Best Wheatgrass Juicer: Get the Most from Wheatgrass
Are you looking to reap the benefits of wheatgrass? Wheatgrass juice is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a great supplement for blood regeneration, lowering blood pressure, and detoxifying the body. Drinking one serving of wheatgrass is equal to eating a whopping two and a half servings of fruits and vegetables!
Many juicers have a hard time juicing wheatgrass, and will crush it up into wet pulp leaving you with just a few drops of its precious liquids. While many companies will tell you that their juicers are suitable for wheatgrass, only a few of them can get the most yield from your grasses.
We went looking for juicers that are specifically designed to handle wheatgrass. We read dozens of product specs, and examined hundreds of online reviews to determine which juicers are really up to juicing wheatgrass without wasting lots of juice.
Below, you’ll find our recommendations for the best manual and masticating juicers for wheatgrass. We’ve given an overview of each model, and broken down exactly how they’re superior when it comes to juicing wheatgrass.
After the reviews, you’ll also find some tips for growing and juicing wheatgrass, as well as helpful hints to guide you as you shop. Read on to discover the right wheatgrass juicer for your own needs!
First, here’s a look at our top choices:
MANUAL WHEATGRASS JUICER REVIEWS
Manual wheatgrass juicers are a great choice for budget-minded consumers and vegan travelers, as well as dedicated juicers who want a simple, portable option or a secondary juicer. Because they use no electricity and have no internal motors, they’re very simple to use and simple to clean.
Many dedicated manual juicers for wheatgrass are actually more effective than motorized models! And you don’t have to worry about motor strain.
They’re also the slowest type of juicer. This can increase the time you’ll spend juicing, but it also means you’ll come up with a smoother, less frothy juice. This reduces oxidation and results in a higher nutritional content! Check this list for all of the different types of juicers there are.
Manual juicers are also a lot less expensive than electric, masticating models. They’re generally available between $30 and $150, and come in a range of sizes, shapes, and materials.
OUR TOP CHOICES
Lexen Manual Wheatgrass Juicer
“Works GREAT for wheatgrass.”
This budget priced manual juicer (about $40 at the time of writing) is specifically designed for wheatgrass. The auger has an un-tapered auger design, with lots of grooves for chewing into the leaves. It’s made of tough, food-grade plastic, with steel end caps.
And it produces great results! One reviewer wrote, “Works terrific on wheat grass. Pulp is dry and the juice is without froth.”
We love that it’s super compact, and incredibly light.
We’re also huge fans of the simple design. The Lexen has only 3 parts to rinse, and no internal pulp screen. This makes it so much easier to clean than models with a tricky pulp screen!
Plus, it can handle other leafy greens, like kale and collards. You can also juice vegetables and fruits in this, but you’ll want to shred them first.
It also comes with a 1-year warranty on parts.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Lexen is a great juicer for what it is. If you expect it to work on wheatgrass and leafy greens, and only juice the occasional juicy fruit or shredded carrot, you’ll be more than pleased.
We found that most of the negative reviews came from juicing enthusiasts who tried to juice chunks of ginger or larger vegetables. The Lexen isn’t the be-all and end-all juicer, but it’s the perfect introduction to wheatgrass juice, as well as juicing in general.
Tornado Wheatgrass Juicer
“Wheatgrass lovers: this juicer works perfectly!!! Easy to clean and I strongly recommend this juicer. No need for an electrical one. Save some money!!”
Handy Pantry makes two different manual wheatgrass juicers, the Hurricane and the Tornado. We’re recommending both.
First, let’s look at the Tornado. Priced at about $110 at the time of writing, it’s a bit less expensive and gives you pretty much the same quality. It’s also a bit more versatile, given the pressure screw. This lets you use it on fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens in addition to wheatgrass!
We’re also super impressed by the build quality on this baby. It’s an all-metal, stainless steel design, with a wooden handle and steel clamp. Plus, it looks great. There’s nothing like the retro look of a metal crank and a wooden handle!
