You cannot do without a juicer if you strive for a healthy diet or simply like to pamper yourself with freshly squeezed juice - a delicious, natural and incredibly healthy drink. The choice of this kitchen technique should be approached very carefully, without rushing, if you want it to perform its functions as long as possible. In this article, you will learn how to choose a vegetable juicer in 2020, which parameters you should pay attention to first of all, and which models are in greatest demand right now.
Content
Juicer device
The principle of operation depends on which type the unit belongs to. But there are also common features. Most of the parts are made of stainless steel. The design is assembled taking into account the fact that it needs to be regularly disassembled, washed and dried, because, most likely, you are buying a juicer for making a delicious drink for every day. The device is based on a fairly powerful engine. There are also several knives (the largest number of them does not exceed 16).
The device can be operated by a press, rotating cone or knives and squeeze drums. In this case, the process of squeezing juice can occur in automatic, semi-automatic or manual mode.
Types of juicers by type
Household appliances are divided into four types, and which juicer to choose from the range presented depends on your expectations from its work:
- Centrifugal;
- Auger;
- For citrus fruits;
- Combined.
The centrifugal juicer is also called universal, since there are no restrictions on the processed vegetables and fruits. The design of most of them is equipped with a round hole in the upper part, the diameter of which is 7-8 cm. Small fruits are laid in it as a whole, and large ones are pre-cut into pieces. The advantage of this model is the maximally simplified operation. In addition, you do not have to put in your own efforts: just press a button and gradually load the required ingredients, lightly pressing them with a special press. During pressing, the fruits are actively rubbed with an installed grater, and then, in crushed form, enter the separator, where the liquid and pulp are separated.
- Philips HR 1863
- Panasonic MJ-DJ31
- Bosch MES3000
- BORK S700
- REDMOND RJ-M900
Auger devices operate on a principle similar to a meat grinder. The main element is a conical spiral auger. Unlike other models, it acts slowly, which allows you to get as much juice as possible from fruits and vegetables. This design is characterized by virtually silent operation. The fruits pass through the press, after which the juice is separated from the cake. The auger juicer can be used to process any kind of fruit, including berries. However, the main drawback of such a device is the small assortment on sale.
- Kitfort KT-1102
- Binatone JE-8000
- Kitfort KT-1101
- Cuchen LSJ-TE 901
- Hurom HU-700
The citrus juicer is intended exclusively for oranges, lemons, grapefruits and other citrus fruits. It is distinguished by its small dimensions, a special ribbed nozzle. Using such a device is very simple: cut the fruit into two halves, press one half against the cone and press the button. In this case, the cone will begin to rotate and squeeze out the juice. Its disadvantage is that the device cannot be used to process other products. It is better to choose a model in which the nozzle rotates in both directions (“reverse” function) - this will allow you to get the largest amount of product.
Choosing a good combination juicer is not an easy goal, as there are very few options on the market. Such models are somewhat reminiscent of food processors due to their many functions. For example, in addition to squeezing juice, you can make a cocktail or chop food.
How to choose a fruit and vegetable juicer
To choose a quality fruit juicer, carefully study the following criteria, as well as general guidelines related to them:
- Power and speed;
- Storage tank;
- Separator;
- Body material;
- Equipment.
Power and speed
The power of the juicer determines, first of all, the speed of its operation (the higher it is, the faster the extraction will take place) and the quality of the resulting product:
- Citrus machines are capable of operating at 20-40 watts.
- Power of screw models is 100-300 W.
- Universal centrifugal juicers for fruits and vegetables have a capacity of 250-1300 W.
The juicer can have up to 9 speeds, but in order not to make the wrong choice, study the advice of specialists. For example, many argue that two modes are enough for vegetables and fruits. The highest speed is 23,000 rpm. However, it is not at all necessary to overpay - half the figure (10,000-12,000 revolutions) is quite enough.
Decide on which products you will process in order to establish the correct regime. The amount of pulp entering the liquid directly depends on the speed: the higher the speed, the more it is. For example, for apples and carrots, you need to select a high speed, for a peach - a low one. It is also possible that there is no setting for adjusting the speed of work. These models are not suitable for processing berries and soft fruits.
