A masticating juicer, also known as a slow juicer or cold-press juicer, is required if you want to produce at home. These countertop tools perform exactly what the verb masticate, which is defined as "to grind or crush food with or as though with teeth," means in its literal sense. Inside, an auger slowly chews and smashes produce, pushing the pulp up against a strainer to force the juice out into your cup.
Do you know why they are also known as slow juicers? In contrast to centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers revolve around the auger 40 to 100 times per minute on average. In addition to enabling them to extract as much juice as possible, the moderate speed also prevents the machine from heating up, preserving the product's nutritional value. Additionally, less froth will be on top of your beverage. Both hard and soft fruits and vegetables function well in slow juicers, and they are frequently quieter than centrifugal juicers.
What To Look At When Choosing A Masticating Juicer
There are several masticating juicers available nowadays, so you need to consider a few important qualities to choose which choice is ideal for your requirements. The following characteristics, in particular, distinguish different models:
- Chute Size
The amount of preparation required prior to juicing depends on the size of the chute where the product is fed in. While some juicers have narrow chutes that need you to cut up your produce, others have big chutes that can fit whole fruits and vegetables.
- Cleaning
Juicers have numerous moving parts that accumulate a lot of debris during the juicing process. If you don't like washing dishes by hand, search for a juicer with dishwasher-safe parts. Some are even advertised as "easy-clean," which normally refers to the fact that there are fewer components to wash.
- Additional Functions
Some juicers include extra accessories that let you utilize them for other jobs. Some are more flexible additions to your kitchen because they can grind the coffee, mince herbs, or even create sorbet.
- Orientation
There are a few advantages to both horizontal and vertical masticating juicer designs. The footprint of a vertical juicer is smaller, and most of them self-feed, so you don't have to force produce into the auger. While certain horizontal juicers can also produce nut butter and infant food, they are more effective at juicing leafy greens like kale.
Best Masticating Juicer: Our Top List
If you're in the market for a masticating juicer, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll also provide a buyer's guide to help you choose the right model for your needs. Here are our top picks for the best masticating juicers on the market.
Most Efficient: Hurom HP Slow Juicer
In addition to being elegant and portable, the Hurom HP Slow Juicer is also highly efficient at juicing all kinds of produce. The juicer is small enough to put on your kitchen counter and comes in a number of attractive colors.
When it comes to performance, this machine can easily chew up any fruit or vegetable, from a luscious pineapple to a leafy green like kale. Its auger quickly grinds up materials with little to no feeding required, slowly squeezes out the nourishing juices, and pushes pulp into the included collecting bin. The appliance's functioning is remarkably quiet, and its chute is large enough to fit a quartered apple piece.
Both a fine and a coarse strainer, as well as a number of cleaning brushes, are included with this device. Although hand washing is required, which can be time-consuming, we think the ease of use and dependable performance make it worthwhile.
Pros:
- It gets the most juice possible out of each object.
- Quiet.
- Contains cleaning supplies.
- Available in a variety of hues.
Cons:
- It demands hand washing.
Most Versatile: Omega MM900HDS
The company's new flagship model for its series of masticating juicers is the Omega MM900HDS. The enduringly popular Omega 8006 juicer is slowly being replaced by it.
Despite all the new, less expensive rivals, Omega continues to dominate the masticating juicer market. Nobody can match its exceptional product quality, extensive warranty coverage, and overall reputation. In a few years, just the warranty on it will have paid for itself.
The MM900HDS juicer is a superb appliance for any type of product while being tailored for juicing celery. It can easily handle denser stuff, citrus fruits, and leafy greens. Any form of juice can be made with it.
Pros:
- Exceptional product quality.
- Extensive warranty coverage.
- Great for juicing celery.
- Can handle denser fruits and vegetables.
Cons:
- None that we can think of!
Easy to Use: Juicer Hurom H-AA Slow
With its sleek lines and fashionable finishes, Hurom's flagship model not only looks great but also works well. This slow operation ensures that your juice retains its nutrients and squeezes every drop from fruits and vegetables at a pace of just 43 rotations per minute (intended to simulate hand squeezing). The dryness of the pulp that results is a good indicator, according to our in-home tester.
Hurom features a base that is only nine inches broad, a relatively modest footprint, and a sleek profile that looks excellent when it isn't in use sitting on the counter. Even though this model is more expensive, the motor comes with a long 10-year warranty.
Pros:
- Effective.
- Quiet.
- Contains ice cream cone.
- It feels solid.
Cons:
- Exorbitant.
- Time-consuming to clean.
Tight Space Pick: NutriBullet Slow Juicer
Juicers can be fairly huge, so if your kitchen is on the smaller side, like mine, you'll probably prefer a small masticating juicer like the NutriBullet Slow Juicer. One reviewer states, "I don't have much storage space, therefore I love that it is slender, sleek, and compact." But don't be deceived by the size. This small machine is strong.