And it’s just as smart as it is strong! There’s a built-in gauge for adjusting pressure, and a simple assembly system for putting it together and taking it apart. We also love the sturdy metal clamp, complete with rubber feet, so it won’t damage your counters.
For cleaning, most parts simply rinse off. And all of them can be run through a dishwasher.
The Bottom Line
The Tornado is a less expensive version of the Hurricane, with a bit more versatility. It can handle wheatgrass almost as well, and it can also work for fruits and vegetables. We think it’s a great all-around manual juicer, and should serve all but the most perfectionistic wheatgrass drinkers.
Hurricane Wheatgrass Juicer
“You can’t go wrong. This is the dedicated wheatgrass juicer to have!”
The Hurricane is Handy Pantry’s flagship wheatgrass juicer. As their new, improved model (about $135 at the time of writing), it’s designed specifically for wheatgrass and barley grass.
In terms of its overall design, the Hurricane is much the same as the Tornado, with an improved feed chute and drip nozzle. Instead of the tapered nozzle you’ll find on the Tornado, the Hurricane has a pretty constant width and can handle more grass at a time. All the parts are again made from stainless steel, including the feed chute and plunger.
It’s a bit less versatile than the Tornado, since it doesn’t have the pressure adjustment knob. However, it’s even more effective with wheatgrass. It provides an improved extraction rate, so you get more bang for your buck.
Just like the Tornado, it’s easy to clean, and all the parts are dishwasher-friendly. That’s a big plus for us, since washing juicers can be a major hassle.
Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty. Handy Pantry also has a voucher program, in which you can trade in your manual juicer for credit towards an electric/masticating juicer.
Some reviewers found that adding a washer into the auger setup helped everything work a bit more smoothly. We wouldn’t say this is a design flaw, because it seems to have been an issue for only a few buyers.
The Bottom Line
The difference between the Hurricane and the Tornado isn’t tremendous, but they’re certainly different models. The Hurricane does provide better efficiency for wheatgrass, but you’ll sacrifice a bit of versatility.
We’d recommend the Hurricane for dedicated wheatgrass juicers who don’t mix it with anything else. All-around juicers might be better off with the Tornado.
MASTICATING WHEATGRASS JUICER REVIEWS
If you want a motorized juicer that can handle wheatgrass, you’re looking for a masticating juicer. They’re much more efficient than centrifugal juicers, which is super important with small amounts of produce (like wheatgrass). They also have less of a tendency to clog and jam with leafy greens. When it comes to wheatgrass, centrifugal juicers and even the best blenders simply won’t juice it!
We also love masticating juicers for their ability to juice all sorts of produce. They can also process meats, tofu, and grind dry grains and nuts. This is great if you have any special dietary needs, and need to watch which ingredients you are putting into your body (making gluten-free flour, for instance). This is also great for people who want more value out of their investment.
Prices for these juicers range from around $150 all the way up to $1,300. Paying more will get you better functionality and more accessories, and a higher-quality machine that will last you much longer.
Omega J8006 Nutrition Center Juicer
“Great juicer. I have tried a few slow juicers and this is by far the best. Easy clean up.”
This Omega model is Amazon’s #1 best selling masticating juicer. Priced at about $300 at the time of this writing, it’s a full-size masticating juicer with a motor that packs the equivalent of 2 HP, thanks to a special gear system. The auger is made from a special plastic compound which is tested to be 8X stronger than other materials.
We love it for wheatgrass, because it’s equipped with a two-stage juicing system. After wheatgrass goes through the auger, the pulp is squeezed a second time to make sure you’re not wasting any valuable juice. The motor is ultra low-speed, which is perfect for preserving the delicate nutritional content of wheatgrass.
