If you’re on the hunt for the best lemon squeezer for making cocktails, the first things you want to consider are durability and ease of operation. To help you shop, I’ve put together the best lemon squeezers available.
I’ll also walk you through finding the best products with a buying guide and product reviews. Once you know all the important considerations of buying a lemon squeezer, you should be able to make an informed decision.
My Top Picks for the Best Lemon Squeezer
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Editor's Choice  |
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Professional  |
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6 Best Lemon Squeezers
If you’re having difficulty comparing products online, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve based most of my recommendations on customer reviews, since they are the real testament to these lemon juicers’ performance. These vary widely in price, but only because they are used for different purposes and settings. All of the below options are great, depending on your specific needs.
Best Overall: Stainless Steel Lemon Squeezer
Ultimate Manual Lemon Squeezer
If you’re looking for the best lemon squeezer, the Ultimate Manual Lemon Squeezer is the top pick and will have you sipping mocktails in no time.
Made with premium 304 stainless steel, this lemon and lime squeezer is corrosion resistant and easy to clean in the dishwasher. Stainless steel is the preferred kitchen material for chefs and bartenders due to its durability and food-safeness, and most users end up purchasing a stainless steel squeezer after trying one made with a less durable material.
The Ultimate Manual Lemon Squeezer is perfect for lemons and limes, but the large 3” citrus cup will even allow for smaller oranges or grapefruit, so it’s a versatile option. The rubber grips are removable and some prefer it this way to allow for fully closing the squeezer.
This heavy duty squeezer produces more juice with less force and has reinforced joints. There are other hand held squeezers on this list, but if you want the very best material, grab this stainless steel version.
Pros:
– 304 stainless steel
– Comfortable grip
Cons:
– Rubber handles are too loose
Multipurpose: 2-in-1 Lemon Squeezer
Zulay Metal Lemon Squeezer
If you’re looking for both a lemon squeezer and lime squeezer, the Zulay Metal Lemon Squeezer is a great choice. This lemon squeezer offers practical and reliable performance. It’s strengthened with durable industrial aluminum construction. It’s also designed with a good grip so that you can squeeze without exerting too much pressure.
A concern users have though, is that juicing with this lemon squeezer can get messy. A few of the juices escape through the crevices. Larger citrus fruit does not fit well in this squeezer, so you’ll have to chop them into smaller pieces first.
Pros:
– Durable; made with industrial aluminum material
– Offers a comfortable grip
– Easy to use
Cons:
– Juice squirts out the sides
– Color might chip off
Best Citrus Juicer for Bar Use
Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer
For professional bartenders or bar owners, you should check out the Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer. This heavy duty citrus press will get the job done. It’s not just great for juicing lemons. If you need a delicious grapefruit or orange juice, you could count on this citrus press to squeeze those as well.
The Zulay squeezer is a commercial-grade press juicer with an ergonomic design that is very easy to use and easy on the wrists. Simply place half of your citrus in the juicer, then pull the ergonomic lever. And just like that, you’re ready to savor a refreshing and Vitamin packed juice. It may take up some counter space, but for cocktail enthusiasts and bartenders, this is a worthwhile compromise.
It has built-in rubber feet which provide stability while you’re extracting. This citrus press includes a cup and other dishwasher-safe pieces for easy cleanup. I also appreciate that the manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee for this model. The only real drawback for me is the hefty price and large size. If you plan to juice for lots of cocktails, this is the lemon squeezer for you.
Pros:
– Efficient and easy to use
– Professional-grade citrus juicer
– Heavy duty
Cons:
– Bulky; will take up counter space
– Expensive
Handheld Squeezer That’s Easier on the Hands
Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer
If you’re looking for a handheld lemon squeezer, the Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer is a unique choice. This handheld lemon and lime squeezer features an innovative dual-gear mechanism. It’s capable of extracting 20 percent more juice than any other handheld squeezer in the market. As a result, you get clear juice and a high yield without having to use a lot of force.
