Juicing has become an increasingly popular way for health-conscious people to get more fruits and vegetables into their diets. Juicers and juice extractors are both appliances that are used to make fresh juice from produce. But what exactly is the difference between a juicer and a juice extractor? And which one is better suited for your juicing needs?
What is a Juicer?
A juicer is an appliance that extracts juice from fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. It separates the juice from the pulp through centrifugal force or masticating “chewing” and squeezing. There are three main types of juicers:
- Centrifugal juicers
- Masticating juicers
- Triturating juicers
Centrifugal Juicers
Centrifugal juicers grind up produce using sharp blades spinning at high speeds. The fast spinning separates the juice from the pulp via centrifugal force. These types of juicers tend to be more affordable options. The high speeds allow for quick juicing, but can introduce air into the juice which causes oxidation and reduces shelf life. Centrifugal juicers work best for juicing hard fruits and veggies like apples, beets, and carrots.
Masticating Juicers
Masticating juicers, also known as cold press or slow juicers, crush and press produce to extract the juice. They operate at slower speeds than centrifugal models. This allows them to minimize oxidation and retain more nutrients. Masticating juicers work well for juicing leafy greens like kale and spinach, in addition to hard produce. The juice produced can be stored for longer.
Triturating Juicers
Triturating juicers, also known as twin gear juicers, have two interlocking gears that rotate and press produce between them. This fully crushes the produce to yield juice with minimal oxidation. Triturating juicers are the top of the line and work for juicing leafy greens as well as hard vegetables and fruits. The juice can be stored for up to 72 hours.
What is a Juice Extractor?
A juice extractor is a type of appliance that extracts juice from fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. The main types of juice extractors are:
- Centrifugal juice extractors
- Masticating juice extractors
- Citrus juice extractors
Centrifugal Juice Extractors
Centrifugal juice extractors work very similarly to centrifugal juicers. They spin produce at high speeds to separate juice from pulp via centrifugal force. They tend to be more compact and affordable but can introduce more air into the juice. Centrifugal juice extractors work best for harder fruits and veggies.
Masticating Juice Extractors
Like masticating juicers, masticating juice extractors crush and press produce to extract juice. They operate at slower speeds which yields a higher juice quality with less oxidation. Masticating juice extractors are great for juicing leafy greens as well as hard fruits and veggies. The juice can be stored for longer.
Citrus Juice Extractors
Citrus juice extractors, also called orange juicers or lemon squeezers, are designed specifically for juicing citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. There are manual and electric options. Manual citrus juicers require some elbow grease while electric models simplify the juicing process.
Juicer vs. Juice Extractor: What’s the Difference?
So what exactly is the difference between a juicer and a juice extractor? The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are a few key distinctions:
- Juicers separate juice from pulp using centrifugal force or pressure from gears/augers.
- Juice extractors separate juice from pulp only using centrifugal force at very high speeds.
- Juicers tend to operate at slower speeds than juice extractors.
- Some juicers like triturating and cold press juicers use crushing/pressing and have no cutting blades.
- Juice extractors always utilize high speed spinning blades to cut produce.
- Juicers retain more nutrients compared to juice extractors.
- Juice extractors tend to be more affordable and compact.
In summary, juice extractors utilize only centrifugal force from a fast spinning blade to separate juice. Juicers can use centrifugal force but also crushing gears and pressing to extract juice more slowly. In general, juicers yield a higher quality, more nutrient-rich juice, while juice extractors provide a more affordable and faster juicing option.
Juicer vs. Juice Extractor Comparison
Here is a breakdown comparing the different attributes between juicers and juice extractors:
| Attribute | Juicers | Juice Extractors |
|---|---|---|
| Juicing Mechanism | Centrifugal force, masticating/crushing, pressing | Only centrifugal force |
| Speed | Slow or moderate speed | Very high speed |
| Oxidation | Minimal oxidation | More oxidation |
| Nutrient Retention | Better nutrient retention | Some nutrient loss |
| Best for Produce | All produce | Mostly hard fruits/veggies |
| Price | Expensive, $100-$400+ | More affordable, $50-$150 |
| Juicing Speed | Slow | Very fast |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Juicer vs. Juice Extractor
Here are some key factors to consider when deciding between a juicer or juice extractor for your needs:
Types of Produce
Consider the types of fruits, vegetables, and greens you want to juice. Juice extractors work best for harder produce like carrots, apples, and beets. Juicers can juice leafy greens like spinach and kale more effectively.
Speed
Juice extractors are very fast while juicers operate at slower speeds. Choose a juice extractor if you want quicker juicing. Opt for a juicer if you want minimal oxidation.
Juice Quality
Juicers retain more nutrients and introduce less air into juice than extractors. For highest quality, freshness, and nutritional value, juicers are the better choice.
Budget
Juice extractors tend to be more wallet-friendly, typically ranging from $50-$150. Juicers start around $100 and go up to $400+ for high end models.
Frequency of Use
If you plan to juice once in awhile, a juice extractor may suffice. For frequent juicing, invest in a higher quality juicer.
Noise Level
Juice extractors operate at very high speeds so they can be quite noisy. Juicers have lower noise levels.
Clean up
Juice extractors are typically easier to clean with fewer parts. Some juicers have more detailed assembly and cleaning needed.
Top Juicers and Juice Extractors
Based on juicer vs. juice extractor comparisons, here are some top rated models in each category:
Best Juicers
- Tribest Slowstar – Vertical masticating juicer good for leafy greens.
- Omega NC800 – Horizontal masticating juicer great for hard produce and wheatgrass.
- Super Angel Juicer – Top of the line twin gear triturating juicer.
- Hurom H-AA – Vertical slow juicer excellent for greens and soft fruit.
- Breville Juice Fountain Cold – Affordable centrifugal juicer with cold spin technology.
Best Juice Extractors
- Breville 800JEXL – Fast centrifugal extractor with 1000-watt motor.
- Mueller Austria Juicer – Affordable centrifugal model with stainless steel blades.
- Hamilton Beach Juicer – Budget friendly centrifugal juice extractor.
- Omega J8006HDS – Masticating extractor works well for greens and soft fruit.
- Cuisinart Citrus Juicer – Electric citrus juice extractor.
Conclusion
When it comes to juicers vs. juice extractors, juicers generally retain more nutrients and offer higher juice quality since they operate at slower speeds and use crushing/pressing. Juice extractors provide quicker juicing times and are more compact and affordable, but yield a slightly lower juice quality.
Factors like your budget, types of produce, juice preferences, and frequency of use should all be taken into account when deciding between a juicer or juice extractor. Juicers are ideal for juicing greens, soft fruits, wheatgrass, and getting maximum nutrition. Juice extractors are great for hard fruits and veggies if you want faster juicing on a budget.
Both juicers and juice extractors can help you boost your fruit and vegetable intake and harness the wellness benefits of fresh juice. Determine your needs and preferences to choose the best juicing appliance to add to your kitchen.
