Juicer vs Blender: What's the Difference?

Juicers and blenders each bring with them a multitude of different benefits. Although they fundamentally both produce nutritious outcomes, with a myriad of health benefits, there are also some key differences between a juicer and a blender that could help you to choose one or the other, or even both!

Many consumers believe that juicers and blenders produce the same end product, and there are certainly some crossovers in terms of characteristics. However, much of the final decision between a juicer and a blender is based upon personal preference, and what the individual wants to get out of the finished product.

What is a blender?

A blender does as you would anticipate it would, based on its name - it will blend ingredients together. A blender is the ideal implement to make blended smoothies out of fresh fruit or vegetables. The unique characteristic of a blender is that it uses every part of the fruit or vegetable, with much less food waste.

What are the benefits of a blender?

The full nutritional value of the raw ingredient is utilized, with all the benefits of the pulp and fibrous material included in the output. One of the key benefits of the end product is that the fibrous material creates a slow release of energy, with the body taking longer to absorb all the nutrients contained within the pulp of the fruit or vegetable. This ensures that you feel fuller for longer, with many people choosing to utilize a blended smoothie as one of their daily meals. This can assist weight loss, as you are drinking less volume, which in turn holds less sugar, however the fiber and bulk will ensure that you feel full and don't get tempted by snacks!

Additionally, the blended fruits or vegetables help to promote healthy digestion, removing unwanted toxins and gut bacteria. Another more personal benefit of blended smoothies is that they help to enable regular elimination, removing uncomfortable bloating or constipation.

Blending enthusiasts will also point to the fact that blenders can often eliminate unpalatable textures or even flavors of certain fruit and vegetables, which can encourage the person to consume fruits and vegetables with high nutritional value that they would otherwise avoid.

What is a juicer?

The fundamental difference between a blender and a juicer is that a juicer extracts the juice from fruits and vegetables, whilst removing the fiber and pulp. This concentrates the raw materials into a nutrition packed juice, which is low in fiber but still provides efficient ways to supply your body with the nutrition that it needs.

What are the benefits of a juicer?

Perhaps one of the key benefits of a juicer is that the juicer omits some of the indigestible fibrous pulp. This enables the body to quickly absorb all of the key nutrients and vitamins within the juice without the potential for digestion problems. Perfect for those looking for a quick energy boost or athletes, juice from a juicer can provide instant energy through faster absorption of the sugars.

Additionally, many more fruits and vegetables can be packed into a juice when juicing, as much of the bulk of the fruits and vegetables are removed. This allows you to maximize the nutrients and vitamins that you intake in just one glass of juice.

Those with digestion or bowel issues can also benefit from the removal of the fiber within the juice, enabling you to regulate your intake without the potential for irritation.

Some fruits and vegetables lend themselves much better to juicing. Vegetables like celery are much more palatable in a juice form but when blended, their texture can be fibrous and stringy.

What are the different types of juicer and blender?

Types of blenders

When purchasing a blender or a juicer, one of the main differences is that there is significantly more choice in the juicer range. The Extreme Wellness Supply blender range consists of commercial blenders, suitable for commercial use, kitchen based blenders such as the Greenis FGR-8830 Smart Power Blender, Immersion (or Stick) blenders such as the Bamix Gastro Immersion Blender and personal or single serving blenders such as the Tribest PBG-5001-A Glass Vacuum Blender.

Each type of blender has unique characteristics and the choice is entirely dependent upon individual needs and the quantity of blending you require in each batch.

Types of juicers

Juicers come in many more forms than blenders. A centrifugal juicer suchas the Omega J4000 Continuous Pulp-Ejection Centrifugal Juicer, produces juices at very high speeds and come in at the lower end of the price range. They use metal, very sharp spinning blades rotating at very high speeds against a metal mesh and extract the juice using the centrifugal force. Centrifugal juicers are perfect for those looking for a quick turnaround.

The alternative method of juicers are masticating juicers. This type of juicer works at a slower speed, extracting juice by slowly masticating the fibers of the fruit or vegetable. Such models asthe Omega Nutrition Center NC1000HDS Premium Horizontal Masticating Juicer, provide up to 20% more juice. Although they are more expensive, over a period of time they become much more cost effective. The slow process ensures that the nutrients are not destroyed and remain within the juice for longer.

There are of course simpler, more manual options, such as citrus juicers and manual juicers, or even steam juicers such as the Mehu-Liisa Stainless Steel Steam Juicer, which provide a slower but still satisfying end result.

Ultimately, there are many different options for a range of budgets and the choice is often defined by individual needs.

Who is the winner in the battle of blender vs juicer?

There is no real right or wrong answer to this question. Blending enthusiasts will point to the fact that there is no food waste, every single part of the produce is used and the full benefit of the fruit or vegetable is obtained.

'Juicers' will say that the juicer only extracts the necessary vitamins and removes much of the indigestible parts of the fruit or vegetable. Ultimately, the decision lies with the individual. Many blending enthusiasts champion the weight loss potential of consuming slow release smoothies, whereas gym or sports enthusiasts point to the instant blood sugar benefits of a juicer producing a nutritious drink.

Which should I choose: Juicer or Blender?

Again, it is down to personal preference and what the purpose is. If you are the sort of person who doesn't like to waste anything, then a blender is the ideal choice. If, on the other hand, you want to maximize the amount of fruit or vegetables, and maximize the nutrients and energy benefits in a single serving, then juicing is your go to.