Despite its large feed tube and pulp cup, I hesitate to recommend this VonShef centrifugal juicer on the basis of its high-speed settings, low-power motor, and significant consumer complaints. Although I am not a very big fan of centrifugal juicers, I recognize that there are some definite advantages to owning this type of juicer. For example, centrifugal juicers work quickly and require much less prep time. I am also aware of which qualities a good centrifugal juicer should include and exclude.
I aim to bring you my honest, unbiased opinion when it comes to any juicer listed and reviewed on this website. Therefore, as we work our way through this article, I will address each of these concerns while simultaneously acknowledging the positive features of the VonShef Professional Whole Fruit Juicer.
Bigger Isn’t Necessarily Better
VonShef boasts about this juicer’s two speed settings. While having variable speeds is extremely important in a centrifugal juicer, I fail to understand VonShef’s enthusiasm where this particular juicer is concerned. Let me take a moment to quickly explain speed settings and centrifugal juicers so that you can understand what I am saying here.
Centrifugal juicers work by using rotating blades to break down foods. When those blades rotate very quickly – between 12,000 and 16,000 rotations per minute (RPM) – they are able to break down hard foods such as carrots and celery. When blades rotate at slower speeds – between 6,000 and 10,000 RPMs – they are able to easily cut through soft foods such as oranges, bananas, and berries.
This VonShef juicer operates at either 14,000 or 18,000 RPM, depending upon whether you choose the “low” or “high” speed setting. Those numbers are awfully high, don’t you agree? 14,000 RPM is considered a mid-range speed setting for processing hard foods, not a “low” speed setting for juicing soft foods. While either 14,000 or 18,000 RPM are acceptable settings for juicing hard foods, they are likely to obliterate the enzymes in soft foods while creating massive amounts of foam.
Except When It Comes to Centrifugal Motors
Although I do not think large RPM numbers are necessarily indicative of a better juicer, I do believe that powerful motors are quite important. Let me first say that powerful motors with high wattage aren’t always necessary for masticating juicers or citrus juicers. They are, however, very important in centrifugal juicers.
With blades rotating as quickly as 18,000 times per minute, it is important that the juicer’s motor be able to withstand the high energy output necessary to perform this duty. Simply put, low wattage motors are likely to overheat and burn out when used at this level for long periods. They may also overheat to the point of melting nearby plastic pieces. While 700 watts may sound like a large number to someone who has not researched centrifugal juicers, as someone who has done such research I can easily tell you this is not a very powerful motor.
Many centrifugal juicers employ motors of 900 to 1000 watts to power 10,000 to 14,000 RPM. Surely a 700-watt motor trying power 18,000 RPM does not make much sense? I worry that this motor will overheat and break down with continuous or regular usage.
Swallow It Whole
An important upside to the Professional Whole Fruit Juicer is its large mouth. Like many centrifugal juicers available on today’s market, this one features a 3-inch wide feeder tube mouth which allows you to place entire fruits and vegetables inside. Without the necessity of chopping up the food ahead of time, both your prep and cleanup time are greatly reduced.
A Detachable Dream
I believe this juicer’s biggest selling feature is its pulp collection cup. The best pulp cups are externally located – either completely separate from the juicer or attached to its outer encasement. In the case of this VonShef juicer, the pulp collector cup is attached to the outer encasement for easy access, and effortlessly clips on and off for quick emptying. To top it off, this pulp cup can hold up to 70 ounces of pulp, whereas the pulp cups on competitor juicers are only able to hold about 12 ounces of pulp.
Consumer Complaints
I find it very unfortunate that the list of consumer complaints for this product is so long. I did, however, expect the list to be rather long. As you can see from what I have written in this review, I did not have high hopes for this juicer on the basis of its low-power motor and its high-speed settings.
As expected, I found that many consumers complained about motors overheating, breaking down over time, or suddenly not working at all. Other complaints were focused on how quickly the blades became dull and the fact that pieces quickly and easily broke off of this machine.
Concluding Remarks
I quite simply cannot, in good conscience, recommend this juicer. I understand that it is priced fairly well and that it features a wonderfully large pulp collection cup, but the truth is that it is unlikely to perform the tasks you hope it will perform. If it does manage to perform those tasks, chances are that it will not be able to perform them for very long without breaking down or breaking apart.
If you are looking for a juicer you plan to use quite infrequently, do not mind foam in your juice, and are not concerned about breaking down the enzymes in your food, you may be able to live with this juicer. Otherwise, I suggest that you continue your search and use this review as a lesson on what not to look for in a centrifugal juicer.
