The Best Masticating Juicers

Updated: Mar. 31, 2024

Our Prep Kitchen Manager tested and reviewed eight appliances to find the best masticating juicer for fruits and vegetables. Here's what she discovered.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

A group of juicers on a counter in a kitchen. TASTE OF HOME

If you’re hoping to make healthy drinks at home, you need a masticating juicer (aka a slow juicer or cold-press juicer). The word masticating literally means “to grind or crush food with or as if with teeth,” and that’s exactly what these countertop appliances do. They have an auger inside that slowly crushes and chews up produce, forcing the pulp against a strainer to push all that delicious juice out into your cup.

Wonder why they’re also called slow juicers? Masticating juicers operate much slower than centrifugal juicers, typically turning the auger only 40 to 100 times per minute. Not only does this slow speed allow them to extract as much juice as possible, but it prevents the machine from heating up. This helps to preserve the nutrients from the produce. It also results in less foam on top of your nutritious drink. Slow juicers work well on both hard and soft fruits and vegetables, and they’re often quieter than centrifugal juicers, as well.

Learning how to make cold-pressed juice is a skill worth investing in. Not only will it save you money in the long run (no more $13 green juices!), it’s a fun way to consume your daily fruits and veggies. With so many juicers on the market, selecting the best is easier said than done. Luckily, our Test Kitchen team tested and compared the top brands to help you identify the best masticating juicer for your needs and budget. Here are our top six favorite models to help you turn your favorite fruits and veggies into fresh juice, soups and sauces.

Taste of Home

Shop Now

Best Overall Masticating Juicer

Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer Auto10

It may be hands-free, but you won’t be able to keep your hands off our top pick for best masticating juicer. The Kuvings Hands-Free Auto10 was not only a top performer with all produce tested, but it operated more quickly and quietly than all other models—and left nothing behind.

But the best part? The Kuvings Hands-Free Auto10 features a 100-ounce capacity hopper (one of the largest on the market) that automatically cuts and feeds your ingredients into the juicer for you. No prep work or hand-holding required. Just load it up, turn it on and walk away. (But not too far, because the juice it yields is delicious!)

The Kuvings also comes equipped with a 1000-millileter juice pitcher (the largest of all models tested), making this best masticating juicer convenient for large families, meal prepping or just about anyone wanting to make large batches of juice at home quickly. And why stop at juice? This all-in-one machine also makes smoothies, nut milks and fruit sorbets.

While the Kuvings Auto10 isn’t cheap, if you’re juicing on the regular, this machine is well worth the investment. Plus, it’s backed by an impressive 15-year warranty.

Kuvings Hands Free Slow Juicer Auto10 with different coloured cups

Pros

Hands-free machine automatically cuts and feeds ingredients into juicer; minimal to no prep required
Largest hopper of all models tested; can load a bowl full of whole fruits and veggies
Machine extracted clean, fresh juice with zero waste
Quick and quiet operation
Easy to clean; includes cleaning brushes and strainer tool
Equipped with sorbet and smoothie strainers
15-year warranty

Cons

Some pulp remained after juicing tomatoes (but nothing one of the included strainers couldn’t fix, plus some may enjoy more pulp for homemade sauces)
One of the pricier models on this list

Taste of Home

Shop Now

Best Value Masticating Juicer

Cuisinart Easy Clean Slow Juicer

If you’re looking for a quality juicer at a reasonable price, look no further than the Cuisinart Easy Clean Slow Juicer. Even though it’s a fraction of the price of some other models on this list, it performs very well and works quickly and efficiently to extract juice from the produce.

As the product name states, it’s not only easy to clean, but it was by far one of the easiest to use. I read the instructions the day before testing and did not have to refer back—it’s that simple and intuitive.

The Cuisinart also has a generous-sized chute, easily accommodating anything from a whole cucumber to a small apple without any necessary prep work. Cleanup was a breeze—it features a mesh-free filter that only needed a simple rinse before washing in warm soapy water.

Pros

Quality juicer at an economical price
Easy to clean, thanks to a mesh-free filter
Easy to use juicer with large chute
Machine produced sweet, fresh juice
Quiet, muffled operation
4-year warranty

Cons

Some tiny bits of produce did not get pulled through the auger
It’s quite tall when assembled, which may interfere with upper cabinets if stored on the counter

Taste of Home

Shop Now

Best Sleek Design Masticating Juicer

Hurom H400 Easy Clean Slow Juicer

While most juicers tend to be rather bulky, the Hurom H400 Easy Clean Slow Juicer is anything but. Coming in second only to the Kuvings, this sleek masticating juicer would serve as both a decorative and functional piece on any organized kitchen countertop. In fact, I was amazed that something that looked so good could perform so well.

The Hurom H400 features a high volume, self-feeding hopper (the second largest out of all models tested) and a slow squeeze, two-part auger to extract every last drop of juice. In fact, I noticed the remaining pulp of the apples and carrots I tested was very dry, proving the machine’s effectiveness at extracting the maximum yield possible.

