Should you peel citrus fruit before juicing?

During testing, we kept the peel on our citrus fruits before juicing. Juicing with the peel on allows the oils from the zest to add depth to the juice itself, and the oils balance out the bitterness found in the pith of the fruit.

Can cold-press juicers juice citrus?

Yes. If you have a cold-press juicer at home, there's no need to add another device to your kitchen cabinet.

What kind of juicer is best for citrus?

Citrus juicers come in various styles, including manual handheld juicers and electric models, offering versatility and convenience for citrus juicing needs. Specifically designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, citrus juicers are highly efficient and provide optimal results. They usually feature a reamer or cone-shaped attachment that rotates and presses the fruit against it to extract the juice while keeping the bitter oils from the peel out. This type of juicer ensures maximum juice extraction, minimal pulp, and less effort.

How do you clean a citrus juicer?

Cleaning a citrus juicer is a straightforward process. First, unplug it if it's electric. Then disassemble the juicer by removing any detachable parts such as the cone, strainer, and pulp collector. Some parts might be dishwasher-safe, so check your juicer’s instructions. Otherwise, rinse them under warm water to remove any remaining juice or pulp. If needed, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn residue.

The Best Citrus Juicers of 2024, Tested by Food & Wine

Smeg Citrus Juicer on a white surface surrounded by lemons, oranges, and limes — Photo:
Food & Wine / Amazon

Whether you’re looking to add lemon to your favorite salmon recipe or squeeze fresh orange juice for brunch mimosas, there's nothing quite as satisfying as juicing citrus from scratch. Though a cold press juicer works well for juicing larger quantities of fresh produce, basic everyday juicing tasks call for a compact and easy-to-use citrus juicer.

The most important step is finding the best citrus juicer that fits your goals in the kitchen. Choosing between a manual and electric citrus juicer depends on how often you'll be juicing citrus, how large of a yield you regularly require, and how much available space you have in your kitchen. We tested 16 top-rated manual citrus juicers as well as 11 electric citrus juicers, carefully evaluating factors like overall performance, design, ease of use, cleanup, and versatility. Our top picks make it easy (and fun) to make fresh juice at home whenever you crave it.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Electric:

Breville Citrus Press Pro Juicer at Amazon ($230)

Jump to Review

Best Overall Manual:

Chef'n Juicester at Amazon ($17)

Jump to Review

Best Splurge Electric:

Smeg Citrus Juicer at Amazon ($200)

Jump to Review

Best Splurge Manual:

KitchenAid Citrus Juice Press Squeezer at Amazon ($26)

Jump to Review

Best Value:

Zulay Kitchen 3-in-1 Manual Citrus Juicer at Amazon ($13)

Jump to Review

Best Handheld:

OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer at Amazon ($19)

Jump to Review

Best 2-in-1 Handheld:

Zulay Kitchen Metal Lemon Lime Squeezer at Amazon ($15)

Jump to Review

Best 2-in-1 Cup:

OXO Good Grips 2-in-1 Citrus Juicer at Amazon ($17)

Jump to Review

Best Overall Electric

Breville Citrus Press Pro Juicer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$230 at Amazon $230 at Williams-Sonoma $150 at Sur La Table

Pros

This citrus juicer is electric, which makes juicing large batches a breeze. It also has a near-silent motor.

Cons

Weighing 11 pounds, this electric juicer has a slightly larger and bulkier footprint.

If you're looking to skip the manual prep, we recommend the Breville Citrus Press Pro Juicer as the best electric citrus juicer. During our tests, this model earned a perfect score in every category, from performance and design to ease of use and versatility.

From an ounce of lemon juice for your salad vinaigrette to a full pitcher of grapefruit juice, this kitchen tool can handle any juicing project. The acid-resistant cone extracts the most out of any fruit you're juicing, and the press with a power-assisted lever makes squeezing easy, even with one hand. Equipped with a safety switch, the cone won't spin until both arms are lowered and sufﬁcient pressure is applied, which we noted makes this a family-friendly appliance. During our tests, we also found the Breville to have a near-silent motor.

We also liked its intuitive design. It features a conveniently placed power button on the side and an eject button for easy removal of the magnetic cup. Using the adjustable spout, we were able to easily control the juice flow, even when using larger citrus fruits like grapefruit. Once you're finished, the Breville includes a convenient drip-stop system, which holds juice back to avoid a countertop spill. Plus, all the parts come apart for easy cleanup in the dishwasher.

Material: Stainless steel | Weight: 11 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Best Overall Manual

Chef'n Juicester

PHOTO:

Amazon

$17 at Amazon $29 at Macy's View on Chefn.com

Pros

This juicer provides a convenient, efficient, and mess-free way to extract juice from all types of citrus fruits.

