There are two primary types of juicers: masticating and centrifugal. Whereas masticating is usually seen as ideal for extracting high-quality juice without damaging sensitive nutrients, recent advances in centrifugal juicers have leveled the playing field, making the decision a matter of personal preference. 

In this guide, we'll delve into the differences between masticating and centrifugal juicers to find the right match for you.

The extraction process: masticating vs centrifugal juicer

The fundamental difference between these juicer types lies in their unique ways of extracting juice. Understanding how they work helps lay the groundwork for deciding which one suits your needs.

● Masticating juicers, also known as slow juicers or cold press juicers, operate by crushing and squeezing fruits and vegetables with a slow-rotating metal press. This deliberate grinding action extracts juice without generating heat—preserving vitamins, minerals, and healthy enzymes. Masticating juicers are great for making juice from leafy greens. Discover more on how to make cold pressed juice at home with this machine.

● Centrifugal juicers work at much higher speeds and are known as fast juicers, shredding fruits and veggies with a rapidly spinning blade. The rotating centrifugal force of motion then separates the pulp, resulting in a fast and cleanly extracted juice. These juicers can provide a higher juice yield. However, some models generate heat from the high-speed process that may damage essential nutrients.

It’s also important to keep in mind that juicer models can vary greatly, even if they share the same extraction style. Still, the principles behind their operation usually lead to certain similarities, such as masticating juicers requiring more time to juice than centrifugal.

Juice quality and nutrient retention

Likely the most important factor when choosing a juicer is the quality of juice that comes from it. This begs the question, are masticating or centrifugal juicers better? 

For years, the answer was undoubtedly masticating juicers, thanks to their thorough extraction process and low heat buildup. This resulted in juice with a cleaner texture, fuller flavor, and richer color.

Conversely, a centrifugal juicer’s fast-moving blades would tend to generate heat and cause oxidation, reducing nutrient content and leading to pulpier juice.

However, with recent advances in centrifugal juicers, the answer now depends more on the individual model rather than the extraction method. For healthy, nutrient-dense juice, the key factor to look out for is temperature. 

As long as your juicer model operates with cold extraction, either masticating or centrifugal juicers are a solid choice.

Speed and efficiency: A comparison

Another crucial aspect to consider is the speed and efficiency of the juicing process. In this regard, both types of juicers have distinct characteristics that cater to different needs: 

● Masticating – Most masticating juicers work at a slower pace. They require more time to extract juice, sometimes 5 minutes or more per batch, depending on the type of produce. 

● Centrifugal – Centrifugal juicers are built for speed and efficiency. They can produce juice in a matter of seconds, blending even tougher vegetables like beets and carrots with relative ease.

While masticating juicers may extract juice that is thicker or has slightly more nutrient content, this comes at the cost of longer wait times. On the other hand, the speed of centrifugal juicers makes them an excellent choice for individuals with busy schedules.

Noise and ease of use

Using products that match personal preferences is a crucial part of deciding which kind of juicer is right for you. Consider the following when making your decision:

● The high-speed spinning of centrifugal machines means they can be quite noisy. The whirring motor and vibrating parts make them a louder appliance—something to consider if you plan on juicing in the early morning or at night.

● Masticating models operate at such low speeds that they produce very little noise, making them a good option if you value a quieter morning juicing ritual.

Both types are fairly straightforward to assemble and operate, depending on the model. Centrifugal juicers, with their fewer parts, tend to be more user-friendly.

Maintenance and cleaning: What to expect

Since both types of juicers should be cleaned after each use to prevent mold growth, ease of cleaning and maintenance is a practical consideration. Let’s compare:

● Masticating – Masticating juicers typically have more components and require thorough cleaning after each use, often by hand (at least for some parts).

● Centrifugal – Centrifugal juicers have fewer parts and are generally easier to clean. Most components are dishwasher safe, helping to make cleanup a breeze.

Ultimately, the disassembly and cleaning process of a masticating juicer can add to its total time consumption. So, if convenience is a top priority for you, a centrifugal juicer might be the better choice. 

Get the best of both worlds with Breville 

In the end, the choice between masticating and centrifugal juicers comes down to personal preference and priorities. 

If you value a slower, quieter juicing experience ideal for quality cold-pressed juices, then a masticating juicer may be your best pick. On the other hand, if speed, convenience, and easy cleanup are your primary concerns, a centrifugal juicer may be the better choice.

But what if you could have the best of both? With Breville, you can. 

Breville’s innovative cold extraction technology, extra-wide chute, and stainless steel cutting disc come together to juice any fruit or vegetable—without sacrificing quality or heat-sensitive nutrients. 

Find the best juicer for your needs today by shopping Breville kitchen appliances.

Sources: 

1. Serious Eats. Centrifugal vs. Masticating Juicers: What’s the Difference? https://www.seriouseats.com/centrifugal-vs-masticating-juicers-7500489