It's no secret that colorful fruits and veggies are part of a balanced diet. And fresh-squeezed juice, when consumed in moderation, can be an excellent nutritional supplement for just about anyone. But the retail options for quality nectar aren't cheap. A 15.2-ounce bottle of cold-pressed celery juice and an acai berry smoothie are up there too? You can't exactly buy in bulk, either; the maximum shelf life of fresh juice is never more than a few days, even when sealed and chilled to a T.
Maybe it's time you bought your own juicer.
First things first: What is "juicing," exactly? (Hint: it has absolutely nothing to do with steroids or underground bodybuilding.) Juicing refers to the mechanical extraction of juice from whole fruits and vegetables, separating liquid from pulp. This relatively simple process removes valuable fiber from the finished product — so juicing should never replace the main greenery in your diet. (Fruit juice also contains lots of sugar, and it's easy to overload if you're not careful.)
Long story short: Juicing can add extra bursts of nutrition to your weekly routine, if you have the time. There are plenty of options out there these days, and we've rounded up a few bestsellers. Here are the best juicers you can buy now.
The BJE200XL has a smaller footprint than similarly priced competitors, but its 700-watt motor still operates at 14,000 rpm for maximum juice extraction. The rock-solid design includes a stainless steel micromesh filter basket and a titanium cutting disc, allowing for quick and efficient food prep. What's more, Breville claims to extract up to 30% more juice and 40% more vitamins than competing brands. For a more affordable cost, it's one of the best juicers you can buy.
There's a lot to like about this entry-level centrifugal juicer, from the attractive stainless steel design to the extra-wide, 3-inch feed chute. Toggle between 12,000 rpm and 15,000 rpm on low speed, and up 18,000 rpm on high speed — perfect for harder veggies like carrots, beets, celery and more. The anti-drip design makes cleanup easier, and a safety sensor prevents the machine from turning on unexpectedly.
The unique seven-segment spiral system sets apart this masticating juicer, grinding away at a slow and steady 80 rpm (allowing for minimal oxidation and maximum yield). It's quiet, too — operating at under 60 decibels — and easy to disassemble/clean. The reverse function helps prevent clogs and the separation function keeps your juice mostly pulp free.
When it comes to masticating juicers, the Omega J8006HDS won't let you down. Churning away at 80 rpms, it methodically extracts nutrients, vitamins and taste from your fruits and veggies. By minimizing heat buildup, it discourages oxidation, resulting in juice that stores for longer. This machine is ideal for leafy greens and wheatgrass — a challenge for most centrifugal juicers. All in all, it could be a healthy investment.
Make no mistake, this is the Rolls-Royce of consumer-level juicers. But what are you getting for your money? Higher-quality nectar, according to Tribest. The company uses stainless steel twin gears that are specially designed to replicate human mastication (i.e., chewing) as they grind your greenery to a literal pulp. The Greenstar Elite also features exclusive magnetic and bioceramic technology to extract juice of a higher nutritional content while minimizing oxidation — allowing for longer storage in the refrigerator.
