Finding the Best Cold-Press Juicer: A Professional Chef’s Perspective
As a professional chef, I know how important it is to have the right tools in the kitchen. And when it comes to juicing, a high-quality cold-press juicer is absolutely essential.
Why cold-press? Because it preserves more nutrients and enzymes than traditional juicers, giving you the healthiest possible juice.
But with so many options on the market, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming.
Juicing is a big part of my life, and I want to help you—my community—so I’ll share my research. I have over twenty years of experience (not that I’m bragging) and many friends in the industry. I reached out to them and tested different juicer models.
And I’ll share what I found in this article.
Choosing the Right Cold-Press Juicer: My Testing Method
As I said above, the right equipment can make all the difference in the quality of your juice. I’m emphasizing that because I’ve developed a rigorous testing method to separate the best from the rest.
Juice quality: First and foremost, I evaluate the juice itself. Does it retain its vibrant color and fresh taste? I want a juicer that preserves the maximum amount of nutrients and flavor.
Ease of use: No one wants to spend hours struggling with a complicated machine. I analyze each juicer for user-friendliness, from assembly to operation to cleanup. The best juicers are intuitive and efficient to clean.
Versatility: While most people think of juicers for fruits and vegetables, I also test them with leafy greens and nuts. A truly great juicer should be able to handle a wide range of ingredients.
Noise level: Let’s be real—no one wants a juicer that sounds like a jet engine taking off. I measure each machine’s noise output to find the ones that won’t wake the whole house.
The result? A definitive list of the top 6 cold-press juicers on the market, rigorously tested and chef-approved. Keep reading to see which models made the cut!
But first:
What Is Cold-Press Juicing, Anyway?
If you’re new to the world of juicing, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about cold-press technology.
Traditional centrifugal juicers use high-speed spinning blades to extract juice, generating heat and oxidation in the process. This can degrade the nutrients and enzymes in your produce, leaving you with a less nourishing juice.
On the other hand, cold-press juicers use a slow, gentle pressing method to extract every drop of goodness from your fruits and veggies. The resulting juice packs up to 5 times more nutrients, it’s fresher, has a more vibrant taste, and lasts for up to 72 hours in the fridge.
And according to Charlie Wettlaufer from Good Nature, someone who I deeply admire, cold-pressed juice has 257% more Vitamin A and 350% more Vitamin C than centrifugal juice after 72 hours of refrigeration.
He did real lab tests to see these vitamins:
He also noticed that cold-press juice has 15% more vitamin A, 16.2% more folate, and 13.1% more vitamin C than centrifugal juice to begin with.
Besides, my years in the kitchen showed me I could extract more high-quality juice with a cold-press juicer, even from leafy greens or harder vegetables. And this juice does not separate.
My 6 In-Depth Cold-Pressed Juicer Reviews
This is where you’ll read a detailed analysis of each juicer’s performance, including juice yield, ease of use, cleaning process, and durability. Plus, of course, my personal take on everything!
🏆 Winner
Hurom H400 Easy Clean Slow Juicer
★★★★★ 4.9/5What’s Amazing About the Hurom H400 Easy Clean Slow Juicer:
PROS:
Slow Squeeze Technology
Easy Clean Technology
Slick premium design
Can make nut milks
Self-feeding hopper
Family size
The gauge window helps you monitor your juice
Massive juice yield
Very quiet
10-year warranty
Quality materials
Forbes-vetted as the best juicer of 2024
CONS:
The cost
Features: Sleek design, delicious juice, self-feeding hopper, Slow Squeeze Technology, Easy Clean Technology
See Details: Hurom H400 Easy Clean Slow Juicer
When I first saw the Hurom H400 Easy Clean Slow Juicer, I was immediately impressed by its sleek, modern design.
I have been using this juicer a lot for my clients, who are professional athletes like Nick Bosa. In case you didn’t know, Nick plays defense for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League.
We incorporated a lot of cold-press juices into his meal plan to speed recovery following his 2020 injury. We saw great improvement, and Nick likes that the H400 can produce extremely nutritious, tasty juice that gives him steady energy throughout the day.
And we’re constantly using it, so you could say that I put this juicer through its paces.
First of all, the self-feeding hopper, the larger opening, and the inlet make it so easy to add more ingredients while the juicer is still running. You can also use the gauge window to monitor your juice color and add more ingredients, which is a definite help whether you’re a professional chef or not.
