What does a masticating juicer do?

First, what is a masticating juicer? Masticating is the scientific term for chewing - yes, we masticate every time we eat eat. So a masticating juicer is a juicer that chews. How does it chew? Not quite with teeth and jaws, but with a grinding and crushing action, that achieves a similar result. The actual mechanism in one of these machines looks like a large screw, or auger, that turns inside a cone shaped sieve, or mesh screen. As the auger slowly turns, it continually forces the ingredients through the small holes in the screen, which squeezes out the juice in fruits and vegetables.

The difference between a masticating juicer and the more common upright juicers you see in kitchenware stores is this slow, crushing action. Higher speed juicers (they are often called centrifugal juicers) work by shredding up the ingredients in a fast spinning barrel, sort of like a cheese grater. These centrifugal machines are definitely faster - so why doesn't everyone buy those? Surely faster is better?

Not so, because the fast spinning action of the blades in these machines also incorporate a lot of tiny air bubbles, and do not squeeze out the liquid in the tougher parts of the fruit or vegetable you want to juice. Te result is faster juicing, but lower quality juice. The presence of the air in the liquid makes it go off within hours. The juice made by masticating juicer machines is measurably higher in nutrients, enzymes, and vitamins. Therefore it is better for your health.

Masticating juicers also are very versatile - they are able to handle dry, stringy and tough ingredients such as wheat grass and herbs, which cannot be processed by high speed centrifugal machines (they just get clogged, and no juice will be extracted from wheat grass at all). Many masticating juicers are also able to make nut butters, and grind up other food stuffs for use in cooking. Probably the most famous is the Angel Juicer (made BY Angel, nothing to do with heavenly creatures) which is capable of all of the above, as well as being able to cold press linseed and flax seed oils.

These machines will usually cost more than basic fruit and vegetable juicers, but are also a lot more robust and versatile. They are the recommended type of machine for any one who is serious about making healthy foods and drinks at home.

1. Angel, Lexsun, Lexen, and Green Star are some of the best respected makers of masticating juicers. All have large and easy to navigate web sites, and sell direct or via distributors in all countries around the world. Expect fairly consistent prices direct from the manufacturer, but not always the best deals.

2. Ebay - do you need a brand new one? These machines are built to last, and you might find a GREAT deal on second hand, hardly used model. Sometimes even brand new ones come up for sale by auction.

3. Online stores who advertise via Google or other search engines - sometimes fantastic deals pop up here, when excess stock is cleared and moved to make way for different or newer models. Always a good place to compare prices with. Shopping online is safe, fast, and convenient for everyone.