Adding to the beautiful and innovative design of the Hurom juicer—which is available in four attractive colors—is a gauge window on the front of the machine, highlighting the rich color of your fresh juice while simultaneously notifying you when the internal chamber is full. And I can vouch that the juice tasted as good as it looked: Fresh, sweet and free of pulp.

Just like the Kuvings, the Hurom performed quickly and quietly, and was extremely easy to clean. Its innovative Easy Clean chamber features detachable parts that you can conveniently remove and rinse without heavy scrubbing.

Hurom Easy Clean Slow Juicer and holding a container with apples

Pros

Sleek, innovative design available in four colors
Large, self-feeding hopper; hands-free with minimal prep work
Two-part auger extracts more juice for a higher yield and less waste
Quick and quiet operation
Easy to clean
10-year motor warranty, 2-year parts warranty

Cons

Similar to other models, some pulp remained after juicing tomatoes
It’s quite tall when assembled, which may interfere with upper cabinets if stored on the counter
Pricier than other models on this list

Taste of Home

Shop Now

Best Compact Masticating Juicer

Dash Compact Masticating Slow Juicer

Juicers can be quite large, and if you have a relatively small kitchen, you’ll likely prefer the Dash Compact Masticating Slow Juicer. With it’s small and slender footprint, it can easily be stored on the countertop for daily juicing.

It’s also the most affordable masticating juicer on our list. But don’t let the size and price fool you; it’s powerful enough to make almond and cashew milk, too. And it even includes a frozen attachment for making smoothies.

While the chute is small (the instructions recommend cutting food into 2.75-inches), it looks like it could still fit a carrot or tiny cucumber. However, I noticed the Dash juicer was slower than other models, especially when juicing an apple. It was also a bit noisier than other models, and left some produce behind in the bowl.

Although the size of the juicer is convenient, cleaning proved a little challenging because of the small bowl and the built-in strainer, requiring a lot of brushing to get all the pulp out. But overall, you can’t beat the price and size of this model if you’re looking for something to make single serving juices on the regular.

Dash Compact Masticating Slow Juicer with different liquid cups

Pros

Compact and slender, perfect for small kitchens and counter tops
Most affordable model we tested
Ideal for making one-serving juices
Includes frozen attachment for making smoothies
1-year limited warranty

Cons

Small chute size means more prep work
Noisier than other models on this list
Difficult to clean small bowl and the built-in strainer
Did not clear out all pulp

Taste of Home

Shop Now

Best for Pulp Control

Ninja NeverClog Cold Press Juicer

High-end masticating juicers can cost hundreds of dollars, but the Ninja NeverClog Cold Press Juicer delivers all the performance at a more reasonable price. It has a compact horizontal design and two interchangeable filters, allowing you to select how much pulp ends up in your drink.

The pulp control filters really came in handy while juicing the tomatoes. With the “less pulp” filter, the result was fresh tomato juice with a perfect consistency for drinking. With the “more pulp” filter, the result yielded a thicker consistency that would be ideal for making homemade pasta sauce.

The Ninja juicer was very easy to use—just load the chute and press start. And thanks to the NeverClog filter design, pulp pushes through the filter without clogging. Because the chute is on the smaller size, the instructions recommend cutting produce into two-inch pieces, and I found that I occasionally needed to push them down with the plunger tool until they were grabbed by the auger. Overall, operation was on par with the top performers, but at a much more affordable price.

With a 4.6 average rating, the Ninja NeverClog is also one of the most popular masticating juicers on Amazon.

Pros

Two interchangeable filters for pulp control
Affordable option
NeverClog filter prevents pulp clogging
Small footprint; would easily fit on counter top without interfering with overhead cabinets

Cons

Small chute size means more prep work
Did not come with cleaning brush
A little tricky to put together (I needed to consult the directions every time)

Taste of Home

Shop Now

Best Speedy Masticating Juicer

Nutribullet Slow Juicer

For a mid-priced model, the Nutribullet Slow Juicer is about as speedy as they come. This high-torque, low-speed motor features a three-inch feed chute that is large enough to feed a Roma tomato without cutting.

The Nutribullet boasts a durable, steel-tipped auger that claims to wring every drop from your favorite fruits and veggies. When we put it to the test, we found it quickly and effectively extracted juice from both the tomatoes and carrots. However, when it came to the apples, it left behind some unprocessed bits in the bowl and on the screen.

The Nutribullet’s parts are dishwasher-safe, so it’s just as quick to clean as it is to operate. And thanks to its compact frame, it fits comfortably on a counter top or inside your cabinet. Nutribullet’s sister brand, Magic Bullet, also makes a mighty mini juicer that we love.

Pros

Quick and efficient operation
Larger feed chute means less prep work
Dishwasher-safe parts
Affordable option
Compact design
1-year warranty

Cons

Did not extract as much juice from apples
Machine tended to vibrate while operating

How We Tested Masticating Juicers

Six different pictures of juices from different mixes

To find the best masticating juicers, I used a combination of diligent research and hands-on testing to find the best option for every kitchen. I scoured the internet for the best slow juicers available, reading dozens of user reviews to get an idea of each product’s strengths and weaknesses.

