Juicing has become an increasingly popular way for health-conscious people to get more vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from fruits and vegetables. With the rise in popularity of juicing, there are now several different types of juicers to choose from – the three main styles being masticating, centrifugal, and cold press juicers. But what is the difference between these three types of juicers, and which one is the best? This comprehensive guide will compare masticating vs centrifugal juicer vs cold press juicers, looking at how each works, their benefits and downsides, and which type of juicer is ultimately the best choice for different needs.
What is a Masticating Juicer?
A masticating juicer, sometimes called a slow or cold press juicer, works by using a slow rotating auger or single gear to crush and press or “chew” through fruits and vegetables to extract juice. Best masticating juicers work at lower speeds, typically around 80-100 RPMs, slowly grinding and masticating produce to get high juice yield. The slow speed also generates less heat and oxidation, preserving more nutrients and enzymes.
These juicers are versatile – most can make juices, nut milks, nut butters, baby food, sorbets and purees. They also produce drier pulp as they thoroughly extract liquid. Top brands of masticating juicers include those by Omega, Tribest, Hurom and Kuvings.
Benefits:
Higher Juice Yields: The slow crushing process extracts more juice from produce. Expect up to 20% more juice compared to centrifugal juicers.
Less Oxidation & Heat: The slow RPMs mean less oxidation and heat is generated, preserving more nutrients.
Versatility: Most can make juices, nut milks, baby food, purees, and more. Multi-purpose machines.
Drier Pulp: Thoroughly extract liquid, leaving behind very dry pulp.
Quieter Operation: The slow masticating process means these juicers are quieter when juicing.
Downsides:
Slower Juicing Speeds: Masticating juicers have slower juicing speeds compared to centrifugal models.
Higher Prices: The more powerful motors and advanced augers mean higher prices, from $200 to $400+.
Trickier to Clean: More parts to take apart and clean compared to centrifugal juicers.
Not for All Produce: Some hard produce like carrots may be difficult to juice efficiently.
Best For:
Masticating juicers are ideal for juicing aficionados who want maximum yield and nutrition. The versatility allows you to juice just about any produce. Great choice if you juice daily or follow a detox regimen.
Popular Masticating Models:
Omega J8006HDS Nutrition Center Juicer
Tribest GSE-5050 Greenstar Elite Cold Press Juice Extractor
Kuvings B6000S Whole Slow Juicer
What is a Centrifugal Juicer?
Centrifugal juicers, sometimes called fast juicers, work by using a rapidly spinning mesh basket to grind up fruits and vegetables against a cutting blade. Produce is shredded by centrifugal force against the basket, while juice passes through fine holes in the strainer. Pulp is separated into a different container.
Centrifugal juicers spin at very high speeds, typically around 10,000 to 15,000 RPMs. The fast spinning action generates heat and oxidation, which can destroy some nutrients and enzymes. But the benefit is very fast juicing speeds. Common brands include Breville, Hamilton Beach and Cuisinart.
Benefits of Centrifugal Juicers:
Very Fast Juicing: Produce is juiced at high speeds, more quickly than masticating types.
Lower Cost: Centrifugal juicing machines are the most affordable option, often under $100.
Easy to Use: Simple operation with fewer parts to clean than masticating types.
Good for Hard Produce: The grinding action handles hard fruits and veggies well like carrots.
Downsides of Centrifugal Juicers:
Oxidation and Heat: The high speeds generate more heat and oxidation, losing some nutrients.
Lower Yields: Due to the fast, spinning action, less juice is extracted from produce.
Pulpier Juice: The juice retains more fiber and pulp compared to masticating types.
Noisy Operation: Centrifugal juicers are often louder when juicing produce at high speeds.
Best For:
Centrifugal juicers are best suited for busy people who want fresh juice in a hurry. The fast prep time and low cost make them ideal for casual juicing. They excel at making juices from hard fruits and veggies like apples, carrots and beets.
Popular Centrifugal Juicer Models:
Breville JE98XL Juice Fountain Plus
Mueller Austria Juicer Ultra Power
What is a Cold Press Juicer?
Cold press juicers, sometimes called slow juicers, are a type of masticating juicer that uses a hydraulic press to literally “press” out juice from fruits and vegetables. They work in two stages – first crushing produce, then using thousands of pounds of force to press and squeeze out juice.
This cold press technique allows minimal heat buildup and oxidation, keeping enzymes and nutrients intact. The juice yields and quality are exceptional. Top brands of cold press juicers include those made by Norwalk, Angel, and Samson.
