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When it comes to simple and healthy pleasures that put a pep in one’s step with ease, a freshly squeezed green juice never goes astray. Cue: the at-home juicer.
“By combining the right blend of colours and flavours, juicers are a great way of extracting maximum nutrients from veggies and incorporating them into delicious creations,” says Appliances Online lifestyle expert Oliver Kitchingman.
So, if you’ve looking to delve into the DIY juicing realm, read on for everything you need to know about juicers – including our top design picks and expert advice for getting the most out of your juicer.
The difference between cold press juicers, juice extractors and citrus presses
On the topic of which juicer type is superior, Oliver says that “it’s not a question of which is better, but which is better for you.”
The lifestyle expert highlights the differences and functions of the three key types of juicers so that you can choose the model best suited to your kitchen:
Cold press
A cold press (AKA a slow juicer) can switch up your juicing process. Produce is compressed by the powerful processor and will help to extract juice from pulp. All antioxidants and nutrients of the final juice are kept as there is no heat involved in this process.
Benefits:
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More variety of fruits and vegetables to choose from
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Powerful processor creates more juice and prevents food waste
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You can even get juice from wheatgrass and leafy green vegetables
Juice extractor
A juice extractor is perfect for those who like simple juicing with minimal preparation. The wider feed chute allows for whole fruits and vegetables to be fed and only inedible skins need to be removed. Simply push produce into the extractor, which uses quick blades to juice.
Benefits:
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Efficient preparation and juicing
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Most fruits and vegetables are safe, regardless of texture
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Usually comes with dishwasher-safe components
Citrus press
A citrus press shreds the flesh of citrus fruits through squeezing and releasing their liquids. Feed the fruit into the mouth of the juicer and add pressure to squeeze the best bits out of the juice.
Benefits:
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Small compact size
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Straightforward operation
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Less parts to clean and maintain
6 quality juicers to invest in
NUTRIBULLET Mega Pack 900w, $119 at The Good Guys
The NUTRIBULLET Mega Pack has everything you could possibly need in a compact blending setup. Use the normal extractor blade for tough skinned fruits and veggies, or the extra milling blade, which is perfect for breaking down nuts, coffee beans, spices, seeds and more.
Key features:
- 700ml capacity
- 900-watt motor base
- Extractor and milling blades
- Supercharged nutrient extractor
- Safety lock
Breville The 3X Bluicer Juicer, $477 (usually $649) at Appliances Online
This supercharged blender lets you whip up fresh juices, slushies, smoothies and cocktails in no time at all. Get ready to create delicious, vibrant concoctions that’ll make you the life of the party!
Key features:
- 5L jug
- Ability to blend or juice smoothies, frappes, slushies, cocktails and juice
- Space-saving design
- One-touch programming
- Cold spin technology
- Extra wide feed chute
Smeg 50s Retro style black citrus juicer, $213 (usually $249) at Appliances Online
Make your morning juice in style with Smeg’s Retro juicer. The slim, sculpted form is made with a die-cast aluminium and powder-coated body, resulting in a truly stunning design.
Key features:
- Automatic reamer with built-in sensor
- Anti-spill spout and feet
- Easy-to-clean tritan bowl and lid
- Simplicity in design
Breville The Juice Fountain Cold Plus stainless steel juicer, $343.20 (usually $429) at Myer
Perfect for mess-free juicing, this unique option has an 88mm extra wide chute feed that allows you to juice whole fruits and veggies, without pre-cutting. Less prep for larger product right in the palm of your hands!
Key features:
- Cold spin technology with an Italian mesh filter
- Space-saving design
- Shortened prep time
- 2L juicing capacity
- Custom-designed juice nozzle
NUTRIBULLET 800W juicer, $143.20 (usually $179) at Myer
Who said juicing was complicated? The NUTRIBULLET juicer is designed for efficiency and convenience, so you can enjoy fresh, homemade juice whenever you want.
Key features:
- Two speeds
- Wide chute
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Hurom cold press juicer, $599.20 (usually $749) at Myer
“I’m so happy with this juicer,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “It’s very quiet and super easy to clean. Maximises juicing with very dry pulp. If you’re thinking about investing in a juicer or upgrading I would definitely recommend this model.”
Key features:
- Fine, course and smoothie strainers
- 7-degree tilted chamber
- Transparent dual feed hopper
- High yield
Tips for making the best juice at home
If you’re investing in one of these schmick models, you’ll want to know how to get the most out of it. Oliver gives his best expert tips:
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Use ingredients that are compatible with your juicer. Fruits with small seeds (such as passionfruit) or with low water content (like bananas and avocados), do not make for the best juice; while apples, pears, pineapple, watermelon and ginger make for great juice.
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Prior to juicing, peel and remove skin and rind from all citrus fruits or all fruits with non-edible skins, such as melons.
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Cut ingredients down to a reasonable size to help ensure the chute does not get blocked at any time.
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Be sure to rinse all parts of the juicer almost immediately after juicing as acids may erode the machine coatings over time. Once particles harden and the juice dries, it’s much more difficult and time-consuming to clean.
by Jessica G. Lynch
