Centrifugal Juicer or Cold Press Juicer: Best Pick for You

If you're thinking about buying a juice machine, you've probably asked yourself this: Should I go for a centrifugal juicer or a cold press juicer? I’ve been there. And in Canada, where fresh fruits and vegetables can be pricey, and kitchen space matters, it’s not a small decision. 

In this guide, I’ll break down what matters so you don’t end up wasting money on something that just doesn’t work for your lifestyle. Let’s take a look.

Centrifugal Juicer or Cold Press Juicer: Understanding Both Types

Before I get into what’s better and why, let’s break down how these two types of juice machines operate:

How Centrifugal Juicers Work

Centrifugal juicers are the ones most people picture when they think of a classic juicer.

These machines shred fruits and vegetables using fast-spinning blades, often reaching up to 14,000 RPM. As the pulp is thrown against a fine mesh filter, juice is forced out and collected in seconds. This fast process makes this type popular for quick, no-fuss juicing.

But the speed comes with trade-offs. The high rotation generates more heat and oxidation, which can affect juice quality and shelf life. It’s a spin, not a squeeze.

How Slow (Masticating) Juicers Work

Slow juicer machines are also called masticating or cold-press juicers. They use a totally different approach from centrifugal juicers. Instead of slicing with fast blades, they use a single rotating auger to slowly crush and press fruits and vegetables. This gentle squeezing process extracts juice efficiently while preserving more nutrients and minimizing oxidation.

It’s quieter, produces less foam, and results in juice with a longer shelf life. Though it takes a little more time, the quality and yield are usually higher.

Centrifugal Vs. Slow Juicers: Major Differences

Now that you know how each juicer works, let’s look at what sets them apart in everyday use:

1. Nutritional Quality of the Juice

Juice isn’t just about flavour. Most of us drink it for the nutrients, especially when we’re talking about green juice or vegetable juice made at home. 

And this is where centrifugal juicers start to fall short. Because of the heat and oxidation generated during high-speed juicing, some essential nutrients are lost. Heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C, as well as enzymes and antioxidants, can break down more quickly under these conditions. 

As a result, you get a drink that might look fresh, but has low nutritional value.

In contrast, cold-press juicers avoid this problem. Since they use slow, pressure-based extraction, there’s no heat and very little air exposure during extraction. Therefore, more nutrients stay intact. Their juice has a smoother texture, tastes cleaner, and lasts longer without separating or changing colour.

Also, the research backs it up. A study published in Food Science and Engineering found that cold-press juicer machines produced significantly higher juice yield compared to centrifugal models. They also delivered better juice quality, especially in terms of colour and consistency, while preserving antioxidant levels comparable to centrifugal juicers.

That’s why slow juicers are often the better choice for anyone focused on nutrition and juice quality.

2. Juice Yield and Efficiency

One of the biggest performance gaps between centrifugal and slow juicers shows up in the pulp. 

If you’ve ever watched the pulp come out of a centrifugal juicer, you probably noticed how damp it is. That means a lot of juice is left behind in the waste. Over time, that adds up. Especially if you’re juicing daily or using organic ingredients, which cost more in Canada.

Slow juicers extract more liquid by pressing slowly and thoroughly. The result is noticeably drier pulp and higher juice yield. The difference is especially noticeable with fibrous ingredients like kale, celery, and beets. Even softer fruits like apples and citrus give better results.

So, in terms of juice yield, slow juicers simply do better. That also means more juice from the same amount of ingredients,  fewer trips to the store, and less leftover pulp in the compost bin.

P.S. That leftover pulp doesn’t have to go to waste. You can reuse it in soups, smoothies, muffins, omelettes, or even frozen dog treats and natural facial masks. It’s a great way to stretch your ingredients a little further.

3. Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

One of the major reasons people stop using their juicer is simple: cleaning takes too long. 

Centrifugal machines usually include sharp blades, mesh juice strainers, and pulp containers, all of which need careful scrubbing. Some parts may be dishwasher-safe, but you’ll still need to rinse and clean manually, especially after fibrous ingredients.

Older slow juicers had similar cleaning challenges, but newer models have improved significantly. Brands like Hurom have introduced Easy Clean models with no traditional mesh filters. Instead, they use smooth surfaces and no-strainer technology, so you can rinse the parts clean under running water in seconds.

If you want to juice regularly without spending extra time at the sink, an easy-to-clean slow juicer can make the habit far more sustainable.

