What kind of juicer is Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer?

Introduction

The Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer is a centrifugal juicer that was marketed by the late American fitness guru Jack LaLanne. LaLanne was one of the first fitness celebrities in the United States, hosting an exercise program on television from the 1950s to the 1980s. In addition to promoting exercise and fitness, LaLanne was an early proponent of juicing and drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices for health.

The Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer was launched in the 1990s and marketed as a high-powered juicer that could quickly extract juice from fruits and vegetables. Centrifugal juicers like the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer grind up produce using sharp blades and then spin it at high speeds to separate the juice from the pulp. This makes centrifugal juicers like the Power Juicer very fast and convenient for juicing. However, they tend to produce a lower juice yield and generate more foam compared to slower masticating and triturating juicers.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer, including its key features, pros and cons, and how it compares to other types of juicers.

Key Features of the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer

Here are some of the main features and specifications of the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer:

– Powerful 3,600 RPM motor extracts juice quickly
– Extra-large round feed chute fits whole fruits and vegetables
– Stainless steel blade and mesh filter basket
– Parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
– Compact design with built-in cord storage
– Includes recipe book by Jack LaLanne
– Weighs about 7 lbs

The Power Juicer has a 3,600 RPM motor that spins the sharp stainless steel blade at high speeds to grind and extract juice. It has an extra-large, round feed chute that is 3 inches wide, which is larger than many other centrifugal juicers. This allows you to insert whole produce like apples and beets without needing to pre-cut them.

The BPA-free plastic components like the pulp collector, juicer cover, and non-slip feet are dishwasher safe. The stainless steel blade, mesh filter basket, and cutter need to be hand washed. The juicer has a compact footprint and includes built-in cord storage for tidy countertops.

Pros of the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer

Here are some of the main benefits of using the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer:

– **Fast juicing** – The powerful 3,600 RPM motor can quickly juice fruits and veggies. You can make a glass of fresh juice in seconds.

– **Large feed chute** – The 3-inch wide feed chute minimizes prep time since you don’t have to chop produce into small pieces before juicing.

– **Easy to use** – With only a few parts, the Power Juicer is simple to assemble, operate, and clean.

– **Dishwasher-safe parts** – The BPA-free plastic components can be quickly washed in the dishwasher.

– **Compact size** – The juicer has a smaller footprint than some other centrifugal models and stores neatly on your countertop.

– **Affordable price** – The Power Juicer is typically priced lower than other commercial centrifugal juicers.

– **Recipes included** – The juicer comes with Jack LaLanne’s recipe book with juice ideas.

For those looking for a fast, simple, and budget-friendly juicer, the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer is a solid choice. The high-RPM motor and large feed chute allow you to juice whole fruits and vegetables quickly.

Cons of the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer

However, there are some downsides to be aware of with the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer:

– **Can be noisy** – The high-speed motor makes this a noisy juicer, producing up to 95 decibels of sound according to some reviews. This makes it less ideal for early morning juicing.

– **Produces wet pulp** – The pulp that remains is fairly wet, meaning the juicer extracts less juice and yields less than some other juicers.

– **Prone to foaming and oxidation** – Juice from centrifugal juicers foams and oxidizes faster since the juices are exposed to air.

– **Not great for leafy greens** – The fast spinning action isn’t as effective for juicing soft, leafy greens like kale and wheatgrass.

– **Short warranty** – The juicer only comes with a 1-year limited warranty, which is less than many comparable juicers.

– **Plastic components** – Some of the parts are made from plastic rather than metal or titanium like some pricier models.

While the Power Juicer is fast and convenient for most fruits and vegetables, it may not be the best choice for green juice fans or those who want the highest juice yields.

Power Juicer vs. Other Jack LaLanne Juicers

Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer was one of several juicer models associated with LaLanne’s brand over the years. Here’s how it compares to some other Jack LaLanne juicers:

– **Jack LaLanne’s PJP Power Juicer Pro** – A newer, updated version with a lower RPM, quieter motor and completely stainless steel design. Improved juice yield and performance for greens. More expensive than the original Power Juicer.

– **Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer Express** – A more compact and lightweight centrifugal juicer with similar performance to the original Power Juicer. Lower price point but still loud.

– **Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer Elite** – Another compact version comparable to the original but with soft grip handles and dishwasher-safe stainless steel parts. Slightly higher price.

The original Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer is a good baseline centrifugal model from this brand. The Pro and Elite versions add some improvements for a higher price, while the Express model offers similar functionality for less.

