Best Citrus Press & Buying Guide

Bartenders and juicers, this is for you! I’ve done the hard work and research to compile a list of the best citrus presses on the market. Whether you need a quality manual press or an electric option, I found the best for you.  I’ve also included a handy buying guide to make sure you’re considering all the most important factors when buying.

grapefruit cut in half up close

A citrus press is one of the most essential bar tools that you need in your kitchen or bar arsenal. While you can squeeze citrus by hand, a specialized citrus press can save you time, energy. With a good citrus press, you’ll get the most out of the fruit, and your hand won’t get worn out from squeezing lime juice one fruit at a time. It also gets rid of seeds with minimal effort.

Having the best citrus juicer also provides you with a useful and practical tool. Not only can you transform your citrus into juice for beverages, but you can also use this tool to make fresh salad dressings and more.

Before purchasing a new citrus press, you must first decide on which type you need. You could opt for a manual juicer press with a long lever, or go for a more compact electric press. Also, consider the quantity of juice you prepare regularly, your storage space, and your budget. 

High-quality citrus presses are available at various price ranges. Have a look at my top citrus press picks below. 

My Top Picks

IMAGE PRODUCT
  • Dimensions: 11.25 x 7 x 15.75 inches
  • Feature: many color options
  • Brand: Zulay
Check Price →Read Our Review
  • Dimensions: 19.21 x 12.8 x 11.5 inches
  • Feature: powerful electric
  • Brand: Breville
Check Price →Read Our Review
  • Dimensions: 12.8 x 11.5 x 19.2 inches
  • Feature: suction cup feet
  • Brand: Gourmia
Check Price →Read Our Review
  • Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 18 Inches
  • Feature: electric
  • Brand: Breville
Check Price →Read Our Review
  • Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.7 x 15.5 inches
  • Feature: color options
  • Brand: VIVOHOME
Check Price →Read Our Review

The Best Citrus Press

I’ve picked the following choices based on consumer reports, pricing, and design. Curious to know what each citrus press has to offer? See all the juicy details below.

Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer – Best Overall

citrus press that comes in several color options

One of the top-rated citrus presses on the market, the Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer relies on gravity and leverage to squeeze citrus juices with a single pull of the handle. Made of strong, heavy-duty cast iron with an ergonomic design, this stainless steel citrus press juicer essentially does the job for you.

This citrus press has a powerful and secure crusher capability. This lets you crush and squeeze fruits of various sizes in the convenience of your own kitchen. But what I appreciate the most about this model is that it comes in a variety of finishes. This means you can choose the finish that best compliments your kitchen design.

Another feature I appreciate is the built-in rubber feet, which keep the citrus press firmly in place and prevent it from sliding, tilting, or falling. It’s also easy to clean since it has removable parts that you can run in the dishwasher.

While the perks sound good, this model may be a bit bulky for a small kitchen. You might end up letting it sit out on your counter since it would be too hard to pull it out of your storage cabinet. Just something to keep in mind.

Pros:

  • Durable and ergonomic design
  • Efficient juicer squeezer
  • Built-in rubber feet for stability
  • Dishwasher-safe removable parts
  • Comes in various finishes
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Non-adjustable high pulp level
  • Cost more than other manual citrus presses

Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press Pro – Best Electric

heavy duty stainless steel electric citrus press

Do you consider yourself a pro at citrus juicing? The Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press Pro is a great choice when it comes to making freshly-squeezed OJ, and lots of it!

Constructed from die-cast aluminum and zinc and encased in brushed stainless steel, this strong 100-watt citrus press has the muscle to puree most citrus. Its die-cast cone also resists chemical reactions to acid, which is ideal in citrus juicers.

The efficiency of this Breville citrus press lies in its built-in sensors. When the press arm and the fruit get in contact, the sensors activate the juicing mechanism. The press arm makes it possible to squeeze with little effort. Allowing you to extract greater quantities.

Electric models tend to be loud because they are motorized. But this model is considerably quieter than most electric citrus presses. And since it’s electric, you won’t wear out your arms and hands. I would say this is a good alternative if you juice frequently as it’s quick, convenient, and simple to operate.

