A slow juicer allows you to start your day with a fresh juice. You’re probably already familiar with a normal juicer, also called a juicer. But a slow juicer is slightly different. This is the ultimate guide for people about to buy a slow juicer for the first time. It covers everything you need to know about slow juicers: how they work, the benefits, the differences and much more.
What is a slow juicer?
With a slow juicer you make a fresh juice from (leafy) vegetables, fruits and other desired ingredients. It does the same thing as a juicer (also called a juicer), but the way it works is slightly different. Whereas a juicer “smashes” the fruit or vegetable at high speeds, the slow juicer does so in a tender way. Hence the name “slow” juicer.
The idea behind a slow juicer is: the fewer rotations per minute (RPM), the more juice you end up with. Making a juice with a slow juicer takes a little more time, but you get more juice in return.
Also read: the differences between a slow juicer and a juicer
Types of slow juicers
There are two types of slow juicers: the horizontal and vertical slow juicer. The technology is the same, but the difference is in the construction.
- Horizontal slow juicer: because of its horizontal construction, this slow juicer is less likely to get stuck with pulp. Therefore, it is better suited for leafy vegetables.
- Vertical slow juicer: this is the most common slow juicer. Due to its vertical design, it takes up less space on the countertop.
Also read: what do you do with the pulp from a slow juicer?
How does a slow juicer work?
A slow juicer works with a mortar that spins around, squeezing all the juice out of your fruits and vegetables. A simple technique, but how does a slow juicer work for you as a user?
- Cut the ingredients into pieces
- Press the start button
- Add the ingredients through the filler neck
What can go into a slow juicer?
Basically, most ingredients are suitable for a slow juicer. Vegetables, fruits and leafy vegetables are often used for juicing. But you can also use a slow juicer for low-moisture ingredients. Think wheatgrass or nuts.
Popular ingredients for a slow juicer:
- carrot
- pear and apple
- pineapple
- cucumber
- red beets
- citrus fruit (do peel off the skin first)
- watermelon
- spinach
- kale
Extra functions slow juicer
Basically, slow juicers have only one function and that is juicing. But what are the differences between slow juicers of different brands? The difference is in the performance (amount of juice extracted) and the build quality (how long the slow juicer lasts).
Why a slow juicer?
The big advantage of a slow juicer in general is that you can quickly and easily make fresh juice, which is healthy and delicious. But what exactly are the advantages of a slow juicer over a juicer?
| Slowjuicer | Juice Extractor |
| Suitable for all ingredients with high or low moisture content. | Mainly suitable for soft ingredients with high moisture content. |
| Healthier: slow juicing preserves nutrients. More fiber also comes along.* | Less chopping due to a larger filling opening |
| Quiet: a slow juicer makes little noise | A lot cheaper to purchase |
| Easier to repair | Better suited for multiple juices in a row |
| Produces more juice from the same amount of ingredients |
*Although manufacturers claim otherwise; it is not scientifically proven that a slow juicer is healthier than a juice extractor.
The disadvantages
| Slow juicer | Juice extractor |
| Expensive to purchase | Makes a lot of noise |
| More cutting work: ingredients must be cut smaller because of a narrower opening | Less cutting work because of a larger opening |
| Takes more time | Heat can be released, which is not good for the nutrients. |
What does a slow juicer cost?
You can buy a good slow juicer for your home starting at 60 dollars. So the price difference with a juicer is not that bad. Do you make several juices a day? Then it is better to buy a more expensive slow juicer with a better build quality. Starting at 200 dollars you have an excellent slow juicer that will last you for years. A professional slow juicer for the catering industry starts from 300 dollars.
Popular Brands of Slow Juicers
There are now many suppliers of slow juicers. Below we list the most popular brands:
- Philips: a wide range with both cheaper and more expensive slow juicers.
- Princess, MOA, Sieham and Taylor Swoden: these are mainly budget brands.
- Omega: for horizontal slow juicers
- Kuvings: an excellent choice for a powerful slow juicer that will last for years (also suitable for the catering industry).
The best slow juicer
The best slow juicer from our slow juicer test is: Kuvings Big Mouth C9500. This is a powerful juicer suitable for an avid juice drinker and also for the catering industry. We were impressed with the build quality of this slow juicer. Also, you can easily order parts should they break.
The best buy slow juicer
The Sieham Slowjuicer came out of our slow juicer test as the best buy. A great slow juicer for an affordable price. The parts feel slightly less solid compared to the Kuvings. This juicer is less suitable for the catering industry, but fine for at home.
Frequently asked questions
A slow juicer is perfect if you like to drink fresh juice every day. A juice is easy to make. Just keep in mind that it takes quite some time to clean the device. This may keep you from making juice.
Manufacturers claim that a slow juicer is a lot healthier, although this has not been scientifically proven. However, juice from a slow juicer does contain more fiber compared to a juice from a juicer.
You might think a slow juicer takes a long time to make a juice, but that is not so bad. Within a minute, a healthy juice is ready for you. This is slightly longer than a juicer takes.
You buy a slow juicer mainly for making fresh juice. A horizontal slow juicer also makes dough, nut paste, baby food, ice cream and smoothies.