What are the 4 types of juicers?

Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more nutrients from fruits and vegetables. Drinking fresh juice made at home can provide a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. There are several different types of juicers to choose from, each with pros and cons. The four main types of juicers are centrifugal, masticating, triturating, and citrus juicers.

Centrifugal Juicers

Centrifugal juicers are the most common and affordable type of juicer. These juicers use a fast spinning metal blade to grind fruits and vegetables against a mesh sieve. The centrifugal force separates the juice from the pulp. Here are the key features of centrifugal juicers:

• Fast juicing – Produces juice within seconds.
• Affordable price – Lower priced models available.
• Easy to use – Simple operation with fewer parts to clean.
• Compact size – Takes up less counter space.
• Loud – The high speeds make these the loudest type of juicers.
• Lower juice yield – Due to high speeds, more oxidation occurs which reduces shelf life.
• Not ideal for leafy greens – The spinning blades do not effectively extract juice from greens.

Centrifugal juicers are quick and convenient for making fruit or vegetable juice. The high speeds extract juice rapidly but also introduce more air and cause more oxidation. If you plan to drink juice immediately, a centrifugal model may be a good option. But for maximum nutrient retention, other types of juicers are recommended.

Centrifugal Juicer Pros	Centrifugal Juicer Cons
Fast juicing speed	Louder operation
Budget-friendly prices	Lower juice yields
Compact size	More foam and oxidation
Easy to use and clean	Not great for juicing greens

Masticating Juicers

Masticating juicers, also called slow or cold press juicers, crush fruits and vegetables into a pulp using a slow rotating auger. They operate at much lower speeds than centrifugal models, usually around 80-100 RPM. The slower speeds minimize heat buildup and oxidation, preserving more nutrients and enzymes. Here are the key attributes of masticating juicers:

• Quiet operation – The slow crushing makes little noise.
• Higher juice yield – Up to 20% more juice extracted from produce.
• Minimal oxidation – Juice can be stored for up to 72 hours.
• Versatile – Can make nut butters, baby food, sorbets, and more.
• Greater efficiency with greens – Easily juices tough greens like kale and wheatgrass.
• Higher price points – Cost more than centrifugal models.
• Slower juicing – Takes longer to make a cup of juice.
• More parts – Increased assembly and cleaning required.

For maximum nutritional quality, masticating juicers are an excellent choice. The slower speeds yield more juice with less foaming and oxidation. Juice tapped from a masticating juicer can be stored for up to 3 days in the fridge with minimal degradation. The versatility is another bonus, as many models can be used to make nut butters, baby food, sorbets and more.

Masticating Juicer Pros	Masticating Juicer Cons
Quiet operation	Higher price points
Minimal oxidation	Slower juicing speed
Higher juice yields	More parts to clean
Juices leafy greens well

Triturating Juicers

Triturating juicers, sometimes called twin gear juicers, are the top of the line when it comes to juice extraction. They have two interlocking gears that squeeze produce to yield the maximum amount of juice. Triturating juicers operate at the slowest speeds, around 40-80 RPM. Let’s look at the key benefits of this elite juicing method:

• Very quiet operation due to low speeds.
• Maximum juice yield – Up to 50% more than centrifugal juicers.
• Minimal oxidation – Juice can be stored for up to 72 hours.
• Most versatile – Can make nut butters, baby food, pasta, and more.
• Best for greens – Twin gears maximize juice from tough greens.
• Higher price range – The most expensive juicer type.
• Slow juicing time – Producing a cup of juice is time intensive.
• Most parts to clean – Increased assembly and cleaning time.

For juicing enthusiasts wanting the absolute best performance, triturating juicers are the gold standard. The twin gears extract the most juice possible with minimal oxidation. Their versatility also allows food processing beyond just juices. The trade-offs are the high price tags and greater time needed for juicing and cleanup.