Another thing I love about the H400 is that it’s perfect for families or anyone who’s really into juicing. The chamber and hopper are huge, so you can load up a ton of produce at once.
Cleaning has always been a big deal for me, but luckily, the H400 Easy Clean Technology forgoes the mesh filter, meaning you only need to rinse the parts without any scrubbing required. This saves a lot of time – only a couple of minutes, and you’re done.
You know how sometimes, when you're juicing, the pulp can start to spill over and make a mess? Well, not anymore! This nesting container does a fantastic job of keeping all that pulp inside, even while you're busy and not watching your juicer. When you keep juicing and adding more produce, it sort of presses the pulp inside so a lot more pulp can fit in there. It's a small thing, but it's made a big difference for me in the kitchen.
I also think Hurom’s patented Slow Squeeze Technology is impressive. The auger squeezed out every last drop of juice from my produce, resulting in the highest yield and dry pulp. Prior to using the H400, I used to buy a massive amount of vegetables and fruits like kale, celery, cucumber, apples, etc., to make about 1 gallon of juice; which is the usual amount that I make for my clients each time. When I started using the H400, I had to cut the number of fruits and vegetables to one quarter of what I used to buy to yield the usual one gallon that I must make. I was astonished by the juice yield that this machine produces. It was definitely saving me money!!!
Besides, this model works quietly, which is amazing if you live with your family or have roommates.
Those are all reasons why I think the Hurom H400 Easy Clean Juicer should be the winner. And I’m not the only one—Forbes thinks so, too, which is why it named this model the absolute best juicer of 2024.Slow Squeeze Technology
Runners-Up
Nama J2 Cold-Press Juicer
★★★★★ 4.7/5What’s Amazing About the Nama J2
PROS:
Mimics hand-squeezing motion at 50 RPM for nutrient-rich juice
Produces smooth juice with minimal foam and very dry pulp
Includes strainers for making nut milk and smoothies
Self-feeding hopper reduces prep time
Quiet operation
Quality manufacturing
CONS:
Can be challenging to set up
Larger size may not fit well in smaller kitchens
Spout’s low position requires smaller collection containers
Can produce more pulp with cucumber and lettuce
Can feel pricey
Not easy to clean
The smoothie and nut milk functions need extra preparing
Features: Large feeding hopper; smooth juice; 50 RPM; quiet
See Details: Nama J2 Cold Press Juicer
The Nama J2 is another upright masticating juicer that slowly and steadily crushes fruits and veggies to extract the juice. It works at 50 RPM, which I learned mimics the hand-squeeze motion to get more nutrients from my fruits and veggies. It’s a bit faster than Hurom’s 43 RPM but basically in the same range.
Plus, the Nama J2 produces smooth, vibrant, delicious juice with minimal foam and separation, and the pulp comes out dry as a bone every time. I could also make nut milk and smoothies with the included accessories, which is another advantage if you want a multi-functional machine.
Side note: This innovative juicer is actually manufactured by Hurom in their factory in South Korea, which explains why the design and functionality may look familiar. Also, the Nama J2 looks very similar with the new Hurom H320 model because of its size.
Apart from these details, I really liked Nama J2’s self-feeding hopper. Instead of manually feeding ingredients through a narrow tube, I could add multiple produce at once. This hands-free design, combined with the hopper’s wide mouth, significantly reduced my prep time.
The downside is that the spout has a low position, which means you need to collect the juice in a smaller container. Another thing I noticed is that the Nama J2’s pulp content varies; you can get extremely smooth juices with ginger and citrus fruits but more with lettuce and cucumber.
The Nama J2 is also incredibly quiet, humming gently like a low-set desk fan. So it’s actually very relaxing when you’re a private chef with a busy day ahead.
However, I did notice that the Nama J2 has a high price tag and can be tricky to set up. It’s also one of the larger juicers out there, which is fine in a chef’s kitchen but may not be awesome in yours.
Additionally, Nama J2 is not easy to clean because of its mesh filter. This model also has different strainers for making nut milk and smoothies, but they’re not really easy to use. For example, when using the smoothie strainer, the juice and pulp exit from different spouts, and you have to mix them. Also, the nut milk isn’t really creamy, though I know people mainly buy Nama for juice, not smoothies and nut milk.
