The most essential tool required for a juice cleanse is a juicer machine. This machine will separate the liquid in fruits and vegetables from the fiber, which releases some of the enzymes, vitamins, and minerals, making them easily assimilated by the body.
When shopping for a juicer machine the first thing you will probably notice is the cost range, usually from US$60 – US$400. While price will give you some indication of quality, it is certainly not the only factor to take into consideration. Buying a juicer is a personal decision and you will need to decide which of the following factors and features are most important to you:
- aesthetics – size, shape, look
- ease of use and cleaning (is it dishwasher safe)
- noise level
- types of foods you’ll be juicing
- rate of speed, which also relates to the types of foods used
- warranty
There are two categories of juicer machines and a few sub-categories. The most popular category for first time users is the centrifugal machine. This type of machine holds a stainless steel basket with blades on the bottom, which shreds the produce while spinning, then forces the juice through a fine strainer by centrifugal force. Smaller models of machines hold the remaining pulp inside while larger models collect the pulp in a container on the outside. The centrifugal juicer adds oxygen during this process, which forms as froth on the top of the juice. Models with higher speeds will produce more heat and are generally louder. Some centrifugal machines are equipped with variable speeds to accomodate both softer and harder fruits and vegetables.
The second category is the masticating juicer. This machine “chews” as it squeezes produce through gears, crushing it, then forcing it through a strainer. This process generates less heat and friction, thereby making a higher quality, longer lasting juice. They are designed to handle vegetables best, especially green leafy vegetables. Some may be able to juice wheatgrass, so check the product descriptions if this is important to you. However, this type of juicer is generally heavier and harder to clean than the centrifugal and the cost is usually more.
Centrifugal Juicer Machines
Breville 800JEXL Juice Fountain Elite
Masticating Juicer Machine
Omega 8005 Juicer
These juicers are available for sale here:
22. May 2009 at 5:37 pm
We don’t have a juicer, but we recently invested in a VitaMix blender (which I think works as a juicer too, but we haven’t tried that feature yet). It makes some great smoothies and whole fruit sorbets! I’m not ready for a raw, all juice diet yet, but I’m trying to eat more whole fruits and veggies!