If you are looking for a way to avoid sugary shop-bought drinks and instead make your own healthy juices, you need an efficient machine.
The best juicers under $300 are budget-friendly and easy to use, so it is a great way to start if you are a beginner. We have selected the top 5 products out of 12 and our Editor’s Choice is the Cuisinart CJE-1000 Die-Cast Juice Extractor. We relied on several key factors in making this selection. The first is the type of juicer as masticating juicers are more efficient than centrifugal ones. The next criterion was the capacity as it determines how much juice you can make at a time. The speed was also considered as it affects how long the juicing process takes. The last factor was the materials used as they affect durability and ease of cleaning.
More features: extra-large 3-inch feeding chute, foam management filter disk, easy unlock and lift system, anti-drip adjustable flow spout, quiet operation
Centrifuges tend not to offer enough control options. Because of this, it is difficult to adjust the machine according to the foods you want to use. The Cuisinart CJE-1000 solves this problem. The device is a powerful juicer with full control options. This is a powerful juicer, thanks to its 1000 watts power capacity, and this is particularly felt in terms of speed. It helps you get a large amount of juice very quickly. But the real thing is, you can adjust the power. You have 5 levels. Level 1 makes it possible to prepare apple or orange juice, while level 5 is suitable for foods that are a little more resistant, such as pineapples. Also, its versatility is remarkably well-assured.
The model is a very good quality centrifuge with a stainless steel base and a powerful 1000 watt motor. The juice it makes is relatively foam-free. However, the pulp is very moist, which means that more juice could be extracted from it.
The Cuisinart CJE-1000 is intended for people who know exactly what they want. It’s for those who are willing to take some time to master the capabilities of the device. If you need a device for occasional use or are a fan of simplicity, it may be better to look to another product.
What we liked: We like how versatile this device is, as well as its five-speed centrifuge. Although it may require adaptation time, it has a perfect overall design.
What could be better: The Cuisinart model would have been perfect if it was more intuitively designed. As a centrifugal device, this is expected, however.
More features: auto-reversing dual-purpose juicing cones, easy to assemble, transparent container, non-slip feet
If you can’t let a day pass without a cup of freshly extracted orange juice, then the Pohl+Schmitt Deco-Line Citrus Juicer is for you. With two interchangeable juicing cones, this model is specifically designed for citrus fruits. It doesn’t matter the size of the citrus fruit you’re extracting; whether big-sized grapes or lemon, the juicer has small and large cones that you can switch depending on the fruit size.
Making juice in this device is fast and straightforward. The built-in juice container can take up to 34oz juice, and it has a nonslip base that can help you juice more. Also, the juicer has a handle and marking lines for measurement purposes.
The Pohl+Schmitt Deco-Line Citrus Juicer also has a fixed filter, which helps limit the pulp that enters the bowl. It separates the pulp from the juice, offering you a fresh, clean juice devoid of fruit fibers. You can also devise to use the extracted pulp for healthy recipes. You can make a broth from this, add it to scrambled eggs, or make juice pulp crackers from it.
What we liked: We liked the dual interchangeable cones of the device. They’re for large and small fruits. The 34-ounce container will also let you extract enough for the entire family.
What could be better: This juicer is perfectly designed for citrus lovers. We didn’t find anything specific on its downsides.
More features: acid-resistant finish, 5.5-inch cup clearance, multifunctional cup, extractor arm exerts up to 2000 pounds of force, space for 8-1 oz cups
As expected from manual juicers, the Hamilton Beach 932 Commercial Citrus Juicer does not generate any noise. It is designed to extract juice from any type of fruit – lemon, lime, grapefruit, oranges, and more. It has a 2000 pounds extractor arm, which exerts maximum pressure on the fruits, ensuring that you get the last drop from them. Also, the device minimizes pulp residues in the juice as well as skin oils.
The Hamilton Beach model comes with a funnel and strainer cone. These are also easy to remove during cleaning and maintenance procedures. There’s also a small cup which collects the juice. This only has a 0.125qt capacity, but it is made for convenience during use. The cup can swing out for easy pouring, loading, and then returning for continuous juicing. This also facilitates cleaning.