Triturating Juicer Pros	Triturating Juicer Cons
Maximum juice yield	Most expensive type
Minimal oxidation	Slowest juicing time
Best for leafy greens	Most parts to clean
Very quiet operation

Citrus Juicers

Citrus juicers, also called orange juicers or lemon squeezers, are specially designed for juicing citrus fruits. There are manual and electric options available. Let’s overview the key highlights of citrus juicers:

• Specialize in citrus fruits – Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, etc.
• Manual and electric models – Allows choice of manual effort or motorized.
• Durable metal or plastic construction – Withstands frequent juicing.
• Cone shaped juicing press – Maximizes amount of juice extracted.
• Adjustable pulp control -Filters pulp amount as desired.
• Compact size – Small countertop footprint.
• Lower cost – Affordable manual and electric models available.
• Limited to citrus – Not versatile for other produce.
• Manual press requires effort – Electric models minimize squeezing effort.

Citrus juicers provide fast and efficient juice extraction from all types of citrus fruit. Both manual and electric options are relatively affordable. The simplistic operation and small size make citrus juicers easy to use and store. Just note the limitations that these juicers have when it comes to more versatile juicing.

Citrus Juicer Pros	Citrus Juicer Cons
Optimized for citrus	Limited to citrus fruits
Durable construction	Manual press requires effort
Affordable pricing
Compact size

How to Choose the Best Juicer

With the variety of juicers available, it can be difficult to decide which type is right for your needs. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a juicer:

• Types of produce – If juicing mostly fruit, a centrifugal juicer may suffice. For greens or wheatgrass, a masticating or triturating model is better.
• Frequency of use – Frequent juicers will benefit from a masticating or triturating juicer. Occasional juicers may be fine with a centrifugal model.
• Juice storage – Maximum shelf life comes from masticating and triturating juicers. Only make what you’ll consume if using a centrifugal model.
• Juicing speed – Centrifugal models are fastest if you’re short on time. Masticating/triturating are slower but preserve nutrients.
• Budget – Centrifugal and citrus juicers are most affordable. Masticating is mid-range. Triturating is premium priced.
• Noise level – Centrifugal juicers are the loudest. Masticating and Triturating are quieter.
• Versatility – Masticating and triturating juicers allow making nut milks, baby food, etc. Centrifugal function is limited to juice.

Consider what features are most important to you. Centrifugal models tend to be the most affordable and convenient for occasional juicing. Masticating juicers offer versatile functionality for frequent juicers focused on nutrient preservation. And triturating juicers deliver maximum juice yields and versatility for devoted juicing enthusiasts.

Top Juicer Recommendations

Based on the above overviews, here are some top picks in each juicer category:

Centrifugal

• Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus
• Mueller Austria Juicer
• Aicook Juicer

Masticating

• Omega J8006 Nutrition Center
• SKG Wide Chute Anti-Oxidation Slow Masticating Juicer
• Aicook Slow Masticating Juicer

Triturating

• Super Angel Pro Stainless Steel Juicer
• Tribest GSE-5000 Greenstar Elite Cold Press Complete Masticating Juicer
• Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer Elite C7000S

Citrus

• Eurolux Electric Citrus Juicer
• Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer
• Manual Citrus Press by Zulay

Do your research to select the juicer best matched to your budget, lifestyle, and juicing needs. All types of juicers can help you start experiencing the many benefits of juicing.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Juicer

Here are some tips to maximize juicing performance and yield:

• Always wash produce thoroughly before juicing.
• Cut produce into smaller pieces to fit feed chute size.
• Alternate soft and hard produce for most efficient juicing.
• Drink juice immediately or store in airtight container in fridge up to 72 hours.
• Rinse juicer parts immediately after juicing to prevent drying/residues.
• Disassemble and soak juicer parts if pulp gets stuck.
• Brush mesh sieve/basket with soft brush to clear tiny holes.
• Freeze excess juice in ice cube trays for convenient use later.
• Save pulp for adding to smoothies, soups, baked goods.
• Consult manual for recommended maximum juicing times before resetting.

Following these best practices will help keep your juicer running optimally and allow you to enjoy fresh, delicious juice for years to come.

Conclusion

Juicing is an easy way to integrate more fruits and vegetables into your diet for better health. The four main types of juicers each have unique features to consider. Centrifugal juicers provide speed and affordability. Masticating juicers offer versatility and minimal oxidation. Triturating juicers are the ultimate for juice yield and efficiency. And citrus juicers specialize in citrus fruits. Choose the juicing method best matched to your budget, lifestyle, and nutritional priorities. With a little planning you’ll be ready to experience the many benefits of creating your own nutritious, delicious juices.