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Juicer Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Type & Model


With so many different brands and types to choose from, it can be hard to find the best juicer for your needs. HealWithFood.org helps you cut through the confusion with this straightforward guide.

Best Juicer Type?

There are three main types of juicers on the market: manual, centrifugal and masticating juicers. All three types have their pros and cons, and in the end, your personal preferences, needs and budget will determine the best option for you. In general, manual juicers are a good option for those who only juice leafy greens or citrus fruit, and who don't want to invest a lot of money in a juicer. Centrifugal juicers are the next step up, eliminating the need for manual cranking or pressing. They work by shredding ingredients at a high speed and then separating the juice from the pulp, and they work well with most fruits and non-leafy vegetables. Masticating juicers, by contrast, use cold press juicing technology, slowly squeezing juice out of fruits and all types of vegetables, including leafy greens like kale and spinach. One of the main benefits of buying a masticating juicer rather than a centrifugal juicer is that masticating juicers are better at preserving the delicate enzymes and nutrients abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables. For more information about the pros and cons of the various types of juicers, check out the comparison chart below.


Comparison of Different Types of Juicers

The following comparison chart highlights the pros and cons of centrifugal, masticating and manual juicers:

CentrifugalMasticatingManual
PROS
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Much faster than the other two types
  • Generally cheaper than masticating juicers
  • Great with most fruits and vegetables
  • Perfect for leafy greens
  • Creates less foam
  • Preserves enzymes and nutrients
  • Many masticating juicers also make fruit sorbets, nut butters and more
  • Takes up less countertop and cabinet space
  • Quiet operation
  • Often much cheaper than the other two types
CONS
  • Does not work well with leafy greens
  • Can create quite a bit of foam
  • Does not protect enzymes and nutrients as well as a masticating juicer
  • Much slower than a centrifugal juicer
  • Can be quite expensive
  • Less versatile than the other two types
  • Manual cranking, squeezing or pressing takes time


Choosing the Right Model for You

Once you have narrowed down the initial list and know what type of juicer will best suit your needs, it is time to start comparing different brands and models to find the right model for you and your family. To help you with that, here are links to reviews evaluating the pros and cons of popular juicers and to comparisons that highlight differences between various models:


Manual Juicers


Centrifugal Juicers


Masticating Juicers