Long before smoothies became a national obsession, with blenders dominating kitchen worktops, the health-conscious home always featured a juicer. Early models were often cumbersome to clean and required significant effort for minimal output, but modern juicers have evolved to be more efficient, easier to maintain, and versatile beyond just fruit juice. There are compelling reasons to invest in one: homemade juice is the original health drink, free from preservatives and artificial treatments found in store-bought versions, though it may leave behind some beneficial fibre from fruits' skin and flesh.
Why Trust Our Juicer Reviews
I have tested juicers for over a decade, evaluating dozens of models from speedy centrifugal types to deliberate slow juicers. My experience extends beyond orange juice to include vegetable blends, nut milks, and instant sorbets. This extensive testing has shaped my opinions on what makes a good juicer, what features are worth the extra cost, and what pitfalls to avoid. The process involved rigorous assessments of ten juicers, including four slow (cold-press or masticating) models, four fast (centrifugal) juicers, and two citrus juicers from leading manufacturers.
Testing Methodology
Each juicer was tested with an orange, an apple, a carrot, and a handful of spinach leaves, all unpeeled except for oranges when using citrus juicers. Ingredients were weighed before juicing, and juice yield was measured to calculate efficiency as a percentage of overall weight. Additional tests included measuring temperature changes in orange juice to assess heat generation, which affects oxidation and nutritional value. Factors like ease of cleaning, price versus functionality, noise levels, and runtime were also evaluated. All juicers have since been returned to manufacturers or donated to charity.
Top Juicer Picks for 2026
Best Juicer Overall and Best on a Budget: Nutribullet Juicer
Price: From £87 at Amazon. Type: Centrifugal. This juicer offers excellent value with a wide 3-inch chute for minimal food prep, two speeds, and a large capacity. It includes a lidded jug with a froth separator and is mostly dishwasher-safe. While it excels with fruit and carrot juices, it is less effective with leafy greens like spinach. Noise levels peak at 70.8dB, but it operates quickly, adding only 1.3°C to orange juice temperature.
Best Compact Centrifugal Juicer: Philips Viva Collection Juicer
Price: From £79.99 at Philips. Type: Centrifugal. Ideal for those who dislike washing up, this robust model features a compact design, a 1.5-litre capacity, and dishwasher-safe parts. Its clever sieve design allows for easy hand cleaning in under a minute. With an average yield matching the Nutribullet and a minimal temperature increase of 1.5°C, it is perfect for smaller households, though it has only one speed.
Best Juicer for Oranges and Citrus Fruit: Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer
Price: £549.49 at Healf. Type: Masticating. This high-end juicer boasts a large hopper for batch processing and can handle smoothies, soups, and plant milks. It achieved an impressive average yield of 67% and added only 1.2°C to orange juice. However, its parts are not dishwasher-safe, and cleaning is time-consuming, making it best for daily users.
Best Cold Press/Masticating Juicer: Kuvings Auto 6 Juice Extractor
Price: From £360 at Kuvings. Type: Masticating. As a pioneer in vertical slow juicers, this model includes a sorbet filter and drip-stop spout. It is great for families with its 1.7-litre hopper and low noise levels, adding just 1.1°C to orange juice. However, it struggles with spinach alone and requires hand washing as parts are not dishwasher-safe.
Best Juicer for Small Kitchens: Ninja Cold Press Juicer with Anti-Clog Filter JC151UK
Price: From £129 at John Lewis. Type: Masticating. Its horizontal design fits under kitchen cabinets, and it includes storage for accessories. It performed well with fruits, yielding 73% for oranges and 60% for apples, and added only 1°C to orange juice. All parts are dishwasher-safe, but the narrow chute necessitates more food prep.
Other Notable Juicers
- KitchenAid Go Cordless Citrus Juicer: Cordless and easy to clean, but requires a separate battery purchase.
- Quest Nutri-Q Power Juicer: Affordable and compact, but has a low yield and no anti-drip spout.
- Smeg Citrus Juicer: Stylish with a cover, but expensive and spins in one direction only.
- Sage Nutri Juicer Cold Plus: Fast with a wide chute, but bulky and noisy.
- Hurom H400 Self-Feeding Slow Juicer: Sleek design, but pricey and difficult to assemble.
Key Considerations When Buying a Juicer
Ease of cleaning is crucial for regular use. Look for juicers that are simple to assemble, have durable plastic, and lack hard-to-reach crevices. Motor size and energy consumption are less critical, as centrifugal juicers use power briefly, while slow juicers run longer but efficiently.
Masticating vs. Centrifugal Juicers
Centrifugal juicers are fast and affordable, operating by shredding and spinning ingredients, but they can be noisy and slightly less efficient. Masticating juicers, or slow juicers, chew and squeeze produce, offering higher yields and quieter operation, though they are more expensive and time-consuming. Electric reamers are suitable only for citrus but offer low maintenance.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Clean your juicer immediately after use to prevent residue buildup. Use provided brushes or invest in a pointed brush for crevices. Avoid hot water on plastic parts and only dishwasher-safe components. Regular maintenance can prevent motor strain and extend lifespan.
Repair and Recycling Options
Many juicers have replaceable parts, and manufacturers often offer spares. For recycling, use local centres or retailer take-back schemes. Consider refurbished or secondhand models for savings, but ensure thorough cleaning before use.
In summary, choosing the right juicer depends on your budget, kitchen space, and juicing habits. Investing in a tested, durable model can provide years of healthy, homemade drinks.