Storage tank
In some models, the reservoir is an integral part of the juicer (as in citrus devices), in others it is inserted separately. The built-in tank can also be present in centrifugal units. This indicates that the machine is not equipped with a direct feed system. If a jug is included with the equipment, then this system is present. In such cases, you can use any other container, or immediately squeeze the juice into a glass.
In terms of volume, they can be completely different, ranging from 200 ml, ending with 2 liters. If you do not need to squeeze out several liters of juice at a time, then you can safely limit yourself to a tank with a capacity of 300-800 ml - this is about 1-2 glasses. If you want to choose a juicer for juicing fruits and vegetables, you will need a larger tank. It is also worth considering the fact that the beneficial substances of freshly squeezed juice cannot be stored for a long time. This is another reason for purchasing a device with a small reservoir.
Separator
A separator in a juicer can mean two mechanisms. The first is located inside the body, it can be conical or cylindrical. If the universal model of the juicer is equipped with a conical separator, then there is also a container for cake. The cylindrical device allows you to get more of the finished product, but you will have to clean the cake from the centrifuge yourself.
The second separator does not allow the foam that appears during the extraction to get into the juice.It fits directly into the juice jug that comes with the appliance.
Body material
To answer the question of which model of juicer for vegetables and fresh fruits is better to choose, it should be said that they can be made with a plastic, steel, aluminum body.
It is plastic models that predominate on sale, which differ in numerous advantages, such as low price, easy maintenance, low weight, etc. The disadvantage of plastic is its low strength.
The stainless steel juicer has the highest level of durability. Moreover, it is, of course, several times heavier and more expensive. In addition, fingerprints and various dirt are always visible on the surface.
Aluminum is the sweet spot. In terms of cost, it is cheaper than steel, but has a better level of strength than ordinary plastic. And thanks to the specially treated surface, traces on the case are not visible.
Equipment
The number of additional components that come with the device, as a rule, is influenced by its cost. The more accessories and attachments for vegetables and fruits, the higher the price. Carefully study the review of the vending model for the presence of pushers, containers for cake and liquid, grater, citrus cones, tools for cleaning the juicer after use and other accessories.
Important details to look out for
Automatic pulp ejection is an important function for all fruits and vegetables, in the presence of which the juicer is equipped with another jug, where all the cake is placed during the extraction process. It is found only in centrifugal juicers. The capacity can be different within 1-3 liters. The benefit of this function is that you do not have to regularly stop the operation of the unit and clean the centrifuge from the accumulated pulp. There is no need for automatic ejection unless you intend to process large quantities of fruit in one go.
Drop stop system
This function is present in those models of juicers that are equipped with the technology of direct supply of juice from fruits and vegetables. Its essence consists in a moving spout located at the end of the tube. If you need to suspend work, but there is still a little liquid inside, just lift the spout up and the liquid will not pour out directly onto the table.
Rubberized feet - seemingly insignificant, but in reality a very important detail. During operation, the device will certainly vibrate and move on slippery surfaces, especially at high speeds. Rubberized feet prevent this and keep the equipment firmly in one place.
Power cord length
To find the best juicer for your home, measure the distance from the table to the nearest outlet. As a rule, 80-90 cm is not enough, but it all depends on the specific operating conditions. If the compactness of the unit is important, then the ability to hide its cord inside the case will be very useful. In this case, its length ranges from 80 cm to 1.2 m.
Care
Professional tips for juicer care to help extend the life of your juicer:
- After each use, the device must be completely disassembled, thoroughly rinsed and dried all its components.
- Do not use the dishwasher to clean household appliances, as detergent and hot water can damage the rubber parts. In addition, hard-to-reach areas are likely to remain contaminated.
- Even if you got a juicer with cleaning, this function cannot replace a full-fledged washing procedure, as it is intended to remove the pulp.
- Store the device in a dry place, after drying all parts.
- Take a ten minute break after each glass is wrung out to cool the motor.
- Due to the juice of carrots, beets, the components of the juicer may acquire the appropriate color. To get rid of it, wipe the stained areas with vegetable oil.
Conclusion
Now you know how to choose the right juicer for fruits and vegetables in 2020, the advantages and disadvantages of its various types, features of operation and maintenance. When buying any household appliances, one should not be guided by the common misconception "expensive is good". If you doubt which company to choose a juicer, do not pay attention to the popularity of the manufacturer, always give preference only to those models that fully meet all your requirements.
