Exploring the world of juicers

Juicers are the perfect kitchen gadget for fitness bunnies and cocktail lovers alike! Why? Juicers are a simple and cheap way to make yourself customised fresh juice drinks, cocktails and soups – all from the ingredients you want to use. But, with all the juicers out on the market, how do you know which is right for you?

Juice extractors

Juice extractors are, essentially, juicers which extract the juice from most types of fruit and vegetable by pulping them and then separating the juice from the pulp. You can usually buy these juicers with a separate attachment to make soup from the mix as well – there’s nothing quite as delicious as your own homemade soup on a chilly Autumnal evening.

Citrus presses

Citrus presses are from the more basic strain of juicers, pressing the juice out of citrus fruits (such as lemons, limes and oranges) for a fab breakfast drink. These have less power than most juicers, as they don’t chop the fruit up to get hold of that precious liquid.

Things to bear in mind when shopping for juicers

Juicers come in a wide range of styles and models, which means that you have to head into the shopping zone with a clear head and know exactly what you want from yours. Ideally, you’ll want one with several speed settings, as these juicers can vary the impact to accommodate soft fruits (such as grapes) and hard vegetables (such as carrots). Some juicers come with a tap, or spout, which means that you can pour your juice directly from the machine into the cup with minimal washing up – not to mention keep making more as the level drops down.

If you are planning on using your juicer primarily for making smoothies, it’s worth looking at one with a hopper – this is a tube like structure which leads into the pulping part of the juicer, allowing you to add fruit to the mix as you go along. Make sure that you check out the size of the hopper, as some are very narrow and will require some extra chopping and preparation on your part before you can pop your ingredients into the juicer.

Safety first

Juicers, like any machines, can be dangerous. Make sure that you shop for one with an interlocking lid, to prevent messy ceilings and cut up fingers, as well as (ideally) non-slip feet and cord storage. Some juicers also have an instant power-off function when the lid is removed – this is particularly good for those with young families.