Juicing has become an increasingly popular way for people to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables. With fancy cold-pressed juices available at juice bars and markets, many wonder if it’s worth investing in a juicer and making their own juices at home.
Pros of Juicing at Home
There are several potential advantages to making your own juices at home:
- Cost savings – Store-bought juices can be expensive, with prices ranging from $5-12 per bottle. Making your own juices at home can provide big savings over time.
- Control ingredients – When you make the juice yourself, you control exactly what goes into it. You can tailor juices to your own nutritional needs and preferences.
- Convenience – Having an at-home juicer allows you to make fresh juices whenever you want. You don’t have to plan ahead or make a trip to the store.
- Higher nutrient content – Freshly made juices contain more nutrients than bottled juices which sit on shelves for extended periods. The quicker you drink juice after making it, the more nutrients it retains.
- More variety – It’s easy to mix up juice recipes at home and try different combinations. Store-bought juices can offer limited flavors.
- Better taste – For juice aficionados, homemade juices simply taste better. You can customize flavors and find the perfect balance for your palate.
Cons of Juicing at Home
However, there are also some downsides to consider with making your own juices:
- Upfront cost of a juicer – Juicers vary widely in price, but expect to spend $100-400+ for a quality model that will last. This is an additional appliance taking up space in your kitchen.
- Time investment – Prepping ingredients, juicing, and clean-up takes time. You need to allot 15-30 minutes to make a juice.
- Produce cost – Buying fruits and veggies specifically for juicing can get expensive, especially out of season items.
- Food waste – Juicing extracts liquid and discards fiber. You may waste peelings, tops, cores and pulp.
- Not long lasting – Fresh juices oxidize and lose nutrients rapidly. They need to be consumed soon after making them.
- Taste/texture – Some find green veggie juices unpalatable. Juices also lack the fiber and chewing satisfaction of whole produce.
Important Factors in the Juicer Decision
If you’re thinking about buying a juicer for your home, here are some key considerations:
Type of Juicer
There are three main types of juicers to choose from:
- Centrifugal juicers – The most common and affordable option. Produce is shredded and spun to separate juice from pulp. Fast but loud.
- Masticating juicers – Use an auger to crush and press out juice. Slower but quieter with higher juice yield.
- Triturating juicers – Dual augers provide very high-quality juice. Most expensive type.
Frequency of Use
How often do you plan to use your juicer? If juicing daily, invest in a higher-end model. For occasional use, a basic centrifugal juicer may suffice.
Type of Produce
Some models handle leafy greens and wheatgrass better than others. Check specifications if juicing a lot of greens.
Ease of Use
Look for models with parts that are simple to assemble, use, and clean. Dishwasher-safe components are a bonus.
Noise Level
Centrifugal juicers can be very loud. If noise is an issue, choose a quieter masticating model.
Special Features
Some juicers have handy extras like multiple speed settings, large chutes to reduce prep work, or storage capabilities. Decide if any features are must-haves.
Budget
Juicer prices range from $50 to over $400. Set a max budget and look for best value at that price point.
Top Juicer Recommendations Under $100
You can get a decent juicer without breaking the bank. Here are top-rated options under $100:
| Juicer | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mueller Austria Juicer | Centrifugal | 850 watt motor, dual speed options, large 3″ feed chute, dishwasher-safe parts |
| Hamilton Beach Juicer Machine | Centrifugal | 800 watt motor, 3″ feed chute, dishwasher-safe parts, BPA-free |
| Aicook Slow Masticating Juicer | Masticating | 150 watt motor, quiet operation, reverse function, juice and pulp separation |
Top Juicer Recommendations Under $200
In the $100-200 range, you’ll find juicers with more power, features and versatility. Here are top options:
| Juicer | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain | Centrifugal | 850 watt dual-speed motor, 3″ wide chute, stainless steel cutter and micromesh filter |
| Cuisinart CSJ-300 Juicer | Centrifugal | 1000 watt motor, 3″ feed tube, adjustable flow spout, cleaning brush included |
| Omega J8006 Masticating Juicer | Masticating | 110 RPM motor, dual-stage juicing, continuous juicing |
Making the Most Out of Your Home Juicing
Once you have a juicer, you’ll want to follow some best practices to get the most from it:
- Wash and prep produce well – Remove any peel, seeds, cores as needed.
- Mix up ingredient combinations – Blend fruits/veg, leafy greens, etc for balanced nutrition.
- Juice produce soon after purchase – For maximum freshness and nutrients.
- Drink juice immediately – To reduce oxidation and nutrient loss.
- Store juice properly – In airtight container in the fridge up to 72 hours.
- Rinse juicer parts right away – Makes clean-up much easier.
- Experiment with recipes – Find flavor combos you enjoy and get creative!
Are the Costs Worth It?
If you juice frequently, an at-home juicer can definitely provide value over time through considerable cost savings. The upfront investment pays off if you stick with a juicing habit. Even occasional juicing can be worth it for the convenience and customization. Overall, buying a juicer makes sense if you will use it regularly and are committed to juicing for health. Try a more affordable model to start, and see if a pricier upgrade is warranted once you know your needs.
With some planning and the right juicer, it is absolutely possible to make nutritious, delicious juices at home. Arm yourself with knowledge about the pros, cons and different types of juicers. Consider your budget and needs. And don’t be afraid to experiment with juicing techniques and recipes to find your perfect glass of juice!
