Despite the huge assortment of juices in the store, expensive products do not promise decent quality, and budget products are almost completely devoid of nutrients. In addition, the taste of drinks is often far from rich fruit or berry. Many housewives prefer to prepare juice on their own, which an auger juicer can help with - an easy-to-use technique preserves the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals and handles fruit very carefully. It also has other features that make the device a valuable kitchen tool.
What is
The main purpose of the device is to obtain juices from fruits, herbs, and berries. However, an auger juicer can also crush nuts, blend smoothies, and even extract oil from seeds. The process is fully automated (except for manual models), and thanks to the low rotation speed of the auger, the juice does not heat up. The resulting product can be stored for up to two days, since during the pressing process it does not come into contact with air.
The fruits are first crushed and then the juice is squeezed out of them. This makes it possible to process every piece of the workpiece, minimizing the loss of liquid. The operating principle of this juicer is somewhat reminiscent of a meat grinder: raw materials are fed into the loading hole, passed through a screw (single or double) and squeezed out. The result is puree or juice with pulp. Since such processing does not require large motor power, electricity is consumed very economically. For many users, this becomes a strong argument in favor of choosing an auger juicer.
Juicer diagram
Nozzle options
Varieties
The easiest models to maintain and operate are manual ones. They are quite effective and can cope with hard raw materials, even nuts or sprouted wheat grains. The low cost also pleases those who decide to choose this model for their home. The universal electric juicer has higher speed, suitable for large volumes.
There are models that differ in the location of the screw and driving mechanism. Vertical auger juicers are the most gentle and operate at minimum speed. Although their main advantage is compactness, they are great for saving space, which is not always enough in the kitchen. The wide neck makes it easy to push through almost any size fruit. You should be careful with horizontal auger juicers - many models have a narrow inlet, which requires more careful preparation of the products. During the pressing process, raw materials often have to be pushed.
The devices may have one or two screws. Single augers cope better with grass, especially if they are models with high motor power. But they handle delicate fruits - for example, soft apples or pears - without much delicacy. It is unlikely that you will be able to get juice; rather, the product will look like baby puree.
Twin-screw juicers provide the maximum yield of the drink compared to all others - up to 95%. However, people with low noise tolerance should not choose them; compared to others, they are the noisiest. Another drawback is the large number of parts, which makes it quite difficult to maintain the equipment.
Vertical
Horizontal
Twin screw
Manual
Electric
Rating
When compiling the rating, the following criteria are taken into account:
- quality of assembly and parts;
- functionality;
- expert opinion of professionals;
- user reviews;
- average cost across multiple resources.
The vertical version of the juicer scored more points. This result was achieved by a combination of high-level performance, spin speed and juice quality, as well as compact dimensions.
Manufacturing materials
The material from which the parts are made can affect not only the longevity of the device, but also the quality of the finished raw material and its taste. As a rule, this influence is not so critical as to ruin the product, but for some users the indicator is very important. And for families with children, the material of manufacture can even become the main argument in deciding which juicer to choose.
Screw
In the most budget options, the screw is made of aluminum. Although the health hazards of this metal are somewhat exaggerated, such parts have many disadvantages: they are easily deformed, and when in contact with fruit acids they can enter into a chemical reaction. Cast iron and steel screws also add a specific flavor to the product. True, unlike aluminum, they are reliable and will last much longer. Plastic remains neutral to juice - due to this, it is considered the optimal solution for an auger. But in this case, it is important to choose a high quality material, otherwise it can easily break down or be toxic.
Metal
Plastic
Membrane
Usually made of plastic and steel. The contact between the metal and the raw material in this part is not so tight as to interfere with the taste of the drink, so there is little difference between the materials. If you need a screw juicer to work with one type of product or will not be used very actively, you can opt for a model with a plastic membrane. It's more budget friendly.
Frame
This part is usually made of plastic, stainless steel or aluminum. It is traditionally believed that plastic is not the most durable material. It may crack, and there is a danger that a small fragment will get into the juice. However, such a case is usually cheaper, and with careful handling it can last a long time, because modern technologies make it possible to achieve high strength.
