Despite the huge assortment of juices in the store, expensive products do not promise decent quality, and budget products are almost completely devoid of nutrients. In addition, the taste of drinks is often far from rich fruit or berry. Many housewives prefer to prepare juice on their own, which an auger juicer can help with - an easy-to-use technique preserves the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals and handles fruit very carefully. It also has other features that make the device a valuable kitchen tool.
What is
The main purpose of the device is to obtain juices from fruits, herbs, and berries. However, an auger juicer can also crush nuts, blend smoothies, and even extract oil from seeds. The process is fully automated (except for manual models), and thanks to the low rotation speed of the auger, the juice does not heat up. The resulting product can be stored for up to two days, since during the pressing process it does not come into contact with air.
The fruits are first crushed and then the juice is squeezed out of them. This makes it possible to process every piece of the workpiece, minimizing the loss of liquid. The operating principle of this juicer is somewhat reminiscent of a meat grinder: raw materials are fed into the loading hole, passed through a screw (single or double) and squeezed out. The result is puree or juice with pulp. Since such processing does not require large motor power, electricity is consumed very economically. For many users, this becomes a strong argument in favor of choosing an auger juicer.
Juicer diagram
Nozzle options
Varieties
The easiest models to maintain and operate are manual ones. They are quite effective and can cope with hard raw materials, even nuts or sprouted wheat grains. The low cost also pleases those who decide to choose this model for their home. The universal electric juicer has higher speed, suitable for large volumes.
There are models that differ in the location of the screw and driving mechanism. Vertical auger juicers are the most gentle and operate at minimum speed. Although their main advantage is compactness, they are great for saving space, which is not always enough in the kitchen. The wide neck makes it easy to push through almost any size fruit. You should be careful with horizontal auger juicers - many models have a narrow inlet, which requires more careful preparation of the products. During the pressing process, raw materials often have to be pushed.
The devices may have one or two screws. Single augers cope better with grass, especially if they are models with high motor power. But they handle delicate fruits - for example, soft apples or pears - without much delicacy. It is unlikely that you will be able to get juice; rather, the product will look like baby puree.
Twin-screw juicers provide the maximum yield of the drink compared to all others - up to 95%. However, people with low noise tolerance should not choose them; compared to others, they are the noisiest. Another drawback is the large number of parts, which makes it quite difficult to maintain the equipment.
Vertical
Horizontal
Twin screw
Manual
Electric
Features and types of horizontal juicers
A horizontal manual or electric auger juicer looks like a meat grinder. The screw auger is positioned horizontally. For efficient and productive operation of the device, a pusher is used, with which products are pushed through the neck to the working mechanism.
Horizontal auger juicers are best suited for processing various herbs to produce green smoothies that are enriched with vitamin complex. They are also used to grind grains, resulting in various spices. They are characterized by a longer operating cycle compared to vertical models.
Horizontal juicers can be equipped with one or two augers. The first type of device is represented by a traditional design, characterized by compact dimensions and low cost.
Horizontal type auger juicers are more versatile than vertical ones.
Professional auger juicers are equipped with two screws, which are located parallel to each other. Using these devices, you can quickly process a large number of vegetables and fruits, including hard varieties and fibrous types of fruits. Many models of twin-screw juicers are equipped with additional attachments for making purees, sorbet and nut butter.
Note! Juicers with two auger screws can operate as a coffee grinder and a meat grinder for preparing minced meat.
Manufacturing materials
The material from which the parts are made can affect not only the longevity of the device, but also the quality of the finished raw material and its taste. As a rule, this influence is not so critical as to ruin the product, but for some users the indicator is very important. And for families with children, the material of manufacture can even become the main argument in deciding which juicer to choose.
Screw
In the most budget options, the screw is made of aluminum. Although the health hazards of this metal are somewhat exaggerated, such parts have many disadvantages: they are easily deformed, and when in contact with fruit acids they can enter into a chemical reaction. Cast iron and steel screws also add a specific flavor to the product. True, unlike aluminum, they are reliable and will last much longer. Plastic remains neutral to juice - due to this, it is considered the optimal solution for an auger. But in this case, it is important to choose a high quality material, otherwise it can easily break down or be toxic.
Metal
Plastic
Membrane
Usually made of plastic and steel. The contact between the metal and the raw material in this part is not so tight as to interfere with the taste of the drink, so there is little difference between the materials. If you need a screw juicer to work with one type of product or will not be used very actively, you can opt for a model with a plastic membrane. It's more budget friendly.