I put eight juicers to the test over the course of a week, taking the following factors into consideration:

Chute Size: Was the feeding chute large enough to place whole fruits and veggies, or does it require prep work?
Self-Feeding vs. Manual: Did the machine require someone to manually feed it, or can you simply fill the hopper with produce and walk away?
Juice Yield: Was the maximum amount of juice extracted? (This was also determined by looking at the dryness of the extracted pulp.)
Juice Quality: Did the machine produce fresh, sweet and vibrant juice that is free of pulp?
Pulp Control: Did the machine come equipped with pulp control settings or interchangeable pulp filters to allow for customization of juice?

Additionally, I paid special attention to footprint, noise level, appearance, ease of cleaning and whether the machine’s performance measured up to the price point.

To assess these criteria, we juiced the following produce to create a series of three identical juices:

Large Roma tomatoes, with peel and seeds intact
Large honey crisp apples, with core and stem removed (all juicers instruct doing so)
Medium carrots, with tips trimmed off

After each juice test was performed, we measured the following: how long the juicing process took; whether any produce remained unprocessed; the quality of the juice (smooth and free of pulp), the actual pulp itself (the dryer the better), the temperature of the juice (temperature should remain under 70 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve nutrients), and of course, the taste of the juice.

Upon testing, only six models earned the Test Kitchen-Preferred stamp of approval, and each contender was then sorted into categories based on performance, budget and the juicing fan they’re best suited for.

Meet the Tester

As prep kitchen manager, I lead the prep kitchen team to ensure all food is ready for our recipe testers and associate culinary producers, as well as for our food stylists prior to being shot in our photo and video studios.

As a lifelong foodie, I bring recipes to life and contribute my expertise to articles about cooking and baking techniques and kitchen tools. I have worked in the hospitality industry for most of my career, catering and teaching cooking classes.

A masticating juicer can lend itself to endless possibilities in the kitchen that go beyond fresh pressed juice. Juiced carrots can be utilized for a delicious carrot ginger soup, and tomatoes can be juiced for a homemade sauce on pasta night. Having a quality juicer is important for whipping up both nutritious and delicious recipes, and I was thrilled to lead the testing efforts in identifying the best masticating juicers on the market today.

What to Look for When Buying a Masticating Juicer

There are lots of masticating juicers out there today, so you’ll want to look at a few key features to figure out which option is best for your needs. In particular, the following factors set different models apart:

Orientation: Masticating juicers can either be horizontal or vertical, and there are a few benefits to each type. Vertical juicers have a smaller footprint, and they’re generally self-feeding, saving you from having to push produce into the auger. Horizontal juicers, on the other hand, are more efficient at juicing leafy greens like kale, and some are also able to make nut butters and baby food.
Chute Size: The size of the chute where you feed in produce will determine how much prep to do before juicing. You’ll have to cut up produce to fit it into a small chute, while other juicers have large chutes that accommodate whole fruits and vegetables.
Cleaning: Juicers have lots of moving parts that get quite messy during the juicing process, and if you don’t like hand-scrubbing dishes, look for a juicer that has dishwasher-safe components. Some are even marketed as “easy-clean,” which typically means they have fewer pieces to wash.
Additional Functions: Some juicers come with additional accessories for different tasks. Some can grind coffee, mince herbs, make smoothies or even make sorbet, which makes them a more versatile addition to your kitchen.

FAQs

Is a masticating juicer better than a centrifugal juicer?

Masticating juicers are more efficient than centrifugal juicers, meaning they extract more juice and nutrients from fruits and veggies. They take a bit longer to juice because of this, but the process results in a higher quality juice. Plus, they’re quieter than centrifugal juicers.

How long does juice last from a masticating juicer?

About two days. Juice lasts a little bit longer when using a masticating juicer versus a centrifugal juicer. A good rule of thumb is juice from masticating juicers last up to two days versus one day for juice from centrifugal juicers.

How do you clean a masticating juicer?

Start by turning off the juicer and unplugging it. Then, disassemble the parts and remove the pulp. Individually rinse the parts and wash with a sponge in warm soapy water, making sure to remove leftover fruit or veggie remains. Be careful not to dunk electrical components (aka the motor/base of the machine) in water. Wipe down the motor base with a cloth and reassemble when parts are dry.

Why to Trust Our Kitchen

At Taste of Home, we’re serious about good food. That’s why every single recipe that our readers submit gets reviewed, made and sampled by our team of culinary experts. We want to make sure that everything from our kitchens deserves the label Test Kitchen-Approved.

The same goes for products. Our pros want to know what foods, gadgets and cleaning supplies are the best to fill your pantry and home. We put every product through a thorough testing process. Then our Test Kitchen team chooses the winners. Only the best-tasting and top-performing products get our stamp of approval.

Originally Published: April 12, 2022