Stainless steel and aluminum compete with each other. The latest type of material is characterized by good thermal conductivity and resistance to oxygen corrosion. However, even special additives do not help get rid of the main drawback - aluminum is easy to deform, which cannot be said about stainless steel. This material can last a very long time; it is resistant to shock, pressure, abrasion, and other influences. Its main disadvantage is its high cost.
Errors when working with the device
To ensure that your juicer serves you for many years, we recommend avoiding the following mistakes:
- Parts of the device must not be washed in hot water. At high water temperatures, they can become deformed, and magnetic sensors and seals can also be damaged.
- Do not use a knife, fork or other utensils not included with the juicer as a pusher. They can get stuck and damage the housing, or jam the auger.
- Do not overload the device in order to speed up operation. Pushing fruits with excessive force into a full neck can cause problems with the operation of the device. The juice will begin to flow through the gasket into the engine.
- Avoid poor cleaning. A poorly washed or dried juicer may break. Dried residues of juice or fruit can impair the permeability of the sieve, which, in turn, can lead to breakdown of individual elements or to complete failure of the device.
We have looked at various options for juicers and the principles of their operation; all you have to do is choose which specific device will satisfy your needs and wishes.
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Advantages and disadvantages
The auger juicer differs from similar devices in several positive qualities:
- High productivity, can process large volumes of products.
- The resulting juice retains 100% of the vitamins.
- When stored in the refrigerator, foam does not form on the surface of the juice obtained from the juicer. The drink can be stored for 48 hours without loss of taste.
- It does not cause discomfort, since the auger juicer operates silently.
- Multifunctionality. Allows you to work with products of different densities.
The downside is that after processing soft foods, you end up with a puree. To obtain juice, you will have to re-strain the product through a sieve. Even at higher speeds, the juicer may make noise.
How is it different from centrifugal
There are two main models on the market for universal juicers. To make the right choice, it is important to understand the difference between auger juicers and centrifugal juicers. If the first one works by grinding and chewing raw materials, then the second one is based on separation. The device is driven by high speeds, the centrifugal force separates the juice from the pulp and, pressing the latter into the walls, squeezes out the liquid from it, which flows into the glass.
RPM determines one of the main differences between auger and centrifugal juicers. The low indicator of the first allows you to avoid oxidation of the juice, which means that all useful substances are preserved, and the product can be stored longer. In addition, the noise level is lower compared to the centrifugal model.
When choosing which juicer - auger or centrifugal - to buy, you usually start from the tasks. When they are numerous, it is better to prefer the first option. If there is no need for sophisticated dishes or processing of herbs or nuts, a centrifugal juicer is optimal.
Choosing a device for citrus fruits
Due to the fact that citrus fruits have thick peels and many thin veins, a juicer for them must have special characteristics:
- The power of such devices varies from 20 to 100 W. The smaller it is, the slower the glass will fill with juice.
- The volume of the container is also important. Most often it is no more than 1.2 liters. When choosing the appropriate tank size, you should rely on the number of members in the family.
- Keep in mind that the spout in a juicer is of great importance. Choose one that won't spill juice when filling the glass.
Many citrus juicers have some additional features:
- Direct juice delivery allows the drink to be poured directly into the glass without accumulating in the reservoir.
- Reverse mode, which allows the cone to rotate to the right and left, increasing the efficiency of the device.
- A system with which you can increase or decrease the density of the juice. This is possible due to the presence of slits in the nozzle through which the drink flows. The larger they are, the thicker the drink.
- Additional attachments included will allow you to use fruits of various sizes.
- The presence or absence of a lever that holds the fruit while squeezing it adds safety to the device.
- The scale that determines the liquid level is convenient if you need to accurately measure the volume of squeezed juice.
Reliable manufacturers
Manufacturer is one of the most important criteria for choosing a device. The following brands have proven themselves well on the market:
- Mirandi is a company that specializes in the production of juicers. They explain the not very rich assortment by attention to quality - it takes quite a lot of time to develop each new model and think through all the functional features. One of the advantages is convenience: devices from this company are easy to disassemble and clean. The rating of the best models often includes the Mirandi J-100 juicer with a large number of additional functions (anti-drip system, automatic pulp ejection, and so on). The equipment pleases with its pleasant design, high speed, and noiselessness. But not all users will appreciate the plastic case, and the cost is quite high. We can note the Mirandi J-60 model - the design of its original shape will fit even into a very limited space.
