A juice dispenser is a device used to extract and dispense juice from fruits, vegetables, and other produce. It allows you to make fresh, homemade juices easily at home or offer juice drinks at a restaurant, cafe, or other business. There are several different types of juice dispensers and names used to refer to them, depending on their style and functionality.
Common Names for Juice Dispensers
Some of the most common names used for different types of juice dispensers include:
Juicer
This is a broad term that can refer to any appliance that extracts juice from produce. When someone refers to a “juicer,” they typically mean a centrifugal or masticating juicer.
Centrifugal Juicer
A centrifugal juicer uses a fast spinning metal blade to grind fruits and vegetables, then spins the juice through a strainer via centrifuge force. These juicers tend to be quick and convenient but produce a lower juice yield.
Masticating Juicer
Also called a cold press or slow juicer, a masticating juicer crushes produce through gears or an auger at slow speeds. This produces higher juice yields and less oxidation compared to centrifugal models.
Citrus Juicer
A citrus juicer is designed specifically for juicing citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes. There are manual and electric citrus juicers.
Smoothie Maker
While designed primarily for making smoothies, many smoothie makers can also be used to produce juices. They blend whole fruits and veggies into drinkable juices.
Juice Fountain
Some electric juicers are marketed under names like “juice fountain.” This is mostly branding but implies a spout or spout-like design for dispensing juice.
Juice Press
A juice press is a manual device that uses a lever-and-crank system to press and squeeze juice from produce. This term is sometimes used synonymously with citrus juicers.
Juice Extractor
Juice extractor is a general term that can apply to any appliance that separates the liquid juice from the pulp and fiber of fruits and vegetables. Centrifugal and masticating juicers are both types of juice extractors.
Juice Dispenser
This usually refers to a larger commercial machine designed to extract juice from large volumes of produce and dispense it directly into glasses or containers via a spout. They are common in cafes, restaurants, juice bars, etc.
Juice Machine
Juice machine is a broad, informal term for any appliance that makes juice, from electric juicers to manual citrus presses.
Types of Juice Dispensers
There are a few main types of juice dispensers, which fall under two categories:
Countertop Juice Dispensers
These smaller appliances are designed for home kitchen use:
Centrifugal Juicers
As explained above, centrifugal juicers grind produce at high speeds to extract juice. Popular brands include Breville, Hamilton Beach, and Cuisinart.
Masticating Juicers
Also called cold press or slow juicers, these use slower crushing and pressing to get more juice out. Top brands are Omega, Tribest, and Kuvings.
Citrus Juicers
From simple hand press models to electric juicers, these specialize in citrus fruits. Common brands are Eurolux, Tribest, and Dash.
Blending Juicers
Blenders like Ninja, Vitamix, and Blendtec can make juices by blending whole fruits and vegetables into drinkable form.
Commercial Juice Dispensers
These large, industrial machines are built for cafes, restaurants, bars, etc:
Automatic Juice Dispensers
These are fully automatic juice machines that extract juice from produce loaded into a chute, reservoir, or external pulp tank. The juice is dispensed at the push of a button.
Juice Bars/Stations
A juice bar has a commercial juicer integrated into a countertop set-up for on-demand juicing. Employees prepare drinks to order for customers.
Self-Service Juice Dispensers
These allow customers to dispense their own juice from a nozzle into a glass. Produce is pre-loaded by staff.
Bottled Juice Dispensers
Bag-in-box, bottled juices, and juice concentrates can be dispensed using pumps and nozzles.
Popular Brands of Juice Dispensers
Some top juice dispenser brands include:
Home Juicers
- Breville
- Omega
- Hurom
- Cuisinart
- Hamilton Beach
- Mueller Austria
- Dash
- Tribest
- Black+Decker
- Oster
Commercial Juicers
- Norwalk
- Steelco
- Santos
- Waring Commercial
- Champion
- Green Power
- L’Equip
- Zumex
- Fresh Press
- Juicernet
These are some of the top juicer brands for both home kitchens and commercial settings. The right juicer depends on your needs and budget.
Considerations When Choosing a Juice Dispenser
Here are some factors to consider when selecting a juice dispenser:
Type of Produce
– Centrifugal juicers work best for hard fruits and veggies.
– Masticating juicers are better for leafy greens and soft produce.
– Citrus juicers are specially designed for juicing oranges, lemons, etc.
Speed and Convenience
– Centrifugal juicers are very fast but produce lower yields.
– Masticating juicers are slower but maximize juice extraction.
– Automatic dispensers are convenient but require more prep.
Juice Quality
– Cold press masticating juicers minimize oxidation for better nutrition.
– Centrifugal juicers introduce more air and create more heat and foam.
Capacity and Usage
– Smaller juicers for home use can handle 1-2 servings at a time.
– Commercial machines can produce gallons of juice continuously.