Frame
This part is usually made of plastic, stainless steel or aluminum. It is traditionally believed that plastic is not the most durable material. It may crack, and there is a danger that a small fragment will get into the juice. However, such a case is usually cheaper, and with careful handling it can last a long time, because modern technologies make it possible to achieve high strength.
Stainless steel and aluminum compete with each other. The latest type of material is characterized by good thermal conductivity and resistance to oxygen corrosion. However, even special additives do not help get rid of the main drawback - aluminum is easy to deform, which cannot be said about stainless steel. This material can last a very long time; it is resistant to shock, pressure, abrasion, and other influences. Its main disadvantage is its high cost.
Additional functionality
In addition to the basic ones, there are many additional functions that the best auger juicers are equipped with:
- anti-drip - thanks to the rising spout, excess juice flows into the internal compartment, avoiding additional cleaning;
- reverse - the ability to start rotating the auger in the opposite direction if a bone gets stuck in it;
- automatic pulp ejection - the pulp is collected in a special container, so you no longer need to stop the juicer due to its accumulation or disassemble and clean it in the middle of the process;
- locking against accidental start - helps to avoid injury, can work in different ways - some models have a safety lock, others will not work until all parts are in place;
- overheating protection - the device turns itself off if the motor gets too hot and needs a rest;
- speed switching - allows you to adjust the operating power depending on what product (hard or requiring increased care) the juicer is working with.
Multifunctional auger juicers can whip up pureed soups, grind coffee, nuts and spices, chop salad products and do many other things.
What is an auger juicer
The auger juicer produces juice using the cold-press method. The drink made from fruits and vegetables is not heated during the production process, which preserves the maximum amount of vitamins in it. The unit has high performance. Thanks to its versatility, the auger juicer can process even hard and dry products:
- nuts;
- seeds;
- greenery.
No noise is created during operation, although the operating speed is much higher than that of a centrifugal device. The auger juicer is easy to use and its maintenance is also simplified.
The principle of operation of the device is similar to that used in a meat grinder:
- after loading, fruits and vegetables are ground by auger blades;
- then the raw material falls under the press and the juice is squeezed out of it;
- After this, the product is filtered, passing through membranes, and separated into two components - cake and juice.
According to their design, screw units can be vertical and horizontal. In horizontal type models it is necessary to use special pushers. Vertical auger juicers independently capture and process raw materials; they are compact in size and have good performance. Depending on the model, the unit may have one or two augers.
Models often have additional functions, for example, overload protection, reverse, automatic shutdown when overheating, soft engine start, protection against accidental start-up, anti-drop system, foam separator. Additional options increase the price of the juicer.
The kit usually includes several attachments with which you can make other dishes - purees, desserts, smoothies. The device can prepare crushed ice, soy and nut milk, and grind spices. The cooking process is made easier by selecting the appropriate mode.
In modern models, manufacturers install meshless filters, which simplifies the maintenance of the juicer. Expensive units are equipped with a self-cleaning mode. In 15-20 minutes, the insides of the device will be washed, all that remains is to disassemble it and rinse the individual parts.
We recommend: Why wash linoleum with ammonia?
Tips for choosing
With so many models out there, it can be difficult to decide which auger juicer to choose. Sometimes the decisive argument is limited space, then the assortment is reduced to a vertical row. Sometimes it is important to save electricity - in this case, you just have to choose among manual devices. But you can also make the decision easier by focusing on the main criteria.
Parameter | Peculiarities |
Power | It affects the productivity and speed of work; the higher it is, the faster the juice will be produced. If there is no need for high processing speed of raw materials, you can choose less powerful types of juicers - this indicator does not affect the quality |
Noise level | Screw models are quite quiet (average show 50 dB), but some of them operate almost silently |
Functionality | Among the most popular additional functions are automatic pulp ejection, accidental start locking, and overheating protection. |
Uptime | Most models turn off after a certain time of continuous operation. This is necessary so that the engine temperature can drop. |
Manufacturer | It is better to focus on proven brands and not take risks with unknown companies whose auger juicers are not at the top |
Dimensions | In addition to height and width, you need to pay attention to the weight of the equipment. Some models are quite heavy, and not every housewife can handle them |
The best auger juicer is the one that serves the purpose and does not contain unnecessary features. The principle of sufficiency when choosing this device works optimally.
