Juicing has become a popular way to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. But the cost of store-bought juices can quickly add up — one 473-milliliter bottle of Juice Press’ Mother Earth juice will set you back $10.99, for example — which makes at-home juicing a great alternative. Plus, having a juicer means you can customize your own juice blends with your preferred fruits and veggies or what you have in the refrigerator. With so many options available on the market, how do you know which juicer is the best for your home?
Masticating vs. Centrifugal Juicers
There are two main style of juicers: centrifugal (also known as juice extractors) and masticating (sometimes called auger-style and “cold-press” juicers). Centrifugal juicers, which tend to have bigger chutes, cut fruit or vegetables into small pieces using a rapidly whirling disc. These juicers spin the pieces at high speeds to extract the pulp before being strained into a cup. Masticating juicers crush and mash produce to extract the juice. While they operate at lower speeds, they tend to be quieter and produce less heat than centrifugal juicers, so the nutrients of fruits and vegetables are better preserved. Masticating juicers are more expensive than centrifugal juicers. If you’re just looking to make juice from hard fruits and vegetables, a centrifugal juicer is a good choice. Masticating juicers are multipurpose tools that can also be used as a grinder for nut butters and coffee, or for making baby food, ice cream, and sauces. You can find centrifugal juicers that cost as little as $50, but prices for masticating juicers start at around $300.
Some Features to Look for in a Juicer
Easy to Clean Because the unit must be thoroughly washed after every use, look for models that are easy to clean, easy to disassemble and reassemble, and feature dishwasher-safe parts. Some models feature automatic cleaning spinning brushes that washes out trace residue, which can then be released by the juice tap. If you must hand-wash, be careful to keep from getting cut on the sharp blades and edges.Chute Size The larger a chute, the less prep work you’ll have to do chopping fruits and veggies to fit in it. To prevent injuries, always use the included food pusher to safely move fruits and vegetables through the chute of your juicer, and never force hard items through.Pulp Container and Juice Pitcher A clear container is ideal for easily checking how much juice you’ve extracted. Models with an integrated pour spout make transferring to a glass for drinking mess-free.
Read on for our five picks for the best juicers.
Best Overall
Breville Juice Fountain Elite 800JEXL/B
Best Masticating Juicer
Kuvings Whole Slow B6000
Best Budget-Friendly Juicer
Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juice Extractor
Best High-Capacity Juicer
Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer
Best Space-Saving Juicer
Omega VRT 400HDS Vertical Masticating Juicer
