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Which is better masticating or centrifugal juicer?

Juicing has become an increasingly popular way to get more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Freshly extracted juices retain most of the vitamins, minerals and plant nutrients that are often lost through traditional processing and cooking. There are two main types of juicers to choose from – masticating and centrifugal. But which type of juicer is better?

How Do Masticating and Centrifugal Juicers Work?

Masticating juicers (also known as cold press or slow juicers) work by slowly crushing and pressing fruits and vegetables to extract juice. They operate at lower speeds, usually around 80-100 RPM. The slow crushing motion helps retain nutrients and reduces oxidation. Masticating juicers can easily juice leafy greens like kale, spinach and wheatgrass. They also tend to yield a higher amount of juice from produce.

Centrifugal juicers work by spinning produce at very high speeds to separate the juice from the pulp. Spinning at 3,000 to 15,000 RPM, centrifugal machines are much faster than masticating types. But the high speed also introduces air into the juice, causing oxidation. Centrifugal models also don’t handle leafy greens as well. However, they take up less counter space and are typically more affordable.

Juice Yield and Nutrient Retention

One of the biggest differences between these two types of juicers is the amount of juice they yield from fresh produce. Masticating juicers are generally more efficient, resulting in a higher juice yield, especially for greens like kale and spinach. The slow crushing process is thorough at breaking down fibers and cells walls to release juice.

In comparison, the high speeds of centrifugal machines can’t break down tougher produce as effectively. The fast spinning results in a wet pulp that still contains a lot of juice within the fibers. You may need to run produce through several times to get high yields.

The slower speed and crushing action of masticating juicers also does a better job of retaining nutrients like vitamins, minerals and enzymes from being destroyed by heat and air exposure. Centrifugal juicers introduce air into juice, which can degrade nutrients through oxidation. So masticating models result in fresher, more nutrient-dense juice.

Ease of Use

Centrifugal juicers are generally considered easier to use, assemble and clean than masticating types. Their vertical, compact design takes up minimal counter space. And there are typically only a few parts to disassemble and wash after juicing.

Masticating juicers have a horizontal design requiring more space. And they have several parts that require disassembly before cleaning. Some users may find this more difficult and time-consuming. However, some masticating models have simplified the process with fewer parts.

When it comes to juicing prep, you’ll need to chop produce into smaller pieces to fit into a centrifugal machine’s narrow feeding tube. Masticating juicers have larger feeding tubes accommodating whole fruits and vegetables. This saves time spent chopping produce.

Juicing Speed

Centrifugal juicers are extremely fast, most juicing in just seconds. Their high RPM motors can blast through pounds of produce in minutes. This makes them a good choice if you need to make juice quickly.

Masticating juicers have much slower juicing times, usually taking 1-2 minutes to juice an apple. They require some patience compared to centrifugal models. However, the increase in juice yield and nutrient quality is worth the slower juice extraction. And some vertical masticating juicers have increased motor power for slightly faster juicing.

Noise Level

The super fast motors and spinning metal parts of centrifugal juicers make them notoriously loud machines. They can produce up to 90 decibels of noise. Wearing ear plugs is recommended if sound levels are an issue.

Masticating juicers operate at much slower speeds and use a gear reduction system rather than direct drive motors. This results in minimal vibration and significantly quieter juicing. Look for models rated at 60 decibels or less if lower noise is preferred.

Versatility

While centrifugal juicers can only juice fruits and veggies, some masticating models offer extra versatility with multiple attachments. They can transform into food processors and homogenizers to make nut butters, baby food, sorbets and more. This adds value and expands their functionality in the kitchen.

Cost

Centrifugal juicers are generally more budget-friendly, with powerful models available under $100. However, cheaper centrifugal machines may have issues with parts wearing out quickly. Higher priced models around $150+ will have better performance and durability.

Most masticating juicers cost over $200, sometimes significantly more. But the price reflects their versatility, juice yield, quality and durability. Investing in a well-made masticating model can last over a decade and may be worthwhile if juicing frequently.

Types of Masticating and Centrifugal Juicers

Within masticating and centrifugal styles, there are vertical and horizontal juicer models to consider:

Vertical Masticating Juicers

  • Upright, compact design
  • Can juice continuously
  • May have smaller feed chutes
  • Include Omega VSJ843, Kuvings, Tribest, Hurom

Horizontal Masticating Juicers

  • Require more counter space
  • Some can only juice in batches
  • Larger feed tubes
  • Include Omega 8006, Tribest Slowstar, Kuvings, Hurom

Centrifugal Ejection Juicers

  • Vertical design
  • Pulp gets ejected out into container
  • External pulp bins can overflow with wet pulp
  • Include Breville Juice Fountain, Hamilton Beach

Centrifugal Auto-Ejection Juicers

  • Vertical, space saving
  • Pulp ejected into internal basket
  • Models with large baskets preferred
  • Include Mueller Austria, Aicok, Omega J8006

Top Masticating Juicer Models

Here are some top rated masticating juicers to consider in different price ranges:

Juicer Type Feed Chute Speed Warranty Price
Omega J8006 Horizontal 1.5 inches 80 RPMs 15 years $200-$300
Tribest Slowstar Vertical 3 inches 47 RPMs 10 years $400
Kuvings CS600 Vertical 3 inches 60 RPMs 10 years $500
Omega VSJ843 Vertical 2 inches 43 RPMs 15 years $450-$500
Hurom H-AA Vertical 1.8 inches 43 RPMs 10 years $450

Top Centrifugal Juicer Models

Juicer Type Feed Chute Watts Warranty Price
Breville JE98XL Ejection 3 inches 850 watts 1 year $100
Cuisinart CJE-1000 Auto-Ejection 3 inches 1000 watts 3 years $185
Mueller Austria Auto-Ejection 3 inches 1100 watts 2 years $150
Hamilton Beach 67650 Ejection 3 inches 800 watts 3 years $100
Aicok Wide Mouth Auto-Ejection 3.15 inches 1000 watts 3 years $120

Summary of Juicer Comparison

To recap the main differences:

  • Juice Yield: Masticating extracts 20-30% more juice than centrifugal models.
  • Nutrients: Masticating retains more vitamins and enzymes due to minimal oxidation.
  • Prep Time: Centrifugal requires more chopping. Masticating fits whole produce.
  • Juicing Speed: Centrifugal juices in seconds whereas masticating takes 1-2 mins.
  • Noise: Centrifugal operates at loud 60-90 decibels. Masticating runs quietly at 50-60 decibels.
  • Versatility: Only some masticating juicers offer multi-purpose food processing options.
  • Cost: Centrifugal models start around $100-$150. Masticating costs $200+.

Conclusion

When choosing between these two popular types of juicers, masticating juicers tend to have an edge over centrifugal models. They extract higher juice yields while preserving more nutrients. Masticating juicers handle leafy greens better and operate at quieter noise levels. Some also offer versatility as food processors and homogenizers.

However, centrifugal juicers have the benefit of being more affordable and much faster at juicing. So they can be a good option for making quick morning juices. Centrifugal machines are also typically easier to use and assemble.

Consider how often you plan to juice and what types of produce will be used. Masticating juicers are likely the better investment if juicing daily and want to maximize nutrients. Occasional juicers may be satisfied with more convenient, budget-friendly centrifugal models. But those who juice leafy greens should go with masticating. Weigh your priorities to pick the best juicer type for your needs.