Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Slow juicers, also called cold press or masticating juicers, are one type of juicer that has been gaining attention lately. Slow juicers work by slowly crushing and pressing produce to extract juice, whereas fast juicers like centrifugal juicers spin produce at high speeds to separate the juice. Proponents of slow juicers claim they extract more nutrients and produce higher quality, longer lasting juice compared to fast options. But are the benefits of slow juicers worth the higher price tag? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.
How Slow Juicers Work
Slow juicers use a slow, grinding mechanism to crush produce and extract the juice. There are two main types of slow juicers:
- Single auger juicers: Have one threaded auger that rotates and crushes produce against a screen.
- Twin gear juicers: Have two interlocking gears that simultaneously crush and press produce.
In both types, the auger or gears turn at slow speeds, usually between 40-100 RPM. They generate less heat and oxidation compared to fast juicers, preserving more nutrients and enzymes. The juice produced contains less foam and separates less than juice from centrifugal juicers.
Benefits of Slow Juicers
What are the main advantages of getting a slow juicer?
Higher Juice Yields
Slow juicers are very efficient – they extract more juice from produce compared to fast options. You’ll get up to 50% more juice from the exact same amounts of fruits and veggies with a slow juicer. This translates to less wasted produce and more juice per dollar spent on ingredients.
Nutrient Retention
The low speeds and lack of heat generation lead to less oxidation. This helps preserve delicate nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and enzymes that get destroyed when exposed to heat and air. Studies have found cold press juicers extract around 20-50% more antioxidants into juice compared to centrifugal models.
Longer Lasting Juice
Juice from slow juicers can last up to 72 hours in the fridge without substantial quality loss. Juice from fast juicers loses nutrients rapidly after being made. The slower extraction and lower oxidation levels help juice retain freshness longer.
Juice Quality
The juice from slow juicers has a richer color and smoother, fuller mouthfeel. It contains less foam and separates less than centrifugal juices. This produces higher quality juice with improved flavor.
Versatility
Slow juicers can process just about any produce you throw at them – from hard items like carrots and beets to soft fruits like berries. Some can even make nut milks, grind coffee, mince herbs, and churn out sorbet. Their versatility makes them useful for many kitchen tasks beyond just juicing.
Easy to Clean
Slow juicers have only a few parts that come apart easily for cleaning. The parts are dishwasher safe. Clean up is quicker than for most centrifugal juicers, which have small mesh filters that can clog up with pulp.
Quiet Operation
The slow motor and grinding action results in very quiet operation compared to the whirring noise of centrifugal machines. You can juice early in the morning without disturbing others.
Downsides of Slow Juicers
Of course, slow juicers also have some drawbacks:
Higher Cost
Expect to spend $200 to $400 for a quality slow juicer, around 2-3 times the price of a centrifugal juicer. The higher cost is justified by their performance and versatility, but it’s a significant investment upfront.
Slower Juicing Speed
It takes more time to make juice in a slow juicer. What you gain in juice quality and quantity, you lose in juicing speed. Plan on spending a couple minutes on each ingredient. For larger batches, juicing can take 15-30 minutes. Fast centrifugal juicers can juice in as little as 5 seconds.
More Prep Work
You’ll need to chop produce into small pieces to fit into the juicer’s small chutes. Long shreds like celery may need to be cut shorter. Plan on a couple minutes of prep for each ingredient. Larger chute models reduce prep time.
Pulp Production
Since slow juicers extract more juice, this means more wet pulp is left over after juicing. The pulp is very dry from centrifugal juicers. You’ll have to figure out what to do with the extra pulp if you don’t want to compost all of it.
Smaller Feed Chutes
Most slow juicers have narrow, round chutes of 1.5-2 inches wide. This requires pre-chopping produce into small pieces before inserting into the juicer. Some wider chute models are now available, reducing prep work.
Not for Juice Fasts
While you get higher juice yields from slow juicers, the slower operation makes them impractical for juicing large amounts of produce in one session. Plan on 15-30 minutes to juice enough produce for 1-2 days. Fast juicers work better for longer juice fasts.
Slow Juicer Buying Considerations
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a slow juicer:
Type of Juicer
Single auger juicers are typically less expensive, under $250. Twin gear juicers start around $400 but are ideal for juicing grasses like wheatgrass. They produce slightly drier pulp.
Feed Chute Size
Larger feed chutes of 3 inches or more make prep easier. Small 1.5 inch chutes require more chopping.
Yield and Pulp Settings
Adjustable pulp screens allow customizing juice thickness. Thinner juices have higher yields.
Easy to Assemble/Disassemble
Look for models with few parts that are quick to take apart and clean.
Motor Power
Higher wattage motors have more torque for juicing tough produce like carrots without jamming or stalling.
Noise Level
Check decibel ratings if concerned about noise. Under 60dB is quietest.
Warranty
Look for at least a 3-5 year warranty covering parts.
Budget
Expect to pay $200-400 for a good slow juicer. Twin gear models run over $400.
Top 6 Slow Juicers Comparison
Here’s a comparison of top rated slow juicers to consider:
| Juicer | Type | Feed Chute | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tribest Slowstar | Vertical single auger | 2 inches | 10 years | $400 |
| Omega NC800 | Horizontal single auger | 1.5 inches | 15 years | $330 |
| Tribest Greenstar Elite | Twin gear | 1.3 inches | 12 years | $530 |
| Kuvings CS600 | Vertical single auger | 3 inches | 10 years | $240 |
| Aicook Slow Masticating | Vertical single auger | 3 inches | 3 years | $170 |
| Hurom H-AA Slow Juicer | Vertical single auger | 1.8 inches | 10 years | $430 |
Slow Juicer Recommendations
Based on juicer reviews and performance tests, here are my top recommendations in two price tiers:
Under $300: Omega NC800
For under $300, the Omega NC800 is the best choice. It has a powerful motor, very high juice yields, and an impressive 15 year warranty. The feed chute is on the smaller side, but it does a great job extracting nutrients and juice.
Over $300: Tribest Slowstar
In the higher price range, I recommend the Tribest Slowstar. It has a large 2 inch feed chute to reduce prep work. The vertical design takes up less counter space. It juices efficiently and is one of the easiest to clean. The 10 year warranty provides peace of mind for years of juicing.
The Bottom Line
Slow juicers require more prep time and have a higher upfront cost than centrifugal options. But their ability to efficiently extract large amounts of high quality, nutritious juice makes them a worthwhile investment for your health. Consider your budget, counter space, and how much prep work you’re willing to take on. For most people who juice daily, a versatile slow juicer can be a game changing addition to your kitchen that encourages you to eat more fruits and veggies.