If you’ve read the reviews I’ve written for two of the juicers that I own, the Omega VRT350HD and the Omega J8006, you’ll know that the former is a vertical masticating juicer while the latter is a horizontal masticating device.
Even if you’ve narrowed your options down this far, when it comes to choosing between these two models, it can still be really difficult to decide which one to buy. In my case, I picked up my Omega J8006 before the vertical style of juicer was available. Then when the vertical model was released, I bought that one too. These are both top quality juicers but they do offer different features. In addition, the horizontal model is about $100 cheaper. This in itself may well be an important factor for you.
Just to be clear with, I own both of these juicers. For me, it’s worth having both a vertical and horizontal style masticating juicer simply because of the different ways I can use them.
What We can Make with a Vertical Masticating Juicer
These are the less versatile of the two. They’re great for making juices and they can juice anything from wheatgrass to watermelons. Another neat use is making nut milks. That’s about it. Or at least, that’s the only things I make with my Omega VRT350HD.
The main benefit of this type of juicer is that, even though it rotates at the same slow 80 RPM as the horizontal juicer, you can juice more in a shorter space of time. If you’re wondering how this is possible, it’s simply that the auger is larger and the feed chute is wider.
What We can Make with a Horizontal Masticating Juicer
Horizontal masticating juicers can make all kinds of different drinks and foods. The Omega J8006 is the most versatile juicer I own. It does all kinds of things, you can homogenize your food (crush it up), e.g. baby food, salsa, etc.; make frozen desserts; make homemade pasta; grind up coffee beans; make nut butters; and of course make juices.
This juicer is costs round about $100 less than it’s vertical brother. On top of that, you can do more with it. The drawback is that it simply takes longer to use.
How to Choose
When it comes to juicing, I perfer to use my horizontal masticating juicer if I’m making a green juice. When no greens are involved, I go with the vertical unit.
What I see as the most important factors in picking one of these juicers is the choice between speed and versatility. Cost may play its part too. In all honesty, I’m very happy owning both of these juicers and I cannot imagine anyone not being satisfied with either model.