How is it different from centrifugal
There are two main models on the market for universal juicers. To make the right choice, it is important to understand the difference between auger juicers and centrifugal juicers. If the first one works by grinding and chewing raw materials, then the second one is based on separation. The device is driven by high speeds, the centrifugal force separates the juice from the pulp and, pressing the latter into the walls, squeezes out the liquid from it, which flows into the glass.
RPM determines one of the main differences between auger and centrifugal juicers. The low indicator of the first allows you to avoid oxidation of the juice, which means that all useful substances are preserved, and the product can be stored longer. In addition, the noise level is lower compared to the centrifugal model.
When choosing which juicer - auger or centrifugal - to buy, you usually start from the tasks. When they are numerous, it is better to prefer the first option. If there is no need for sophisticated dishes or processing of herbs or nuts, a centrifugal juicer is optimal.
How the juicer works
According to the principle of operation, universal juicers differ greatly. These kitchen devices are divided into screw and centrifugal.
Centrifugal juicer
The operating principle is simple. A rotating grater crushes and transforms the source material into a homogeneous mass, then enters a separator with a sieve, where the juice is separated from the fibers under the influence of centrifugal force and flows into a container. The result is purified juice.
Centrifugal type device.
This technique operates at high speeds to cope with grinding and separation.
Such juicers are divided according to the type of separator. It can be cylindrical or conical. Each type has its own advantages. The cylindrical separator squeezes out the juice as much as possible, up to 90%! But the pulp is removed manually after stopping the unit or with special devices. A conical separator does not have such issues; it is more comfortable to use, but the juice extraction rates are two times lower.
Auger type juicer
Attention should be paid to auger juicers. The operating principle is based on cold-press technology, which preserves all useful components. Juice is squeezed out of the ground products through a sieve using a screw rod. Very similar to a meat grinder. The cake remains almost dry.
Such devices provide the maximum percentage of juice production, and it comes out with pulp, and this is good for the intestines. You can also squeeze berries with small seeds, grass, sprouts of various grains and process nuts. The devices are low noise and last longer, since there is no centrifugal force and high speeds. Friction is minimal, and accordingly, wear on moving parts is almost unnoticeable. There is no heating of metal parts, which leads to the fact that the cellular structure of the products does not change, the juice does not contain metal oxides, and there is no unnecessary aftertaste.
There are also disadvantages. First of all, this is the price of the device. It is unrealistic to make purified juice from soft berries and fruits, because it turns out to be puree. The process will take longer.
An example of an auger-type juicer.
This category of household devices is divided according to the location of the shaft into vertical or horizontal and according to the number of screws - into single-screw and double-screw juicers. You won’t see any difference in the quality of the juice, but the work process has its own nuances.
Single-screw units in the classic horizontal version. In this case, the technique is interesting for gardeners or people involved in harvesting. It is designed for long continuous operation. But you will need to cut the original products into pieces and push them along the receiver with a pusher.
When positioned vertically, the auger itself captures the supplied ingredients. The device works faster, takes up less space on the table, but is larger in height. Inside there is a silicone brush that cleans the pulp from the mesh, and the juice is obtained without pulp.
Twin screw devices differ in design by the presence of two screws. They are located horizontally and thoroughly grind the ingredients, including solid products. With the help of such a unit it is already possible to make nut butter, puree, and sorbet. It is used both as a coffee grinder and for preparing minced meat for homemade sausages or pates. The design is considered more reliable, but at a higher price.
Reliable manufacturers
Manufacturer is one of the most important criteria for choosing a device. The following brands have proven themselves well on the market:
- Mirandi is a company that specializes in the production of juicers. They explain the not very rich assortment by attention to quality - it takes quite a lot of time to develop each new model and think through all the functional features. One of the advantages is convenience: devices from this company are easy to disassemble and clean. The rating of the best models often includes the Mirandi J-100 juicer with a large number of additional functions (anti-drip system, automatic pulp ejection, and so on). The equipment pleases with its pleasant design, high speed, and noiselessness. But not all users will appreciate the plastic case, and the cost is quite high. We can note the Mirandi J-60 model - the design of its original shape will fit even into a very limited space.