It’s also a very versatile choice, with attachments for making pasta, sauces, nut butters, and more. And of course, you can juice any fruits, vegetables, or leafy greens! Foodies love this one.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a motorized juicer for wheatgrass, the Omega is a capable option for a reasonable price. And with all the added features and attachments, we think you’re getting quite a good return on your investment. There are certainly better options available, but you’d be spending a few hundred dollars more to get one of them.
Tribest Green Star Elite GSE-5000
The Green Star is a step above the Omega. At around $550 at the time of writing, it’s one of the lowest price triturating juicers on the market. It features twin augers and stainless steel parts.
Like the Omega, it’s versatile enough to grind spices and grains, and you can also use it for making nut butters and sauces. We’re very impressed by how many functions it has. Plus, everything you need for each function comes in the box!
It does an even better job on wheatgrass thanks to the special augers, which have a “complete mastication” system. That means they’ve got several sets of teeth, just like humans. There are sharp blades, wider grooves, and long channels to thoroughly chew up all the wheatgrass you feed in.
And because the parts are stainless steel, they’ll last longer than plastic augers. The whole juicer is covered by a 12-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a serious juicer, we think it’s worth shelling out for the Green Star. It’s reliable, highly effective, and can handle wheatgrass better than masticating juicers. It’s an incredibly versatile appliance, and will end up serving many functions in your kitchen. However, if you’re looking to just juice wheatgrass, the Green Star might be cost-prohibitive.
Super Angel DELUXE
The Super Angel is truly one of the best juicers out there. It’s a triturating design, with double augers equipped with teeth and grooves, much like the Green Star, and it’s priced higher at around $1,700 at the time of this writing.
All of the parts are made from surgical grade stainless steel. This means they won’t be prone to discoloration, rust, or corrosion. This is a major step up over the competition.
The motor driving these augers also packs a lot of low-end punch. The Super Angel uses a special gear system to generate the torque you need for pushing wheatgrass through the machine. Plus, the system automatically keeps itself (and your juice) cool with an internal fan and sensors.
For wheatgrass, we especially love the special augers with deep, angled grooves. They’re some of the best on the market, and are sure to eat up wheatgrass without causing any motor stress.
The Bottom Line
The Super Angel is truly an amazing juicer. It’s also ideal for wheatgrass, given its special teeth and low gear settings. However, it’s probably overkill for most people. This model is best for the most dedicated home juicers, or people who juice as part of a business. That said, you can’t do much better without spending several grand for a Norwalk.
WHY WHEATGRASS?
Wheatgrass is grown by sprouting wheat seeds. You can buy it frozen, or grown it easily in your own home. Just make sure you wash any produce you grab from a garden.
Why is it so popular among health enthusiasts? It’s incredibly dense in nutrients, and provides a huge amount of chlorophyll. The Hippocrates Health Institute describes wheatgrass as “nature’s finest medicine.”
When you think of Vitamin C, your mind goes to citrus, right? Well, wheatgrass actually has more Vitamin C content per ounce than oranges! It contains the complete spectrum of B vitamins, a fair amount of Vitamins A and E, and it’s also packed with calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
Wheatgrass also contains a high level of protein–around 20%. And best of all, it’s complete protein. You’ll get all the essential amino acids, and in a more digestible form than meat or soy.
The wide variety of nutrients found in wheatgrass naturally boost your liver’s detoxification process. This makes it invaluable in cleanse diets, and for helping your body keep itself well. Its high enzyme content makes it a perfect supplement for your body’s natural defenses. It also stimulates the thyroid gland, which boosts your immune system.
Nutritionists are quick to point out that the benefits of wheatgrass really depend on how it’s grown, and how it’s consumed. While you can buy frozen grass, dehydrated juice, and other supplements or ingredients, there’s really no substitute for fresh juice!
By growing wheatgrass yourself, you can make sure that every ounce you drink is optimally produced.
Doctors also warn that wheatgrass shouldn’t be used as a substitute for vegetables. It’s a supplement which can be very useful in small doses, but shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities.
