When it comes to desserts, nothing says “summer” quite like ice cream. Cold, creamy, and satisfying, the quintessential sweet treat can’t help but conjure memories of childhood. But there’s no need to wait for the nostalgic jangle of an approaching ice cream truck to satisfy your cravings; with all the excellent, artisanal ice cream options available in stores these days, you’ll likely be more satisfied just serving yourself. With that in mind, we asked some of our favorite ice cream experts—Michael Palmer, CEO and owner of McConnell’s, Christina Seid, owner of Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, and Tyler Malek, co-founder of Salt & Straw—to share their go-to ice cream scoop. The overarching pick: Zeroll’s 1020 Original Ice Cream Scoop. Read on to find out why it’s considered the best ice cream scoop among pros and to get the scoop on a few other prime options.

• Best Overall: Zeroll 1020 Original Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Value: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Design: Belle-V Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Functionality: Midnight Scoop Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop
• Best Durability: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Zeroll 1020 Original Ice Cream Scoop

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Material: Aluminum Alloy | Capacity: 2 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: No

Why we chose it: A classic scoop that easily cuts through hard ice cream, and is warmed by the palm of your hand.

There was no debate among our experts over the superiority of this scoop, and with good reason. For starters, it’s been available since 1933, and the patented design featured a conductive fluid in the handle that warms to roll the ice cream, rather than compress it. While there are a lot of more intricate options out there—think: fancy triggers and creative shapes—the Zeroll “provides the perfect ergonomics and a sharp, even blade that cuts through the ice cream,” says Malek. What more could you want?

Best Value: OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop

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Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 1.6 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Why we chose it: A nonstick handle gives extra traction when scooping, while the pointed shape makes it easy to get every last bite from the corners of the carton.

If you’ve got fidgety hands, the OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Ice Cream scoop is the scoop for you. It features a pointed tip that easily scoops ice cream and flat edges designed to reach deep into the crevices of any container to collect every last bite. The comfortable, nonstick grip is easy to hold and helps position your hand for a tight grip with minimal effort and strain. Sturdy and heavy, this scoop gives you great leverage.

Best Design: Belle-V Ice Cream Scoop

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Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 3 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Not recommended

Why we chose it: An heirloom-quality scoop that’s as beautiful as it is easy to use.

With its angled head and unique shape, Belle-V’s Ice Cream Scoop is beautiful, durable, and highly functional. Made of hand-polished stainless steel, it has a weighted sculpted handle and spade-shaped leading edge to easily scoop and access tough-to-reach areas. Adds Palmer: “It’s great for showing off your scooping prowess at a summer ice cream party.” Your guests are sure to be impressed.

Best Functionality: Midnight Scoop Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop

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Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: 3 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Why we chose it: The shape of the scoop and handle are designed to relieve pressure on the wrists when scooping hard ice cream, while turning heads around a tub of ice cream.

You can’t put a price on quality, and the Midnight Scoop allows you to utilize your arms and shoulders to ergonomically dig into the ice cream for maximum scoopage. The curved handle is specially designed to plow through ice cream, and the spear-shaped front is capable of piercing rock-hard surfaces. It’s no wonder, then, that this scoop was featured as one of Oprah’s favorite things.

Best Durability: Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop

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Material: Stainless Steel | Capacity: .5 or .37 ounces | Dishwasher Safe: Yes

Why we chose it: A precise option for ice cream that doubles as a multi-functional tool in the kitchen.

The Sur La Table Stainless Steel Ice Cream Scoop is built to last, and frankly, we expect nothing less from the purveyor of luxury cookware. Made of sturdy stainless steel, the scoop comes equipped with a handy spring lever to serve up optimum-sized, picture-perfect portions every single time. It works wonders for ice cream, but can also be used for cookie dough, muffins, and meatballs. The possibilities are endless.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Ice Cream Scoops

Solid vs. mechanical vs. heated

The simpler the scoop, the better. Mechanical ice cream scoops often break, while heated scoops are considered a hoax by many insiders. “Even if [heated scoops] did work, they’d just melt ice cream instead of properly scooping it,” says Malek. He also cautions against using a scoop with a pointy tip. “It can lead to major wrist injury when it twists out of control on you.”

Handle design

Whether the handle is metal or rubber, the most important thing to keep in mind is a tight grip. “Make sure the handle fits nicely in your hand and doesn’t wiggle or twist,” says Malek.

