Vertical or horizontal juicer: how to choose the right one?

The vertical juicer is suitable for soft fruits and vegetables with a reduced footprint, while the horizontal one excels with leafy greens and wheatgrass, offering better versatility. This observation is based on 18 years of experience in raw food and feedback from thousands of users we support at Biovie.

Faced with the dozens of models available on the market, choosing between a vertical juicer and a horizontal juicer often becomes a real headache. However, we regularly find that the answer essentially depends on a single criterion: what you intend to extract. In five minutes of reading, you will know exactly which type suits your needs.

Quick comparison vertical vs horizontal:

• Clutter : Vertical = compact / Horizontal = wider
• Tender fruits and vegetables : Vertical = excellent / Horizontal = good
• Green leaves : Vertical = correct / Horizontal = excellent
• Wheatgrass : Vertical = difficult / Horizontal = perfect
• Plant milks : Vertical = limited / Horizontal = versatile
• Entry-level price : Vertical ~150€ / Horizontal ~200€
• Cleaning : Vertical = quick (2-3 min) / Horizontal = longer (5-7 min)

Understanding the difference between vertical and horizontal juicers

Before making a purchase, it is essential to understand what fundamentally distinguishes these two technologies. Unlike the Centrifuge which uses centrifugal force at very high speed, theJuice extractor It works through slow chewing. And it is precisely the orientation of this chewing screw that makes all the difference.

How does a vertical extractor work ?

TheVertical extractor, as its name suggests, positions its extraction screw from top to bottom. Specifically, you insert your fruits and vegetables from the top, and gravity naturally aids in directing the food towards the screw. This design allows for a compact design with a reduced footprint, which is a real advantage for smaller kitchens.

Vertical juicers particularly excel with soft fruits and vegetables: apples, carrots, oranges, cucumbers, tomatoes. Their yield on these ingredients easily reaches 85%. For everyday juice, they are truly ideal.

Quick view

Hurom E30ST Juicer - White Color

View the product

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

0 reviews

Price €270.83

How does a horizontal extractor work ?

Thehorizontal extractor positions its screw laterally. Here, there is no reliance on gravity: it is the constant pressure of the screw that does all the work. This more robust mechanism allows for the efficient grinding of the most resistant fibers.

In reality, it is on green leaves that the horizontal reveals all its power: spinach, kale, celery, parsley, mint. And above all, it is the only truly viable option to extract the wheatgrass juice Fresh. If you are passionate about green juices, this is a crucial point to keep in mind.

Detailed Comparison: Vertical vs Horizontal

To help you see more clearly, here is a complete technical comparison:

• Screw position : Vertical = up-down / Horizontal = lateral
• Average congestion : Vertical = 30x20 cm / Horizontal = 40x25 cm
• Tender fruits : Vertical = excellent / Horizontal = very good
• Hard vegetables : Vertical = very good / Horizontal = excellent
• Green leaves : Vertical = correct / Horizontal = excellent
• Wheatgrass : Vertical = not suitable / Horizontal = perfect
• Plant milks : Vertical = possible / Horizontal = optimal
• Sorbets : Vertical = no / Horizontal = yes
• Cleaning time : Vertical = 2-3 minutes / Horizontal = 5-7 minutes
• Entry-level price : Vertical = €150-250 / Horizontal = €200-350
• Average warranty : Vertical = 5-10 years / Horizontal = 10-15 years

The advantages of the vertical juicer

Compactness and modern design

If you have a modest-sized kitchen, theVertical extractor represents a considerable asset. Its footprint is reduced by 30 to 50% compared to a horizontal model. It easily fits on a countertop without taking up space, and many models today feature a modern stainless steel design or trendy colors that remain pleasing to the eye.

Frankly, it's a point that is often underestimated: a device that remains permanently on the countertop will be used much more regularly than a device stored in a cupboard. Daily practicality matters a lot.

Ideal for soft fruits and vegetables

The vertical juicer truly excels with the fruits and vegetables we consume most commonly. For a morning apple-carrot-ginger juice, fresh citrus juice, or a refreshing cucumber-mint blend, it does the job perfectly with a high yield.

If your juices are primarily made up of these ingredients, investing in a horizontal juicer would clearly be overkill. The important thing is to match the tool to the actual use.

Ease of use in daily life

The assembly and disassembly of a vertical juicer are generally quick: it involves assembling 4 to 5 parts. Cleaning takes 2 to 3 minutes, which makes a big difference when you want to integrate the fresh juice in his daily routine.

