Difference between extractor and centrifuge: let’s analyze the differences between the two appliances and the juices obtained (centrifuges and fruit extracts).
Are a juicer and a juice extractor the same thing? No, even though they have the same function, a juicer and a juice extractor are not the same thing. There are differences between the two devices.
Let’s clarify the similarity: extractor and centrifuge are two appliances used to prepare fresh homemade juices. The juice obtained, based on the appliance used, is called “fruit extract” or “fruit centrifuge”. Thanks to these appliances it is possible to obtain juices not only from fruit but also from a good number of vegetables.
Having clarified the common point, let’s analyze what the difference is between a centrifuge and an extractor.
Difference between extractor and centrifuge
Once upon a time there were only juicers and blenders . Today, those who want a homemade juice can turn to appliances such as centrifuges and juice extractors . Well, but what is the difference between an extractor and a centrifuge? Let’s analyze the differences between these two technologies together.
If you try to observe a juicer , you will notice that the fruit is conveyed into a sort of “mouth” that “grinds” and filters the juice. The juice is returned to the main jug while the “waste” is conveyed into a special collection container
How a centrifuge works
The “grinding mouth”, in reality, is nothing more than a blade or a set of rotating blades. This component reaches a rotation (centrifugation) at a speed of 19,000 revolutions per minute. Thanks to its blade and centrifugal movement , this appliance separates the juice from the fibers at a high speed.
The juice, thanks to centrifugal force, is separated and trapped on the edge of the filter, then flows into the external jug.
The criticisms leveled at the centrifuge are:
- The centrifugal motion is too fast and produces heat. Heat deactivates thermolabile vitamins.
- Continuous contact with oxygen (oxidation of the juice obtained)
- The surrender
Those who make these criticisms generally state that the heat produced by a centrifuge is such that it deactivates some micronutrients. In reality, there are many conflicting studies on this topic. From direct experience, we will focus on another aspect: yield. Unfortunately, even the most modern and high-performance centrifuges produce a good amount of waste. To avoid waste, those who use a centrifuge must:
- use the “scraps” for broths and soups (in the case of vegetables)
- use the scraps for sweets and jams (in the case of fruit)
- pass the scraps through the appliance two or more times to get more juice
The main disadvantage of this device is the production of a lot of “waste”. In addition, it seems that the oxidative stress and the heat produced by the device itself would cause a loss of nutritional properties.
The best-selling juicer on Amazon
Currently the best juicer on the market for quality/price ratio according to Amazon rankings is the one produced by Philips that you can find on this page and that you can see in the image below.
It has received over 1,700 positive reviews from users who purchased it with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
How a juice extractor works
To understand the difference between extractor and centrifuge , we prefer to explain how the two devices work. Here we are at the juice extractor .
In this case, the machine is as if it “chews” the fruit and vegetables inserted inside it. How? With a helical tool that slowly rotates and presses the fruit and vegetables . In this case, the extraction does not occur at high speeds but with a slower pressing process.
The “live juices” obtained with the extractor are undoubtedly more stable (they can be kept longer in the refrigerator, as they do not undergo any thermal stress) and, leaving aside any “nutritional” factor, an extractor returns a better yield. The “waste” pulp is drier. Although the waste is “drier”, even in this case it is advisable to use it for:
- Broths, vegetable purees and soups
- Prepare sweets such as camille (with carrot scraps) or other fruit sweets
At the beginning there was a big price gap between the two devices: a good extractor could not be bought for less than 200 euros.
Nowadays these appliances have become more accessible. In addition, some extractors have accessories for making sorbets and yogurt ice cream.
The best-selling juice extractor on Amazon
Currently the best-selling extractor according to the Amazon rankings is the one produced by Moulinex that you can find on this page and that you can see in the image below.
It has received over 1,800 positive reviews from users who purchased it with an average of 4 out of 5 stars.
