What machine to use for juicing?
Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more nutrients into your diet. Drinking fresh, raw juice made from fruits and vegetables provides a concentrated dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. With the right juicer, you can easily make delicious, nutritious juices at home.
Types of Juicers
There are several different types of juicers to choose from. The main types are centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers, triturating juicers, and citrus juicers.
Centrifugal Juicers
Centrifugal juicers are the most common and affordable option for making juice at home. They use a fast spinning blade to grind fruits and vegetables, then spin the juice away from the pulp at high speeds.
Pros:
- Fast – can make juice in seconds
- Affordable – lower priced models available
- Easy to use and clean
Cons:
- Louder operation
- Produces lower juice yields
- Oxidizes juice faster
Best for: Fast juicing, leafy greens, soft fruits
Masticating Juicers
Masticating or “cold press” juicers crush fruits and vegetables into juice slowly using an auger. They operate at lower speeds and do not produce heat which helps preserve nutrients.
Pros:
- Quiet operation
- Higher juice yields
- Minimal oxidation
Cons:
- Slower
- Higher price points
- Trickier to clean
Best for: High yields, greens, hard produce
Triturating Juicers
Triturating juicers, sometimes called twin gear juicers, use two gears to press and grind produce. They run at very low speeds and maintain nutrients extremely well.
Pros:
- Highest juice yields
- Minimal oxidation
- Versatile for greens, fruits, etc
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Slow juicing
- Tricky to use and clean
Best for: Maximum extraction and nutrient preservation
Citrus Juicers
Citrus juicers, as the name suggests, are designed specifically for juicing citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes. There are manual and electric options.
Pros:
- Specialized for citrus fruits
- Extracts more juice from rinds
- Manual models are inexpensive
Cons:
- Only useful for citrus
- Manual pressing can be tiring
- Electric models can be pricey
Best for: Juicing high volumes of citrus
Important Features to Consider
When selecting a juicer, there are some key features to keep in mind depending on your needs:
Juicing Disc
The juicing disk should be made of sturdy stainless steel and have a strong, durable blade. Look for disks with a titanium coating for maximum longevity.
Feed Chute Size
A wider feed chute means less pre-chopping of produce. However, smaller chutes tend to be more efficient at extracting juice.
Pulp Ejection
Choose a juicer with external pulp ejection if continuous juicing is a priority. Internal pulp bins need to be emptied more frequently.
Speeds
Centrifugal models have one high speed. Masticating juicers should have at least two speeds for soft and hard produce.
Wattage
Higher wattage yields more power for improved performance, especially on hard fruits and vegetables.
Noise Level
Centrifugal juicers can be loud. Look for a model with 70 decibels or less if noise is a concern.
Safety Mechanisms
Locking mechanisms and overload protection prevent operation when juicer is improperly assembled.
Warranty
Look for at least a 1 year warranty. Longer warranties (5-10 years) are ideal for motor and parts.
The Best Juicers for Every Purpose
With so many models on the market, deciding on a juicer can be tough. Here are top recommendations based on your juicing needs:
| Type | Best For | Model |
|---|---|---|
| Centrifugal | Beginners | Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus |
| Masticating | Versatility | Omega NC800HDS Juicer |
| Triturating | Power & Performance | Super Angel DELUXE |
| Citrus | Citrus-Lovers | Eurolux Electric Citrus Juicer |
Best for Beginners: Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus
With its reasonable price point, wide feed chute, and easy operation, the Breville Juice Fountain Plus is ideal for novice juicers. It extracts juice quickly with its 850 watt dual speed motor.
Best for Versatility: Omega NC800HDS Juicer
The Omega masticating juicer efficiently processes leafy greens, hard produce, fruits and more. Its slow 80 RPM speed protects nutrients. The juice tap makes serving a breeze.
Best for Power and Performance: Super Angel DELUXE
Top-of-the-line Super Angel juicers feature twin gear impellers that turn at just 82 RPM. This cold press process preserves vitamins and enzymes exceptionally well.
Best for Citrus Lovers: Eurolux Electric Citrus Juicer
With its 160 watt motor and auto-reversing reamer, this Eurolux model makes quick work of oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and more. The adjustable pulp control is ideal for customizing juice texture.
The Bottom Line
Finding the best juicer depends largely on your budget, juicing frequency, and what you plan to juice most. Centrifugal models are affordable, fast and easy for beginners. Masticating and triturating juicers are ideal for maximizing nutrients and juice yields from leafy greens and hard vegetables. And citrus juicers are specially designed for juicing large quantities of citrus fruits. Consider the pros and cons of each type and choose the right juicer to match your lifestyle and juicing preferences.