Benefits of Cold Press Juicers:
Maximizes Nutrients: The pressing process results in up to 40% more vitamins and minerals compared to centrifugal juicers.
Less Oxidation: Minimal heat and oxygen exposure retains nutrients better than other juicers.
Higher Yield: The pressing action extracts more juice than centrifugal and masticating juicers.
High-Quality Juice: Many say cold pressed juice simply tastes better and is more nutritious.
Downsides of Cold Press Juicers:
Very Expensive: Commercial-grade cold press juicers cost over $2000+ for home models.
Slow Juicing Speed: The pressing process is more time-consuming than centrifugal and masticating juicers.
Trickier to Use: More parts and stages compared to other juicers makes them more difficult to use.
Heavy and Bulky: Commercial models take up more counter space and can weigh over 50 pounds.
Best For:
Cold press juicers are the gold standard for hardcore juicing devotees who want nutrient rich, enzyme packed juice. The versatility to make non-juice recipes is another advantage. If you have 10-15 minutes to spare and budget is no issue, a cold press juicer is worth considering.
Popular Cold Press Juicer Brands:
Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer Elite C7000S
Tribest Slowstar Vertical Slow Juicer & Mincer SW-2000
Masticating vs Centrifugal Juicer vs Cold Press Juicer Comparison
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each type of juicer, let’s compare masticating, centrifugal, and cold press juicers side-by-side:
| Juicer Type | Speed | Noise | Price | Juice Yield | Juice Quality | Versatility |
| Centrifugal | Very Fast | Louder | $50-$200 | Good | Fair | Limited |
| Masticating | Slow | Quieter | $200-$400 | Better | Good | Moderate |
| Cold Press | Very Slow | Quiet | $300+ | Best | Best | Most Versatile |
There is no one best juicer – the right type for you depends on your specific juicing needs. Here is a closer look at how three juicers compare:
Masticating vs Centrifugal Juicer
- When it comes to masticating vs centrifugal juicers , masticating juicers tend to edge out centrifugal juicers for serious juicing. Key differences:
- Masticating juicers extract 20% more juice from the same amount of produce. More nutrients and bang for your buck.
- The slow speeds of masticating juicers minimize heat and oxidation, retaining more vitamins, enzymes, and minerals compared to the high speeds of centrifugal juicers.
- Masticating juicers leave behind much drier pulp after extracting liquid.
However, centrifugal juicers have some advantages, like being more affordable and quicker at juicing. Centrifugal models are fine for casual juicing, but masticating performs better for nutrient retention.
Masticating vs Cold Press Juicer
- Masticating and cold press juicers actually have more similarities than differences. Both are slow juicers that operate at 100 RPM or less. The main differences are:
- Cold press juicers use thousands of pounds of hydraulic pressure to “press” out juice, resulting in higher yields compared to masticating juicers.
- However, cold press juicers are specialty machines that cost over $2000 , vs. $200-$400 for most masticating juicers.
- Cold press juicers see slightly less oxidation compared to masticating juicers. But both retain nutrients better than centrifugal machines.
For most people, a quality masticating juicer offers the best balance of price, performance and yield. Cold press juicers are really for die-hard juicing fans willing to invest $2000+ in the highest juice quality possible. But the average juicer will be very satisfied with a masticating juicer.
Read More: Cold Press vs Slow Juicer
Centrifugal vs Cold Press Juicer
- Comparing centrifugal and cold press juicers shows the biggest differences in performance.
- Cold press juicers produce much higher juice yields and retain significantly more nutrients than centrifugal types.
- But cold press juicers cost over 10-15 times more money than most centrifugal juicers.
- Centrifugal juicers are affordable, fast, and easy to use, making them good for casual juicing. But serious juicers who want maximum nutrition will get superior juice from a cold press machine. Just be prepared to make a major investment if you choose a cold press juicer.
What is the Best Juicer for You?
So what’s the final verdict – which is the best type of juicer? Here are some recommendations based on different needs:
Best Juicers for Beginners – Centrifugal
If you’re just getting started with juicing and want an affordable machine, centrifugal juicers are the best choice for beginner juicers. Models like the Breville JE98XL cost less than $150, and their simple operation and fast speeds make it easy to whip up juices. The downside is lower yields and nutrients. But centrifugal machines are great for occasional juicing on a budget.
Best Juicers for Enthusiasts – Cold Press
For hardcore juicing fans who want the highest quality, most nutrient-rich juice possible, a cold press juicer is the best choice. The sky-high price tags of $2000+ buy you exceptional juice yields and nutrition retention. If you juice daily and want the healthiest results, cold press juicers are unbeatable – just be ready to pay top dollar.
