Juicers and blenders

The first choice in this category is whether you want juice or a thick drink. Juicers pull the liquid out and leave the pulp behind. Blenders process the whole produce, fibre included, into a smoothie-like drink.

Borosil notes that a blender cannot fully replace a juicer. Blended juice has to be strained by hand to remove the pulp. Milton adds that a blender suits smoothies, soups and shakes, while a mixer grinder handles tougher grinding such as masalas, chutneys and batter.

Start with the best juicer. Specific jobs have pages for the best juicer for carrots and the best citrus juicer. Type guides cover the best cold press juicer, the best hand blender, the best personal blender and the best blender for smoothies.

Juicer type shapes the speed. A centrifugal juicer is fast. A rotating edge separates juice from pulp, and whole produce such as cucumbers and carrots can go in. A masticating juicer, commonly called a cold press, works at a slower speed. Borosil notes no substantial difference in nutrient level has been noticed between the two.

Blender types differ in format. A hand blender, also called an immersion blender, carries the motor at the top of an arm. The blade works directly in the cooking pot. Personal blenders are smaller and make single batches on the go.

Cleaning favours blenders. Juicers have parts such as pulp containers and mesh strainers that need a thorough wash after every use. A blender jar is easier.

Borosil also says juicer mixer grinders run at a lower RPM than standard mixer grinders. It says juicing needs that.