Slow, cold-press style juicers

Masticating Juicers

Masticating juicers (sometimes called slow or cold-press juicers) use a single auger that turns slowly to crush and press produce, rather than a fast-spinning blade. That slower mechanism is why they're often the preferred style for leafy greens like kale and spinach, which can be difficult for high-speed machines to process efficiently.

Selection criteria

• Auger design: vertical augers tend to have a smaller footprint; horizontal augers often handle leafy greens and wheatgrass more effectively.
• Feed speed: masticating juicers process produce more slowly than centrifugal machines, which affects total prep-to-glass time.
• Noise: the slower motor generally runs quieter, which matters if you're juicing early in the morning in a shared household.
• Cleaning: the auger and juicing screen need thorough cleaning after each use to prevent pulp buildup; look for dishwasher-safe parts if that matters to you.

Common purchasing mistakes

Buyers sometimes assume masticating machines produce noticeably more juice or better-preserved nutrients than centrifugal models -- these are unverified marketing claims, not something we can confirm without controlled testing. Choose based on the tradeoffs that actually matter for your kitchen: noise, speed, leafy-green handling, and cleanup, not unproven nutritional claims.

Compare against centrifugal juicers if speed matters more than quiet operation, or see our leafy-green juicer guide for more detail.