Pros:

  • Durable construction
  • Resists acid
  • Quiet motor
  • Has built-in sensors for the easiest citrus juicing
  • 1-year warranty

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Can over ream citrus

Gourmia GMJ9970 Citrus Juicer – Best Budget

black and stainless citrus presss with suction cup feet

The Gourmia GMJ9970 Citrus Juicer is one of the most inexpensive citrus presses on the list. But it’s also one of the most reliable models out in the market. If you want to get the most juice out of your oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, this manual machine with a powerful press could be an excellent option.

This citrus juicer boasts a durable construction including a cast iron base, cast iron handle, and stainless steel material. This ensures that you have very sturdy equipment that’s built to last for your daily citrus juicing needs.

The Gourmia citrus juicer is very easy to use with a simple, one-motion mechanism. Just cut your fruit in half, place it on the reamer, and press! Aside from ease of use, I also appreciate the suction cups on the bottom to keep the citrus press in place. It can also handle even the toughest of fruits.

Pros:

  • Built to last with durable parts
  • With suction cups on the bottom for stability
  • Budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Some users say the black paint chips off into their juices
  • Hand wash recommended

Breville BCP600SIL Citrus Press

small electric citrus press

Another great electric option is Breville’s BCP600SIL Citrus Press. I think this juicer is a great value for money for home use, but maybe not tough enough for heavy-duty use as a bartender. 

Made with food-grade plastic, this 110-watt citrus press has a dual-switch safety mechanism. This is one of the features I appreciate most about this model. Its juicing lever provides downward pressure applied straight to your fruit for maximum yield. And the safety switch prevents the cone from spinning until you lower the arm and sufficient pressure is applied to the top of the cone.

This electric model also features a magnetic dome which is easy to remove and replace for cleaning. The dome is dishwasher-safe, so you won’t have to spend as much time cleaning up the detachable parts.

This model does not include pulp control, and some users end up over-reaming the juice and adding some bitterness. This seems to be a common issue with citrus juicers, so be careful with this.

Pros:

  • Powerful yet quiet motor
  • Dual-switch safety feature to keep the cone from spinning
  • Easy to use
  • Dishwasher-safe removable parts
  • 1-year limited warranty

Cons:

  • Pricey option
  • No pulp control

VIVOHOME Commercial Manual Hand Press

red citrus press

The VIVOHOME Commercial Manual Hand Press is one of the least expensive options on the list, yet it has lots of positive reviews. This citrus squeezer is made of 304 food-grade stainless steel and heavy-duty solid cast iron, making it long-lasting and safe to use.

It features an ergonomic soft rubber handle that allows you to exert the least effort to achieve maximum yield. I always fear rubber handles will wear out after several uses, but this one is durable. This citrus press also has a heavy-duty base with suction feet for additional stability.

What I love about this model besides how economical it is, is that is comes in five different colors, so there is something to fit anyone’s style. The stainless-steel cone and funnel components are removable and dishwasher safe, making upkeep a breeze.

Manual citrus presses are so satisfying to use, and you can control the force so you don’t over smash the pith. After, you’ll have perfectly fresh-squeezed juice with the pulp and seeds left in the strainer core, which guarantees the purest juice.

Pros:

  • Durable construction with a bright, lovely finishes
  • Economical
  • Dishwasher-safe removable parts

Cons:

  • Some users find the paint chipping after a few uses

Buyers Guide in Choosing the Ideal Citrus Press

squeezing a lime with a manual citrus press

As with many kitchen appliances, there is a lot that goes into picking the right citrus press. So, before you go out and buy a new one to add to your kitchen and barware collection, here are a few things to think about:

Material

The construction of your citrus press determines its durability. And because you’ll be consuming the finished product, it’s essential that your tool is made of food-grade material. Most of the citrus presses in the option above are made of either cast iron or stainless steel.

If you’re going to opt for one with plastic parts, make sure they are BPA-free. Tritan is the best plastic material since it is shatterproof. You may also want to opt for models with acid-resistant finishes to avoid rust since you’ll be handling acidic fruit.

