When it comes to extracting fresh and nutritious juices, the type of juicer you choose can make a significant impact on the quality and overall outcome of your juice. Horizontal and vertical juicers are two popular options, each with its own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. In this article, we delve into the unique features of these juicer types to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your juicing goals and the ingredients used to get there.
Horizontal Vs Vertical Juicers
When it comes to extracting fresh and nutritious juices, the type of juicer you choose can make a significant impact on the quality and overall outcome of your juice. Horizontal and vertical juicers are two popular options, each with its own set of characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. In this article, we delve into the unique features of these juicer types to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your juicing goals and the ingredients used to get there.
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Design
One of the most apparent distinctions between horizontal and vertical juicers lies in their design and footprint. Horizontal juicers typically have a wider profile and are longer in shape. They often require more counter space due to their horizontal orientation.
On the other hand, vertical juicers, as the name suggests, have a more compact and upright design. This makes vertical juicers a better choice for those with limited kitchen space, as they tend to take up less room on the countertop.
Versatility
Strengths
Leafy Greens
Hard Fruits
Celery
Root Vegetables
Weaknesess
Cucumber
Grapefruit
Kiwi Passion Fruit
Softer Ingredients
Horizontal juicers usually come with a broader range of attachments, allowing you to make not only juices but also nut butter, sorbets, and even pasta. This makes them a preferred choice for those who enjoy experimenting with different recipes and textures.
Horizontal juicers often face difficulties in managing the accumulation of pulp caused by softer ingredients. Among these, ripe apples, oranges, pineapples, kiwi, grapefruit, and passion fruit are the most problematic. These ingredients usually lead to a significant build-up of mushy residue, creating a backlog that the juicer can't handle on its own.
Strengths
Soft Fruit
Root Vegetables
Hard Fruits
Weaknesess
Leafy Green (on their own)
Grapefruit
Kiwi
Vertical juicers, while slightly less versatile in terms of attachments, often require less pre-cutting of ingredients due to their upright design. This can save time during the juicing process, as larger pieces of fruits and vegetables can be fed into the juicer without extensive preparation.
Vertical juicers are not well-suited for juicing celery due to the fibrous nature of celery sticks, which can clog the juicer and lead to issues like jamming or parts cracking. When juicing celery with a vertical juicer, it's recommended to cut the celery into small chunks and manually clear any pulp build-up every 5 to 10 minutes. Similarly, vertical juicers are not ideal for juicing leafy greens alone but can handle them when mixed with other ingredients like root vegetables. Soft fruits like apples, pineapples, kiwi, grapefruit, and oranges also pose challenges for vertical juicers due to their fibrous yet juicy texture, often resulting in lower juice yields.