Some people have adverse reactions to wheatgrass at first. Nausea and headaches have been reported by some people. To combat this, it is recommended that you start slow by only drinking an ounce at first, and gradually adding more to your diet. These side effects are usually due to the detoxification that begins immediately after your first green beverage; they will pass in a couple days.
TIPS
-Grow your own.
Wheatgrass is super easy to grow at home. All you’ll need is seeds, a growing tray, and a warm, bright area. Homegrown wheatgrass is way more nutritious than frozen or dehydrated supplements.
Just be careful of mold. You’ll want to keep the seed trays in a warm, well-ventilated environment. Wheatgrass and other sprouting greens can develop mold around the roots, so you’ll want to be careful of that.
For more on growing wheatgrass at home, check out this tutorial:
-Use it fresh!
Studies have shown that the nutritional profile of wheatgrass juice starts to degrade after just 15 minutes. Make sure you’re going to drink it immediately after juicing. You can also freeze wheatgrass juice, if you’ve got a big crop and need to process it all at once.
-Go slow and steady.
Wheatgrass juice is best consumed in small amounts. Try starting with one ounce per day, then increasing the amount. Remember–a little goes a long way!
-Drink it on an empty stomach.
Many health institutes recommend consuming wheatgrass juice on an empty stomach for best results. This allows your body to process the maximum amount of nutrients without interference from other foods.
Be prepared to have patience!
Many people complain that their juicers clog up with wheatgrass. This is often due to overfilling, or forcing too much produce into the chute. They are called slow juicers because they take in smaller pieces of food, and process them a bit more slowly to ensure a dryer pulp, and a fuller glass. This means a slightly longer prep time, with any fruits or vegetables.
Remember to cut your produce into small pieces (this includes wheatgrass), and feed the machine slowly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will also make sure your warranty stays valid. This will help you to keep your juicer in tip-top shape, and extends its working life.
HOW TO BUY A WHEATGRASS JUICER
-Look for wheatgrass-specific models. Most of these are manual, hand-crank juicers like the Hurricane or the Lexen. If you’re shopping for motorized models, make sure they can actually handle wheatgrass. Be on the lookout for specific features, and check to see what people who have juiced wheatgrass with a given model are saying online.
-Stay away from centrifugal juicers. They tend to leave very wet pulp, and can waste up to half of the juice from wheatgrass.
-If you can afford a triturating model, they are markedly better at chewing up grass. They’re more efficient than masticating juicers, and are less likely to stress the motor.
-Look for a masticating juicer with real bite. Several of our favorite models have special pockmarks in the augers, or metal teeth to help them really chew into greens. This is especially important for wheatgrass.
-Try to get a versatile model without sacrificing wheatgrass capabilities.
Most of our recommended juicers are versatile machines. You will be able to make more types of juice from them, and combine wheatgrass with other fruits and vegetables. And if you get tired of your wheatgrass drink, you can switch it up with other produce you have around.
Just be careful not to sacrifice wheatgrass-specific features. It could be worth having a versatile, all-around juicer that’s so-so on wheatgrass, and then a separate, manual model for just juicing wheatgrass.
-Decide between a manual and a masticating model
Some manual models aren’t meant for larger fruits and vegetables. The ones we’ve recommended are more than capable, but we’d recommend shredding or slicing hard vegetables like carrots before feeding them in.
Masticating juicers are more versatile and require less prep work. However, some of them can clog with wheatgrass.
CONCLUSION
Not quite sure about which juicer is right for you?
We’d recommend the manual juicers for people who juice wheatgrass by itself. They’re less expensive, and do a really great job with wheatgrass.
For more versatility, and more frequent juicing, you’ll probably be better off with a masticating juicer. Masticating and triturating juicers also cover more ground in the kitchen, and can double as grinders and food processors. You’ll get your money’s worth with these.