What Is a Slow Juicer? Benefits, Buying Tips & Top Models
December 06, 2024
If you’re thinking about joining the juicing community, a slow juicer might be just the thing.
But what is a slow juicer?
Unlike high-speed juicers that can zap some of the nutrients, slow juicers gently press fruits and veggies to keep all that good stuff intact—flavor, vitamins, the whole deal.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes slow juicers different, go over the benefits (there are a lot!), and help you pick the right model for your kitchen.
Ready to make some seriously fresh juice? Let’s get into it.
What Is a Slow Juicer and How Do Slow Juicers Work?
A slow juicer, also sometimes called “masticating” juicer, uses gentle pressure to extract quality juice from fruits and vegetables. The point is to preserve nutrients and taste without generating heat.
Plus, you get more juice yields even from leafy vegetables in each glass of juice.
Like so:
Here’s how it all happens:
The core of a slow juicer is the auger—a sturdy, spiral-shaped part that gradually crushes produce against a mesh screen.
As the auger turns at a slower speed (usually around 43 to 90 RPM for Hurom models), it squeezes out every bit of flavorful juice while keeping oxidation low, which means more nutrients stay intact.
Juice flows out through one outlet, while pulp goes through a separate exit, making it easy to get clear, smooth juice without any bits.
Pro tip: If you’re juicing wheatgrass, ginger, or leafy greens like spinach or kale, a slow Hurom juicer is ideal. It presses these tricky roots and greens just right, squeezing out pure juice with less pulp than centrifugal juicers. Besides, our models can even make nut butter and sorbet.
Why do you need all that?
Wheatgrass juice, for instance, is loaded with chlorophyll—a natural antioxidant with detoxifying benefits. Basically, this healthy juice is perfect for those looking to add an immunity boost to their routine.
Slow Juicing vs. Centrifugal Juicing
Slow juicers differ significantly from centrifugal models, which spin blades at high speeds. That quick spinning can add heat and oxygen to the juice, reducing nutrient quality.
In fact, high-speed juicing can degrade vitamin C and antioxidant levels due to oxidation and heat exposure.
A slow juicer produces a richer, more nutrient-dense juice that stays fresh longer.
Did you know? These types of juicers can handle nearly anything you throw at them: from soft fruits to hard root veggies and even nuts for homemade almond milk!
What About the Juicing Speed?
Slow juicers, like Hurom’s, operate at 43 - 90 RPM, depending on the model. Compare that to centrifugal juicers that can spin up to 15,000 RPM.
Imagine all the heat that destroys your nutrients (you can easily see that in the juice’s color).
Side note: Which juice would you like to drink?
As you can see from our test, Hurom juicers press ingredients gently, reducing oxidation and retaining more nutrients. Ease of cleaning is also important for us, which is why we patented the Easy Clean Technology, which you can find in some of our slow juicers.
It can take around 5-10 minutes to juice with a slow juicer, but that extra time preserves the quality of the juice. Besides, that also means you can store it for longer, whereas regular juice has a shorter shelf life.
Pro tip: Even with our patented Slow Squeeze Technology, Hurom juicers work fast. They’re engineered to extract juice quickly without the harsh spinning action, giving you the best of both worlds: nutrient-rich juice and time.
That brings use to the next point:
Hurom’s Slow Squeeze Technology
Hurom’s Slow Squeeze Technology uses an auger that rotates between 43 and 90 RPM, pressing ingredients slowly to avoid heat buildup. This helps to keep oxidation low and nutrients high, so you’re left with fresh juice that retains the color, flavor, and nutritional quality of the original produce.
This low-speed process is closer to how you’d squeeze the juice by hand, just without the time and effort.
Slow juicer vs cold press juicer
You’ll often hear slow juicers referred to as “cold press juicers,” especially because they both aim to reduce heat during juicing.
However, there’s a key difference between the two.
- Slow juicers, like Hurom’s, rely on an auger that crushes produce against a screen, pressing out the juice in a gradual, precise way.
- Cold press juicers, on the other hand, work differently: they use hydraulic pressure to press juice from produce that’s been pre-chopped and typically don’t use an auger.
