The Clean Eater’s Juicer Guide

Not sure how to pick the juicer that’s right for you? Here are some tips, along with our top four CE-approved juicers.

The most important thing to remember when buying a juicer is to pick one that you’re likely to use consistently and often. If the darn thing is a pain in the neck to clean or it’s cumbersome to use, it’s just going to wind up gathering dust. Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, shares his in-depth juicing guide:

Juicers range in price from just under $100 up to $400-plus. But even a cursory glance at the consumer reviews posted all over the Internet reveals that you truly get what you pay for. Lower-priced juicers (like the Juiceman Jr.) are notoriously underpowered. Plastic juicers are prone to staining, and some are hard on the eyes and might not fit into a modern kitchen. However, some juicers, like the Omega 4000, eject the pulp into a bin, allowing for continuous juicing, which is a big plus.

Picking an affordable, efficient juicer is not an easy task, so we found some extremely helpful websites, like Consumer Search , Juicers: A Consumer Guide, Discount Juicers and Best Juicers, that can help you choose the perfect juicer for your needs. Check them out for comprehensive comparison charts, features and prices at a glance. But remember that prices vary considerably for the same model, so shop around. And don’t forget to make use of the terrific consumer review sections at online stores such as Amazon and Target. They’ll tell you a lot about real-life experiences with the products.

Here are a few Clean Eating-approved juicers. No matter what the budget, we have a juicer for you.

Omega 4000
Durable and reliable are the words for this classic juicer. Its automatic pulp-ejection feature allows for continuous juicing, meaning you don’t have to stop every few minutes to clean out the basket. This may not have a particularly stylish appearance, but it works like a dream.

$219, omegajuicers.com

Juiceman Pro
This Juiceman model has a respectable 1,000-watt motor, unlike its underpowered little brother, the Juiceman Jr. It comes in stainless steel, which we recommend.

$150, juiceman.com

Breville Juice Fountain Plus
A favorite of Clean Eating contributor Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, who says, “This is the one I’ve been using for over two years with not a problem in sight. The oversized feeder lets you put in the whole fruit (like an apple) without having to slice it into pieces, considerably shortening prep time.” Also check out Breville’s new Elite version with a slightly more powerful motor, which is consistently receiving excellent reviews.

$150, brevilleusa.com

Vita-Mix 5200
Machines like Vita-Mix remain the gold standard for connoisseurs, but they’re really not in the same class as the other juicers. They’re actually extremely powerful food processors that literally liquefy everything you put in them, so you get all the fiber as well as the juice – there’s nothing left to throw away. You can juice whole beets, apples, carrots, even avocados, complete with pits. Bowden says, "I’ve had mine for over six years without a problem." But we warn you, they’re pricey.

$449, vitamix.com