I don't drink very often, but I love a citrus cocktail on a special occasion; whether it’s a splash of lime in a margarita or a twist of lemon for a French 75. But getting that juice? I'm embarrassed to admit as a kitchen appliances editor, I've never invested in one of the best juicers. I thought they were a bit expensive, so I've been using my hands for years, which was inefficient for large batches and left my hands sore after a couple of rounds of squeezing.
I'm having people over for New Year's Eve, so I asked a professional bartender which juicer they'd recommend. They said they use a commercial electric juicer to get through crates of lemons, limes, and oranges, but this was rather expensive and fancier than I needed. So, they recommended a more affordable, small alternative for home use: the Chef 'N FreshForce juicer - which bartenders call an 'elbow' juicer. It works a charm and was only $26.99 on Amazon. I've never looked back.
My new favorite citrus juicer
Right out of the box, the vibrant design is cheerful and eye-catching – it feels like a little sunshine in your kitchen. I love the stainless steel press and the ergonomic handles which are coated with a soft, non-slip grip. It's easy on your hands, even when you’re squeezing multiple fruits back-to-back for a round of cocktails. Plus, it feels sturdy and good quality, without being too heavy.
The juicer is loved by chefs and bartenders. The hinge is effective and doubles your hand strength, making it incredibly efficient. The perforations catch seeds and most pulp, so you’re left with smooth, seed-free juice every time.
What sets this juicer apart from cheaper models is its efficiency and ergonomic design. With one firm press, I’m consistently getting more juice out of my citrus than I ever did with my hands. This efficiency is especially handy for cocktails, where precision matters. There's no more guessing whether I’ve added enough lime juice to balance a margarita. It’s also a godsend when you’re making drinks for a small crowd, cutting prep time in half.
What can you use it for?
It's saved me from messy juicing when I'm cooking, too. I now use it for quick marinades, salad dressings, and lemony pasta sauces. It slots away in my kitchen drawer very easily, so has officially earned its place as my go-to kitchen gadget.
Is it easy to clean?
A quick rinse under the tap is usually enough to remove any juice or pulp, but it’s also dishwasher-safe if you’d rather let the machine do the work. I like that the materials are durable, with stainless steel that won’t rust or degrade over time, even with frequent use.
More useful cocktail gadgets
If, like me, you want to upgrade your cocktail game, I recommend these affordable, expert gadgets. They make all the difference for hosting, or intimate celebrations at home.
A brilliant tool for any home bartender or cocktail enthusiast. It's easy to pour very precise measurements, it feels nice to hold, and it's effortless to clean.
The right glassware will elevate any cocktail. I love these fluted coupe glasses from West Elm. Perfect for margaritas.
If you're serious about shaking up a perfect cocktail blend, this affordable option from OXO should be your go-to. There's a reason why it's rated 5-stars on Amazon. It never leaks and is made from premium materials.
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