While cold press juicers are powerful machines, they’re primarily built for commercial use because they can handle huge volumes at a time.
Quick note: Although “cold press” can refer to large hydraulic presses, many of us also use the term “cold press juicer” to mean juicing “without heat.” So don’t worry—you’re still getting the benefits of a true “cold press” with your Hurom, minus the bulky machinery.
The Many Benefits of Slow Juicers
Here’s what you can expect when you purchase a slow juicer:
- More nutrients, aka better health: Low speeds keep heat and oxygen out, which preserves those fragile vitamins and antioxidants. Studies show that heat generation destroys important vitamins like folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin C. And centrifugal juicers produce lots of heat. You’ll notice the difference, too—clearer skin, fewer colds, and just an overall better feeling day-to-day.
- Faster nutrient absorption, more energy: Because your body doesn’t have to digest the fiber, you get a direct shot of nutrients. Research suggests that liquid nutrients from juice can be absorbed in 30 minutes, which is a lot faster than whole foods. And that’s perfect if you need an energy boost in the morning or before a workout. Trust us, once you’ve had a fresh juice to start the day, coffee won’t be the first thing on your mind anymore.
- Less food waste: Slow juicers leave less wet pulp and less waste than centrifugal juicers. Even our Hurom H400, which produces pulpy enough juice, doesn’t leave wet pulp in the pulp container, whereas you can expect plenty of that from a cheap centrifugal juicer. Basically, that means less household food waste. And if you’re big on budgeting or just hate tossing out good produce, this is a simple way to make your groceries go further. Plus, you can even save the leftover pulp for recipes like veggie burgers or muffins—get more ideas here.
- Tastier, fresher juice: One sip, and you’ll taste the difference. Slow juicing keeps the flavors vibrant because there’s less oxidation—juice tastes fresh, not foamy or metallic. And unlike store-bought juice, which sometimes tastes like watered-down candy (yuck!), slow juicing brings out the real flavor of fruits and veggies. And we also wanted to make sure our juicers produce juice that stays fresh in the fridge for up to 72 hours without losing that just-pressed taste.
- Better for digestion: Juices from a slow juicer are gentle on your stomach, which is basically ideal for anyone dealing with digestive issues. Fresh juice is loaded with enzymes that help break down food naturally. Ingredients like ginger, pineapple, and leafy greens work wonders for gut health. Try it for a week, and you’ll notice a lighter, happier digestive system—no bloat, just the good stuff.
What a Month of Daily Juicing Can Do for You
Drinking fresh juice every day doesn’t take long to make a difference. Here’s what you might notice as you settle into a month-long routine:
- First day: You get more energy, finally. You can skip a coffee or two and feel better in the mornings – no jitters and definitely no brain fog.
- After 7 days: Digestion is also one of the first improvements you’ll notice. Apple, ginger, and cucumber slow juice can be amazing for reducing bloat. You may feel lighter, and if you’re a big coffee drinker, you might already be reaching for juice instead.
- After 14 days: By now, you might start seeing clearer skin, more consistent energy, and fewer snack cravings. Research even suggests that regular intake of antioxidant-rich juices can help reduce inflammation, which keeps your skin looking healthy.
- After 21 days: Juicing daily is starting to feel like a habit, and it’s paying off. Many people report better focus, fewer afternoon slumps, and more restful sleep around this time. Adding greens like spinach and kale helps balance blood sugar, which cuts down on the energy roller coaster.
- After 30 days: By the end of the month, the benefits are hard to ignore. Many people feel they’ve shed some pounds naturally or just feel lighter and more energized overall. Harvard studies link high fruit and vegetable intake to natural weight management. Basically, adding more fruits and veggies helps you slim down naturally. Plus, by now, that morning juice probably feels as natural as brushing your teeth.
What’s the Best Slow Juicer to Buy for Home Use?