Cons

Depending on the size of the fruit, you might need to use more effort when juicing.

With an innovative design and practical features, the Chef'n Juicester Citrus Juicer simplifies the process of extracting juice. With dual functionality, it can juice both large and small citrus fruits, from lemons and limes to oranges and grapefruits. The two reamer heads, one large and one small, can be easily interchanged depending on the size of the fruit.

If you regularly juice multiple types of citrus in smaller amounts for cooking or cocktail-making, the Chef'n is for you. However, it should be noted that the container only holds 12 ounces of juice, so if you’re looking to produce a full pitcher, this might not be the best choice. During testing, we found the Chef'n effectively extracted juice from lemons, limes, and oranges, requiring varying levels of effort depending on each fruit’s size.

While it took a bit longer than a hand juicer, the difference was negligible and didn't hinder cooking tasks. The resulting juices were flavorful, while the juicer efficiently captured seeds and most of the pulp. Its compact size and sleek design make it a space-saving addition to any kitchen countertop or bar cart. Plus, we love that it’s dishwasher-safe.

Material: Glass | Weight: 13.1 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Food & Wine / Ashley Craiger
Food & Wine / Ashley Craiger
Food & Wine / Ashley Craiger

Best Splurge Electric

Smeg Citrus Juicer

$200 at Amazon $200 at Williams-Sonoma View on Hsn.com

Pros

The Smeg Citrus Juicer is compact, easy to use, and looks great on your countertop.

Cons

The reamer tends to collect quite a bit of pulp during extraction, requiring hand-washing after each use.

The one small kitchen appliance missing you're missing is a citrus juicer, but you refuse to purchase a tool that won't look good in your kitchen. No judgment here; we get it! In that case, the Smeg Citrus Juicer is your best bet. It gets the job done and looks gorgeous on your countertop.

Made from stainless steel and anti-corrosive components, the reamer and strainer help get every last drop out of your fruit. The anti-drip spot also pours the juice straight into a drinking glass. The only effort required during the process is to provide pressure to the reamer while the juicer takes care of the rest. A bonus is the BPA-free, impact-resistant juicing bowl, which doubles as a bowl for fruit and peels when not in use.

During testing, we found that the Smeg effectively extracted juice from oranges, limes, and grapefruits, and we found the reamer to be comfortable and easy to hold. We noticed a significant amount of flesh and pulp along the edges of the reamer after juicing each fruit, so you'll want to hand-wash this juicer thoroughly after each use.

Material: Plastic | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Dishwasher Safe: No

Best Splurge Manual

KitchenAid Citrus Juice Press Squeezer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$26 at Amazon $24 at Walmart

Pros

This compact juicer is quick, efficient, and durable, making it ideal for cooks and bartenders.

Cons

You’re limited to juicing lemons and limes with this juicer.

If you’re looking for a citrus juicer specifically for lemons and limes, the KitchenAid Citrus Squeezer is a standout thanks to its compact design. The built-in strainer ensures that no seeds or unwanted pulp make their way into your freshly squeezed juice, keeping liquids clean and smooth. The integrated pour spout allows you to easily transfer the extracted juice directly into your desired container or recipe without any spills or mess. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing for effortless squeezing and minimizing strain on your hands.

Made from durable aluminum and nylon, this juicer is ideal for anyone who likes to cook, bake, or make cocktails. During our tests, we found the KitchenAid proved to be very effective at juicing small- to medium-sized citrus fruits — we extracted all the juice in just about 30 seconds with zero mess. When not in use, toss it in the dishwasher, and then store it in a drawer with other tools like silicone spatulas or whisks.

Material: Aluminum | Weight: 1 pound | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Food & Wine / Julia Warren
Food & Wine / Julia Warren
Food & Wine / Julia Warren

Best Value

Zulay Kitchen 3-in-1 Manual Citrus Juicer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$13 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $33 at Wayfair

Pros

This juicer is affordable, easy to use, and versatile thanks to its two included reamers and flip-top strainer.

Cons

It’s not dishwasher-safe, and it’s not practical for large batches or big gatherings.

The Zulay 3-in-1 Manual Citrus Juicer Reamer Cup is sturdy and functional without any unnecessary frills. Though this citrus juicer is manual, it makes juicing citrus fruits a quick, painless process. It’s designed with a drip-free spout and a comfortable handle for pouring the juice directly into a glass to enjoy on the spot. Another major advantage is this juicer’s versatility. It comes with two reamers: a 12-tooth reamer for lemons and limes, and a 3-claw reamer for larger fruits like oranges and grapefruits. It even includes a flip-top strainer that can be used to separate egg yolks.

