If you’re in the market for a juicer, read this before you run out and purchase one.
I love juicing. I actually started juicing back in 1997 when I talked to a fellow co-worker who had the most beautiful skin around. She told me she would make and drink fresh juice on a regular basis and that is why her skin was so clear.
I was sold and ran out and bought my first juicer and was hooked ever since. At the time I didn’t do any research on juicers. I got the name of one, went to WalMart and purchased it.
Quite honestly – that juicer and I had some good times and it was very reliable and got the job done.
I wouldn’t recommend following in my footsteps that way. Getting your own juicer is a major purchase so there are several things to take into consideration such as:
- Price point
- Noise level
- Effectiveness
- Easy clean up
- Size
Let’s get some things straight
First and foremost a juicer is NOT a blender. There may be blenders out there that can grind up so well the end product is similar to juice but it is not the same.
Types of juicers
There are typically 2 types of juicers out there centrifugal and masticating. Both have pros and cons in my opinion but here is what I know.
Centrifugal juicer
This type of juicer juices by whizzing around so quickly grinds up the pulp and extracts the juice from the produce.
Pros: Very quick extraction, juicers tend to be more affordable, rarely clogs
Cons: Can be extremely noisy, may not always extract the most juice
Masticating juicer
This type of juicer “chews” the product to extract the juice.
Pros: Tends to quieter than other juicers, maximizes the amount of juice extracted
Cons: Tends to be more expensive, takes longer time to juicer because it processes slower
Price point
I have seen prices for juicers range from $99 up to $1000+. You really have to figure out your budget and stay within it.
You are sure to find a juicer that meets your budget.
Noise level
I have had juicers sound like an airplane taking off and one you can barely hear if the television is up too loud. Figure out what level of noise you can tolerate and ask the question or try to turn on the juicer in the store to hear it.
Effectiveness
What I mean here is how well does it maximize the amount of juice extracted? I have owned juicers that left wet pulp behind.
That tells me there was still juice left to extract and it was inefficient. You want dry pulp discharged which is an indication it extracted the most juice from the fruit or vegetable.
I always feel the pulp afterwards.
Easy clean up
This is a big one for folks because people have the perception juicers are hard to take apart, put back together and clean. I do not clean the juicer parts in the dishwasher – I use plain old warm/hot soapy water.
I rinse the parts with water and then let them sit in the warm soapy water for about 30 minutes to loosen the particles. Then I take a brush and clean the parts with it especially the grate which tends to get food particles stuck to it.
Make sure you clean it thoroughly and remove all the food. Then air dry and reassemble.
Some juicers have more parts than others so while shopping take it apart and see if you can reassemble easily and quickly.
Size
Juicers come in all shapes and sizes from vertical, horizontal, wide footprint and narrow footprint. It really depends on how much space you have and what works best for your counter.
I noticed the size does not necessarily correlate with the weight of the appliance so remember that too. Some of these juicers can be very heavy due to the various parts and mechanics needed to deliver quality juice.
Now that you have some idea of what to look for in your next juicer it’s time to GO SHOPPING.
Sometimes recommendations are an easy way to get started so here I share 4 juicers I have owned and my brief review of them (affiliate links).
Juiceman Jr. (Centrifugal)
Mine looked very different than this back in 1997 but this was my very first juicer. It got the job done, was easy to take apart and clean and I always had dry pulp. One day it stopped working (after about 2 years) so I had to get rid of it.
Pros:
Affordable (was like $70), easy to use, made a lot of juice, came with a recipe book, did not create extra foam in the juice
Cons:
Noisy, hard to clean the grate (did not come with a cleaning brush), stained easily
Waring Pro (Centrifugal)
I got back on the juicing bandwagon so my husband purchased this for me to get me back on track. I saw it in Essence Magazine and it came highly rated. I didn’t care for it at all! It was noisy, always left wet pulp and also left behind pieces of fruit and vegetables.