4. Noise and Home Environment

Some centrifugal juicers are powerful, but they are also loud. The high-speed spinning blades and motors can generate noise levels comparable to a blender or vacuum cleaner.  In Canadian homes, where open-concept kitchens and shared spaces are common, this can be especially disruptive.

Early morning juicing? Not ideal with a centrifugal model, especially if you live in an apartment or have sleeping family members nearby.

Slow juicers, on the other hand, are much quieter. They hum instead of roar. This makes them better suited for apartment living, shared spaces, or anyone with kids or pets who don’t love sudden loud sounds.

If you prefer a calm kitchen, the sound difference alone might be enough to choose a slow juicer over a centrifugal one.

5. Durability and Warranty

A lot of centrifugal machines feel like a quick fix. They’re cheaper upfront but often wear out within a year or two, especially if you use them regularly. Warranties are usually limited, and finding parts or services can be tricky.

Slow juicers, particularly those from brands specializing in cold-press technology, are built to last. Hurom, for example, offers a 10 to 15-year warranty on its motors, which speaks to their confidence in long-term durability. That’s a big plus if you’re not into replacing appliances every few seasons.

In terms of lifespan, high-quality slow juicers hold up well even with daily use. So while you might spend more initially, you’re not shelling out again when a blade dulls or a motor fails. It’s just a more reliable investment.

Cold Press Juicer or Centrifugal Juicer: What’s Best for You?

A slow juicer is the better option if you want higher juice yield, better nutrition, and longer-lasting juice. While centrifugal juicers are faster and cheaper, slow juicers offer more value for health-conscious users.

Still not sure which one fits your routine best? Let’s break it down a bit more:

When a Centrifugal Juicer Might Work for You

If you’re just getting into juicing or plan to use it occasionally, a centrifugal juicer could be enough for now. Here’s when it might make sense:

• You juice infrequently and don’t want to spend too much.

• Getting your juice quickly matters more than squeezing out every nutrient.

• You’re fine with juice that separates fast or has some foam on top.

• You’re okay with a machine that may need replacing after a couple of years.

It’s an option that gets the job done quickly. Just be prepared for more cleaning, wetter pulp, and shorter juice shelf life. And if you want to juice leafy greens or fibrous vegetables often, you may find the performance lacking.

Why a Slow Juicer is Worth It for Most People

If you’re serious about making juicing a regular part of your routine, a slow juicer is often a better long-term investment. It supports higher juice yield, better nutrient retention, and a more peaceful experience in the kitchen.

Here’s when a slow juicer is likely the better fit:

• You want to get the most juice out of every fruit or vegetable.

• Preserving vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants is important to you.

• Quiet mornings matter, especially if you live with others.

• You follow clean eating habits, do batch prep, or avoid added sugars.

• You prefer a reliable machine that lasts and doesn’t need frequent replacement.

If that sounds like you, the upfront cost of a masticating juicer quickly pays off. Especially with models that simplify cleanup and give you more control over texture and pulp. That’s where brands like Hurom stand out: quiet, efficient, and enjoyable to use.

What Should Canadians Consider Before Buying a Juicer?

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, the next step is choosing a juicer that fits your lifestyle in a Canadian home.

Long winters, limited kitchen space, and the higher cost of fresh ingredients mean your choices need to be practical. Whether you’re leaning toward a slow juicer or a faster centrifugal model, these are the key factors to keep in mind:

Availability in Canada for Repair or Exchange Options

Always check whether a brand offers customer support service in Canada. Because if anything goes wrong, the last thing you want is to deal with international shipping or unclear return policies. 

Having access to local service, parts, or a responsive team makes a real difference, especially for something you use regularly.

Therefore, choose brands like Hurom that offer reliable support and replacement parts in Canada. They stand by their warranty, which makes it a safer long-term purchase.

Energy Use and Seasonal Costs

In Canada, colder months often mean more indoor routines, including juicing. Most slow juicers consume under 200 watts, which makes them energy-efficient even with daily use. 

Still, even small appliances can impact your monthly bill in provinces with higher electricity rates. Look for models with low wattage, efficient motors, and continuous run support to handle regular use without driving up costs.

Seasonal costs go beyond power. During winter, fresh fruits and vegetables are often more expensive and less available. A high-yield juicer helps you get more from every ingredient, reduces waste, and stretches your grocery budget.