The cover on the chute of this juicer flips out to reveal a 3-inch opening that is large enough for many entire items. It also includes an incredibly sturdy steel-tipped auger. Additionally, a lot of its components are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup simple once you've finished your drink.
Pros:
- Minimal impact.
- A big chute.
- Parts that are dishwasher-safe.
Cons:
- More difficult to maintain than other models.
Best Value: Omega H3000D Cold Press 365 Masticating Juicer
The Omega 365 Juicer was chosen by our in-home tester as the best juicer for occasional users for a reason: while it lacks any additional attachments or functions, its core juicing function is robust and capable of slicing through anything from kale to carrots. Both our home and lab testers found the setup to be incredibly quick and simple due to its straightforward functionality, intuitive design, and clear instruction booklet. One of the latter claims, "There were several labels on the boxes when you proceed to assemble the parts.
In both our at-home and lab tests, our testers observed that while some of the materials required chopping or other preparation to fit into the tiny feed tube, larger carrots, celery stalks, and other foods with a similar form fit into the tube without too much difficulty. Once the machine has caught the materials being pushed through, they can easily and without resistance pass through. In addition, foods like leafy greens pass inspection without a problem. Our home tester did offer one warning, though: Don't speed the feeding procedure. She says that when she tried to push greens into the feed tube with the provided pusher, "they tended to get hooked up within the feed tube when I tried to feed greens a bit too fast."
Pros:
- Easy to put together.
- Convenient measurement marks.
- Fairly small and light in weight.
- Produces excellent berry, pineapple, and green juices.
Cons:
- The feeding chute is somewhat small.
- Unable to select pulp level.
Top Horizontal Choice: Omega NC900HDC Juice
The Omega Juicer is an unbeatable choice if you're ready to spend a little extra on a multipurpose horizontal juicer. The end cap has various settings that you may change depending on what you're processing, and it has a three-stage auger that extracts as much juice as possible from items.
One reviewer claims, "Other juicers can be pretty loud, but I operate this Omega juicer when my family is sleeping, and it does not disturb them." The parts of this juicer are top-rack dishwasher safe, sparing you from having to hand-wash them. It is also by far the easiest to clean.
This device also includes a variety of extrusion nozzles, so you can even manufacture different kinds of pasta with it!
Pros:
- A lot of juice is extracted by the horizontal design.
- Various nozzles enable you to create products other than juice.
- Simple to clean (dishwasher-safe components).
- Quiet.
Cons:
- What to think about before purchasing.
- One of the priciest alternatives available.
Simple Cleaning System: Cuisinart Juice Fusion EasyClean
The Cuisinart Juice Fusion EasyClean Slow Juicer will allow you to spend less time cleaning up after each juicing session. This type employs unique, much simpler-to-clean mesh-free filter baskets, and all of its components are dishwasher-safe for hands-free cleanup.
One customer remarks, "This juicer is not as heavy or huge as other ones I have owned." It is really simple to disassemble for cleaning and simple to reassemble.
The device includes a wide-mouth tube that can accommodate an entire apple and can also be used to create smoothies and nut milk. In addition to all of that, it is less expensive than many other slow juicers.
Pros:
- Simple to clean.
- A big chute.
- The capacity to create nut milks, smoothies, and juice.
- An affordable choice.
Cons:
- Leafy greens don't fare as well.
Hottest Vertical Juicer: Tribest Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer and Mincer
The Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer from Tribest, which has a Duoblade double-edged auger that performs twice as much work as a standard single-auger machine, is the epitome of efficiency. This silent juicer produces almost little heat while running at its extremely low speed of 47 RPM, extracting juice that is not only flavorful and nutritious but also keeps its freshness for up to three days.
Compared to cheaper plastic models, the Ultem-made BPA-free auger is incredibly durable.2 This model also includes a mincing attachment that turns the machine into a multi-purpose tool you can use to make pesto, frozen fruit sorbets, nut butter, and more. The only little challenge is clearing material from the screen while disassembling the juicer body for cleaning (hand washing is advised). You may be sure that the price is reasonable because Tribest backs this equipment with a 10-year warranty.
Pros:
- Counterspace is saved by the vertical design.
- Quiet.
- Sturdy.
Cons:
- Exorbitant.
- Can be challenging to clean.
Perfect For Greens: Tribest Greenstar Elite Twin Gear Masticating Juicer
The most typical wheatgrass juicers are hand-crank devices, but you can also choose a more flexible device like the Greenstar Elite. Rouse recommends Tribest juicers, saying they are well-made and have excellent customer service, for extracting juice from greens like wheatgrass. Rouse also prefers horizontal juicers.
This horizontal juicer from Tribest boasts "full mastication": Unlike many juicers, the Greenstar's dual gear, the double-auger design was created to crush, chop, and grind produce. These three stages make processing trouble-free and will help keep pulp or fibers from becoming tangled up in the gears. Depending on the crop you're using, you can also change the juicing pressure on the Greenstar Elite; just use a greater pressure when processing wheatgrass to protect its chlorophyll and other nutrients.
