There are many good reasons to have a hand juicer in the kitchen if you enjoy cooking. Many recipes call for lemon juice or lime juice as part of the ingredient list, and although you can use bottled concentrates, they are not as tasty or as healthy.
It is possible to squeeze lemon or limes by hand, but it is hard work. A hand juicer is an inexpensive investment, which you’ll find yourself using a regular basis – whether in baking, cooking, sauces, or glazes; tangy citrus juice can be a great traditional ingredient.
When selecting a hand juicer, there are a few features you should look for. The best a hand juicer to buy is one constructed of stainless steel. These juicers range from $10 to about $25, the latter being for a top-quality tool that will last you virtually forever.
Although cheaper plastic models are easily available for as little as five dollars, they will not last very long. Plastic quickly deteriorates when washed in hot water, and upon exposure to acidic foods (such as citrus juice) and is unlikely to last more than six months.
Stainless steel on the other hand is totally impervious to all food acids, and has the benefit of being 100% taste and chemically neutral. In recent years there have been numerous scares about poisonous plastics being used in food preparation, and by using a metal one you never have to worry about chemicals making their way into your foods.
With a compact hand juicer, it is easily possible to juice a dozen citrus fruits in as little as two or three minutes. Anyone can use one of these juicers, even if you have small or week hands.
If you want a real bargain, try online stores such as eBay. These sellers can often and you can find a hand juicer for as little as $5-$10.
