7 Best Masticating Juicers of 2024, Tested by Experts

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we have tested more than 50 juicers over the past couple of decades including masticating juicers (a.k.a. cold-press or slow juicers) and centrifugal juicers. In the last year alone we have tested almost a dozen models.

✔️ Price: Masticating juicers generally come with a higher price tag compared to their centrifugal counterparts due to their slow and gentle juice separation mechanism. While affordable options exist, anticipate spending at least a couple hundred dollars for a juicer designed to produce high-quality juice.

✔️ Type: Two main styles of masticating juicers exist: vertical and horizontal, influencing how you juice. Vertical juicers, like the Hurom H101 Easy Clean Slow Juicer, involve feeding ingredients from the top and collecting juice from the bottom. Horizontal juicers, such as the Ninja Cold Press Pro, require feeding ingredients from the left with juice extracted from the right. Vertical juicers often have a one-piece design, simplifying setup and cleanup.

✔️ Feed tube size: The size of the feed tube impacts prep work; a larger tube reduces the need for extensive chopping. Some juicers, like the Kuvings, feature sections large enough for whole apples and smaller sections for thin items like celery and kale, enhancing versatility. The Nama has a self-feeding mechanism through a large top section.

✔️ Accessories: Certain masticating juicers include different-sized strainers, influencing pulp amounts in juices and smoothies. Finer strainers yield a silky-smooth finish with minimal pulp, while larger-holed strainers allow more pulp, resulting in a viscous juice with added fiber. Some juicers offer versatility for making sauces, purees, nut butters and sorbets based on the provided strainers. Models with these accessories should include cleaning brushes for sanitary maintenance and reduced cleaning time.

✔️ Ease of cleaning: Juicers inherently have numerous parts, making cleaning potentially cumbersome. Opt for models with dishwasher-safe components and those equipped with cleaning brushes to streamline the cleaning process and minimize the time spent on maintenance.

✔️ Power: While masticating juicers aren't known for speed, considering power is essential, especially for juicing tougher items like celery or greens. Look for models with a power rating of 300 watts or more.

✔️ Warranty: Given the substantial investment in juicers, particularly pricier models like the Pure Juicer, checking the warranty information is crucial to ensure long-term satisfaction and protection of your investment.

Centrifugal juicers traditionally juice faster than slow juicers or masticating juicers, but our Lab experts have found that masticating juicer technology is becoming faster in testing.

For centrifugal juicers, whole ingredients are typically dropped into the wider feed tube and pulverized at a very high speed. The juice from centrifugal juicers tends to come out a little foamy, but most come with lidded pitchers and built-in strainers to get rid of the foam.

Masticating juicers typically have a narrow vertical chute that guides ingredients into a chamber where a rotating auger presses them. The fresh juice is squeezed through a strainer and into a pitcher, while the pulp is dispensed from a second spout. The slower, gentler process of masticating juicers is believed to preserve nutrients better than high-speed juicers that generate heat, affecting the final product's taste.

Masticating juicers tend to be more expensive than centrifugal juicers because they tend to be more involved in their technology, but our testers have also found that most masticating models have high warranties.

Our Lab experts prefer using vertical masticating juicers. Vertical models tend to be more expensive though because of new features, such as a self-feeding hopper. In our Lab testing, horizontal models have been harder to assemble compared to newer vertical models, which are very easy to put together. They are also slower but are generally more cost-effective.

While masticating juicers have various advantages, they also come with some disadvantages:

✔️ Slower processing: Masticating juicers operate at a slower speed compared to centrifugal juicers. This can result in a longer juicing time, which may not be ideal for those who want a quick and efficient juicing process.

✔️ Higher cost: Masticating juicers tend to be more expensive up front than centrifugal juicers. The initial investment can be a drawback for individuals on a tight budget or those not committed to regular juicing.

✔️ Complexity: These juicers often have more parts and are more complex to assemble and disassemble. This complexity can make them less user-friendly, especially for individuals who prefer a simpler and more straightforward appliance.

Despite these disadvantages, many people choose masticating juicers for their ability to preserve nutrients and produce high-quality juice. The benefits may outweigh the drawbacks, depending on your preferences and priorities.

Perry Santanachote has more than 15 years of experience in service journalism, specializing in food and consumer goods. She develops recipes, including healthy smoothies and juices, and tests kitchen appliances and cooking tools.

Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges to kitchen scales to blenders. In fact, in the past two years alone, Eva has tested almost 15 different juicers in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab. As a trained chef with a background in health-supportive cooking, she also has years of experience using juicers for everything from making beet-juice-infused pasta dough to spicy ginger turmeric shots.