Type

Manual and electric citrus presses are the two most common types. Manual models are ideal if you want to bring your unit everywhere, whereas countertop models are rather bulky. While such models necessitate the most manual labor, they will pay off with silent operation.

Electric models may require ample space near your outlet, but you can go for one with a cord that is long enough to reach an accessible outlet.

A completely automatic juicer or citrus press turns whole fruit into juice without you needing to lift your finger. They are convenient and are a good choice if you want to be a hands-off juicer.

There’s also a semi-automatic juicer or citrus press which will ​​require you to place each fruit on the reamer. It works by extracting the juice with a pressure-activated vibrating machine.

Size

The size of your citrus press and how much space you have are two of the most critical considerations. If you have a small space, a portable, lightweight model that’s convenient to store is a good choice. But if you have enough space, a larger model with more functions may be preferable.

It’s also worth noting that certain models, especially manual ones, might be small in width but towering in height. Manual juicers with levers, for instance, are frequently left on the counter since they are bulky and hard to transport. Luckily, they look kinda cool. 

To make sure you’re getting the right size, I suggest you take a measurement of your available space. And you can match it to the dimensions of your preferred model.

Capacity

Certain citrus presses have convenient built-in containers that capture the juice. But these containers are often too small, so it would be a hassle if you’re extracting a lot of citrus fruit at once.

There are models that allow you to use your preferred glass or container, which is preferable. This way, you may continue juicing without the need to stop the process to empty your container.

Ease of Cleaning

To avoid mold and bacteria from forming, you should clean your citrus press on a regular basis. Cleaning your unit right after use is a good way to prevent mold and bacteria from thriving. I suggest you choose a model with dishwasher-safe removable parts, which will make cleaning easier.

Non-Slip Features

While it might seem insignificant, a non-slip feature is important, especially for tabletop models. This feature prevents the unit from moving, making sure your unit stays in place as you squeeze.

Many juicers and citrus presses have a non-slip bottom, which typically includes rubber feet. Some even have suction cups on the feet to really stop the slipping. 

Price and Warranty

Budget is also an important factor in purchasing a new citrus press. A manual citrus press would be a more affordable option. But even these manual models could vary greatly in price.

Electric juicers always cost more. This is because manufacturers invest in product development and useful features. Whichever model you choose, make sure it falls within your budget.

A product warranty is also necessary since it protects your investment. But not all models are backed with a warranty. A one-year limited warranty is standard on most models, while certain models may require you to purchase a warranty separately.

Citrus Press FAQs

Is a citrus press worth it?

Squeezing a lemon with a citrus press is quite convenient, even though it takes up a lot of counter space. It makes juicing lemons, lime, and even oranges and grapefruits a simpler task.

What does a citrus press do?

A citrus press is a handy kitchen tool for extracting juice from lemons or other citrus fruits like oranges and limes. There are many models available for this function, ranging from a simple manual juicer to an electric model that can pulp a bigger quantity of citrus.

How does a citrus press work?

A citrus press works by pressing your citrus fruit against the central reamer. Simply cut any fruit you want to juice in half and press it against the citrus press or citrus juicer. In a manual citrus press, the long lever gives you lots of extra force to squeeze with little effort. In an electric juicer, the reamer rotates on its own, and the citrus juice goes through a spout into a pitcher or container.

Certain citrus presses feature pressure-applying handles, while others models work by automatically holding the fruit. Some models also have a screw-pressure press mechanism.

Final Thoughts

My top choice is the Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer because it’s ergonomically designed with durable construction. It may be a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a countertop citrus press that’s easy to use and clean. Plus, it’s available in lots of great colors.

If you want an electric model, the Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press Pro will get the job done. It’s on the pricier side of the spectrum but I think it’s still worth the splurge given its reliability.

I hope you’ve found the best citrus press for you from the list. Good luck, and happy mocktail-making!

Angela T.
Hi, I’m Angela! Ever since alternative beverages made their debut, I’ve been on a mission to find the best. As someone who loves wine and making craft cocktails, I approach each new beverage with curiosity and a healthy dose of skepticism. I hope these honest reviews will help you learn which non-alcoholic drinks are best for you.