Is the Mueller juicer a masticating juicer?

Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from fruits and vegetables. With different types of juicers on the market, it can be tricky to determine which is best for your needs. Two of the main types of juicers are masticating and centrifugal. In this article, we’ll look at whether the Mueller juicer is a masticating juicer and how it compares to centrifugal juicers.

What is a Masticating Juicer?

A masticating juicer, also known as a cold press or slow juicer, works by slowly crushing and pressing fruits and vegetables to extract juice. It uses a single auger (screw) to grind and press produce against a screen. This slow, grinding process mimics how we chew food with our teeth. The slower speed allows more time for the cell walls in the produce to break down and release their nutrients and juice.

Some key features of masticating juicers include:

• Slow speeds of around 80 RPM
• Powerful motors
• Auger crushing and pressing system
• Tight tolerances
• Single auger design
• Ability to juice leafy greens, soft fruits, hard produce, and wheatgrass
• Minimal oxidation and foaming
• High juice yields
• Dry pulp

The slow speed of masticating juicers results in minimal heat buildup and oxidation, preserving more nutrients and enzymes. Their versatility allows juicing of all produce types. The auger design also produces very dry pulp, meaning you get the maximum amount of juice extracted.

What is a Centrifugal Juicer?

A centrifugal juicer uses a fast spinning metal blade to grind produce against a mesh basket. The centrifugal force from the high speed separates the juice from the pulp. Juice spins through holes in the basket while pulp stays inside until ejected. Centrifugal juicers operate at speeds from 3,000 to 16,000 RPM.

Some features of centrifugal juicers include:

• High speeds of 3,000 to 16,000 RPM
• Spinning metal blade
• Strainer basket
• Centrifugal force for juice extraction
• Better for juicing hard produce
• Fast juice output
• Pulp not as dry
• Produces foam and froth
• Juice oxidizes quickly

The fast spinning action produces juice very quickly but also introduces more oxygen. This results in some foaming and froth in the juice. The juice from centrifugal juicers must be consumed right away before oxidation can diminish nutrients. Centrifugal models also yield slightly less juice and wetter pulp.

Is the Mueller Juicer a Masticating or Centrifugal Model?

The Mueller Austria Juicer is a centrifugal ejection style juicer. It operates at a high speed of 18,000 RPM using a 3” diameter stainless steel cutting disc and Italian-made micro mesh filter basket. This allows it to work well for juicing hard fruits and veggies but makes it unsuitable for juicing leafy greens.

Here are some key features that identify the Mueller juicer as a centrifugal model:

• 18,000 RPM operation speed
• 3 inch stainless steel cutting disc
• Centrifugal force extraction
• Mesh filter basket
• High juice output up to 34 oz per minute
• Large feed chute fits whole produce
• Not recommended for juicing leafy greens

With a spinning metal blade, high RPM motor, and strainer basket, the Mueller juicer does not use a masticating auger or cold press system. Its high speed is better suited for harder fruits and vegetables. The manufacturer itself describes the Mueller juicer as an “ultra fast centrifugal juicing machine.”

Mueller vs Masticating Juicers

Now that we’ve established the Mueller as a centrifugal juicer, how does it compare to masticating juicers? Here are some key differences between the two types:

Mueller Centrifugal Juicer	Masticating Juicer
18,000 RPM operation speed	80 RPM operation speed
Centrifugal force extraction	Auger crushing/pressing extraction
Juices at up to 34 oz per minute	Slower juice output around 1-2 oz per minute
Large 3” feed chute	Small 1-2” feed chutes
Not good for juicing leafy greens	Excels at juicing leafy greens
Some foam and froth in juice	Minimal oxidation and foam
Juice oxidizes quicker	Juice remains fresher longer
Pulp is more wet	Squeezes out dryer pulp
Better with hard produce	Works for all produce types
Affordable price points	Higher priced models

As shown in the comparison, masticating and centrifugal juicers differ significantly in their speed, extraction method, performance with various produce, juice yield and oxidation levels. Masticating juicers excel at juicing leafy greens and yield more juice with less oxidation. But they come at a higher cost. Centrifugal models like the Mueller juicer provide fast juice output at lower prices but are not as versatile for soft or leafy greens.

Mueller Juicer Features and Performance

Understanding the Mueller is a centrifugal model, let’s look more at its particular features and real world performance for juicing:

• 18,000 RPM motor: Provides fast grinding and juice extraction speed.
• 3” Cutting Disc: Made from stainless steel for durability when juicing hard produce.
• Extra Large Feed Chute: Accommodates whole apples and other large fruits and veggies with minimal prep.
• Micro Mesh Filter: Stainless steel strainer basket filters pulp while juicing.
• Anti-drip Design: Juice spout helps prevent dripping and messes.
• Overload Protection: Motor stops if overheated to prevent damage.
• BPA-free Materials: Food grade plastic components won’t leach chemicals.
• Yields 24 oz in 10 seconds: Provides fast juicing compared to masticating models.
• Easy to Clean: Components rinse clean under water.

In real world use, the Mueller centrifugal juicer lives up to its fast juicing abilities. It can power through large pieces of hard fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and beets effortlessly. The large feed chute and stainless steel blade make prep and juicing efficient. It juices wheatgrass reasonably well but struggles some with leafy greens that can get stuck. Soft fruits and veggies may need a little push to fully juice.

There is some frothing and foam from the high speed but overall juice tastes fresh when consumed right away. Juice left sitting will show signs of oxidation quickly. The Mueller is easy to take apart, rinse and reassemble. Overall, it provides good centrifugal juicer performance for the price.

Is the Mueller Juicer Right for You?

Should you choose the Mueller centrifugal or a masticating juicer? Here are some factors to consider:

• Types of produce: If juicing mostly leafy greens and soft fruits, a masticating juicer handles these best. For primarily hard produce, the Mueller centrifugal works well.
• Juice Yield: Masticating models extract more juice from produce with drier pulp.
• Juicing Speed: The Mueller juices faster than masticating models.
• Oxidation: Masticating juicers produce freshest, least oxidized juice that stores longer.
• Prep time: The Mueller’s large chute means less prep time.
• Versatility: Masticating juicers handle all produce. Mueller won’t juice greens efficiently.
• Noise: The Mueller operates louder than a masticating juicer.
• Price: The Mueller costs much less than most masticating juicers.

The Mueller Austria Juicer is a good option if you plan to juice primarily fruits and hard vegetables, want fast juicing at lower cost, and don’t mind some noise. For juicing greens, soft produce, and maximum yield, a masticating juicer like those from Omega, Tribest, or Kuvings are a better choice albeit at a higher price.

Conclusion

When choosing a juicer, it’s important to understand the difference between major types like masticating and centrifugal. This allows you to select the best juicer for your needs and produce preferences. While the Mueller Austria Juicer is very popular for its affordability and fast juice output, it is a centrifugal model and not a masticating juicer.

The high speed centrifugal design of the Mueller makes it great for hard fruits and veggies. But it struggles with leafy greens and produces some oxidation. Masticating juicers excel at juicing all produce types and yield more juice with less foaming. In the end, consider your own juicing needs and priorities to choose the best juicer for your lifestyle.