Juicer Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

When shopping for a juicer, whether you’re a health enthusiast or someone just starting to explore the benefits of fresh juices, it’s important to choose the right type of juicer to suit your lifestyle and needs. This guide will take you through the essential points to consider when purchasing a juicer in the UK, helping you make an informed decision.

1. Types of Juicers

The first step is understanding the different types of juicers available:

Centrifugal Juicers

Centrifugal juicers use a fast-spinning blade to shred fruits and vegetables, extracting the juice through centrifugal force. They are generally more affordable and produce juice quickly, making them a great choice for beginners or those with a busy schedule.

Pros:

• Fast juicing process
• Affordable and widely available
• Great for hard fruits and vegetables (e.g., apples, carrots)

Cons:

• Less juice extraction efficiency compared to other types
• Juice can oxidize quickly, resulting in a shorter shelf life
• Noisy operation

Masticating Juicers (Slow Juicers)

Masticating juicers operate at a slower speed and use an auger to crush and press the juice out of fruits and vegetables. They are known for higher juice yield and preserving nutrients better due to minimal heat generation.

Pros:

• Higher juice yield and nutrient retention
• Can juice a wider variety of produce, including leafy greens and wheatgrass
• Less oxidation, meaning juice lasts longer
• Quiet operation

Cons:

• Slower juicing process
• More expensive than centrifugal models
• Requires more cleaning effort

Twin Gear Juicers (Triturating Juicers)

Twin gear juicers use two interlocking gears to crush and press produce. These juicers are highly efficient, extracting more juice and preserving more nutrients than centrifugal or masticating juicers.

Pros:

• Superior juice quality and nutrient retention
• Handles leafy greens, herbs, and soft fruits with ease
• Can be used for other tasks like making nut butter or baby food

Cons:

• Expensive
• Slow juicing process
• Bulky and heavier, taking up more counter space

Citrus Juicers

Citrus juicers are designed specifically for juicing oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits. They come in both manual and electric versions, providing a simple, efficient way to make fresh citrus juice.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Perfect for citrus fruits
• Affordable

Cons:

• Limited to citrus fruits
• Does not handle other fruits or vegetables

2. Key Features to Look For

Ease of Use

Consider how easy the juicer is to assemble, disassemble, and operate. Juicers with fewer parts are generally simpler to clean, which can save you time and effort, especially if you plan to juice frequently.

Juice Yield and Quality

If maximizing juice yield and preserving nutrients is important to you, slow juicers (masticating or twin gear models) are the best choice. Centrifugal juicers may be faster, but they tend to extract less juice and introduce more oxidation.

Size and Storage

Juicers come in various sizes. Consider the counter space in your kitchen and how often you plan to use the juicer. Larger models may offer more versatility but can be cumbersome to store.

Speed Settings

Some juicers offer multiple speed settings, allowing you to adjust based on the type of produce. For example, soft fruits may need a slower speed, while harder vegetables require higher speeds.

Pulp Ejection

Juicers either collect pulp internally or eject it into an external bin. External pulp ejection is more convenient if you’re juicing in large batches, as you won’t have to stop to empty the pulp container frequently.

Noise Levels

Centrifugal juicers tend to be louder due to their high-speed spinning blades. If noise is a concern, especially in the mornings or late evenings, consider a masticating or twin gear juicer, as they operate much more quietly.

Durability and Build Quality

Investing in a high-quality juicer can pay off in the long run. Stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic models tend to be more durable. Consider brands with a strong reputation for longevity and warranties, which can offer peace of mind.

3. Cleaning and Maintenance

Ease of cleaning is a critical factor. Juicers with removable parts that are dishwasher-safe make the cleaning process much easier. Some models come with cleaning brushes to help with hard-to-reach areas. Masticating juicers may take longer to clean due to more components, but the results in juice quality are often worth the extra effort.

4. Budget Considerations

Juicers come at a range of price points, from budget-friendly centrifugal juicers to premium twin gear models. While it may be tempting to go for the least expensive option, remember that higher-priced models usually offer better juice quality, durability, and additional features that can enhance your juicing experience over time.

Under £100: You’ll likely find basic centrifugal juicers and manual citrus juicers.

£100 – £300: This range offers higher-end centrifugal models and affordable masticating juicers.

£300 and Up: Expect premium masticating and twin gear juicers with extra features and higher juice yields.

5. What Fruits and Vegetables Will You Juice?

Different juicers excel with different types of produce. Consider the types of fruits and vegetables you plan to juice most often:

• For leafy greens and wheatgrass: Masticating or twin gear juicers are best.
• For hard fruits and vegetables: Centrifugal juicers perform well.
• For soft fruits and citrus: Masticating juicers work, but citrus juicers are a quicker, easier option for citrus-only juicing.

6. Juice Shelf Life

If you prefer making juice in batches to store for later, masticating or twin gear juicers are ideal, as they minimize oxidation and produce juice that stays fresh longer (up to 72 hours). Centrifugal juicers, on the other hand, produce juice that should be consumed within 24 hours due to quicker oxidation.

7. Extra Features to Consider

• Juice containers: Some juicers come with a container that fits perfectly under the spout for easy collection and pouring.
• Anti-drip spouts: Helps prevent messes by stopping juice from dripping onto your counter when you stop juicing.
• Foam separator: Many juicers create foam as they juice. A foam separator in the juice jug helps ensure a smooth, foam-free drink.
• Reverse function: In masticating juicers, this function can help unclog the machine if produce gets stuck.

Conclusion

Choosing the right juicer comes down to your specific needs—how often you plan to juice, what kind of produce you’ll use, and your budget. Whether you want a quick, convenient centrifugal juicer or a more versatile, nutrient-preserving masticating juicer, there’s an option for everyone. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make the best choice for your lifestyle. Happy juicing!