Pros:
Affordable, easy assembly, did not have a separate pulp chute container, it was all in one
Cons:
Noisy, never extracted the maximum amount of juice, heavy, created way too much foam in the juice
Breville Juice Fountain Plus JE98XL (Centrifugal)
I upgraded from the Waring Pro and bought this centrifugal juicer. I thought I had ARRIVED and I did. This was the first high-end juicer I ever bought and I loved it!!!
It juiced perfectly, was easy to clean, came with a recipe book and the juice container also came with a lid to remove foam from the juice when you pour it. I was in heaven!!!
That is one of the most annoying things about juicers – they can create extra foam in the juice that you have to then strain out.
Pros:
Excellent juice extraction, juice container helps to remove foam from juice, effective, easy to take apart and clean
Cons:
Noisy
Omega VRT350 (Masticating)
Even though I loved my Breville Juice Fountain Plus JE98XL I was intrigued by the masticating juicer family.
I first heard about this juicer by watching a video by FullyRawKristina as she made this delicious blueberry almond milk with her Omega VRT350.
I wanted one right then and there!! I tried juicing almonds in my Breville and it produced more almond flour than actual milk.
I am extremely happy with my purchase and it is the juicer you see in all of my Farmivore juicing videos.
Pros:
Quiet, extracts the most juice ever, easy to clean, comes with a cleaning brush
Cons:
Did not come with a recipe book, chute gets clogged regularly, creates foam so you have to strain the juice
So there you have it. If you have any questions please leave it below and I will answer.
58 Replies to "How To Shop For A Juicer"
RFC
Twitter: runfastermommy
November 4, 2014 (9:13 am)
Great post! The hardest part for me about juicing is the cost of the produce; it boggles my mind that a whole bag worth of fruit and veggies is squeezed down into a cup of juice. I always felt so wasteful with all of that pulp.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 4, 2014 (11:42 am)
You can make pies and soup with the pulp or use it in smoothies.
Cassi
Twitter: lawrtw
November 4, 2014 (10:19 am)
The boys complain about my blender so I don’t think the juicer would be much different noise wise LOL
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 4, 2014 (11:41 am)
There are some quiet ones.
Aaron
Twitter: juiceituppnow
November 9, 2014 (3:05 pm)
Blenders and Juicers make TOTALLY different noises. There are a very few select juicers that are loud (namely Centrifugal juicers, Breville and the like). But most of them are very quiet. It all comes down to the motor, slow juicers spin at about 80 Rotations per Minute. Blenders and Centrifugal juicers spin at over 8,000 Rotations per Minute. That’s what makes them noisy.
If you get a slow masticating juicer you won’t have problems with noise. The noise can be comparable to whisking eggs, or some other non-silent activity in the kitchen.
o
Toni
Twitter: tonee78
November 4, 2014 (10:39 am)
Great post! I had a nutripro juicer, which I was given for free by the company, I loved it but it died after a year. I haven’t invested i a new one yet, right now I am using a nutribullet. I will definitely refer back to this post when I am looking to purchase a new one!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 4, 2014 (11:41 am)
Died in a year oh no!!!!
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
November 4, 2014 (12:19 pm)
great options at all price points nice review
o
dawn
Twitter: ssstylee1
November 4, 2014 (12:56 pm)
Nice! Thanks so much for the share!
http://www.simplysassysstyle.com
dawn
Patricia
Twitter: balancedhealthy
November 4, 2014 (1:09 pm)
Great list of things to look for. I have a Breville which was a gift, and which is serving me fine now, but top on my wish list is an Omega. Thanks for sharing this!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 4, 2014 (3:20 pm)
I loved my Breville but the noise level not so much. Love love love my Omega VRT350.
Stephanie
Twitter: teamfitmommy
November 4, 2014 (1:13 pm)
Great post! I have a juicer that is sitting on a shelf collecting dust. I originally bought it for my husband. I may have to dust it off and get back to juicing again!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 4, 2014 (3:19 pm)
Dust it off baby!!!
