Black & Decker Citrus Juicers review

It’s no problem to use your hand or a reamer if you just need to juice half a lemon. But if you’re making fresh juices on a larger scale such as for cocktails or just to drink, it can very quickly become inefficient. That’s where a tool like a citrus juicer comes in. I recently picked up two of the most popular citrus juicers on Amazon to compare them and see which one is better. In this video I’ll show you how each one works, compare and contrast the differences, features and noise levels, and let you know which one I’m choosing for my home.

Black & Decker Citrus Juicers review

I chose these two Black and Decker models. They both look extremely similar and have several of the same features. But one has an extra feature that might prove to be the decision-maker for you. Let’s dive in. (Entry level is model #CJ650, the improved model is # is CJ625)

Black & Decker Citrus Juicers: what you get with each

Both of these juicers are 32 ounce models which essentially means that’s how much juice they will hold. Both have dishwasher safe components and both offer adjustable pulp control with a type of sieve.

Looking at these side-by-side: they have exactly the same parts just with a different aesthetic. Starting from the top each one has a clear plastic dust cover, then the juicing or reaming cone which is pressure activated, meaning it’s going to start running when you push down on it. Below that is the strainer basket, and everything sits on top of the 32 ounce pitcher. Both versions allow you to wrap the cord up inside the base for easy storage.

Where they differ is in the juicing cone or reamer attachment.

One model uses a single cone which is oddly names the ‘dual purpose cone’ while the other, more expensive version has a 2-part cone that works like one of those nesting dolls. Do you have a larger cone on top, and then once you remove that there is a narrower cone underneath. The narrower cone is designed for juicing smaller citrus fruits, especially things like limes.

Let’s take a look at how each one works starting with the one labelled dual purpose cone. You could call this the more entry-level model.

Just place your cut citrus on top of the reamer cone and push down. The machine will alternate direction to ensure its scraping out all of the juice from the pith, and will crush the fruit and let the juice flow through the strainer basket. You can adjust the basket by twisting. This one needs to be adjusted before you start the juicing process unless you don’t mind getting your hands sticky.

If you leave it wide open you’ll get more pulp in your juice; and if you close up the little holes in the strainer you’ll get less pulp. Pretty straightforward.

The single cone is decently sized to juice pretty much any type of citrus. I tried it with grapefruit, oranges and limes. However, it did seem a little large for particularly small fruit like limes, but it just needed a bit more care to hold smaller fruit in place.

Let’s move onto the slightly more advanced model. This one has a bit of a sleeker design, and is a little more colorful.

With this one you can choose which size juicing cone you want based on the size of your citrus; the two pieces just click together.

I used this model on both grapefruit, oranges, and limes and found the different size cones actually make juicing smaller fruit a little easier. Conversely if you use the larger juicing cone it makes quicker work of giant sized grapefruits or even pomelos.

I also really appreciated the adjustability of the strainer on this one; it uses small switch on the handle to let you make adjustments which keeps your hands cleaner.

When it comes to noise level, this might be the largest difference and the biggest deciding factor for you. Our more entry-level model is the quietest. It makes a low level humming sound that is not actually that unpleasant. The fancier model however makes what can only be described as a loud grinding sound it sounds like a small engine revving while it is juicing. I actually found it very off-putting, not the least of which because it will wake up anyone who may still be sleeping in your house while you’re juicing breakfast.

Overall review: Black & Decker Citrus Juicers

Overall both of these machines are nearly identical; there will be three deciding factors for you.

The first is whether you think you need a two-piece reamer. While this is certainly convenient, the entry-level model’s dual purpose cone or single cone as I’m calling it did just fine.

Second factor will be the pulp strainer; the entry-level model requires you to make adjustments before you begin or get your hands dirty well the fancier model lets you make adjustments midstream. The third key factor will be the noise level and for me the fancier version was an absolute no-go. The loud and annoying noise just made the juicing task unpleasant. For that reason, I’m choosing the entry-level Black & Decker citrus juicer with dual purpose cone.

The entry-level model sells for about US$21 while the fancier model sells for about US$25. Which also means that if you do want to upgrade to the fancier version it’s actually an affordable choice. Even if it is one that might keep you awake.

You can also check out my review of a Cuisinart version which cost more but is quite effective and a little more streamlined… right now.

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