The Chef’n FreshForce citrus juicer also has slots for drain holes. These holes help with the efficient squeezing process. This design also keeps pulp and seeds from passing through the openings more effectively.
It’s built of high-quality nylon and stainless steel that will last a long time. Also, it’s top rack dishwasher-safe and perfect for fruits of small and medium sizes. Another nice thing about this citrus squeezer is that it’s available in three vibrant colors to match your style and kitchen.
Pros:
– Extracts 20% more juice with less force
– Comes in a variety of colors
Cons:
– Large hinge leaves gap between sides
– Not suitable for squeezing large quantities of lemons
Best Electric Citrus Juicer
Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press
Looking to extract juice fast? The Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press could be a versatile choice. This intelligent citrus press will make kitchen and cocktail prep a lot easier and faster than a manual option.
The Breville citrus press is a powerful machine that boasts a whole lot of useful features. This juicer is truly made for professional juicing, featuring a 1000 watts motor that is quiet. It has a quadra-fin juicing cone for maximum juicing of varying sizes of fruits. You don’t have to worry about the interface as it’s easy to use with the juice press arm with a dual-switch.
This citrus juicer also has a coarse stainless steel filter, allowing no seeds into the final juice. The citrus cone is constructed of die-cast stainless steel, and it will look great on your counter. Plus, it has dishwasher safe parts, making cleanup a breeze.
The Breville juicer is corrosion resistant as well, so no need to worry about constantly using it with citrus. It’s expensive, but if you need to make a lot of juice for drinks, you may want to take the plunge on this luxury juicer.
Pros:
– Powerful citrus juicer
– Quiet motor
– Suitable for various sizes of citrus fruit
– Pour spout
Cons:
– Hefty price
– Small plastic rod not sturdy
Best Reamer
OXO Good Grips Small Citrus Juicer
If you prefer manually squeezing lemons with a reamer, you try the OXO Good Grips Small Citrus Juicer. The ergonomic design of this squeezer with an integrated measuring cup set it apart from its rivals. Its cup attachment is contoured to provide a comfortable and snug grip, and many users prefer this reamer over the hand held lemon squeezer.
Many reamers with a connected cup are designed to sit flat on a countertop while you press it down. Although that makes them difficult to grasp and therefore can slip around. But not this OXO citrus juicer. This manual squeezer has a narrow midsection, making it easier to grasp. Simply hold the cup, press the fruit against the reamer, then twist it. Its plastic reamers are sharp enough to sever citruses and collect all of the juice immediately.
This OXO citrus juicer is suitable for smaller fruits like lemons and limes. There is another model for larger citrus like oranges and grapefruits. Both reamers latch in firmly and come off for ease of cleaning. And the openings at the base collect even little seeds.
The BPA-free cup also has a wide, drip-free pour spout and holds up to 1/3 cup of juice. Plus, you won’t even have to transfer the juice to another vessel to measure it for use in your cocktails. However, since it’s plastic, there is always a chance it may split or crack with repeated use and dishwashing.
Pros:
– Easy to use
– Integrated measuring cup
– Affordable
Cons:
– Can be tiring on the wrist with repeated use
– Plastic may split or crack over time
A Buyer’s Guide in Selecting the Best Lemon Squeezer
Before investing your money in a new lemon squeezer, make sure you avoid the same mistakes as others. Some people think buying just any lemon squeezer will do. That might be true, for a time. There are more technicalities in juice extraction, as these fruits contain pulp. Find out how to pick the right lemon squeezer with the handy buying guide below.
Squeezer’s Efficiency
The main reason you buy a lemon squeezer is to get the most juice out of the lemon. So, an easy extraction is a must-have feature. A good lemon squeezer should be able to extract as much juice from the citrus as possible with the least amount of effort.
