Juicing wheatgrass requires a special system
Although the most popular juicers make use of centrifugal force to extract juice, they cannot effectively break down the tougher plant fibers of wheatgrass and similar fibrous and leafy greens. For wheatgrass juicing, you need something with an auger and gears, which crush and grind (masticate) the greens to extract the juice.
There are far fewer masticating juicers on the market than their spinning counterparts. Previously the Green Star line of juicers dominated this market. The Green Star GS-2000 (*Est. $460) and its sibling the GS-3000 (*Est. $480) earn very favorable reviews from those looking for a top-of-the-line wheatgrass juicer. In the extensive comparison conducted by retailer VitalityPlus1.com, the Green Star 2000 is the most efficient of eight models tested, extracting the most juice from both carrots and spinach. What's more, juice from the Green Star GS-2000 remained fresh after several days in the refrigerator, while juice from other machines separated, according to the site's editors. Green Star juicers extract juices by slowly squeezing produce through two gears, a process The Wall Street Journal likens to an "old-fashioned clothes wringer."
The process also requires the user to force food through the juicer, which is shaped like a meat grinder. Experts say this twin-gear system is the best way to process leafy green vegetables and fibrous vegetables, such as celery. Editors at 3Luxe.com recommend the Green Star GS-3000 (the same juicer as the GS-2000, but with a few more attachments). They say that although this model (like all juicers of its type) is slow, it is also quiet, easy to use, and so efficient at extracting juice that the pulp comes out dry.
Different Green Star models come with different attachments and add-ons. The GS-2000, in addition to juicing fruits and vegetables, comes with an attachment for making nut butter, baby food and fruit sorbets. The GS-3000 also includes attachments for making pasta and breadsticks. All this versatility comes with a hefty price tag, and according to The Wall Street Journal, the Green Star GS-3000 is tough to clean. However, since the time of these reviews a few other masticating models have gained significant popularity.
The Hurom HU-100 Slow Juicer (*Est. $360) receives positive reviews from nearly 70 users at Amazon.com. We didn't find many other user reviews for this juicer, but Emily Ho of the website TheKitchn.com gives a detailed review. She praises the machine for its excellent extraction, little noise and easy cleanup. This machine functions slightly differently than the average juicer. It depends on the single auger design to first crush the produce. After crushing, the machine squeezes produce dry. Reviewers say that the machine extracts a remarkable amount of juice from tough-to-juice products like wheatgrass, kale and cabbage. While there are not as many reviews for this product as the others discussed in this section, its popularity is only growing.
Another top performer in this field of juicers is the SoloStar-II (*Est. $250) , which is similar to the Green Star models but, like the Hurom juicer, it uses a single auger rather than a twin-gear system. According to the VitalityPlus1.com extraction test, this juicer does not extract quite as much juice from spinach and carrots as the Green Star GS-2000, but it is easier to clean. Unlike the Green Star models, the SoloStar-II does not come with such accessories as a hand-held strainer, plunger and cleaning brush, although most of these can be purchased separately. However, its much lower cost is a point in its favor.
We saw some conflicting reports on the Champion Household Juicer 2000+ (*Est. $230) , a high-speed masticating juicer. In the VitalityPlus1.com test, the Champion did a good job with carrots, but it failed to extract all the juice from leafy greens. It also vibrated somewhat while running. Cleanup was fairly quick, however. Editors at Australian consumer magazine Choice.com say this versatile juicer can also make sorbets, nut butters and purees, and it also comes with a 10-year warranty. Nonetheless, it does not earn any notes of distinction from editors. One problem is its narrow feed chute, which requires that produce be cut into small pieces. It also lacks such features as a juice jug and pulp container. Reviewer Dr. Cynthia Foster of EatVeg.com praises the Champion juicer for its durability and ease of cleaning, but admits that it doesn't do a good job with wheatgrass. Juicing.com's editors say it's difficult to operate and clean and note that it heats juice, resulting in oxidation.
