What Is the Difference Between Masticating and Centrifugal Juicers – And Which to Choose?

When it comes to juicers, there are two most popular types according to many juicer fans – namely masticating juicers and centrifugal juicers. However, if you are looking to buy a new juicer, how can you be sure which product will best suit your needs?

This article looks at both masticating and centrifugal juicers, highlighting the differences between the two. Whether you’re looking for a commercial juicer or one for home use, we hope to give you the most detailed overview possible, to help you choose the best type according to your individual preferences

Masticating Juicers Explained

A masticating juicer – also known as a slow juicer or a cold press juicer – basically crushes and presses fruits and vegetables to give you a healthy glass of juice.

It does this by utilizing a slowly rotating gear, which kneads and grinds the food placed into it to a pulp. Masticating juicers can come in the form of a horizontal, vertical or even a twin gear juicer.

Centrifugal Juicers Explained

A centrifugal juicer works by grinding fruit and vegetables down into a pulp, using a high-speed spinning movement, as its spinning blades work on separating the juice from the body of the food.

Once this is done, the centrifugal juicer will then have two containers ready to separate the pulp and the juice into different compartments – the latter is ready for drinking, whereas the former can be easily cleaned out and discarded.

The Differences Between These Two Popular Juicer Types

While both a masticating juicer and a centrifugal juicer ultimately work towards one common goal – that is, to provide you with a glass of juice from the fruits or vegetables that you choose –  they both have several advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed up carefully before purchase.

These are some of the differences customers find with each juicer.

Masticating juicers:

• Masticating juicers are associated with the higher-end of the juicer market, and, as a result, people find it difficult to get a good machine without being prepared to pay a little more for this product type.
• It’s claimed that a masticating juicer yields a lot more nutrients when it extracts the juice from the food. This is due to the slow spin of a masticating juicer rather than the quick turn of the centrifugal juicer. If you’re health-conscious and looking for the best wheatgrass juicer, this is the type that you should consider.
• Masticating juicers don’t trap as much air during the juicing process, so your juice will last longer.
• Some people find that when changing from a centrifugal juicer to a masticating juicer, there is a significant overall improvement in the taste of their juice.
• Masticating juicers can come with a selection of various additional parts which some find slightly complicated to use, and therefore prefer the simplicity that a centrifugal juicer offers them instead.

Centrifugal juicers:

• Centrifugal juicers are usually widely promoted and can be obtained at a more affordable price, available in many stores and extensively online.
• Centrifugal juicers tend to be the noisier of the two models in operation, which may be a problem if you’re a fan of peace and quiet in your kitchen!
• Centrifugal juicers don’t tend to fare as well with leafy greens and soft fruit. A masticating juicer, on the other hand, has small gaps between its gears, allowing for a better breakdown of plant cell membranes, making this type the best juicer for leafy greens.
• Centrifugal juicers incorporate an element of oxygen into the juicing process, decreasing your juice’s shelf life.
• Centrifugal juicers are seen by many as the quicker juicer option, with masticating juicers not juicing as quickly for convenience. They’re considered best for citrus fruits and are therefore great choice if you’re looking to make yourself a quick glass of orange juice in the mornings.

How to Choose Between a Centrifugal Juicer and a Masticating Juicer

Ultimately, which type of juicer out of the two that you choose is going to come down to personal preferences. With both types having their own advantages and disadvantages, you may be better placed to decide which is the right type of juicer for you once you’ve tasted the juice that each one produces. Your budget will also likely play a role in the decision-making process, as the majority of masticating juicers are pricier than centrifugal ones. Whichever one you choose, one thing’s for sure – your body will definitely thank you for the daily dose of vitamins that your juicer will provide!