– Self-service dispensers allow customers to portion their own juices.
Noise Level
– Centrifugal juicers operate at very high speeds and tend to be noisy.
– Masticating juicers have quieter motorized pressing and crushing.
– Manual juicers have no motor and operate silently.
Cleaning and Maintenance
– All juicers require disassembly and cleaning after each use.
– Commercial machines need thorough daily cleaning.
– Self-service dispensers need employees to handle cleaning.
Cost
– Home juicers range from $50-$400+
– Commercial juicers start around $1,000 and go up significantly.
– Additional costs include produce, cups, cleaning supplies, etc.
Common Features of Juice Dispensers
Some standard features found on different juice dispensers include:
Feed Chutes
The chute is where fruits and veggies are loaded vertically into the juicer. Some have wide mouths that accommodate whole produce.
Pulp Containers
Collects the dry pulp after juicing. Some juicers eject pulp into an external bin.
Juice Jugs
Collects the extracted juice so it can be dispensed into glasses. Commercial machines have larger containers.
Nozzles
Dispenses juice directly into receptacles. Found on countertop and commercial juice dispensers.
Strainers/Sieves
Spinning mesh filters that separate juice from pulp in centrifugal juicers.
Augers
The critical crushing/pressing mechanism in masticating juicers. Usually made of durable plastics.
Speed Settings
Allows adjusting juicer motor speed, often ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 RPM on centrifugal models.
Safety Sensors
Detect incorrect assembly and shut off operation to prevent damage. Common on commercial juice dispensers.
Auto-Clean Functions
Found on some commercial machines to automatically rinse juicer parts. Saves cleaning time.
Benefits of Using a Juice Dispenser
Juice dispensers offer several advantages and benefits:
Fresh, Nutritious Juice
Juicing is an easy way to get the nutrients from pounds of raw fruits and vegetables into an easy drinking form. It allows maximizing nutrient intake.
Convenience
Juicers simplify the process of making juices from scratch. Just load ingredients and dispense juice directly into a glass when ready to drink.
Versatility
Juice dispensers allow making a wide variety of juices. Experiment with different ingredient combinations.
Easy Juice Access
Commercial dispensers at juice bars, cafes, etc. make fresh juices available anywhere at the push of a button.
Quality Control
Unlike pre-bottled juices, juice dispensers provide full control over ingredients and preparation. Customize juices.
Cost Savings
Making juice at home is cheaper than buying bottled juices. Commercial juicers can also cut costs for businesses.
Hygiene
Juice dispensers allow juices to be created on demand and directly dispensed into receptacles with minimal exposure.
Potential Drawbacks of Juice Dispensers
There are also some possible downsides associated with juice dispensers:
Oxidation
Exposing juices to air can degrade nutrients. Masticating juicers minimize this, while centrifugal juicers introduce more air.
Pulp Waste
The pulp left after juicing can create a lot of excess fiber waste, though some is usable.
Maintenance
Most juicers have parts requiring cleaning and occasional replacement. Commercial machines need extensive daily cleaning.
Noise
Centrifugal and some masticating juicers can be very loud when operating at high speeds.
Space
Juice dispensers take up counter space at home or in businesses. Commercial models are very bulky.
Cost
Juicers involve an upfront equipment investment. Ongoing costs include produce, cleaning accessories, maintenance, etc.
Slow Juicing
While centrifugal machines are fast, masticating juicers can be quite slow and time-consuming to produce juice.
Safety Tips for Juice Dispensers
When using any type of juice dispenser, there are some safety practices to keep in mind:
– Read the instruction manual thoroughly and follow directions.
– Make sure all juicer parts are assembled correctly before operation.
– Do not place fingers or foreign objects into the juicer.
– Be cautious of fast spinning blades when using centrifugal juicers.
– Never leave a juicer unattended when powered on.
– Unplug after each use and before disassembling or cleaning.
– Clean thoroughly after each use to prevent growth of mold and bacteria.
– Take care when handling citrus juices, which may irritate skin and eyes.
– Children should only use juicers under adult supervision.
– Repair or replace damaged parts. Do not operate with broken components.
– Use juice dispensers only as intended by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
Juice dispensers are a broad category referring to appliances that extract and dispense fresh juice from fruits, vegetables, and other produce. They allow making fresh, nutritious juices at home or serving customizable juice drinks in businesses like cafes and juice bars.
The main types of juice dispensers include centrifugal juicers, masticating juicers, citrus juicers, and commercial machines. Each has pros and cons. Key factors in choosing a juice dispenser include produce types, speed, capacity, ease of cleaning, noise, and cost. Benefits include convenience, versatility, and control over juice quality and ingredients. But potential downsides include oxidation, pulp waste, noise, and maintenance. Using proper safety practices helps minimize risks when operating any type of juice dispenser.