The device is made of heavy-duty steel that is resistant to acid. As citrus fruits contain lots of acids that can be damaging to metals, the porcelain and chrome finish resist these elements.
What we liked: Not many manual juicers come with the power that the Hamilton Beach model wields. The device is made of heavy steel, is simple in design, easy to use, store, and clean.
What could be better: The juicer could be better if the bowl were bigger. It only has 0.125 quartz capacity. Also, it is a bit heavy.
More features: double feeder, less than 60 dB noise level, convenient operation
The Aobosi 83mm belongs to the so-called “Slow Juicers,” also called cold extractors or masticating juicers. This type of fruit processing is probably the best method for extracting juice from fruits or vegetables because it allows all the nutrients in the food to be retained. Unlike centrifuges, the fruit is not “heated” during the process. Thus, the juices will oxidize much less quickly and maintain their vitamins and minerals for longer.
With a power input of 200W, the Aobosi 83mm has enough power to squeeze all fruits and vegetables. Foods such as spinach or salads are also squeezed without a problem. However, you still have to be careful not to put too much at once because the engine is not very powerful. Overfilling also has a second drawback: a large part goes into the housing and also clogs the device. In the end, the sieve is completely full, and hardly can any juice come out of it. However, if anything becomes tangled, the reverse gear will automatically engage for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. After that, you can go back to the forward speed and continue to extract the juice.
What we liked: The model comes at a very low price, even though slow juicers are usually expensive. We also like the fact that it passes no oxidation in the fruit. Also, with the very large inlet, there’s no need to pre-cut large foods.
What could be better: The device could be better if it were easier to clean. Cleaning is a little difficult (you have to get used to it). Also, be careful not to insert too much fibrous food at once (the motor isn’t very powerful). If you put too much food in it, it starts to squeak.
More features: less than 60 dB noise level, reverse function, dishwasher-safe parts
The Aicok juice extractor is the perfect model for a first time user. The juicer is really inexpensive, and it allows you to do a lot of testing (i.e., with various ingredients). Operating it is intuitive; there is not much to do. However, it is necessary to cut the fruit into pieces beforehand, not necessarily very small, but at least a little.
Its extraction speed is 80 revolutions per minute. For a masticating juicer, this is pretty fast. On the other hand, it is not suitable for overripe and too soft fruits such as bananas. They are immediately rejected without extracting the juice. The Aicook model is also a good juicer in terms of noise, as it does not exceed 60 dB. It is not a silent extractor, but it is still tolerable at any time of the day.
The device has an anti-drip system and a reverse function. The reverse function is very practical to avoid jams. It turns the screw in the opposite direction, which releases any stuck ingredients. Finally, the juice is collected directly in the glass/bowl, which is included with the device. The glass has a spout for ease of collecting and serving the extracted juice.
What we liked: We like the fact that the Aicook AMR521 is easy to use for beginners. It’s not ultraquiet, but it’s quiet enough for indoor use. Being a masticating juicer, the model doesn’t cause oxidation of fruit. It serves fresh and healthy juice.
What could be better: This model could be better if it were faster. It takes a lot of patience to use it, but for a masticating juicer, it’s understandable.
A juicer is an appliance designed to extract the juice from citrus fruits, pineapples, mangoes, apple, etc. It separates them from the pulp and can prepare delicious juices for daily consumption. Thanks to a motor that works by electricity, a lever, or a pressing cone, the fruit is crushed quickly and efficiently without user effort. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about this practical product, to help you choose the most suitable for you.
What are the health benefits of fruit and vegetable juice? One of the main advantages of fresh fruit and vegetable juices is their excellent nutritional quality. When compared to industrial fruit juices, they are much richer in enzymes and vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E). Because even the so-called “pure juices” you find in stores are generally pasteurized. They are stored during a more or less long time, going from a few days to several months. Not to mention the extraction processes, which are not always very respectful of the fruit or vegetable, causing them to oxidize quickly.
However, pasteurization and storage are detrimental to nutritional richness. Vitamins are very sensitive to heat, oxidation, and light. Therefore, the best way to take advantage of their benefits is to consume fresh fruit and vegetable juices that are just peeled and cut!