To enrich your juices and turn them into true vitality concentrates, a spoonful of spirulina transforms your drink into a superfood. This is what we regularly do at home with Aurélie.

The advantages of the horizontal juicer

Champion of fibrous vegetables and leafy greens

If you are convinced by the benefits of green juices, thehorizontal extractor is your ally. Its side screw and constant pressure effectively crush the toughest fibers. On spinach, kale, celery, parsley, or mint, the difference in yield compared to a vertical one is truly notable.

And above all, it is the only viable option to extract the wheatgrass juice fresh. The fine fibers of wheatgrass require this specific horizontal pressure. Like Norman Walker, the pioneer of vegetable juices, demonstrated decades ago, green juices are true concentrates of chlorophyll and living enzymes.

For those who do not have a horizontal juicer, the barley grass juice Biovie offers similar nutritional benefits, ready to use, although of course, we always recommend the freshest forms possible. It is an excellent alternative to discover the benefits of this superfood before investing in dedicated equipment.

Versatility: plant-based milks, sorbets, purees

Beyond juice extraction, the horizontal reveals remarkable versatility. You can make your own plant-based milks almond, hazelnut, or oat directly with your device. We regularly use this function at home.

Frozen fruit sorbets, baby purees, homemade spreads: everything becomes possible with the right accessory. This multifunctionality often justifies the price difference with a vertical model.

Higher yield on certain ingredients

On green leaves, the horizontal juicer (particularly the "Angel") can provide a bit more juice compared to a vertical one, but this still needs to be verified. The pulp comes out drier, which means less waste and better utilization of your fresh vegetable purchases.

Which extractor for which use ?

For green juices and wheatgrass → more horizontal

It is truly an indisputable choice. If you are passionate about green juices "daily and that you wish to integrate the"Wheatgrass fresh in your routine, thehorizontal extractor is essential. Sprouted seeds perfectly complement a green juice routine for a 100% living diet.

A Recipe for green juice like kale-pineapple-mint will be much more successful with a horizontal one than with a vertical one. The yield and quality of the juice will simply be better.

For classic fruits and vegetables → vertical

If your juicing habits revolve around apple-carrot blends, pressed citrus, or soft vegetable cocktails, the vertical juicer does the job perfectly. There's no need to oversize your equipment.

The vertical offers an excellent balance between performance and compactness. It is often the best choice to create the habit of making fresh juices without feeling burdened by an overly bulky appliance.

For versatile use → assess your priorities

Here is my concrete recommendation: if you plan to consume more than 70% green juices, opt for the horizontal. If your usage is a mix of fruits and vegetables, the vertical will probably be sufficient. And if you're starting with a tight budget, start with a vertical: you can always upgrade later.

How to choose according to your profile ?

Beginner in raw food

Recommendation: vertical juicer

If you discover the Principles of living food, The vertical model represents the best compromise for starting out. Its ease of use and quick cleaning allow you to create a habit without friction. The investment remains moderate (€150-250), and you can always switch to a horizontal model later if your needs change.

After 18 years of supporting our clients, we find that 70% of beginners choose the vertical option. And it makes sense: it's better to have a simple device that you use daily than a sophisticated one that ends up in a closet.

Passionate about daily green juices

Recommendation: horizontal extractor

If you are already convinced by green juices and plan to make them part of your daily routine, invest directly in the horizontal. The optimal performance on leafy greens, superior yield, and versatility fully justify the investment.

Our experience shows that green juice enthusiasts who start with a vertical juicer often switch to a horizontal one within two years. It's best to avoid this double purchase if you already know where you're headed.

Large family

Recommendation: high-end vertical or horizontal

For a family, the key criterion becomes the capacity and speed of extraction. A high-end vertical juicer with a wide chute will allow for the preparation of several juices quickly. The horizontal one, on the other hand, will offer optimal yield with less waste.

Also evaluate the expected frequency of use: if several people plan to make juice daily, the robustness of the horizontal model and its longer warranty can make a difference.

Small kitchen space

Immediate recommendation: compact vertical juicer without hesitation

With a minimal footprint of approximately 30x20 cm, the vertical compact is made for you. Some models even allow for vertical storage, which frees up even more space. And the current designs are elegant enough to remain permanently on the countertop without detracting from your kitchen.

Summary by profile:

• Beginner : Vertical entry/mid-range → €150-300
• Passionate about green juices : Horizontal → 300-500€
• Large family : Vertical premium or horizontal → 350-600€
• Small space : Vertical compact → 200-350€

The essential technical criteria

Rotation speed and enzyme preservation

It is truly the crucial point for us who are committed to theliving food. A rotation speed of 40 to 80 revolutions per minute preserves up to 90% of enzymes and nutrients, unlike juicers that spin at more than 10,000 revolutions per minute and oxidize the juices.

