If you like healthy juice drinks, then chances are you have or are considering adding a juicer to your collection of kitchen gadgets. However, there are numerous types and brands out there than it can be confusing as to which is the best for your needs.
Well, the type of juicer you should purchase depends on an array of factors including how often you plan to use it. If you are a novice in the world of juicing, then an affordable easy to use and clean juicer will be perfect for creating a healthy drink whenever you wish. However, if you are looking for maximum nutrition and intend to juice leafy greens and more than just citrus fruits, then you may need a comprehensive juicer such as a masticating or centrifugal model.
Regardless of the juicer type you pick, you should look for the following features to ensure you pick the best one for your needs.
Variable Speeds
Ensure that you pick a juicer with several speed settings as this allows you to extract the most juice out of your vegetables and juicers. Slow speeds are ideal for juicing soft fruits such as berries, melons and grapes, while high speeds are needed for firmer produce like carrots and apples.
Jugs and Foam Separators
If you intend to juice for the entire family, you should look for a juicer with a jug that’s big enough to hold a large amount of juice. Also, check if it’s possible to fit a glass under the juicing spout as it saves on the washing up if the juice is for a single person.
If you go for a centrifugal juicer, ensure that the jug comes with a foam separator. This is ideal for separating foam from the juice while serving it. For a masticating juicer, foam is not an issue as they run at lower speeds.
Wide Feed Tube
You should consider a centrifugal juicer that features a big food chute that accepts whole vegetables and apples. This saves you time on chopping the fruit and veggies. Masticating juicers, however, can only take small pieces of veg and fruits and so, you’ll still need your chopping board if you opt for this type of juicer.
Safety Locks
Even though most juicers have safety features, ensure the model you’re considering has them, including lid clamps or locking arms that should be securely in place before starting the machine. Also, ensure that you follow the safety instructions when using the device.
Juicer or Blender?
It is important to note that blenders and juicers are two completely different kitchen gadgets. A juicer extracts the juice from the vegetables and fruits, leaving a pulp of solid matter behind. A blender, on the other hand, emulsifies everything together into a smooth liquid. They are cheaper than juicers and excellent for creating healthy smoothies. They also take up less space in the kitchen and are easier to clean as well. Given that all the fiber remains, a blended drink is much healthier and will keep you full for longer. However, many vegetables like parsnips, carrots and sweet potatoes aren’t suitable for blending are best juiced.