A good alternative to raw fruits and vegetables, it is often easier to drink a full glass of carrot juice than to consume 500 g of grated carrots. Fresh juices are, therefore, a great way to fill up on vitamins and minerals! At the same time, they hydrate the body, without providing it with an excess of sugar, salt, or lipids (raw vegetables and vinaigrettes generally go together). By consuming fresh juices, it is easy to meet the target for the famous 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day (or 10, depending on the source).
For children, who are often not very fond of fresh fruit or vegetables, this is an excellent way to put these foods on their menu. Mostly if they are offered homemade juice cocktails. An orange-carrot or beet-apple, for example, should satisfy the most delicate palates. You can also play with colors, textures and invent your recipes according to your tastes.
Most fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants: beta-carotene, polyphenols, etc. They thus have a protective effect against cancers (neutralization of free radicals) and cardiovascular diseases by limiting the risk of stroke, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, cataracts, etc.
They would also reduce high blood pressure as well as the level of LDL-cholesterol (the “bad”). So many good reasons to regularly consume fresh fruit and vegetable juices!
This is another virtue of fresh juices (in particular herbal juices: barley grass, wheatgrass, sunflower sprouts, sesame, etc.). They have a beneficial draining effect of detoxifying the liver, the gall bladder, the kidneys, but also the intestines and the skin!
Fresh juice cures (as a single diet over a few days, or as a supplement, for a few weeks) are often recommended by naturopaths, especially when the seasons change (spring and autumn).
It is proven that vegetables and fruits, when consumed in the form of juice, are better taken in by our digestive system. Indeed, in the form of liquid, fruits and vegetables are more digestible, and their nutrients are more quickly assimilated by the body and do not have to make a big digestion effort. They are, therefore, particularly useful for patients and convalescents, or in case of loss of appetite. Taking about twenty minutes before a meal, they have aperitif properties by stimulating gastric secretions.
To choose juicers under 300 that best suit your needs, you must take into account a series of purchase criteria. For example, the potential of the engine, the capacity of the container, the quality of the manufacturing materials, the ease of cleaning, and the extra performance, among other factors. Here are the factors to consider to choose an inexpensive juicer.
Centrifuges, like the Cuisinart CJE-1000, have an operating system that shreds fruits through their toothed blades into the lower part of the spinning sieve basket. Their spinning force helps separate the pulp of the fruits from the juice. They then dump these pulps into the provided bin, with the juice filtering through the jug or container.
Juicers often have two speeds for hard or soft fruits and vegetables. High-end devices sometimes also include a disc for soft fruits. This allows you to get juices from fruits such as berries.
Buying a more expensive juicer can mean you get a higher quality motor, more durable metal rather than plastic parts, and a longer warranty. In general, the price will act on the lifetime.
Advantages of the centrifuge
Disadvantages of a centrifuge
These are generally more expensive. Note that they are available mainly online or in specialty cookware stores. They crush fruits by using slowly spinning gears and squeeze the juice through perforated sieves. They use either a toothed wheel that presses against the housing or two gears meshing onto each other.
Also, masticating juicers are very versatile. You can use some as choppers or grinders for coffee. You can also use them to make pasta or ice cream. When you add extended warranties, they can be worth the steep upfront price. An example of a good masticating juicer is the AOBOSI AMR8825.
Advantages of a masticating juicer
Disadvantages of a masticating juicer
Is an electric juicer better than a manual one? The first juicers were, of course, manual. And today they are still very much available on the market. Instead of the motor that turns the head, it is a matter of applying pressure with your own hands to extract the juice.
Now, beyond achieving more or less the same results, the emergence of electric models has been very successful. The electric juicers facilitate the extraction task, that is, they require no effort. While manual ones are cheaper, the electric ones are also very accessible and are worth the price for the speed and simplicity of use. If you have a large family, you will appreciate the advantage an electric centrifuge or masticating type offers to prepare many glasses in a short time.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of an electric juicer compared to a manual juicer? Manual extractors are household appliances that work through a mechanism that presses (crushes) the fruit or vegetables to expel as much juice as possible. It is, therefore, a different mechanism than an electric juicer. The advantage of an extractor is that it does not apply heat or speed, which favors a higher quality juice and better conservation.