We tested this juicer with three different kinds of citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, and grapefruits). We found the juice produced to be clear and flavorful with some pulp, and the process was quick and mess-free. Compared to other manual juicers, the Zulay didn’t require as much extraction pressure. Overall, we recommend this budget-friendly product for small juicing jobs like cooking, cocktail-making, and basic beverages for one to two people, though it’s not practical for large batches or big gatherings.

Material: Plastic | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: No

Food & Wine / Rose Cirrincione
Food & Wine / Rose Cirrincione
Food & Wine / Rose Cirrincione

Best Handheld

OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$19 at Amazon $19 at Target $19 at Oxo

Pros

This ergonomic handheld juicer helps you get every last drop of juice out without any complicated bells and whistles.

Cons

You can’t use this juicer for large citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits.

Crafted with a soft, non-slip handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip, the OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer makes it easy to exert pressure and extract juice without straining your hands. The handles are also extended, allowing for additional leverage, which makes the squeezing process even more effortless.

The squeezer maximizes the amount of juice extracted while straining seeds and pulp along the way, ensuring that every last drop of juice is squeezed out. During testing, we were impressed with how efficiently this juicer performed, noting that it’s best suited for lemons, limes, and other small juicing jobs. Cleaning the OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer is a breeze as well. It is constructed from durable, BPA-free materials that are dishwasher safe, making it convenient for everyday use and hassle-free maintenance.

Material: Aluminum | Weight: 10.7 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Food & Wine / Elena Garcia
Food & Wine / Elena Garcia
Food & Wine / Elena Garcia

Best 2-in-1 Handheld

Zulay Kitchen Metal Lemon Lime Squeezer

Zulay Kitchen Premium Quality Metal Lemon Lime Squeezer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$13 at Amazon $15 at Walmart $18 at Macy's

Pros

This is a good choice for anyone who uses a lot of lemons and limes in the kitchen.

Cons

Pass on this juicer if you’re looking for a tool that can handle large citrus.

New to juicing and not ready to invest in a pro-level tool? The Zulay Premium Quality 2-in-1 Hand Juicer is a solid option. This high-performance citrus press is designed to extract every last drop of juice from a variety of fruits while eliminating pesky seeds. During testing, we noted that it contains enough room to juice up to five limes at a time, though it will require some hand strength from start to finish. It’s dishwasher-safe for speedy cleanup, too.

Crafted with sturdy industrial aluminum and a protective coating, it can mostly handle limes and large lemons. As for the mechanics, the dual-bowl design allows you to squeeze out juice while straining seeds and pulp. The downside is this juicer is not very versatile. If you had smaller oranges or satsumas, you might be able to fit them, but that's not what it's designed for.

Material: Plastic | Weight: 8.1 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Food & Wine / Elizabeth Theriot
Food & Wine / Elizabeth Theriot

Best 2-in-1 Cup

OXO Good Grips 2-in-1 Citrus Juicer

PHOTO:

Amazon

$17 at Amazon View on Webstaurantstore.com $17 at Oxo

Pros

This durable manual citrus press is small enough to take with you on the go and easy enough to use daily.

Cons

Due to its 12-ounce size, this juicer cup can't handle large quantities of liquid.

The OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer is simple, but it does the trick — especially if you're on the hunt for a citrus juicer to pack in your bag for an extended trip. It's small enough to go pretty much anywhere and doesn't take up valuable counter space. During testing, we found this juicer to be easy to clean, and we liked the ergonomic design that makes juicing a relatively comfortable and quick process.

Snap on the small reamer for lemons and limes or the large reamer for oranges and grapefruit. The pour spout is drip-free, and the reamers are removable for easy cleaning, including in the dishwasher. Designed with a vessel to catch the juice, we were able to juice up to six limes, four lemons, and three oranges without running out of capacity. The OXO Juicer is a good fit for people who juice frequently but not in large quantities. Anyone needing large volumes of citrus or who frequently juices oranges or grapefruit should pass.

Material: Plastic | Weight: 6.5 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Food & Wine / Kathryn Standing
Food & Wine / Kathryn Standing
Food & Wine / Kathryn Standing

How We Tested Citrus Juicers

We tested a mix of 16 manual citrus juicers: handheld models, countertop reamers, and countertop juice presses. We used them at least three times in a real-world setting — each with a different type of citrus fruit including lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits — to determine performance.

We assessed the quality, color, and flavor of the extracted juice, the yield of juice obtained, and the amount of pulp present in the juice. We evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of the juicer, taking note of how much effort was required to juice various types of citrus as well as how easy to clean each juicer was after use. One of the tests also involved juicing multiple fruits in a row to observe any pulp buildup and determine the juicer's total liquid-holding capacity.