Kitchen Size and Storage Practicality

In urban condos or shared homes, counter space is limited. A juicer that’s compact, quiet, and light enough to leave out is much more likely to become part of your daily routine.

Choose compact vertical models like the Hurom H310 that fit easily on the counter and don’t take up much space. They’re also quiet, which helps when you’re living with other people or just want peaceful mornings.

Just don’t forget to double-check dimensions before ordering online.

Why Hurom is the Best Slow Juicer Option in Canada

Once you’ve decided that a slow juicer is the right fit, the next step is choosing a model that actually delivers.

Among the many options out there, Hurom stands out not for flashy features, but for consistency, reliability, and design choices that make everyday juicing easier. These are the qualities that matter when space is tight, mornings are quiet, and cleanup needs to be fast.

Here’s what makes Hurom a smart choice for Canadian households:

Designed for Quality, Built to Last

Hurom juicers are built with durability in mind. The motor is powerful, the parts are durable, and nothing wears down after a few weeks. 

You can tell the difference when you use it; everything fits snugly and runs smoothly. That’s probably why they offer a 10 to 15-year warranty on their motors.

The materials used are also BPA-free and food-safe. That gives peace of mind, especially when you’re juicing every day for yourself or your family.

Quiet, Compact, and Easy to Clean

One of my favourite things about Hurom’s models is how they’ve made cleanup less of a chore. Their Easy Clean models, like the H70 and H400, replaced the old-school strainers that used to take forever to scrub. You just rinse and go, without brushes and extra hassle.

They’ve also thought about space. If your kitchen isn’t big, a bulky appliance isn’t ideal. The H310 is surprisingly compact and still delivers great juice. And as for noise? It’s a soft hum. I can juice in the morning without waking anyone up, which honestly makes a big difference.

One Appliance, Many Uses

Another thing that I love about Hurom juicers is that they’re not limited to just fruit or veggie juice. 

Yes, I’ve used mine to make everything from wheatgrass juice to beetroot juice, and it easily handles everything. But it doesn’t stop there.

I’ve also made almond milk, nut butter, and even healthy sorbets during the summer. When the weather cools down, I switch to thicker blends like ginger-apple juice or warm-style veggie bases for soups.

If you are trying to build a routine around healthy juice and whole ingredients, Hurom gives you much flexibility without taking up extra effort and space on the counter.

Make Daily Juicing Easier with Hurom!

When comparing both types, slow juicers consistently outperform centrifugal models in quality, efficiency, and long-term usability.

Cold-press juicers support daily routines by producing smoother, longer-lasting juice with less noise and cleanup. While centrifugal juicers offer speed, they often fall short in nutrient retention, juice shelf life, and overall consistency.

Brands like Hurom offer slow juicers that are well-built, easy to clean, and designed to support a health-focused lifestyle. For most users, a slow juicer is the smarter long-term investment.

Hurom Product Catalog Overview

FAQs

Which is better: a centrifugal or a masticating juicer?

Masticating juicer are better if you care about quality, nutrition, and consistency. They extract more juice, preserve more nutrients, and the juice doesn’t separate as quickly.  Centrifugal juicers might be faster, but they may not match the consistency or shelf life of cold-pressed juice.

What are the disadvantages of a centrifugal juicer?

Centrifugal juicers are loud, less efficient, and make juice that separates quickly. They also don’t handle leafy greens or fibrous vegetables well. And over time, you might spend more on the ingredients because of the lower juice yield.

Do centrifugal juicers destroy nutrients?

They don’t destroy all nutrients, but they do cause some loss. The fast spinning generates heat and pulls in air, which increases oxidation. That can reduce the content of heat-sensitive vitamins like vitamin C and impact the overall quality of the juice.

Why do centrifugal juicers oxidize juice more quickly?

It’s due to the high-speed spinning blades that introduce air into the juice during extraction. That air causes oxidation, which affects flavour, colour, and nutrient stability. It also shortens shelf life.

Is cold-pressed juice better than centrifugal?

Yes. Cold-pressed juice retains more nutrients, has better texture, and doesn’t separate as quickly. Studies have shown that it extracts a higher volume of juice and delivers better overall juice quality than centrifugal juicers. You can taste and feel the difference.

Which juicer type is better for leafy greens and fibrous vegetables?

Masticating juicers are better for leafy greens and fibrous vegetables. They’re built to handle fibrous ingredients like kale, celery, and even ginger. Centrifugal models often struggle with these ingredients and leave a lot of juice behind in the pulp.