The main disadvantage of a manual juicer compared to an electric juicer is the extraction process time. Take the Hamilton Beach 932 as an example. Although it has an heavy-duty steel construction, you can’t process many fruits at a time. If you like to have your glass of juice every morning for breakfast, the manual extractor is not highly recommended, especially if you are in a hurry. Usually, it can take up to fifteen minutes of homework.
The container must be of the right capacity so that the whole process is simpler. The best ones are those made of stainless steel, both for their useful life and for their ease of cleaning. If you plan to use your electric juicer a lot, ensure that it has a capacity greater than 150 milliliters. Also, check if it has an anti-drip nozzle to pour the juice.
The power of the extractor motor is expressed in watts. You may want to make a comparison of these features before buying. But you may be missing the point. For centrifuges, what matters is above all is the number of rotations per minute. You can have as much as 20,000rpm, depending on the watt rating, which shouldn’t be less than 1000 watts. However, for masticating juicers like the AICOK AMR521, the slower it is, the better the quality of juice will be. A slow rotation ensures that the majority of the nutrients present in your fruits and vegetables are retained.
If you have a lot of space, this is less important. For those with limited space, we recommend that you pay attention to. Can the juice extractor be placed on your counter alongside your other appliances? Can it be stored in one of your cupboards easily? Also, if you want to juice on the move, or include the device in your summer list for camping, then you have to choose compact and lightweight models like the Pohl+Schmitt Deco-Line Citrus Juicer.
Several materials can be used in making these products. The most common are durable plastics and glasses for the bases and containers. Then stainless steel is used for specific components.
Also, pay attention to the environmental and health considerations. It is, of course, preferable to opt for juice extractors without bisphenol A. Some have recyclable components, which is also a plus that should not be ignored at the time of your purchase. For electrical products, we recommend that you verify their compliance with regional safety regulations, depending on your country or state.
Some juicers are pre-assembled and have functional units where the issue of accessories and components may be less of a priority. However, others, especially some vertical models, are sold with different parts that you can assemble yourself. You can have at least one or more sieves. Like the Pohl+Schmitt Deco-Line Citrus Juicer, having a citrus juicer with more than two cones lets you have the versatility to juice any size of fruit. Other accessories can be added, in particular, to increase the versatility of the device.
Also, take into account any additional purchases you may have to make. Some juicers are sold without a container for the juice or pulp, which requires you to have your own. Even if it is not a big investment, it can justify the purchase of a model, a little more expensive but better equipped.
Some more expensive juicers offer a lifetime warranty on some specific parts. However, for the best juicers under 300, a good warranty coverage should start from 3 years and above. The AICOK AMR521 and the Cuisinart CJE-1000, with three years warranty each, offer the best warranty coverage in this review. It’s also advisable to choose a model with at least a 30-day guarantee satisfaction.
Finally, even if aesthetics have no direct influence on performance, choose a product that you like and that you want to have on your counter, and use regularly. Otherwise, you might just leave it out and not really enjoy your purchase as it doesn’t add any decor to your counter space or kitchen.
The Cuisinart CJE-1000, the runner-up, wins our nomination for Editor’s Choice. The device is one of the best juicers under 300 thanks to its powerful 1000 watts-rated motor and control options. This is particularly felt in terms of speed. It helps you get a large amount of juice very quickly.
If you have a low budget, choose our Budget Pick, the Pohl+Schmitt Deco-Line Citrus Juicer. We like that it features two interchangeable juicing cones. It doesn’t matter the size of the citrus fruit you’re extracting; whether big-sized grapes or lemon, the juicer has small and large cones that you can switch depending on the fruit size.
The AICOK AMR521, is the perfect option for those using juicers for the first time. What we liked most about the juice extractor is that it is the perfect model for a first-time user. Being a masticating juicer, the model doesn’t cause oxidation of fruit. It serves fresh and healthy juice, giving it a higher shelf life (about 48 hours).