Versatility
Nothing could be more aggravating than attempting to extract a larger lemon or a smaller lime and discovering that it can not fit in your citrus squeezer. Instead of manually squeezing that citrus, it’s a wise choice to get a press that fits larger citrus fruits like an orange. In an ideal world, your juicer should be up for the task of any size of fruit you put in it.
It’s still nice to have a citrus juicer that works with a variety of sizes of fruit, even if you exclusively juice lemons. Keep in mind though, that electric juicers are the safest choice when it comes to versatility because they tend to be large. The good news is that some manual squeezers or juicers can handle many sizes of fruit.
Such flexibility makes life easier, particularly if you enjoy making different types of cocktails, which I’m sure you do. It will also be cost-effective in the long run, as you won’t need to buy a separate juicer per citrus type. Plus, you’ll save lots of space in your kitchen cabinetry.
Ease of Use
Another important factor to consider when selecting a lemon squeezer is how easy it is to use. How to use a lemon squeezer depends on the type of model you get. Whether you’ll be extracting juice with either an electric or a hand-held device, it should be intuitive and easy to use. Its interface should allow for the use of the least amount of force, all while achieving the greatest yield.
Ergonomic Design
The simplicity of use is directly linked to ergonomics. This is yet another important aspect to look for in a citrus extractor. Squeezing lemons can be a tiring task, and it certainly is if you’re working with a significant quantity of lemons.
Lemon squeezers that are well-designed work to reduce the strain in your hands as feasible. When ergonomics is a concern, electric models win the race because they do the labor for you. Should you prefer a standard squeezer, pay more attention to the ergonomics of the device.
The grip is an essential part. A good lemon squeezer should allow you to grasp it firmly without it slipping off your hands. And it must not have sharp or abrasive edges. It should have a wide grip, and a tip that opens wide enough that the fruit can easily go in. So, even while squeezing a bunch of lemons, a well-designed lemon squeezer will not induce numbness in your hands.
Size
When it comes to size, manual lemon squeezers are an easy choice. This is all about personal preference, though. Some people opt for bulky, electric juicers for versatility. While others get handheld squeezers for convenience of storage.
Durability
It’s not always easy to evaluate whether a squeezer can last a long time or not. I suggest you pick a model with premium body construction, though material doesn’t always indicate durability. Another way you can do this is to check customer reviews. Many users end up trying the cheaper models, then opt for the stainless steel in the end.
You may also want to buy from a manufacturer that offers a warranty. Many brands can provide a year to a lifetime warranty. This way, it will be easier for you to replace it, if necessary. This is especially true if you want to go for electric juicers, which are often more expensive.
Flavor
Do you know lemons have different flavors? If you don’t, then you’re not the only one. Some lemons are ideal for juices and lemonades, while other varieties are preferred for cooking.
One unfortunate difference in flavor can be caused by smashed seeds that certain squeezers let slip through the cracks. This results in a bitter flavor in the juice. Another possible culprit is the extraction of oil from the lemon peel, caused by certain squeezers.
Ease of Cleaning
Probably the least enjoyable aspect of extracting is cleanup. This shouldn’t be a problem. But then, all juicers, no matter the type, require cleaning after use. Being able to clean your device is an important consideration when selecting a squeezer.
If you’re looking to opt for electric juicers, you should find one that includes replaceable dishwasher parts. With a manual or handheld squeezer, the components are often entirely dishwasher-safe. So, cleaning them will be so much easier.
Furthermore, the squeezer should have a smooth surface to prevent pulp from being caught. If you’re into all things simple, I suggest you opt for a lemon squeezer with a simple design. You wouldn’t want nooks and crannies that allow germs to thrive in your squeezer. And as I’ve said before and I’ll say it again: read the products’ customer reviews.
Material
Lemon squeezers are made with a variety of materials, including plastic, aluminum, steel, and others. Each one has positives and negatives. Though I think that stainless steel is the best choice for a lemon squeezer. This material is known to be the most durable, then aluminum takes the second spot. Plastic models, on the other hand, are weak and prone to breaking.
