How to choose a cold press juicer
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
Cold press juicers, also called masticating juicers, crush and press produce slowly to extract more nutrients and enzymes than centrifugal models. They excel with leafy greens, wheatgrass, and soft fruits, but cost more and take longer to clean. If you juice daily and prioritize juice quality over speed, a cold press juicer is worth the investment.
What is a cold press juicer and how does it work?
A cold press juicer uses a slow-rotating auger to crush fruits and vegetables against a mesh screen, squeezing out juice while separating pulp. Unlike centrifugal juicers that shred produce at high speed (creating heat and oxidation), cold press models operate at low RPMs, typically between 40 and 80 rotations per minute. This gentle process retains more vitamins, enzymes, and flavor, and the resulting juice stays fresh longer in the fridge, often 48 to 72 hours. Most cold press juicers are vertical or horizontal in design. Vertical models take up less counter space and are easier to feed whole ingredients, while horizontal models usually have a wider auger and handle leafy greens slightly better. Both produce similar juice quality, so your choice comes down to available space and how much prep you want to do.
What can you juice with a cold press juicer?
Cold press juicers shine with leafy greens like kale, spinach, and celery, they extract more liquid than centrifugal models, which tend to leave wet pulp. They also handle wheatgrass, soft fruits like berries and citrus, and hard produce like carrots and beets without clogging. Many models come with a separate pulp adjustment setting or a reverse function to clear jams when juicing fibrous ingredients. One trade-off: softer fruits like melons or oranges can produce a foamy juice if fed too quickly, and you’ll need to cut produce into smaller pieces compared to a centrifugal juicer. However, the yield is noticeably higher, meaning you get more juice from the same amount of produce, which offsets the extra prep time over the long run.
What should you look for in a cold press juicer?
Key factors include the motor’s power and torque, auger material (stainless steel is more durable than plastic), and ease of cleaning. Most cold press juicers have multiple parts, a hopper, auger, mesh strainer, and pulp container, so look for models that are dishwasher-safe or come with a cleaning brush specifically for the mesh screen. A wider feed chute reduces prep time, but on cold press juicers, feed tubes are generally narrower than on centrifugal models. Also consider noise level: cold press juicers are noticeably quieter than centrifugal machines. If you juice early in the morning, that’s a real advantage. Finally, check the warranty length, brands that offer three to five years on the motor typically have better long-term reliability.
How do you clean a cold press juicer effectively?
Cleaning is the biggest downside of cold press juicers because of the many nooks and crannies. Most models come with a brush designed to scrub the fine mesh strainer, don’t skip this step, as dried pulp clogs the holes and reduces future performance. Rinse all parts immediately after juicing, and use the reverse function (if available) to push out any lodged fibers before disassembly. Many newer designs include a self-cleaning mode or a larger opening that makes rinsing faster. If you juice multiple times a week, look for a model with fewer pieces or one that is top-rack dishwasher safe. A thorough clean takes about five to eight minutes, but it’s non-negotiable for maintaining juice quality and preventing odors.
How much should you spend on a cold press juicer?
You’ll find cold press juicers ranging from budget-friendly to premium. Entry-level models are often less powerful and may have plastic augers and smaller motors that struggle with hard produce after a few months. Mid-range machines generally offer stainless steel augers, stronger motors, and better build quality, suitable for daily juicing of leafy greens and root vegetables. Premium cold press juicers, which can cost many hundreds of dollars, typically have dual-auger systems, slower RPMs for even higher yield, and heavier construction. They also come with longer warranties and better customer support. A good rule: if you plan to juice more than twice a week, invest in a mid-range or premium model to avoid early motor failure and frustration with cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cold press juicer better than a centrifugal juicer?
For juice quality and nutrient retention, yes, cold press juicers extract more juice and keep it fresher longer. However, centrifugal juicers are faster, cheaper, and easier to clean. If you juice infrequently or prioritize speed, a centrifugal model may suit you better. For daily green juice or wheatgrass, cold press is the clear winner.
Can you juice wheatgrass in a cold press juicer?
Absolutely. Cold press juicers handle wheatgrass beautifully, they crush the grass slowly to release the juice without heat, which is why many people buy a cold press juicer specifically for wheatgrass. Just be sure to feed the grass slowly and use the reverse function if the auger gets clogged.
Do cold press juicers make juice that lasts longer?
Yes, because the slow crushing process minimizes oxidation, cold-pressed juice stays fresh in the refrigerator for 48 to 72 hours without significant nutrient loss. Centrifugal juice, by contrast, begins separating and oxidizing within a few hours. For meal-prepping juice, cold press is a strong choice.
What does “masticating” mean in a juicer?
Masticating refers to the chewing action of the auger. It grinds and presses the produce against a screen to extract juice, similar to how teeth masticate food. In the world of juicers, “masticating” and “cold press” are often used interchangeably, though true cold press models also use a twin-gear system for even gentler extraction.
Are cold press juicers loud?
No, they are much quieter than centrifugal juicers. Most cold press models emit a low hum comparable to an electric toothbrush or a microwave. If noise is a concern, say, juicing early in the morning while others are sleeping, you’ll appreciate the quieter operation.
How important is the auger material in a cold press juicer?
Very important. Stainless steel augers are more durable, resist staining, and won’t release any plastic particles into your juice. Plastic or polycarbonate augers are lighter and cheaper, but they may wear down faster with hard produce and can absorb pigments from carrots or beets. For long-term use, stainless steel is the better investment.