Photo (cropped) by opaye CC0 1.0
Juicing has become a new diet trend, whether people want to simply make wholesome juice for their family or to go on a detox diet. Juicing is a fabulous way to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. In order to begin juicing, you have to select a juicer for your family.
Types of Juicers
When you begin to search for juicers, you are going to encounter two different types of juice extractors.
1.Centrifugal juicers
These are the least expensive options on the market today, but they also present the best value. The price of centrifugal juicers tends to be around $75 and up, and it works by putting fruit and vegetables through a spinning blade. Centrifugal juicers do have a harder time to get juice out of leafy foods like spinach or lettuce. Here are some of the other benefits of centrifugal juicers:
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Lightweight
- Good for almost all fruits and vegetables
- Makes juice in 60 seconds
- Great price and value
2.Masticating Juicers
These are the next level up juicers and generally have the best quality and power. The price of these juicers are quite higher; they usually are $300 and more. They don’t have a spinning blade, instead the produce is chewed through one or two augers. Here are some benefits of masticating juicers.
- Can make a larger variety of things such as nut milk and frozen ice cream.
- Works very quietly
- Drier pulp
- Produce 10% to 20% more juice than the centrifugal versions.
- Works great with leafy greens and all other produce.
- Minimal oxidation occurs with these juicers, so they retain more of their nutrients and have a 72-hour shelf life.
Features in a Centrifugal Juicer
If you decide you want a centrifugal juicer, there are some features you should consider and read before you make your final decision. There are some wonder juicers on the market. Brands, such as Juicer Cruiser, generally make a few different varieties of centrifugal juicers.
- Multiple Speeds
Ideally, you want to have different speed options, at least two, for your juicer. This allows you to get out the most juice possible. It is best to use a slower speed for soft fruit and high speeds for firmer produce, like carrots.
- Pulp Ejection
While some juicers have an internal collection system for the pulp, the external collection baskets are a better option. This allows you to make larger quantities of juice without having to stop and dump the container.
- Dishwasher Safe
Having parts that are dishwasher safe makes clean up so much easier. It is best to clean the juicer as thoroughly as possible after each use. It is very easy to grow mould.
- Feeder Tube
You want a juicer with a decent size feeder tube. It should be at least 3 inches; this allows more produce to easily be inserted. With smaller tubes, you have to chop up the produce much smaller.
- Juice Collector
This is one of the most important features. You want a large container to collect juice. If possible, find one that has easy to read measure markings on the front, so you can measure out the ounces.
- Cord Storage
Ideally, you want a cord that is at least 4 feet long. This gives you more freedom as to where you can place the juicer as well as storing it.
There are other varieties of juicers as well including: twin gear juicers, hydraulic juice presses, and manual juicers. It is important when you make your decision to look at the efficiency. You want something that will last for years to come. Also, it is best to go with a juicer that is easy to use. Research and you will find the best option for you!
