Do I even need a juicer?

[hootiehoo]

I have a Vitamix but now want to start drinking cucumber or celery juice straight every day. Do I really need to buy a juicer or will the Vitamix handle it along with a paint strainer? Just blend with some water and strain, no?

I'd also like to drink cabbage juice but only occasionally.

What do you think? New Breville juicer or $2 paint strainer w/Vitamix? I'm mostly a smoothie person but want to incorporate the cucumber and celery juice on their own.

[speltrong]

try the $2 version first and see if you like it. Although I'd be careful about using a paint strainer.. not sure if it's made of food grade materials? But some cheapo cheesecloth would probably do the trick just as well.

[michigan roman]

get the big 5 gallon size paint strainer bags because the smaller 1 gallon size too small . you can take the 5 gallon size and fit it over a big like 4 gallon soup pot and pour blender contents in then have plenty of room to put hands in pot to squeeze juices out of paint filter

when i bought my paint strainers bags i soaked them in hot soapy water then clean hot water about 10 times before using them to make sure clean

if still leary about toxins after cleaning put bags in clean water for a while then drink the water to see if can taste anything toxic

bought my paint bags at home depot , 2 for $3

[RawDad]

I love my juicer, though you can get by without one there is a reason they are so popular. However there are advantages to the blend and press method in some food combinations, such as carrots and apples, that a juicer under $2500 isn't going to provide. The Norwalk juicers (http://www.norwalkjuicers.com/) produce juice in a similar manner, creating pulp which is then pressed through a fine cloth.

[michigan roman]

and concerning cukes and celery those are plants thatll blend quick n easy in a few short pulses into a pulpy water quickly strained ,
wouldnt even need the hassle to clean up paint bags as you could just use a fine mesh metal kitchen strainer .
then blender and strainer quickly / easily cleaned as opposed to centrifugal juicers which can be a hassle brushing out cutting screen of pulp ,
plus rest of parts . and ive seen at least 100 raw foodist say to start they bought all the toys and only end up using blender ,
and vitamix by far favorite blender so your sitting good imo

[hootiehoo]

Thanks for the input, y'all.

I think I will try the mesh strainer first; not really enthused with the possible toxins in nylon or cotton bags!

Glad I didn't impulse buy a Breville after Christmas lol.

[DebB]

If you're not in a hurry for a juicer (and it sounds like maybe you're not) - you might like to keep checking the thrift stores in your area. Our local thrift store had a Champion juicer last week on consignment for $40. I bought a Samson (looks like it's been used twice, GREAT shape) for just $6.00 a few months back.

I also for a 4 tray Excalibur dehydrator, still in box with all the accessories and hard cover book for just $10.00. It's worth swinging by - or let the manager know what you're looking for and depending on the store's policies, they may hold it for you and give you first dibbies.

[RawDad]

Glad I didn't impulse buy a Breville after Christmas lol.

I wish I'd spent the extra money on an Omega but I do like my Breville and its totally worth having, for me.

[Traceyraw]

I have both. Lately I have been blending and straining its much easier to clean. Pineapples are so good but does not juice well so I blend and strain. Take it slow until you can get the juicer but for now you can still have juice. Bed bath and beyond has juicers and a 20% off coupon. Enjoy

[RawDad]

Cleaning the juicer is a pain in the back. With the blender its just rinse and done, so I feel you there. I eat the pineapple and juice the pineapple core which adds a great flavor to any juice.