The most common reason for buying a hand juicer is to juice wheat grass. A very pungent and dark colored juice is made by crushing young wheat plants – usually when the shoots are about 3-4 weeks old. Due to the juvenile state of the grass, it still contains all of the original goodness that was contained in the wheat grain before it was harvested. In addition many beneficial compounds have been formed in the developing shoot, such as chlorophyll and various enzymes that can help to detoxify and reinvigorate your body.

Why not use a regular electric juice to make the juice then – surely it would be easier? In truth, there are not many advantages to using an electric juicer at all. Although a hand juicer will clearly need some energy input from your muscles, keep in mind that wheat grass juice is drunk in shots of only about 30ml, or 1 fl oz. because it tastes so strong and is so potent.

Another great advantage of a hand juicer is that it is more compact, and therefore quicker and easier to set up, take apart, and clean than an electric machine is. Any electric appliance will be heavy and take up more valuable storage space in your cupboards. Then there is always the hassle of electric cords and juggling the kitchen power points.

Finally, consider the cost difference – any machine with an electric motor and associated gearing mechanism will cost a lot more. A hand juicer is very simple in comparison, and there is also a lot less to malfunction.

If juicing wheat grass is at the top of your diet and health list, then in most situations a hand powered juicer saves time, money, and clutter. And keep in mind that you are not necessarily limited to that one ingredient – you can still use the same juicer for tough or hard fruits and vegetables.