If you’re thinking of getting a slow juicer, here are some Hurom models we’d recommend based on what you might need:
- Hurom H320: If you’re picky about texture and prefer super-smooth, pulp-free juice, the H320 is a solid choice. It’s made for those who like their juice clear and light—think pure juice, no chunks. Plus, you won’t have to strain it yourself, which, let’s be honest, nobody really wants to do.
- Hurom H400: We know some of you love to batch juice, but we also know it can feel like a marathon of chopping and cleaning. The H400 is here to help with that. It’s got a larger feed tube, so you won’t have to prep as much. We’re not trying to brag, but this model was designed specifically to make batch juicing easier and quicker to clean up afterward. Plus, it's one of the best models to extract essential nutrients from tough ingredients.
- Hurom H310: Not everyone has the space for a big juicer, especially if you’re in a small kitchen or like taking your juicer on the go. The H310 takes less counter space—it's easy to stash away, but still gets the job done for your daily juice fix. It’s lightweight enough to move around, so if you want to keep things simple and space-friendly, this could be the one for you.
- Hurom H70: If you need something versatile but don’t want to fuss with tons of parts, the H70 is a great middle ground. It’s got enough power to handle pretty much any pieces of produce you throw at it, but it’s also easy to clean and fits nicely on most countertops. Plus, it has Easy Clean Technology – meaning you just have to rinse it under water.
Each of these models uses Hurom’s Slow Squeeze Technology, so you’re still getting the nutrients and fresh taste without sacrificing ease of use. We’ve tried to think of all the little things that make juicing easier and more enjoyable—because, trust us, we’re juicing fans, too!
Remember: For home use, you’ll want a slow juicer that’s reliable, easy to clean, and versatile enough to handle anything from leafy greens to root veggies. Hurom’s models are built with exactly this in mind—they’re designed for everyday users who don’t want juicing to feel like a chore.
Take this juicer quiz to find out exactly what kind of model suits you best.
FAQ
What is the difference between a regular juicer and a slow juicer?
Slow juicers operate between 40-100 RPM to press and extract juice gently. This keeps the juice fresher and more nutritious, with a richer flavor profile. Their centrifugal counterparts, use fast-spinning blades (around 6,000–15,000 RPM) to shred the juice ingredients, which can create heat and expose the juice to oxygen. This process reduces nutrient content and therefore, juice quality.
Which is better, slow or fast juicer?
It depends on your priorities. If you’re after nutrient-dense, fresh-tasting juice that stays good for up to 72 hours, slow juicers are your best bet. Fast juicers, while quicker, can produce juice that oxidizes faster and loses nutrients more rapidly. Slow juicers also tend to be quieter than fast juicers, making them ideal for morning juicing.
Is a slow juicer better than a blender?
For pure juice, yes. A slow juicer separates the juice from the pulp, giving you a smooth, pulp-free drink. Blenders, by contrast, create thicker, fiber-rich drinks as they blend the entire fruit or vegetable. This means you’ll get different textures and fiber content with each option, so it depends on what you prefer: light, refreshing juice (slow juicer) or a thicker smoothie with more fiber (blender).
Do I really need a slow juicer?
If you’re looking to add high-quality, nutrient-dense juice to your daily routine, a slow juicer is a valuable tool. It’s especially helpful if you enjoy juicing greens, wheatgrass, or roots like ginger—ingredients that centrifugal juicers always struggle with.
Is a slow juicer better than eating whole fruits and vegetables?
Slow juicing and whole fruits each have benefits. With juicing, you get a concentrated shot of vitamins and minerals that’s easy to digest and ideal for quick absorption. But whole fruits and veggies offer fiber, which is great for digestion and satiety. Many people enjoy a balance, having fresh juice for a nutrient boost while keeping whole fruits and vegetables as part of their diet.
Why are slow juicers so expensive?
Slow juicers are built with durable, high-quality parts designed for heavy use and minimal oxidation. The auger and screen components are made to withstand pressure and last a long time, using materials like BPA-free Tritan and stainless steel. Plus, the design and engineering behind the slow juicing process add to the cost, but they ensure better nutrient preservation, flavor, and durability. Still, you can find plenty of affordable options that help you lead a healthy lifestyle.