We also tested 11 electric juicers, evaluating how each model performed when juicing small citrus fruits like limes as well as larger citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits. We evaluated each electric juicer's performance by factoring in usability, juicing yield versus juicing time, and cleanup.

Factors to Consider

Size

The right size of a citrus juicer is up for debate. It depends on what you expect to get out of your tool. If you're looking for a weekend pour of orange juice, a juicer as small as the OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer will do the trick. But if you expect to juice a few times a week, opt for a larger option to save yourself some labor and cleanup.

Manual vs. Electric

Similar to sizing, manual versus electric is a unique decision. Many of our pros prefer a manual juicer due to the increased level of control. While you may start to lose your patience after squeezing 10 oranges for a pitcher of juice, they agree there's something more rewarding about juicing by hand. It provides access to the full balance of the fruit, so you don't have too much bitterness from the pith. On the other hand, recreational juicers can get just as much satisfaction out of an electric option, too.

Cleanup

Dish soap is usually enough to clean out your juicer, especially if you're cleaning it after each use (which you should). For something stronger, opt for baking soda and water. Either way, we recommend using your juicer in the sink for easy cleanup. You'll be surprised how far the juices can fly, so pressing in a clean sink helps cut down on spills.

If you juice on the countertop, wipe down the entire machine with soap and water and remove all the parts and wash them by hand — otherwise, you'll be fighting against stickiness for weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you peel citrus fruit before juicing?

During testing, we kept the peel on our citrus fruits before juicing. Juicing with the peel on allows the oils from the zest to add depth to the juice itself, and the oils balance out the bitterness found in the pith of the fruit.
Can cold-press juicers juice citrus?

Yes. If you have a cold-press juicer at home, there's no need to add another device to your kitchen cabinet.
What kind of juicer is best for citrus?

Citrus juicers come in various styles, including manual handheld juicers and electric models, offering versatility and convenience for citrus juicing needs. Specifically designed for extracting juice from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, citrus juicers are highly efficient and provide optimal results.

They usually feature a reamer or cone-shaped attachment that rotates and presses the fruit against it to extract the juice while keeping the bitter oils from the peel out. This type of juicer ensures maximum juice extraction, minimal pulp, and less effort.
How do you clean a citrus juicer?

Cleaning a citrus juicer is a straightforward process. First, unplug it if it's electric. Then disassemble the juicer by removing any detachable parts such as the cone, strainer, and pulp collector. Some parts might be dishwasher-safe, so check your juicer’s instructions. Otherwise, rinse them under warm water to remove any remaining juice or pulp. If needed, use a soft brush or sponge to scrub away any stubborn residue.

Other Citrus Juicers We Tested

Strong Contenders

In our tests of manual and electric citrus juicers, the below picks technically worked but didn't wow us. For the electric picks, we didn't think the performance of a few models matched up to the high price point and large footprint, especially ones that tended to create lots of messy pulp or models with loud motors. For the manual picks, the below models scored poorly due to a clunky design or uncomfortable handle, ultimately making the juicing process more difficult than it should be.

Breville Citrus Press Motorized Juicer (Amazon)
Chef'n FreshForce Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
ARK Reamer Lemon Squeezer (Amazon)
Zulay Kitchen Cast-Iron Orange Juice Squeezer (Amazon)
Mueller Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
Zulay Premium Quality Metal Lemon Squeezer (Amazon)
Imusa Lemon Squeezer (Amazon)
Mueller Professional Citrus Juicer (Amazon)

What Didn't Make the List

These citrus juicers disappointed us in testing for various reasons. A few models had limited use and were unable to juice a variety of differently-sized citrus fruits. Other models filtered juices poorly, leaving behind pulp, seeds, or other hard-to-clean bits. Finally, we felt some had undeservedly high prices based on their overall performance.

BLACK+DECKER 32oz Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
Cuisinart CCJ-500P1 Pulp Control Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
DASH Citrus Juicer Extractor (Amazon)
Gourmia EPJ100 Electric Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
Proctor Silex Juicit Electric Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
Vinci Hands-Free Patented Electric Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
Eurolux Electric Citrus Juicer Squeezer (Amazon)
LUUKMONDE Electric Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
Chef'n Lemondrop Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
Joseph Joseph 20101 Helix Citrus Juicer (Amazon)
Chef'n Fresh Force Tabletop Citrus Press (Amazon)

Our Expertise

Clarissa Buch Zilberman is a writer and editor based in Miami. Specializing in lifestyle, business, and travel, her work has appeared in Food & Wine, Realtor.com, Travel + Leisure, and Bon Appétit, among other print and digital titles.

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