For wheatgrass, you need a masticating (slow) juicer, not a centrifugal one. Wheatgrass is fibrous and low in moisture; a masticating juicer slowly crushes and presses it to extract maximum juice with minimal oxidation. Centrifugal juicers spin at high speed, generate heat, and often clog or produce dry pulp with wheatgrass.
The short answer: a masticating juicer. Specifically, a vertical or horizontal slow juicer with a separate wheatgrass attachment or a twin-gear juicer. The best choice depends on your budget and counter space.
- Why not centrifugal?: Centrifugal juicers spin at 10,000+ RPM, heating and oxidizing wheatgrass, reducing nutrient content, and often clogging due to the fibrous pulp.
- What about twin-gear?: Twin-gear (triturating) juicers crush and press in two stages, yielding the highest juice yield and nutrient retention, but they are more expensive and harder to clean.
- Is a manual juicer effective?: Hand-crank masticating juicers work well for small amounts but require effort and are slow. They are a budget-friendly option for occasional use.
- Do I need a special attachment?: Many vertical masticating juicers include a wheatgrass attachment that fits inside the drum. Without it, wheatgrass can wrap around the auger and reduce yield.
Why Masticating Juicers Win for Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is tough: its cell walls are rigid and contain low water content. A masticating juicer operates at 40–80 RPM, using a single auger to crush the grass against a screen. This slow process shreds the fibers thoroughly without heating the juice. The result is a darker green, more flavorful juice that stays fresh longer in the fridge (up to 48 hours) compared to centrifugal juice (best within 15 minutes).
Centrifugal juicers not only struggle to process the grass—often leaving wet pulp and requiring repeated runs—but also aerate the juice, speeding up oxidation. If you’ve ever tried wheatgrass in a centrifugal machine, you likely ended up with a clogged chute and a tiny amount of juice. In contrast, a masticating juicer will give you a higher yield per bunch (typically 30–50% more juice).
Vertical vs. Horizontal Masticating Juicers
Vertical masticating juicers (e.g., Omega VSJ series, Ninja JC100) are compact and easy to store. They often come with a wheatgrass attachment—a smaller drum that fits inside the main chamber. This attachment prevents the grass from wrapping around the auger, which can reduce yield. Without it, you may need to cut the grass into short lengths (1–2 inches).
Horizontal masticating juicers (e.g., Omega NC900, Hurom H-AA) have a horizontal auger and a separate pulp outlet. They typically excel with leafy greens and wheatgrass because the auger can grab the fibers directly. However, they take up more counter space and can be more expensive. Some models have a specific wheatgrass setting or included blank screen for maximum extraction. If you juice wheatgrass daily, a horizontal model may be more efficient.
Key Features to Look For
- Wheatgrass attachment or blank screen: Most vertical juicers include a separate cylinder with fine holes. Without it, the grass may spin uselessly. Some horizontal models offer a blank screen (no holes) that forces the grass through a small gap for maximum pressure.
- Slow speed motor: Look for 40–60 RPM. Higher RPM can cause overheating and oxidation.
- Easy to clean: Wheatgrass pulp is sticky. A juicer with dishwasher-safe parts or a cleaning brush saves time. Models with fewer parts (like the Aicok masticating) are simpler.
- Sturdy build: The auger and screen should be metal or high-quality plastic. Cheap plastic can crack under the pressure of wheatgrass.
How to Juice Wheatgrass Properly
- Wash the grass thoroughly and cut it into lengths that fit your juicer chute (usually 2–3 inches).
- If using a vertical juicer with a wheatgrass attachment, insert the attachment and place it securely. Feed the grass slowly, using the plunger gently—do not force it.
- For horizontal juicers, feed handfuls of grass and use the pusher. You may need to alternate with a piece of cucumber or apple to help push the pulp through (common trick).
- Collect the juice in a glass. It should be dark green and foamy. Let it sit for a minute, then stir before drinking.
- Clean immediately: disassemble, rinse pulp off the screen with a brush, and wash with warm soapy water. Wheatgrass pulp dries quickly and can clog the screen.
Top Juicer Recommendations for Wheatgrass
Best budget vertical: Aicok Masticating Juicer (slow 80 RPM, includes wheatgrass attachment, easy to clean).
Best horizontal: Omega NC900HDC (80 RPM, blank screen option, durable).
Best twin-gear: Greenstar Elite (two-stage crushing, highest yield, but pricey and complex to clean).
Best manual: Lexen Healthy Juicer (hand-crank, good for small batches, no electricity needed).
Avoid centrifugal juicers entirely for wheatgrass. If you already own one, you can try wrapping the grass in a leaf of kale or lettuce to get some juice, but it won’t be efficient.
Pro Tips
- Chop wheatgrass into 1–2 inch pieces before feeding to reduce strain on the motor and prevent clogging.
- Alternate wheatgrass with a piece of cucumber or apple to help push the pulp through the juicer, especially in horizontal models.
- Drink wheatgrass juice within 15 minutes for maximum nutrients, or store in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
- Clean the screen immediately after juicing; dried wheatgrass pulp is very difficult to remove and can stain plastic parts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a centrifugal juicer: you’ll get very little juice and a messy, clogged machine.
- Not using the wheatgrass attachment: the grass wraps around the auger, reducing yield and making cleanup harder.
- Overfeeding the juicer: forcing too much grass at once can jam the motor or cause the screen to crack.
- Waiting to clean: dried pulp can block the tiny holes in the screen, requiring soaking and scrubbing.
FAQ
Can I use a blender to make wheatgrass juice?
A blender will pulverize the grass but requires straining through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. This can work for small amounts, but the juice will have more pulp and oxidize faster. It’s not as efficient as a masticating juicer.
Is a twin-gear juicer worth the extra cost for wheatgrass?
If you juice wheatgrass daily in large quantities, a twin-gear juicer gives the highest yield (up to 85%) and the darkest, most nutrient-rich juice. For occasional use, a good single-auger masticating juicer is sufficient.
Do I need to peel or cut wheatgrass before juicing?
No peeling needed. Simply wash and cut into lengths that fit your juicer chute (2–3 inches). The roots can be left on, but trim any brown or wilted parts.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right juicer for wheatgrass comes down to a masticating design—vertical, horizontal, or twin-gear. Focus on models with a dedicated wheatgrass attachment or blank screen, slow RPM, and easy cleanup. Avoid centrifugal juicers entirely. With the right machine, you’ll get the most juice and nutrients from every bunch.
