Are you in need of a health boost? Juicing is a great place to start, so it could be time to get yourself a juicer. It will come as no great shock that having a juicer in the kitchen offers big-time health benefits — it means getting the most out of your fruits and vegetables, extracting vitamins and nutrients that would otherwise be lost through other cooking methods.
Not to mention, of course, that fresh juice in the morning — or any time of day for that matter — is delicious and refreshing. Nourishing for the mind and soul as well as the body. If you’re looking to get into the home-juicing game — good for you! You’re doing something great for your health and will also probably save a ton of money on store-bought juices that can cost up to £8 per litre.
When it comes to making your own juices, the kind of juicer you use can really make or break your experience. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. To start, we compiled a list of the top-rated juicers out there at the moment.
What are the different types of juicers?
The most popular juicers fall into two categories — masticating juicers and centrifugal juicers. There are others though, such as manual juicers designed for specifically tackling veg like wheatgrass and classic design citrus juicers (updated versions of those contraptions that your mum would spike half an orange on).
What is a masticating juicer?
Also known as a cold press juicer, this type of machine processes juice in a slower, quieter fashion, by essentially pressing the juice out of your produce. This method generates basically no heat.
It’s often claimed that the speed and heat generated by centrifugal juicers destroys goodness, nutrients, and enzymes. Juice experts at UK Juicers disagree, however, and it’s the process, not the speed, which determines juice quality.
Masticating juicers work by chewing and grinding the fibres of your ingredients and then putting pressure on the resulting juice and pulp, extracting the juice through a filter. This means a better breakdown of fibres, which is believed to release more nutrients.
What is a centrifugal juicer?
A centrifugal juicer uses a ‘spin’ method of juicing, which is faster and usually a bit louder than a masticating juicer. It uses centrifugal force at a high speed to extract juice from produce.
Centrifugal juicers work by using a cutting disc that tears and shreds ingredients, which releases the juice. The juice and pulp are then separated by a mesh and the juice is funnelled out. While it’s true that masticating juicers have the edge when it comes to extracting the best quality juice, the differences are negligible to the average juice drinker.
The benefit of a centrifugal juicer is that it’s fast and easy to use, which is especially good for busy or large households. They’re also rated for doing a better job with hard vegetables.
What can a juicer actually make?
It seems like an obvious question, but it’s a good one, because many juicers will make more than straight-up juice. Juicers can take fruit, veg, soy, nuts, and other foodstuffs — and some can turn those ingredients into plant-based milks, smoothies, purees, or sauces.
What is the best juicer?
Only you can answer that question. Each type of juicer has its benefits. What matters is whether they suit your particular lifestyle. Ask yourself some questions: Will you be juicing early in the morning when noise volume will be an issue? Does a quicker or slower juicing experience better fit your lifestyle? Do you care more about nutrition than speed? Or the other way around?
Regardless of which type you choose, there’s one for you on this list. These are the best juicers in 2021.