Joanna
Twitter: Makingmine
November 4, 2014 (2:12 pm)
Great post! Right now I just use a Ninja blender for everything, but I’m interested in juicers. I also am curious about the pulp issue – do you do anything with yours? Or just toss it?
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 4, 2014 (3:19 pm)
I discard mine but you can actually make plant food from it or use in smoothies.
susan quackenbush
Twitter: SusieQpon
November 4, 2014 (3:50 pm)
Great post and perfect timing! I am in the market for a new juicer.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 4, 2014 (7:38 pm)
Susan then use these tips to help you find the right one for you.
Amber
Twitter: AmberE2SYL
November 4, 2014 (4:56 pm)
Great review! I know my first juicer was a hand me down which was the perfect way to get started. I up graded to a Breville when my first juicer died on me and it has been amazing! Being able to put whole pieces of fruit through the shoot really speeds up the juicing time.My Breville really isn’t even that loud, the biggest draw back on it I would say is the price point.
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 4, 2014 (7:37 pm)
Amber my Breville sounded like s plane taking off. Lol
Stephanie November 4, 2014 (6:50 pm)
This is a great post! I have been debating on getting a juicer and when I do I will use some of these tips/advice. Thanks for sharing.
Jamie King
Twitter: jamiekingfit
November 4, 2014 (7:44 pm)
Wish I had read this sooner, we adopted a juicer from a friend and NEVER use it. It’s so big, so clunky and so HARD to clean! 😉 oops.
Kisa Johnson
Twitter: OhayoOkasan
November 4, 2014 (9:13 pm)
I’ve wanted to get a juicer before, but always get frustrated in the search in trying to figure out what to get that will best fit my needs. Thank you for sharing this with us!
o
steph
Twitter: FitMomTraining
November 4, 2014 (11:14 pm)
I love my Breville juicer. It is a bit noisy but as it’s my first one, I have nothing to compare it to.
o
Rachel November 4, 2014 (11:18 pm)
I own and love my juicer… I just need to unpack it to use again 😉
o
Tiffany Hathorn
Twitter: tiffanyhathorn
November 4, 2014 (11:58 pm)
Thanks for sharing these tips because I definitely would have just bought the cheapest thing and probably regretted it, lol
o
Nicole
Twitter: laeblsbynicole
November 4, 2014 (11:52 pm)
Thanks for the tips and list. I am thinking bout getting one this Christmas.
o
Michelle F. November 5, 2014 (12:32 am)
I have the Big Boss Juicer. It is super affordable and works really well.
o
Janice- The Fitness Cheerleader
Twitter: fitcheerldr
November 5, 2014 (6:24 am)
Great informative post!! I honestly have never tried juicing, though it intrigues me very much. I like veggies and eat my fair share, but I definitely lack variety and I’m sure juicing would help with that. I have a Blendtec blender and it claims to be able to “juice” but I’ve never tried it, I should google that.
o
Debi
Twitter: thespringmount6
November 5, 2014 (9:58 am)
My son’s friend was just looking for a juicer. I have to share this for her.
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 5, 2014 (11:07 am)
Please do Debi.
Amanda
Twitter: TheMommyMix
November 5, 2014 (12:33 pm)
These are great tips who knew there was so much thought to it.
Heather November 5, 2014 (2:10 pm)
I’ve had my eye on the Breville for awhile now but it’s good to know about these other options as well! Easy to clean is definitely the priority on my own list! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Jennifer Corter
Twitter: jenngem
November 5, 2014 (8:36 pm)
I remember first hearing about Breville juicers after watching the documentary, “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead.” My husband and I have been in the market for a juicer for awhile now, and this is a very helpful guide! Thank you for sharing!
o
Leanne O'Rourke
Twitter: cadadoodle
November 5, 2014 (11:14 pm)
Great post! Thanks for the help! It is hard to know without trying the juicer to know if it is one you like!
jill conyers
Twitter: jillconyers
November 6, 2014 (3:40 am)
My husband and I go through mega juice days and then none. Right now it’s a mega juice time 🙂
o
Stacie
Twitter: staciesayzso
November 7, 2014 (9:34 am)
I admit, I don’t juice, but I have thought about looking into it. These are pretty good tips for me to keep in mind if I decide to buy one. Thanks for sharing!
