Juicing has become a popular way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. Freshly squeezed juices retain essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, offering a quick and delicious way to boost your health. If you’re considering adding juicing to your routine, you might be wondering, “What is the best and most affordable juicer?” The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy the benefits of homemade juices.
In this guide, we’ll explore the world of juicers, what to look for when shopping, and present our recommendations for the top juicers under $100.
How Do Juicers Work?
Before we delve into the best and most affordable juicers, let’s understand how these machines work. There are three main types of juicers available: centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers, and triturating juicers.
Centrifugal Juicers
Centrifugal juicers are among the most common and cost-effective options on the market. These juicers operate by using a rapidly spinning metal blade to shred the produce against a mesh basket. The centrifugal force separates the juice from the pulp.
Pros: Fast operation, budget-friendly, user-friendly
Cons: Oxidizes juice, can be noisy, lower juice yield
Masticating Juicers
Masticating juicers, also known as cold press juicers, work by crushing the produce using gears or augers. These machines operate at lower speeds, minimizing oxidation and resulting in higher juice yields.
Pros: Quiet operation, minimal oxidation, higher juice yield
Cons: Slower, higher cost, more components to clean
Triturating Juicers
Triturating juicers feature twin gears that rotate to extract juice. Operating at very slow speeds, these juicers effectively minimize oxidation and yield a high amount of juice.
Pros: Maximum juice yield, minimal oxidation
Cons: Highest cost, slow operation, complex cleaning process
For those new to juicing, a centrifugal juicer is a great starting point due to its affordability and ease of use. Masticating juicers, particularly cold press models, are an excellent choice for individuals seeking lower oxidation and higher juice production.
Key Factors When Buying an Affordable Juicer
When on the hunt for the best and most affordable juicer, certain factors should guide your decision-making process. Here are the key considerations:
Type of Juicer
While centrifugal juicers are generally more affordable, consider investing in a masticating juicer if possible, as it offers advantages like higher juice yield and lower oxidation.
Power
Look for a juicer with a motor of at least 400 watts, ensuring it can handle tough fruits and vegetables effectively.
Feed Chute Size
A wider feed chute minimizes the need for pre-cutting produce, saving you time and effort.
Speed
Centrifugal juicers operate at high speeds, introducing air and causing oxidation. Masticating juicers work at slower speeds, preserving the nutritional quality of the juice.
Juice Jug Capacity
Opt for a juicer with a spacious juice collector, typically holding at least 16 ounces, allowing you to make larger batches at once.
Ease of Cleaning
Choose a juicer with dishwasher-safe components for hassle-free cleanup after each use.
Noise
Keep in mind that centrifugal juicers tend to be louder than masticating models, which operate more quietly.
Warranty
A warranty of at least one year is a good indicator of a quality juicer.
Now, let’s explore some top-rated juicers under $100 and compare their features and performance.
Best Juicers Under $100
Mueller Austria Centrifugal Juicer
Mueller Austria presents a stainless steel centrifugal juicer equipped with an 850W motor and two speeds, reaching up to 18,000 RPM. Its 3-inch feed chute reduces the need for chopping, and the components are both BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
Mueller Juicer Ultra Power, Easy Clean Extractor Press Centrifugal Juicing Machine, Wide 3″ Feed Chute for Whole Fruit Vegetable, Anti-drip, Large, Silver
Key Features:
• 850W centrifugal motor
• 3” feed chute
• Stainless steel cutter and strainer basket
• Two speed options up to 18,000 RPM
• Anti-drip and anti-splash design
• Overload protection
• BPA-free components
• Dishwasher safe parts
• 1 year warranty
Pros:
• Excellent juice yield and quality
• Spacious feed chute
• Durable stainless steel cutter
• Easy cleaning with dishwasher-safe parts
• Great value for a stainless steel juicer
Cons:
• Noisy operation
• Produces wet pulp
• Slightly higher foam compared to masticating juicers
The Mueller Austria Centrifugal Juicer stands out as a top contender among centrifugal juicers under $100. Its stainless steel build ensures longevity, and the powerful 850W motor combined with the wide feed chute guarantees efficient juicing. The convenience of dishwasher-safe parts makes cleanup a breeze.
Hamilton Beach Centrifugal Juicer
Hamilton Beach introduces an affordable and versatile juicer boasting an 800W motor and a 3-inch feed chute. This juicer is not limited to making juices; it can also handle tasks like creating purees, smoothies, and even grinding spices. The BPA-free strainer basket and bowl enhance its safety.
