Last Updated: May 19, 2024, 11:55 p.m.

Who doesn’t love the idea of making juice, smoothies, and other healthy beverages from home? While it’s always fun to head to the local health store and place an order for freshly squeezed drinks, this can add up over time. But it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dreams of sipping on fruit juices and smoothies! Instead, consider buying a manual juicer! An amazing way to ensure that your intake of nutritious vitamins and minerals is high, the best manual juicers of 2024 should last you for years to come. Our favorite option? We’d have to say it’s the Zulay Manual Juicer hands down.

Norman W. Walker invented the first juicing machine that utilized a press to extract the juice. Since this invention, juices have become one of the most popular beverages in the world. Just in 2021, Americans consumed around 18.1 liters of juice per capita.  The easiest way to extract your favorite juice is to make it at home using a manual juicer. Given all the juicers on the market, finding a quality manual juicer is not easy. Here is a guide to buying the best juicer with all you need to know to ensure a great purchase.

Types of Manual Juicers

There are three types of manual juicers that you will come across. Each type is designed for different juicing needs. Knowing the difference between them can help you pick the right one for your juice-making adventures.

Handheld manual juicers

The handheld manual juicer is the smallest type of manual juicer. It squeezes the juice out of small fruits and lemons. This manual juicer has two handles, and the fruit is squeezed between these handles.

Citrus manual juicers

A citrus manual juicer has a ribbed spike to press the fruit on to extract its juice. This type of juicer is suitable for citrus fruits. It usually comes with an attached container for storing the juice you squeeze.

Hand-press manual juicers

A hand-press manual juicer is the largest type of manual juicer. It features a long handle that is pressed down to squeeze a fruit. This manual juicer is easy and quick to use, requiring minimal effort.

Things To Look for When Buying a Manual Juicer

Durability

When buying manual juicers, you should look for options made with durable materials designed to handle wear and tear. Make sure the parts won’t rust or break easily. A sturdy manual juicer will provide a much longer life, giving you more value for your money.

Yield

Opt for a juicer that produces high-quality juice with minimal pulp and maximum yield. Look for models that can extract juice from fruits and vegetables without losing nutrients. You can check the product reviews of a manual juicer to see if it provides a good yield.

Ease of use

Manual juicers should be easy to use, so you won’t waste too much time trying to figure out how it works. Look for models with comfortable handles and non-slip feet that won’t move around while in operation. 

Compatible fruits

Different juicers are compatible with different types of fruits. Look for a juicer that is compatible with the fruits you plan on using. You can check the product description of your manual juicer to see which types of fruits it can handle safely.

How We Chose the Top Picks

Compactness

We ensured the manual juicers we chose for our list are compact. They don’t take up unnecessary counter space during use. Their size also makes them much easier to store when not in use.

Easy cleaning

We also made sure to choose manual juicers that are easy to clean. This way, you won't have to spend too much time cleaning the manual juicer after every use. Since they are easy to clean, this also means that there won't be a build-up of harmful bacteria in any cracks that can contaminate your juices.

Top Picks

• Best Overall: Zulay Manual Juicer
• Top Capacity: Vollum Manual Juicer
• Versatile Choice: Black+Decker Manual Juicer
• User-Friendly: Prepworks Manual Juicer
• Best Value: Imusa Manual Juicer

Reviews

Is manual juicing more difficult than electric juicing?

Manual juicing can be more time-consuming and tiring than electric juicing. You can save on electricity by using a manual juicer. These juicers are much easier to maintain as well.  Many people also prefer the taste of juice made using a manual juicer, as there is more flavor and less pulp. The quieter operation, lack of annoying cords, less occupied counter space, and higher control over juice quality make a manual option the clear choice. 

How much does a manual juicer cost?

The cost of a manual juicer can vary greatly depending on the brand, type, and features offered. You can find a good quality manual juicer for around $25 to $65. High-end options can cost as much as $70 or more. A budget manual juicer for citrus fruits can cost as low as $5.

How long does it take to juice a fruit or vegetable using a manual juicer?

The time it takes to juice a fruit or vegetable using a manual juicer can vary depending on what fruit you are juicing. More firm fruits and vegetables take much longer to juice than soft fruits. 

How much pressure should I apply to my manual juicer?

You don't need to put too much pressure on the fruit when using a juicer to get all the juice out. If you put too much pressure on the device, not only will it get damaged, but the juice may not taste as good. You should only apply enough pressure to get most of the juice out. 

What if my manual juicer wobbles during use?

If your manual juicer is wobbling too much during use, it may be because it is on an uneven surface. You should move the juicer to an even surface where it cannot wobble. If the wobbling persists, then it may be a fault with the product itself. You should check its base to see if there are any imperfections.

How do I safely make juice using a manual juicer?

Many microbes can contaminate freshly made juice if you prepare it incorrectly. The FDA advises that you clean your hands before you start making your juice. You should also remove damaged areas from the produce and wash them thoroughly.