Masticating Juicers
This type of juicer actually uses an auger or single gear that mashes and chews the produce in order to extract the juice. Masticating juicers tend to operate at low revolutions per minute so they don’t produce much heat, which could kill enzymes in the produce. Also, the slow revolutions keep the juice from oxidizing as much, and thus lengthens the shelf life a little.
In addition to making high-quality juices, many masticating juicers also work well to make purees such as baby food, sauces, and nut butters. Many masticating machines extract the majority of the juice from produce and do a good job with difficult leafy vegetables and grasses.
Centrifugal Juicers
The first juicers were centrifugal machines, and though they’ve advanced in the last several decades with improvements in function and efficiency, they still operate in a similar fashion. Most department store juicers are centrifugal juicers.
These machines extract juice in two steps: In the first step, the produce is mashed, and in the second, the pulp is spun so that the juice is pressed out through a strainer. In order to operate at
optimal efficiency, these machines must work at higher revolutions per minute (RPM) so more heat is produced. If you’re looking for speed, lower cost, and ease of use, this may be the machine style for you.
However, centrifugal juicers tend to extract less juice, and the heat causes oxidation, requiring you to drink the juice immediately. If you’re using one of these juicers, you probably won’t be able to juice really hard produce, leafy veggies, or grasses efficiently. They are great for soft produce, and fruits without pits and veggies, though. These juicers are also probably the most affordable.
Triturating Juicers
Also known as a “twin-gear juicer,” a triturating juicer turns at a slower RPM than other machine types and has a two-step juicing process. In the first step, the produce is crushed, and in the second, it’s pressed. This method is excellent for preserving enzymes and getting the maximum nutrients out of produce. Many triturating machines also make use of advanced technology that slows the oxidation process, helping your juice last longer. Finally, twin-gear juicers are great for juicing dense veggies such as beets and carrots, as well as grasses and leafy produce.