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 7, 2014 (10:10 am)
Thanks Stacie – fresh raw juice is so good foe you.
Louida
Twitter: missloumae
November 7, 2014 (10:15 am)
I have the Breville juicer and that thing sure is loud! I got tired of cleaning it all the time so now it has been collecting dust. I’m in the market for a new one that is easier to clean. #ProductReviewParty
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
November 7, 2014 (10:16 am)
Louida isn’t it? I sold mine and bought the Omega VRT350.
Sam Sly
Twitter: SlysamBlog
November 7, 2014 (7:10 pm)
Thanks for sharing, I love fresh made vegetable and fruit juices almost as much as I love smoothies. #ProductReviewParty
Giveaways 4 Mom
Twitter: funmom91
November 7, 2014 (9:55 pm)
I have heard of juicers but never really felt that I needed one. #ProductReview Party
o
Nicole
Twitter: fitfulfocus
February 9, 2015 (11:03 am)
I’ve been thinking about getting a juicer so this was super helpful! Thank you!
o
Elle
Twitter: eatrunsail
February 9, 2015 (11:46 am)
It’s not something I have ever really considered to be honest. I wanna know what happens to all that nutritious and fibre filled pulp?
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
February 9, 2015 (12:05 pm)
Elle you can gather the pulp and use in soup, muffins, smoothies or any other recipe.
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
February 9, 2015 (12:51 pm)
I can’t believe that I don’t have a juicer! I do love reading all about your juicing each month. I am on the fence. They are $$
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
February 9, 2015 (2:34 pm)
Deborah there are some good ones at decent price points. I would recommend the Breville. You can get it at Bed, Bath and Beyond and use your 20% off coupon.
Erica G
Twitter: RunningMom6
February 9, 2015 (3:32 pm)
Great post! I had a juicer years ago and never was 100% satisfied with it. I have seen some recently and have pondered getting one again. This will be a good reference if I ever take that plunge again!
o
Kathryn
Twitter: Dancing 2 Running
February 9, 2015 (6:29 pm)
It always amazes how diverse different brands of different appliances can be. Thanks for the great review!
o
MCM Mama
Twitter: mcmmama
February 9, 2015 (10:33 pm)
Great info! I’m not really into juicing (heck, I don’t even own a blender, much less a juicer), but it’s helpful to know more about them before you decide to buy.
o
Sandra Laflamme
Twitter: organicrunmom
February 9, 2015 (11:30 pm)
This is a fantastic post! I have always been curious about juicing so this information is super helpful. I have to admit I had no clue there were two different kinds.
o
jill conyers
Twitter: jillconyers
February 10, 2015 (5:06 am)
Great info for anyone just starting out! And it reminds me I haven’t juiced in a while.
o
azeem uddin
Twitter: azeem10
February 10, 2015 (6:09 am)
I suggest u to visit http://www.reliablejuicer.com a website which is all about reliable juicer machines with Amazon affiliation.
o
Rachel February 10, 2015 (7:29 am)
Great post. Very informational! I have and LOVE my juicer. I need to dust it off and use it. Nothing like drinking/eating/chewing whole foods! 🙂
o
AJ
Twitter: nutrifitmama
February 10, 2015 (1:09 pm)
The being easy to clean is HUGE for me. If something isn’t easy to clean, I find that I never really want to use it 😉
o
Larisa Dixon (
Twitter: 0to26point2
February 10, 2015 (6:29 pm)
I go back and forth about buying a juicer. Thanks for posting this review, im going to check them all out
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Elma Smith April 10, 2017 (4:26 am)
Very informative post. I was looking for something about things to consider before buying a juicer. And i found this article. Thanks admin for such an informative article.
o