Best Juicers for Most Needs – Masticating
For the average juicer who wants a good balance of affordability, ease of use, juice yields and nutritional quality, a masticating juicer is arguably the best choice. its cost more than centrifugal but much less than cold press machines. They produce high yields and preserves nutrients very well, making them the ideal juicer for most needs, offering the best all-around performance and value.
How to Choose the Best Juicer for You
Now that you understand the pros and cons of each type, here are some key factors to consider when deciding which is the best juicer for your lifestyle:
Speed – Centrifugal fastest, masticating moderate, cold press slowest. Pick based on how much time you have to juice.
Budget – Centrifugal most affordable, cold press most expensive. Make sure to get the most juice for your money.
Noise – Centrifugal louder, masticating and cold press quieter. Choose quiet model if sound is a concern.
Produce – Centrifugal great for hard fruits/veggies, masticating best for leafy greens and wheatgrass. Match the juicer to what you’ll juice most.
Juice Use – Are you juicing for a quick nutrient boost or longer term detox cleanse? Masticating and cold press yield more juice to drink over several days.
Versatility – Cold press offers bonus recipes like nut milk and sorbet. Masticating good for juice only. Centrifugal juicing focused.
Doing a self-evaluation of your juicing habits, produce preferences, budget and goals will help inform the ideal juicer for your lifestyle. Test models in stores and read reviews to pick out promising options. Investing in the right juicer from the start will pay dividends when it comes to juice yield, quality, cleaning time and longevity.
Top Features to Look for When Buying a Juicer
Whether you decide on centrifugal, masticating or a cold press juicer, keep these key features in mind while shopping:
Motor – More watts equals more power and efficiency juicing tough produce. Masticating/cold press 300+ watts, centrifugal 700+ watts.
Chute Size – Bigger openings can accommodate whole produce for less prep time. 3 to 4 inches ideal diameter.
Pulp Control – Adjustable pulp screens let you filter pulp to preference. Bonus if dishwasher-safe.
Nozzle – Spout stops dripping for mess-free pouring. Look for detachable design.
Speed Settings – Ability to adjust RPMs maximizes juice extraction for different produce.
Safety Features – Locking arm or clamps keep lid securely in place while operating.
Warranty – 10+ year warranties reflect brand confidence. Check what’s covered.
Easy Cleanup – Removable pulp bin and dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning a breeze.
Juice Jug – Large capacity pitcher stores juice and features froth separator for pouring.
Feed Chute Size – Bigger feed tubes fit larger produce pieces and reduce prep. 3 to 4 inch diameter ideal.
By selecting a model with these convenient design elements, you’ll elevate your juicing enjoyment and efficiency.
FAQS
Can masticating juicers handle leafy greens effectively?
Yes, masticating juicers are very effective at juicing leafy greens. Their slow crushing augers are designed to squeeze out juice from greens like spinach and kale. These juicers excel at leafy green juicing compared to centrifugal models.
Is a centrifugal juicer suitable for juicing hard fruits and vegetables?
Centrifugal juicers work great for hard fruits and veggies. The fast spinning blades pulverize produce like carrots, apples, and beets to make juice efficiently. Centrifugal juicers are well-suited for hard produce juicing.
Are centrifugal juicers generally more affordable than masticating or cold press juicers?
Centrifugal juicers are the most budget-friendly option, typically costing $50-$200. They are significantly more affordable than masticating and cold press juicers which can cost over $300. Centrifugal juicers offer good value for casual juicing.
Are cold press juicers more efficient in extracting juice from leafy greens and wheatgrass?
Cold press juicers are extremely effective at juicing leafy greens like wheatgrass. The slow crush method gently squeezes out juice. Cold press juicers optimize nutrition and juice quality from greens.
Summary
When comparing masticating vs centrifugal juicer vs cold press models, the type you ultimately choose depends on your budget, juicing frequency, produce preferences and nutrition priorities.
Centrifugal juicers are lightning fast, affordable and perfect for occasional juicing. Masticating juicers are versatile kitchen tools for daily juice drinkers valuing nutrition.
And cold press juicers reign supreme for hardcore fans intent on maximizing both juice quality and quantity. Assess your personal juicing habits and goals, and match them up with the juicer capabilities to determine the best fit.
Whichever you choose, drinking fresh, homemade juice made right in your kitchen delivers incredible nourishment and flavor. With a little guidance on the juicing methods and benefits, you’ll be raising a glass of the good stuff in no time!
