Juicers: What To Look For

It's important to note that there are two main types of juicers: citrus juicers and juice extractors. Citrus juicers -- essentially electric hand reamers -- are meant solely for citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges. You press the fruit onto the peak of a cone that spins, extracting the juice. Release the pressure and the machine stops.

Juice extractors are meant for juicing fruits and vegetables. Cheaper models can handle softer veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach and tender carrots, but you'll need a pricier, more powerful model if you want to juice hard vegetables like beets and large carrots.

If you want to juice wheatgrass, you need a masticating model that's specifically intended for wheatgrass.

Consider the following variables before deciding on a juicer:

• Consider all your alternatives. There are several juicer product categories, so consider your lifestyle and juicing preferences before buying. Citrus juicers use a reamer, either manual or electric, to extract the juice from citrus fruits only, while centrifugal juice extractors, which have blades that chew up the produce and then squeeze the juice out, can be used on a variety of fruits and vegetables. Lastly, single-auger masticating juice extractors (generally used on leafy greens and wheatgrass due to their tougher plant fibers) crush produce to a pulp before squeezing out juice. This kind of extractor can also be great for making pasta, baby food and nut butters (with attachments) and are generally quieter than centrifugal juicers.

• Check the warranty. Juicer warranties, which range from 90 days to 15 years, may cover the motor for a longer period than the other parts. Warranty length usually corresponds to price, but not always: the moderately priced L'Equip Mini Pulp Ejector Model 110.5 carries a six-year warranty.

• Be realistic about your purchase. If you're considering a juicer because you think you'll save money squeezing your own juice, forget it. According to experts, the fruit for a glass of home-squeezed orange juice can cost much more than a quart of juice from a supermarket. Instead, purchase a juicer because you like fresh-squeezed juice, enjoy mixing combination drinks or want a concentrated glass of healthy antioxidants -- not because you think it's cheaper.