Power Juicer vs. Other Centrifugal Juicers

The Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer has similar pros and cons as other centrifugal ejection juicers in its price range. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular centrifugal models:

	Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer	Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus	Mueller Austria Juicer Ultra
Type	Centrifugal ejection	Centrifugal ejection	Centrifugal ejection
Motor Power	3,600 RPM	850 watts	1,100 watts
Feed Chute	3 inches round	3 inches round	1.75 inches round
Speed Setting	1 speed	2 speeds	2 speeds
Noise Level	High	High	High
Yield from Produce	Average	Average	Average
Price	$$	$$$	$

As you can see, the Power Juicer is comparable to budget-friendly centrifugal models like the Mueller Austria and more expensive options like the Breville when it comes to key specs and performance. All three can juice most produce quickly but yield average amounts of juice. The Power Juicer falls in the middle price-wise but lacks some extra features like multiple speeds.

Power Juicer vs. Cold Press Juicers

Centrifugal juicers like the Jack LaLanne differ significantly from cold press juicers, also known as masticating and triturating juicers. Here’s how they compare:

**Extraction method** – Centrifugal juicers grind then spin produce, while cold press juicers crush and then press it.

**Speed** – The Power Juicer juices fast at 3,600 RPM. Cold press models are much slower at around 80 RPM.

**Oxidation** – Centrifugal juicers expose juice to heat and air, causing oxidation. Cold press retains nutrients better.

**Noise** – The Power Juicer is very loud. Cold press juicers have quiet motors and run silently.

**Yield** – Up to 30% more juice can be extracted from produce with cold press juicers.

**Cost** – The Power Juicer is an affordable $50-$100. Slow juicers start around $200-$300.

**Performance for greens** – Cold press juicers excel at juicing leafy greens. The Power Juicer does not juice greens well.

In summary, cold press juicers are superior when it comes to juice yield, nutrition retention, and juicing greens. But they come at a higher cost. The Power Juicer is best for budget-conscious buyers who want fast juicing of hard fruits and veggies.

What Types of Produce Does it Juice Best?

The Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer performs best with hard fruits and crunchy vegetables with a high water content. Its high-speed centrifugal grinding is great for produce like:

– Apples
– Carrots
– Beets
– Celery
– Ginger
– Pears
– Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit)
– Pineapple
– Cucumber
– Tomatoes
– Peppers
– Radishes

The Power Juicer can juice leafy greens like kale, spinach, chard, and wheatgrass. But it typically yields less juice from these items compared to a cold press juicer. Soft fruits like berries may get stuck in the mesh filter basket. Overall, it’s better suited for fibrous veggies and firm fruits.

Is the Jack LaLanne Power Juicer Worth It?

The Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer is a reasonably priced centrifugal model that juices most fruits and vegetables quickly and easily. For around $50-$100, it can be a worthwhile starter juicer for someone getting into juicing who wants something fast and don’t mind the noise.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. It can be deafeningly loud, leaves produce pulp on the wet side, and foams and oxidizes juice rapidly. You may get less juice and nutrition than a masticating model. The 1-year warranty is also short.

If you’re willing to spend $150-$300 more, a vertical cold press juicer would be a better investment. Models like the Omega NC900HDC extract more juice, run quietly, and preserve nutrients. But they require more prep time and aren’t quite as fast.

For budget-friendly centrifugal performance, the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer gets the job done. Just be aware of its limitations for maximize juicing results. Weigh your priorities like cost, yield, noise level, and speed to decide if the original Power Juicer is a good match.

Tips for Using the Power Juicer

Here are some pro tips for getting the most out of a Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer:

– Alternate putting hard, fibrous produce and juicy produce through the juicer. Carrots and apples make a good juice pairing.

– Cut larger produce like beets and celery into smaller 1-2 inch chunks before juicing.

– When juicing leafy greens, roll leaves into a tight ball or fold into quarters before pushing through the chute.

– Don’t overpack the juicer – push produce through slowly for highest performance.

– Mix up the order of ingredients for better flavor rather than juicing all of one item at once.

– Drink juice immediately after making for maximum nutrition – juice oxidizes and loses nutrients quickly.

– Store produce intended for juicing properly – wash, dry, and refrigerate for longer shelf life.

– Disassemble and clean the Power Juicer parts promptly after use for easiest cleanup.

Following these tips can help you create healthier, better tasting juices and keep your Power Juicer running efficiently for a long time.

Conclusion

The Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer is a classic centrifugal ejection juicing machine. It juices produce quickly with its high RPM motor and wide feed chute. While it has drawbacks like noise, oxidation, and average juice yields, the Power Juicer still provides good value for a budget juicer for most fruits and vegetables.

Use the Power Juicer’s strengths like speed and affordability for juicing everyday produce like carrots, apples, and citrus. Pair it with smart juicing practices like drinking juice right away and cleaning promptly. While it can’t match cold press juicers for juice quality and yield, the Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer remains a decent introductory model for new juicers.