like kale or wheatgrass, a cold press may yield more juice. For an all-around juicer, they perform similarly.
- Budget – Cold press juicers tend to come at a higher cost than masticating juicers.
- Noise – Cold press runs louder with the added hydraulic pressing system.
- Maintenance – Cold press has more parts and screens to clean.
For most people’s juicing needs, a masticating juicer would be the best choice. They perform on par with cold press juicers for most produce at a slightly lower cost. Masticating juicers are also quieter and easier to clean and maintain.
Cold press juicers do excel at maximizing the juice extracted from leafy greens. The higher pressure and tighter tolerances help squeeze every last drop out. If you plan to juice more greens, a cold press juicer may be beneficial.
Popular Cold Press Juicer Models
Some top-rated cold press juicer models include:
| Juicer | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Tribest Slowstar | Duo-blade auger, min/max speeds, juice tap |
| Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer | 3″ feed chute, auto-cleaning system |
| Omega Slow Vertical Juicer | Compact vertical design, juice and pulp ejection |
| Tribest Greenstar Elite | Bio-ceramic magnetic twin gears, juice broth function |
Popular Masticating Juicer Models
Some top masticating juicers include:
| Juicer | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Omega J8006 | Compact design, low 80 RPM speed |
| Aicok Slow Masticating Juicer | 150 watt motor, reverse function |
| Mueller Austria Juicer | 160 RPMs, overload protection, BPA-free |
| Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus | Extra wide 3″ chute, 2 speed control |
Masticating vs Cold Press Juicer Comparison
Here is a side-by-side comparison of masticating and cold press juicers:
| Masticating Juicer | Cold Press Juicer | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 70-100 RPMs | 80-100 RPMs |
| Mechanism | Single auger and screen | Auger, screen, hydraulic pressing system |
| Performance | Very good for most produce | Excellent for greens and wheatgrass |
| Juice Yield | High | Very high |
| Juice Quality | Minimal oxidation | Minimal oxidation |
| Noise Level | Lower | Higher when pressing |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
Conclusion
Cold press and masticating juicers utilize the same slow crushing and pressing technology to extract juice while preserving nutrients. The main difference lies in cold press juicers using an added hydraulic pressing system.
This allows cold press juicers to generate a bit more pressure and friction, resulting in higher yields especially for leafy greens. However, masticating juicers perform on par for most other types of produce.
Given the small performance differences and increased cost of cold press juicers, a masticating model is likely the better choice for most people. Masticating juicers provide high juice yields and quality for all produce at a more affordable price.
The slow crushing speeds, pressing action, and minimal oxidation are what make both these types of juicers stand out from centrifugal models. By taking the time to slowly grind and press, you get the most nutrition and enzymes out of your fruits and vegetables.
So while cold press and masticating juicers are very similar, there are some subtle differences in their mechanics. Understanding these differences can help you decide which type of juicer is the right fit for your juicing needs and lifestyle.