Kuvings Whole Slow Juicer Elite C7000
★★★★★ 4.5/ 5What’s Amazing About the Kuvings C7000:
PROS:
Smooth juice consistency
Well-balanced flavor profile
The smart cap prevents drips and allows for easy blending
Versatility to make sorbets and smoothie bowls
Quiet operation
CONS:
Watery juices
Struggles with processing ginger
The design is complicated, it doesn’t save time cleaning
It may be overly complex for those valuing simplicity
Features: Wide feed chute, durable materials, shiny finish and colors
See Details: Kuvings C7000
The Kuvings C7000’s powerful motor and slow 50 RPM rotation can extract vibrant, albeit a bit watery juices.
However, the Kuvings C7000 sometimes has a hard time processing ginger, though it performs well enough with the green leaves. The solution I applied was chopping off the ginger in smaller parts to avoid getting stuck again. I then did some online research and discovered that other customers noticed the same issue.
I also liked C7000’s smart cap, which allowed me to easily blend the juice, prevent dripping when switching between recipes, and rinse the juicer fast.
Side note: I keep repeating I’m a professional chef in this article, which can sound like bragging. However, as a professional chef, I love parts and accessories, which Kuvings has a lot of. You may not feel the same if you’re mainly interested in ease of use.
The C7000 is also relatively quiet in terms of noise level, thanks to its slow rotation.
Besides, I appreciate Kuvings’ commitment to using safe, reliable materials, such as BPA-free Tritan for the extracting container and durable Ultem for the juice strainer and screw. These materials ensure a healthier juicing experience and enhance the juicer’s overall durability.
Side note: Hurom and Nama use the same materials.
Omega Effortless™ Batch Juicer
★★★★★ 4.4/ 5What’s Amazing About the Omega Effortless™
PROS:
Mega hopper for whole fruits and vegetables
68-oz capacity ideal for batch juicing
Simplified assembly with an all-in-one auger design
Versatile in making juices, nut milks, and ice cream
Auto-detection mode optimizes the juicing process
Memory function recalls last used settings for added convenience
CONS:
Auger design’s nooks and crannies can complicate cleaning
Debris may accumulate around the machine
More pulp in juice than preferred, requiring straining
Can get stuck on leafy greens without heavier produce on top
Pulp comes out wetter than with some other juicers, suggesting less efficient juice yield
Features: Easy prep; mega hopper; two-liter (68 oz) capacity; multi-functional
See Details: Omega Effortless™
The first thing I noticed about Omega Effortless™ was its mega hopper, which allowed me to toss in whole fruits and vegetables. This feature cuts down on my prep time significantly, just like with Hurom H400 and Nama J2. However, the 68-oz capacity is great for batch juicing.
I also appreciated its design, of which I later found that Hurom also manufactures Omega juicers. The Omega Effortless™ is made with an all-in-one auger and lacks a traditional juicing screen, which simplifies the assembly process. It should also theoretically simplify the cleaning, but the auger design has several nooks and crannies that can be tricky to clean thoroughly. Occasionally, I find bits of debris around the machine after use.
Another advantage is its versatility. Not only could I whip up a variety of fresh, nutrient-packed fruit and vegetable juices, but I also ventured into making nut milks and even homemade ice cream.
The problem with the juices, however, is that I’ve noticed more pulp in the juice than I prefer, requiring me to strain it for a smoother texture. Besides, the Omega Effortless™ can get stuck on leafy greens unless you put heavier produce on top.
The pulp also comes out fairly wet, which indicates a less efficient juice yield.
That said, the auto-detection mode stands out as one of its best features. It senses the pressure inside the juicer and automatically adjusts from forward to reverse, optimizing the juicing process. Plus, the memory function is quite nifty; if I add more ingredients within 60 seconds, it recalls the last used settings, which is incredibly convenient.
Breville BJS700SIL Big Squeeze Slow Juicer
★★★★★ 4.4/5What’s Amazing About the Breville BJS700SIL Big Squeeze:
PROS:
Unique "Big Squeeze Technology" maximizes juice yield
Large feed chute accommodates whole fruits
240-watt motor operates quietly
Comes with a 1.2-liter Tritan jug
Good energy boost from nutrient-rich juice
5-year repair guarantee
20-year motor warranty
CONS:
Juice may be thicker due to more fiber content
Some might need to strain the juice further
Difficult-to-clean spots that trap moisture and food
May clog when juicing leafy greens
Some durability concerns reported by users
Features: Vertical design, quiet operation, great for leafy greens.