- In a more affordable price segment, ENDEVER auger juicers stand out. The Swedish company produces modern household appliances and kitchen accessories. The brand is based on the principles of reliability, functionality and design, embodying them in its products. The ENDEVER Sigma-95 model is popular due to its power and protective mechanisms - both from accidental starting and from overheating of the motor. The main drawback is again in plastic - the juice glass is made of it and the screw is covered with it. Although, with careful use, the juicer can last a long time.
- You can purchase a wide variety of products from the Japanese company Panasonic, including auger juicers. All of them are multifunctional and reliable. One of the most popular options is the Panasonic MJ-L500STQ model. This is an electric single-screw device with a stainless steel body and a power of 150 W. He is loved for his careful handling of raw materials and high quality of output products. True, technology copes better with solid products. Another compact device from a more expensive segment is the Panasonic MJ-L600. With its help you can prepare not only juice, but also smoothies and frozen desserts.
- The Russian market also offers decent auger-type juicers - for example, models from Kitfort. Due to their territorial location, they all have affordable prices, and this is not their main advantage. Among the inexpensive options, Kitfort KT-1101 stands out - a vertical single-screw model with a power of 150 W, which is chosen for its high-quality spin. The case is again made of plastic, which inevitably leads to its relatively quick failure. You can pay attention to the Kitfort KT-1104 model. The main disadvantage is that it is not so budget-friendly. The advantages are higher power (240 W), operates at lower speeds and with low noise levels. True, it is quite heavy - if Kitfort KT-1101 weighs only 4 kg, then Kitfort KT-1104 weighs almost 7.5 kg.
- Smeg is an Italian company that is easily recognizable by its style. All household appliances from this manufacturer are made in smooth lines, the color palette is very wide (users are especially fond of pastel colors), all appliances look very elegant. The importance of quality is not lost in the attention to external details. These juicers should be chosen only if you are already confident in the need for the device - the price segment is significantly above average. SMEG SJF01PBEU has expanded functionality - you can adjust the concentration of juice, there is a reverse. Rubberized feet increase the stability of the model.
When choosing between an auger or centrifugal juicer, it is important to answer the questions for what purposes and how often the device will be used. The former have a number of advantages: they are more careful with raw materials and use electricity more economically. Devices of this type often have additional functions and can prepare not only juices, but also purees or desserts, crush nuts, and cope with tough raw materials. There are different devices - from manual to electric, horizontal, vertical, with one or two augers. All this, together with the material of the parts, affects the final product. A review of the best manufacturers helps you make your choice - it describes in detail which model is characterized by what, what advantages or disadvantages it has. If you take the time to study the basic parameters, you can purchase a reliable multifunctional device, and the auger juicer will delight the whole family with high-quality, tasty juices for a long time.
ENDEVER
Kitfort
Mirandi
Panasonic
Smeg
Selecting a universal type juicer
Before purchasing a universal juicer, you should familiarize yourself with some of the features of such devices:
- Give preference to a wide oval neckline. The narrower it is, the smaller you will have to cut fruits and vegetables, which will undoubtedly take some time.
- Before purchasing a device, decide for yourself which type of separator you prefer: cylindrical or canonical. On the scales is convenience or maximum squeezed juice from the fruit.
Universal models have additional functions:
- Before purchasing, ask the seller how many revolutions the centrifuge produces. The optimal speed of its rotation is 7000-9000 rpm. You should not listen to consultants pushing you to buy an expensive model that can spin a centrifuge up to 20 thousand revolutions. This is nothing more than a PR stunt.
- It would be useful to have a rotation speed controller. The harder the fruit or vegetable, the higher the speed required to get maximum juice.
- It is preferable to choose the material of the centrifuge mesh from stainless steel, with many small holes, the more of them, the better.