Price
Hand held squeezers are generally more affordable than electric juicers and commercial citrus presses. It’s worth noting that more expensive models will have richer features and help you extract more juice faster. Though you don’t need to pay a hefty price to get the best results. Make sure that the lemon squeezer you’re getting compliments your budget.
Handheld Citrus Squeezers: Which Style Is the Best?
On many occasions, people who are exclusively juice lemons can choose from different hand held squeezers. These types are also called manual lemon squeezers since they don’t use electricity to do the job for you. Both reamers and citrus presses have pros and cons.
Reamers
Reamers feature fins that shred the lemon’s tissues, allowing the juice to flow freely. They are the best way to extract the most juice. However, using reamers is messy and can be hard on the wrists with repetitive use.
My best pick for a reamer juicer is the OXO Good Grips Small Citrus Juicer. It has a cup attachment that’s contoured for a comfortable grip. I love this reamer manual squeezer because not only does it have an integrated measuring cup, it’s also inexpensive.
Handheld Citrus Presses
Handheld citrus presses keep your hands clean, but are notorious for not extracting all the juice. Furthermore, it’s common for citrus presses to demand a significant amount of hand power to operate.
I recommend the Ultimate Manual Lemon Squeezer if you’re looking for a good handheld citrus press. It’s dual-geared with durable nylon and stainless steel material and can extract more juice than other handheld squeezers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lemon juicer to buy?
It really depends on your needs. If it’s just for easy home use and personal cocktail making, I recommend the Ultimate Manual Lemon Squeezer. It’s an easy-to-use lemon squeeze and its stainless steel. If you are a bartender, go with the Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer. When you need to extract a lot of lemon juice for cocktails, the ergonomics of this citrus press will make work easier.
Is a lemon squeezer worth it?
Lemon squeezers are worth investing in. Such tools are useful in making lemon juices, ensuring you get the most out of your juice. Something that you cannot always do with squeezing them by hand.
What are the best citrus juicers?
There are many fantastic citrus juicers on the market today. But I would recommend the Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer out of all the products. This citrus juicer is durable, effective, and can be used as a versatile device to extract various sizes of citrus. It takes up a lot of counter space, so the Ultimate Manual Lemon Squeezer is the best for home bars.
What is the best handheld juicer?
If you want to opt for a handheld juicer, the Chef’n Lemon Citrus Juicer could be an excellent choice. This handheld squeezer offers a comfy grip, having a lengthy handle. Handheld juicers with longer handles are known to provide better grip. They help reduce the induced stress in your hands.
Conclusion
My favorite is the Ultimate Manual Lemon Squeezer because it’s durable and easy to use. But if you’re looking for a citrus juicer for your bar, the Zulay Professional Citrus Juicer may work well for you. It’s a professional-grade citrus juicer that extracts juice from your fruit effectively, with none wasted. This model is on the pricier side of the spectrum, but I think it’s worth investing in, especially if you make cocktails for a living.
Looking for the best handheld squeezer that’s a little easier on the wrists? The Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer could be the one you’ve been looking for. This simple workhorse can extract 20 percent more juice than any other hand held squeezer in the market with less force. And it’s just as durable as its higher-end counterparts.
A fun lemon squeezer gift is the Zulay Metal Lemon Squeezer because it comes in several color combinations. Plus, it’s perfect for both lemons and limes with its built-in variable sizes.
If you can spend more, the Breville 800CPXL Citrus Press could be a good investment. This citrus squeezer is especially worth it if you work in a professional setting or need to juice frequently. It’s a very expensive lemon squeezer but offers a whole lot of handy features. And lastly, you may consider the OXO Good Grips Small Citrus Juicer for its ergonomic design. It’s affordable, easy to use and a versatile tool for different citrus sizes.
Hopefully this guide and the top picks have helped you narrow down your choices. The citrus press, aka lemon squeezer, is an essential kitchen and bar tool, and any of the above options will get you making drinks in no time.