The Greenstar Elite must be hand-washed because it cannot be put in the dishwasher, although it does come with a cleaning brush and scraper to help with debris removal. It is similar to other horizontal juicers in that it occupies some space (more than 18 inches wide) and weighs around 18 pounds. Despite being relatively heavy, it is manageable to pick up and store beneath the counter. Overall, it is tough and excellent equipment with a 12-year warranty for domestic use.
Pros:
- High juice yield for leafy greens and wheatgrass.
- The design avoids jams and tangles.
Cons:
- A big footprint.
Budget-Friendly Option: Hamilton Beach Slow Masticating Juicer
Hamilton Beach Slow Masticating Juicer is the most cost-effective option when it comes to affordability. It works flawlessly and is cheaper than $150.
This juicer produced less foam, which is a bonus. Additionally, it works well with ginger, apples, and other hard fruits.
Although this model is slower than others, the low cost, simple setup, and straightforward cleaning make it worthwhile.
Pros:
- Reasonable price.
- Simple setup.
- Cleaning-friendly characteristics.
Cons:
- Performs less quickly than other juicers.
- Greater footprint.
Wide-Mouth Top Pick: Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer
The Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer has an extra-large chute that can accommodate whole apples as well as other fruits and vegetables. It is BPA-free and has a sorbet cleaning system. Without needing to chop them into smaller pieces, large cucumbers, whole carrots, apples, lemons, and oranges (without the skin) will fit in there.
The appliance comes with a second strainer that can be used to make wonderful fruit sorbet. It also has a strong motor to crush up the fruits.
Pros:
- Extra-large chute is adequate for whole cucumbers and apples.
- Strong motor.
- Able to create sorbet.
Cons:
- Pricey alternative.
Most Versatile Pick: Breville Juice Fountain Cold Juicer, Silver, BJE430SIL
Breville Juice Fountain Cold Juicer, Silver, BJE430SIL does more than just produce scrumptious, nutrient-rich juice. It includes a large 70fl oz capacity juice container, and the 850 watt engine makes this juicer a very useable option, suitable for both home and commercial use.
This slow juicer produces more juice from the same quantity of ingredients than a centrifugal juicer, and its engine is covered by a 10-year warranty. The easy-to-use LED display offers a number of customizable functions. Also, the speed of juicing is extremely fast which makes it very energy-efficient.
Pros:
- Capable of preparing juice as well as smoothies, plant-based milk, and sorbets.
- Simple to use.
- LED screen.
- A large jug.
- A fountain juicing function is very energy-efficient.
Cons:
- Costly option.
Best Masticating Juicer: Our Conclusion
Masticating juicers, also known as slow juicers or cold-press juicers, are required if you want to produce them at home. These countertop tools perform exactly what the verb masticate, which is defined as "to grind or crush food with or as though with teeth," means in its literal sense. Inside, an auger slowly chews and smashes produce, pushing the pulp up against a strainer to force the juice out into your cup.
In contrast to centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers revolve around the auger 40 to 100 times per minute on average, extracting more juice while preserving the product's nutritional value. Additionally, less froth will be on top of your beverage. Both hard and soft fruits and vegetables function well in slow juicers; they are frequently quieter than centrifugal juicers.
When choosing a masticating juicer, you should consider the size of the chute, the cleaning process, additional functions, and the orientation. Some juicers have narrow chutes that need you to cut up your produce, while others have big chutes that can fit whole fruits and vegetables. If you don't like washing dishes by hand, look for a juicer with dishwasher-safe parts.
Some juicers even come with additional accessories that let you utilize them for other jobs, such as grinding coffee or creating sorbet. There are also a few advantages to both horizontal and vertical masticating juicer designs. The footprint of a vertical juicer is smaller, and most of them self-feed, so you don't have to force produce into the auger.
While certain horizontal juicers can also produce nut butter and infant food, they are more effective at juicing leafy greens. Ultimately, the best masticating juicer for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
If you're looking for a quality masticating juicer that is durable and efficient then consider one of these five best buys: The Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer, Breville BJE510XL Juice Fountain Elite 1000-Watt Stainless Steel Centrifugal Juicer, Kuvings Silent Upright Masticating Juicer SC-981, Aicok Slow Masticating Juicer Extractor, and Tribest Greenstar Pro Commercial Juice Extractor.
The Breville BJE510XL Juice Fountain Elite is our top pick because it's a versatile and durable centrifugal juicer that is specifically designed to handle leafy greens with ease. It also has a big chute that can fit whole fruits and vegetables, so you won't have to spend as much time chopping up your produce.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Aicok Slow Masticating Juicer is a good choice. It's a basic juicer that gets the job done, and it comes with a strainer and cleaning brush to make cleanup a breeze.
