Choosing A Juicer

If you are interested in juicing you might be wondering with all the different types of juicers on the market which type is the best?  My answer to that would be the one you will actually use!

There are two basic types of machines that extract juice.  Masticating juicers and Centrifugal juicers.  Masticating juicers are more expensive and start around $250 with the higher end models ranging about $500 - $600.  On the flip side, you can get a good quality centrifugal juicer for around $100 - $150.

Masticating juicers squeeze fruits and vegetables through gears, crush them up and force them through a fine stainless steel strainer separating the pulp and the juice.  This type generally extracts more juice the first time around leaving the pulp very dry.  You tend to get more nutrients from the juice with this type because it generates less heat and friction than centrifugal juicers, therefore more enzymes are preserved.  It is also great with leafy greens and things like wheat grass.  There is a bit more preparation because the chute is smaller and you will need to chop up your produce.  They are also quiet, so if you are up early before everyone it is a nice feature. 

Centrifugal juicers use a spinning basket that shreds the fruit and vegetables and forces the fruit through a fine stainless steel strainer.  Due to the fast spinning action they produce a little heat which can cause slight oxidation of the nutrients and may destroy some of the enzymes, leaving you with a less nutritious juice.  However for the most part you are still getting loads of benefits from the juice.  They are noisier but the chutes are much larger so there is less time in prepping your produce for juicing.  They also separate the pulp from the juice like masticating juicers.  Depending on the brand and quality of your juicer you might want to run the pulp through a second time to get all the yummy juice out.

I myself started with a Centrifugal juicer and then eventually upgraded to the masticating type.  I use an Omega and have been very happy with it, juicing is a part of my daily life so I was ready to make the larger investment.  

Juicing has so many benefits that no matter which juicer is right for you, getting started and using it is the best thing you can do!  

Live Juicy!