- In a more affordable price segment, ENDEVER auger juicers stand out. The Swedish company produces modern household appliances and kitchen accessories. The brand is based on the principles of reliability, functionality and design, embodying them in its products. The ENDEVER Sigma-95 model is popular due to its power and protective mechanisms - both from accidental starting and from overheating of the motor. The main drawback is again in plastic - the juice glass is made of it and the screw is covered with it. Although, with careful use, the juicer can last a long time.
- You can purchase a wide variety of products from the Japanese company Panasonic, including auger juicers. All of them are multifunctional and reliable. One of the most popular options is the Panasonic MJ-L500STQ model. This is an electric single-screw device with a stainless steel body and a power of 150 W. He is loved for his careful handling of raw materials and high quality of output products. True, technology copes better with solid products. Another compact device from a more expensive segment is the Panasonic MJ-L600. With its help you can prepare not only juice, but also smoothies and frozen desserts.
- The Russian market also offers decent auger-type juicers - for example, models from Kitfort. Due to their territorial location, they all have affordable prices, and this is not their main advantage. Among the inexpensive options, Kitfort KT-1101 stands out - a vertical single-screw model with a power of 150 W, which is chosen for its high-quality spin. The case is again made of plastic, which inevitably leads to its relatively quick failure. You can pay attention to the Kitfort KT-1104 model. The main disadvantage is that it is not so budget-friendly. The advantages are higher power (240 W), operates at lower speeds and with low noise levels. True, it is quite heavy - if Kitfort KT-1101 weighs only 4 kg, then Kitfort KT-1104 weighs almost 7.5 kg.
- Smeg is an Italian company that is easily recognizable by its style. All household appliances from this manufacturer are made in smooth lines, the color palette is very wide (users are especially fond of pastel colors), all appliances look very elegant. The importance of quality is not lost in the attention to external details. These juicers should be chosen only if you are already confident in the need for the device - the price segment is significantly above average. SMEG SJF01PBEU has expanded functionality - you can adjust the concentration of juice, there is a reverse. Rubberized feet increase the stability of the model.
When choosing between an auger or centrifugal juicer, it is important to answer the questions for what purposes and how often the device will be used. The former have a number of advantages: they are more careful with raw materials and use electricity more economically. Devices of this type often have additional functions and can prepare not only juices, but also purees or desserts, crush nuts, and cope with tough raw materials. There are different devices - from manual to electric, horizontal, vertical, with one or two augers. All this, together with the material of the parts, affects the final product. A review of the best manufacturers helps you make your choice - it describes in detail which model is characterized by what, what advantages or disadvantages it has. If you take the time to study the basic parameters, you can purchase a reliable multifunctional device, and the auger juicer will delight the whole family with high-quality, tasty juices for a long time.
ENDEVER
Kitfort
Mirandi
Panasonic
Smeg
How to choose a screw juicer: basic recommendations
Before you start choosing a screw juicer, you need to clearly know its future purpose. The vertical type of device is universal, which flawlessly copes with the processing of hard vegetables and fruits, soft fruits, fibrous products, with the exception of herbs. This type of juicer is ideal for everyday use.
To process large volumes of fruits, it is better to purchase a horizontal auger-type juicer, which can handle not only soft, but also hard vegetables and fruits. It can also separate the oil from the seeds. You can use it to prepare spices, smoothies and sorbets. The most productive option is a twin-screw juicer, which is characterized by high cost.
First of all, you need to decide for what purpose you are purchasing a juicer.
When thinking about which auger juicer to choose, you need to pay attention to the material of the body, which can be made of plastic, stainless steel or aluminum. The metal case is more durable, however, the cost of the device will be higher than the price of plastic models, which, if properly handled, can last for a long period. This is especially true for high-quality juicers from world brands.
When choosing a screw juicer, you should also pay attention to the period of continuous operation of the device. If this parameter is not taken into account, the device may quickly fail.
Consumer reviews, which indicate all the intricacies of assembling and disassembling the device, and the features of caring for it, will help you decide which auger juicer is best for the home, since the instructions for the household appliance contain only general information.
Important! A useful feature for the juicer is reversibility, which allows you to adjust the direction of rotation of the shaft, which helps to increase productivity.
It is recommended to buy a horizontal juicer if you plan to process a lot of fruits and vegetables.
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of additional functions, which are determined by the attachments or special elements included with the juicer. Equipping with such accessories allows the device to work effectively with various products. Many models have attachments for making sorbets, squeezing dough, or making homemade noodles.