In the juicer world there are a few different styles of device available and all of them have their own perks and downsides. Masticating juicers are currently the frontrunners of the market, but what makes them special above the rest?
So, What is a Masticating Juicer?
A masticating juicer, sometimes referred to as a slow or cold press juicer is simply a style of juicer that crushes juice out of ingredients at a slow speed. In typical masticating models, juice is extracted from foods through a strong augur/screw, which pushes ingredients at high pressure against a fine screen/sieve. This not only forces juice out of ingredients, but it is a very efficient method to ensure that all juice produced is kept separate to the remaining pulp.
Why Does this Matter?
Choosing a masticating model over another juicer type yields a few key advantages. Firstly, a masticating juicer is always the best choice in terms of yields and no other style of juicer can produce even near the same amount of juice from ingredients. As part of this they are also able to juice all ingredient types, including leafy greens, to a high standard.
Secondly, there are many models available and many different reputable brands produce them. Therefore, there are lots to choose from and there are more options to suit individual tastes. Masticating models are also produced to a higher level of quality, so they typically come with long warranties as a result and are much quieter when in use.
Finally, masticating juicers are able to extract large amounts of nutrients from the ingredients they juice. This process is often very difficult as a majority of nutrients are stored within the tough cell walls seen in plants. Therefore, only high enough levels of pressure are able to squeeze them out, which leaves juices produced by other juicer styles much less nutritious and filling.
What Other Juicers Are Available?
Of course, while masticating juicers are excellent at their job, they do have a couple of flaws that may make them less appealing to some. Therefore, other juicer styles can instead seem a good option. Sadly most other common styles of juicer specialise at juicing one specific type of ingredient, such as citrus juicers or wheatgrass juicers. However, there is one other allrounder style available, which is known as the centrifugal juicer class.
Centrifugal juicers work quite differently to masticating juicers and instead function at very high speeds, chopping ingredients apart to release juice that passes through a very fine sieve. As you’d expect this process extracts far less juice than a masticating model, but it is much faster. If time is more important than quality juice, a centrifugal model can be an excellent and more affordable option.