See Details: Breville Big Squeeze
The Breville Big Squeeze’s unique screw and filter design, dubbed "Big Squeeze Technology," is designed to compress and squeeze whole produce slowly, maximizing juice yield while preserving nutrients. And it works quietly, too.
Still, I noticed the juice was a bit too pulpy, though the flavor was fresh and well-balanced, with each ingredient contributing to the overall taste profile.
Cleaning the juicer is not extremely simple, even if the Breville Big Squeeze has "Quick Rinse Technology" that allows you to fill the mixing bowl and rinse the machine between juicing sessions. However, I did sometimes find a few hard-to-reach spots where moisture and food bits could become trapped, requiring a more thorough cleaning process. The reason is that this juicer uses a mesh strainer, which is more difficult to clean.
Another area where the Breville Big Squeeze fell short was its ability to juice leafy greens effectively. I found that the juicer occasionally clogged when processing kale and spinach, even when the leaves were cut into smaller pieces. This issue could be frustrating for those who primarily juice greens. Besides, the product is quite expensive.
Hurom H310 Easy Clean Slow Juicer
★★★★★ 4.5/5What’s Amazing About the Hurom H310:
PROS:
Compact and stylish design
Uses Slow Squeeze Technology at 43 RPM
Nutrient-rich juice
Easy to assemble and use with two connectable parts
Efficient cleaning without scrubbing
CONS:
Small size requires cutting most fruits and vegetables
Leafy greens and fibrous veggies need to be cut for optimal juicing
Not for batch juicing
Features: Compact design, light weight, can fit in a carry on, easy clean, Slow Squeeze Technology
See details: Hurom H310 Easy Clean Slow Juicer
The Hurom H310 Easy Clean Slow Juicer is another Hurom gem that I had to include. Think of it like a mini H400.
However, I discussed some larger models in this review and thought it would be wise to find the best compact juicer as an alternative.
That’s what brought to mind the Hurom H310, a tiny, chic appliance I tried several times in different kitchens.
This model also has Hurom’s patented Slow Squeeze Technology that mimics hand-squeeze motions at 43 RPM. As a result, it produces high-quality juice with all the nutrients I like to see in my glasses or plates.
It’s also really easy to install because it’s made of two easy-to-connect parts, and the cleaning is streamlined because Hurom replaced the two typical filters with grooved strainers. Another thing I liked is that the H310 has just a few parts to clean, you can easily rinse it under water without scrubbing.
Of course, being a compact model, the H310 has some disadvantages associated with that petite size. For example, it fits a whole fruit, like an apple, but the other fruits and veggies around it must be cut into smaller pieces. You should especially cut the leafy greens and fibrous veggies to ensure the H310 can squeeze them properly.
But otherwise, I think that’s a very small price to pay if you want high-quality nutrition and have limited kitchen space.
Hurom H-400 Is My Top Choice, What’s Yours?
After thoroughly testing and evaluating several cold-press juicers, it’s clear that cold-press juicing is the best nutrient extraction method. These slow juicers carefully press ingredients, preserving the natural flavors and health benefits that can be lost with high-speed centrifugal juicers.
Throughout my testing, I encountered various pros and cons for each product. The Kuvings C7000 impressed with its wide feed chute, the Hurom H310 was a compact, high-quality juicer, and the Nama J2 produced smooth juice.
However, after considering all factors, including juice quality, ease of use, versatility, and overall performance, I found that Hurom H400 takes the cake.
Or, in this case, the juice!
Of course, that’s just my humble professional chef’s opinion. I tried to be as objective as possible, but I encourage you to judge these products’ features through the lens of your own needs.
Get An Exclusive 10% OFF Hurom Cold-Press Juicers With This Special Discount Code
Disclaimer: This article and the opinions expressed are solely the author’s, aka mine. While I reached out to Hurom for this exclusive discount, they didn’t influence my views and experiences in any way – everything I shared is genuine and unbiased.
I want to offer you an exclusive discount so you can use it for a Hurom cold-press juicer. Look at it as a special thank you for reading this article and embarking on your juice journey with me.