Hamilton Beach Juicer Machine, Big Mouth Large 3” Feed Chute for Whole Fruits and Vegetables, Easy to Clean, Centrifugal Extractor, BPA Free, 800W Motor
Key Features:
• 800W motor
• 3” feed chute
• Centrifugal juicing
• Functions as a juicer, puree maker, smoothie creator, and spice grinder
• Stainless steel cutter and strainer
• Dishwasher safe parts
• BPA-free components
• 3 year limited warranty
Pros:
• Exceptional affordability
• Versatile functionality beyond just juicing
• 3 year limited warranty
• Easy cleaning with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
• Absence of a dedicated pulp container
• Yields wet pulp
• May struggle with hard produce
• Small juice pitcher capacity
Considering its price and versatility, the Hamilton Beach Centrifugal Juicer proves to be an excellent choice for those seeking an all-in-one solution for various kitchen tasks. While the warranty is shorter, its budget-friendly nature compensates for this limitation.
Breville Compact Centrifugal Juicer
Breville offers a compact centrifugal juicer featuring a 700W motor and a 3-inch wide feed chute. The stainless steel disc and mesh filter basket contribute to its durability. With dishwasher-safe components and a custom cleaning brush, maintenance is a breeze.
Key Features:
• 700W centrifugal motor
• 3” wide feed chute
• Compact and lightweight design
• Stainless steel disc and mesh filter basket
• Dishwasher safe components
• Custom cleaning brush included
• 1 year limited warranty
Pros:
• Space-saving design ideal for smaller kitchens
• Quick assembly and easy cleaning
• Dishwasher-safe components
• Good value for a Breville model
Cons:
• Motor might struggle with hard produce
• Limited juice pitcher size (500ml)
• Produces wet pulp
The Breville Compact Centrifugal Juicer caters to those with limited kitchen space while delivering Breville’s renowned quality. The 700W motor and stainless steel components ensure efficient juicing, and the dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup.
Mueller Austria Slow Masticating Juicer
Mueller Austria makes its mark with an affordable slow masticating juicer, harnessing a 150W motor operating at a gentle 60 RPM. The high-grade auger resists staining and buildup, while automatic separation of juice and pulp enhances efficiency.
Key Features:
• 150W motor
• Slow masticating at 60 RPM
• Cold press juicer method
• 3” feed chute
• Auger made with Ultem material
• Automatic separation of juice and pulp
• Yields 20-30% more juice and vitamins
• Quiet operation
• 10 year warranty
Pros:
• Slow RPM reduces oxidation
• Impressive 10 year warranty
• High juice yield and nutrient retention
• Ultem auger’s stain-resistant properties
• Automatic juice-pulp separation
Cons:
• Longer preparation and juicing time
• More components to clean compared to centrifugal juicers
The Mueller Austria Slow Masticating Juicer is a standout choice for individuals seeking maximum nutritional value and juice yield. Its 60 RPM operation minimizes oxidation, while the 10 year warranty underscores its durability. Despite the slower pace, the results are well worth the wait.
Final Recommendations
In conclusion, the journey to finding the best and most affordable juicer need not be overwhelming. Based on our reviews, we present the following recommendations for the top juicers under $100:
Best Centrifugal Juicer – Mueller Austria Centrifugal Juicer: This stainless steel powerhouse offers excellent juice yield and durability.
Best Juicer for Versatility – Hamilton Beach Centrifugal Juicer: With its multi-functional capabilities, it’s perfect for a variety of kitchen tasks.
Most Compact – Breville Compact Centrifugal Juicer: Its space-saving design and ease of maintenance make it a valuable addition to smaller kitchens.
Best Cold Press Juicer – Mueller Austria Slow Masticating Juicer: This slow masticating marvel preserves nutrients and comes with an outstanding 10 year warranty.
Most Affordable – Hamilton Beach Centrifugal Juicer: An unbeatable price tag combined with versatile performance makes it an excellent budget-friendly choice.
Whether you’re prioritizing juice yield, versatility, or minimal oxidation, these recommendations cater to diverse preferences. As you embark on your juicing journey, keep these insights in mind to find the perfect juicer for your needs and budget.
Juicer Comparison Chart
| Juicer | Type | Motor Power | Feed Chute Width | RPM | Warranty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mueller Austria Centrifugal | Centrifugal | 850W | 3” | Up to 18,000 | 1 Year | $59.99 |
| Hamilton Beach | Centrifugal | 800W | 3” | High speed | 3 Years | $44.99 |
| Breville Compact | Centrifugal | 700W | 3” | High speed | 1 Year | $99.95 |
| Mueller Austria Slow Masticating | Masticating | 150W | 3” | 60 RPM | 10 Years | $99.97 |
Embark on your juicing adventure armed with the knowledge of these top juicers, and savor the nutritional benefits of freshly extracted juices without breaking the bank. Happy juicing!