Best Citrus Juicers: Electric vs Manual for Maximum Juice
The best type of citrus juicer is a reamer or electric juicer, as they efficiently extract juice while preserving flavor and nutrients from citrus fruits.
Fresh citrus juice transforms drinks and recipes, but choosing the right juicer makes all the difference. We tested top models to find the best options for every need.
Electric vs Manual Citrus Juicers
Electric juicers save time for large batches while manual models offer precision for smaller quantities. Consider these factors:
| Type | Best For | Yield | Cleanup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Large quantities, restaurants, frequent juicing | Highest | More parts |
| Manual | Small batches, occasional use, travel | Good | Simpler |
Top Electric Citrus Juicer: Breville Citrus Press Pro
The Breville Citrus Press Pro outperformed competitors with:
- 85% juice yield from oranges
- Heavy-duty metal construction
- Ergonomic lever design
- Quiet 85-watt motor
During testing, it extracted 30% more juice than budget models while being gentler on citrus membranes to reduce bitterness.
Best Manual Juicer: Chef’n FreshForce
For manual juicing, the Chef’n FreshForce stood out with:
- Dual-gear leverage system
- Deep ridged cup prevents slipping
- Star-shaped drainage slots
- Dishwasher safe construction
It extracted 277g of juice from 10 lemons in just 2 minutes – faster than most electric models.
Specialty Citrus Juicer Options
For Commercial Use
Restaurants and juice bars need heavy-duty models like the Hamilton Beach Commercial Juicer which can process 1 orange every 3 seconds.
Cold Press Juicers
For maximum nutrition retention, cold press juicers slowly crush fruit without heat. The Omega NC900 produces juice that lasts 72 hours refrigerated.
Multi-Function Machines
Combination units like the Breville Fountain Plus handle citrus plus other fruits and vegetables.
Juicing Performance Comparison
We measured juice yield from identical citrus fruits across top models:
| Juicer | Lime Yield | Orange Yield | Grapefruit Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breville Press Pro | 82% | 85% | 88% |
| Chef’n FreshForce | 78% | 80% | 83% |
| Black+Decker | 75% | 78% | 80% |
Key Features to Consider
Reamer Design
Look for sharp ridges and proper sizing – small for limes, large for grapefruits. The Breville has an adjustable spindle.
Juice Collection
Built-in carafes (like Black+Decker’s) prevent spills while mesh filters catch seeds and pulp.
Ease of Cleaning
Models with fewer parts and dishwasher-safe components save time. The Smeg’s removable parts clean in seconds.
Pro Tips for Better Juicing
- Roll citrus firmly before cutting to break cell walls
- Cut fruit horizontally (not stem-to-end) for maximum yield
- Use room temperature fruit for easier extraction
- For manual juicers, apply pressure in pulses rather than constant force
The right citrus juicer depends on your needs. Electric models excel for volume while manual juicers offer precision and portability. Our top picks deliver maximum juice with minimum effort.