Good news: on this criterion, vertical and horizontal juicers are equivalent. Both technologies adhere to this slow rotation range that makes all the difference for the nutritional quality of your juices.

The enzymes preserved by cold extraction play a crucial role in the digestion and assimilation of nutrients. This is a fundamental point that we elaborate on in detail in our guide on enzymes.

Yield and quality of the juice

The yield of a Vertical extractor is generally between 75 and 85% depending on the ingredients. The horizontal rises to 80-90%, with a marked advantage on green leaves.

In terms of quality, both produce non-oxidized juices that can be stored for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. This is incomparable to a centrifuged juice, which oxidizes in a few hours.

Ease of cleaning

I won't lie to you: cleaning remains the weak point of juicers compared to centrifugal juicers. But the difference between vertical and horizontal is real: 2-3 minutes for a vertical (4-5 parts), 5-7 minutes for a horizontal (6-8 parts).

The universal trick we systematically apply: rinse immediately after use. A juicer cleaned within minutes of use is much easier to wash than a device where the pulp has dried.

Durability and warranty

Mid-range vertical juicers typically offer a warranty of 5 to 10 years. Horizontal ones often go up to 10-15 years due to more robust mechanics.

Reputable brands like Hurom, Kuvings, Omega, or Angel offer devices designed to last. It's a long-term investment, and the warranty is a reliable indicator of the manufacturer's confidence in their product.

For some more detailed selection criteria, we have written a complementary guide that delves into each technical aspect.

Our opinion: which technology to prioritize ?

After 18 years of guidance in living foods, our observation is clear: the best extractor is the one you will use. A vertical one in a kitchen where it is used daily is better than a horizontal one that gathers dust.

With Aurélie, we personally use both types depending on the preparations. It is a luxury, of course, but it has allowed us to practically experiment with the strengths of each technology.

My sincere recommendation:

• If you are just starting out, go for a vertical to create the habit without complicating things.
• If you are already convinced by green juices, invest directly in the horizontal.
• If your budget is limited, a second-hand or entry-level vertical will do just fine to start with.

Don't forget that the extractor is just a tool. What really matters is integrating the fresh juice in your daily life, regardless of the technology. And to further your health approach, consider consulting the precautions to take during juice cleanses.

For a complete detox cure, combining fresh juices and concentrated digestive enzymes optimizes the results. Our ZenCleanz kit has been designed precisely with this in mind.

FAQ - Your questions about extractors

What is the difference between a vertical and horizontal juicer ?

The main difference lies in the orientation of the screw: vertical (top to bottom) or horizontal (lateral). This position directly affects performance depending on the ingredients: the vertical excels with soft fruits and vegetables, while the horizontal is better for leafy greens and tough fibers. The vertical is also more compact, while the horizontal is more versatile.

Which juicer to choose for making green juices ?

Thehorizontal extractor is the best choice for green juices. Its side auger and constant pressure efficiently grind spinach leaves, kale, celery, and even wheatgrass. If you are passionate about daily green juices, it is the recommended investment.

Can a vertical juicer make wheatgrass ?

No, vertical extractors are not designed for theWheatgrass. The fine fibers of wheatgrass require the horizontal pressure of a dedicated extractor. Alternative: wheatgrass powder offers the same benefits without specific equipment.

What is the best extractor for beginners ?

For a beginner, theVertical extractor offers the best compromise: compact, easy to use and clean, efficient on common fruits and vegetables. It allows you to develop the habit of making fresh juices before potentially moving on to a horizontal model for advanced uses.

Are horizontal extractors more expensive ?

Yes, on average 20-30% more expensive for equivalent quality. This difference is justified by more complex mechanics, better versatility (plant-based milks, sorbets), and often longer warranties. The investment pays off if you utilize these additional functions.

How long does it take to clean a juicer ?

Count 2-3 minutes for a vertical, 5-7 minutes for a horizontal. The difference comes from the number of pieces: the vertical usually has 4-5, the horizontal 6-8. Tip: rinsing immediately after use greatly facilitates cleaning.

What rotation speed best preserves the nutrients ?

A speed of 40-80 revolutions per minute preserves up to 90% of the enzymes and nutrients. Both types (vertical and horizontal) adhere to this range, unlike centrifugal juicers (10,000+ RPM) which oxidize the juices. Enzymatic preservation is comparable between vertical and horizontal.