What are the disadvantages of masticating juicer?

Masticating juicers, also known as slow or cold-press juicers, have become increasingly popular in recent years. As the name suggests, these juicers slowly “chew” up fruits and vegetables to extract juice. This gentler extracting method is touted to produce juice with more nutrients compared to fast juicers. However, masticating juicers also have some drawbacks that should be considered before purchasing one.

Slow Juicing Speed

The biggest downside of masticating juicers is their slow juicing speed. The auger (gear) inside these juicers rotates at around 80-100 RPM, squeezing juice out of produce slowly but surely. This contrasts with centrifugal juicers which can spin between 1,000 to 15,000 RPM.

While the slow speed preserves nutrients and enzymes, it means masticating juicers can take several minutes to juice fruits and veggies. Juicing a pound of produce may take 5-10 minutes. For those short on time or juicing large batches, this could be an annoyance.

Higher Price

In general, masticating juicers cost more than centrifugal models of similar quality. Prices range from $200 for budget models to over $400 for high-end brands. The low RPM auger is more complex to manufacture than a centrifugal juicer’s fast spinning metal basket. The slow juicing process also requires a more powerful motor and sturdy body.

For example, a budget centrifugal juicer may cost $50 while an entry-level masticating juicer starts around $200. The price difference narrows for higher quality models but masticating juicers still tend to cost more. This makes them a considerable investment for some buyers.

Not Ideal for All Produce

While masticating juicers excel at juicing most produce like leafy greens, fruits and vegetables, they are not as suited for juicing herbs and wheatgrass. The auger’s slower speed and crushing force tends to get clogged more easily by these finer produce types. Centrifugal juicers, on the other hand, can juice light greens like wheatgrass more efficiently.

Masticating juicers also yield lower juice amounts from soft fruits like grapes, berries and melons compared to centrifugal models. Their gentler squeeze is not as productive for juicing produce with high water content. So those looking to juice mainly soft fruits may be better off with a centrifugal juicer.

Takes Up More Counter Space

Most masticating juicers have a horizontal design with a front-facing chute. This gives them a larger footprint and they take up more counter real estate compared to the compact vertical shape of centrifugal juicers. For small kitchens, masticating juicers can be less convenient to store.

Exact dimensions vary by model but expect most masticating juicers to have at least a 7 to 9 inch width and 14 to 18 inch depth. Make sure to measure your counter space first before buying one of these juicers.

More Cleaning Required

The components of masticating juicers usually require more cleaning than centrifugal models. The auger, strainer and juice nozzle have small gaps and crevices which juice residue and pulp can stick to. Proper scrubbing is needed to clean them.

In comparison, centrifugal juicers often just need a quick rinse of their basket and cup. For those short on time, the extra cleaning of masticating juicers may be an annoyance.

However, some brands have improved their juicers to be easier to clean. Features like dishwasher safe parts, brushes and reverse operation help speed up the cleaning process.

Prone to Clogging and Jamming

The snail-like auger inside masticating juicers is prone to clogging compared to centrifugal models, especially when juicing fibrous produce like celery stalks. Too much pulp can build up and jam the auger, bringing the juicing to a halt.

This tends to happen more often when trying to juice large chunks produce. Proper vegetable prep by cutting produce into smaller pieces can help prevent excessive clogging. But for those juicing whole fruits or veggies, constant clogging can be annoying.

Oxidation When Juice sits in Collection Cup

Masticating juicers gently “squeeze” juice out of produce with minimal heat buildup and oxidation. But oxidation can still occur when the extracted juice sits in the collection cup before drinking. Leaving the juice out for too long allows air contact and vitamin degradation.

Some masticating juicers come with non-transparent, opaque collection cups to limit light exposure. But for maximum nutrition, the juice is best consumed immediately rather than left sitting in the juicer cup. This requires having your glass ready before juicing.

Conclusion

Masticating juicers certainly have their advantages when it comes to juicing leafy greens, fruits and vegetables. They yield more juice and nutrients compared to centrifugal models. However, the disadvantages of slow juicing speed, high costs, extra cleaning, proneness to clogging and oxidation are worth considering before making a purchase.

For those that juice produce types like wheatgrass, herbs and soft fruits, a centrifugal juicer may actually be a better choice despite lower juice quality. Casual juicers that want a fast and convenient juicing experience are also better suited with centrifugal models.

Ultimately, the type of juicer that’s best for you depends on your budget, counter space, juicing needs and prep habits. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of masticating juicers to determine if their higher juice quality outweighs the longer juicing time and higher costs compared to buying a centrifugal model.