Material

Throwing a party? If you’re going to be scooping a lot, Palmer advises using a solid, single-piece cast aluminum scoop, like the Zeroll.

Ask the Experts

Q: Why did my ice cream scoop turn black?

According to Palmer, this can happen when an aluminum scoop gets oxidized. “It’s just a superficial tarnish,” he says. “Take a clean dish towel with some vinegar or Bar Keepers Friend and your trusty scoop will look brand new in no time.” Malek assures us that discoloration is totally common. “If anything, it proves that you’ve got some ice cream street cred,” he says.

Q: What’s the best way to clean an ice cream scoop?

Because most scoops are either cast in aluminum or stainless steel, Malek recommends steering clear of the dishwasher. “I always hand-wash my scoops to ensure they’re not damaged and keep a nice long life,” he says. Both Seid and Palmer suggest cleaning with water and mild dish soap.

Our Take

Whether you’re scooping dozens of scoops at a party or simply making yourself a cone, the right ice cream scoop will save you (and your wrist) from stress. Our favorite, the Zeroll, is ergonomic to relieve stress on the hand and wrist during repetitive movement, the most important feature in an ice cream scoop in our opinion. Others, like OXO’s scoop, have a sturdy, flexible rubber grip for those who need a little more traction while scooping. Regardless of quantity, these are the scoops to get you through summer, no matter how cold the ice cream or arduous the task.

The post The Best Ice Cream Scoop Is an Under-$20 Classic appeared first on Saveur.

As summer beverages go, there’s nothing quite like a glass of fresh-squeezed juice. During a time when many of us have grown accustomed to meal-prepping at home, gone are the days of running out to buy a $12 blend. After all, why bother with a gratuitous (and expensive) errand when there are so many quick, affordable, and easy-to-clean juicers that allow you to make your very own batch from scratch, with plenty left over? We reached out to Jill Donenfeld, co-founder of private-chef service The Culinistas, and Lisle Richards, co-owner of NYC fast-casual cafe Village Den, to get their expert recommendations for the best juicers to buy now, and did some research of our own, too.

• Best Overall: Breville The Juice Fountain Cold Plus
• Best Value: Tribest Shine Kitchen Co. Cold Press Vertical Slow Juicer
• Best for Easy Cleanup: Hurom H101 Masticating Slow Juicer
• Best Efficiency: NutriBullet 800W Juicer
• Best Splurge: Omega VSJ843QS Vertical Juicer

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Breville The Juice Fountain Cold Plus

Weight: 13.67 pounds | Speeds: 2 | Type: Centrifugal | Power: 1000 watts

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Why we chose it: The speed of a centrifugal with the pulp-free promise of cold press? Sign us up.

The Breville Juice Fountain is a go-to for many die-hard juicers, as it gives you the speed of the centrifuge and the rich, pulp-free taste of a cold press—the best of both worlds. With a unique space-saving design in brushed stainless steel, an extra-wide chute for shorter prep, and a custom nozzle for easy pouring, it’s sleeker-looking than most models, as well as highly functional (the capacity is a whopping 70 fl oz, considerably more than your average juicer). Plus, since it only comes with a couple of pieces, it’s relatively painless to clean. It’s no wonder, then, that everyone from chefs to nutritionists cite it as their favorite.

Best Value: Tribest Shine Kitchen Co. Cold Press Vertical Slow Juicer

Weight: 7.9 pounds | Speeds: 1 | Type: Masticating | Power: 200 watts

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Why we chose it: A reliable juicer at a very nice price that you can pack up and take while traveling.

Equipped with a 200-watt motor, the small-but-mighty Shine Kitchen Co. Cold Press Vertical Slow Juicer from Tribest is a great choice if you’re on the hunt for a powerful cold press that’s portable enough to travel with. At $149, it’s more affordable than other heavy-duty juicers, and only consists of six pieces for manageable cleanup. Reviewers describe it as an “excellent juicer” and “the best bang for your buck you’ll find.”

Best for Easy Cleanup: Hurom H101 Easy Clean Masticating Slow Juicer

Weight: 18.2 pounds | Speeds: 1 | Type: Masticating | Power: 150 watts

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Why we chose it: Juicers are notoriously hard to clean—this one streamlines the process. 

If you want delicious juice without the mess, then this Hurom H101 Easy Clean Slow Juicer is for you (yes, the product name says it all). Featuring specially-designed groove strainers that don’t catch excess pulp and a special outlet that gets rid of pulp caught inside the chamber, as well as a fine and coarse straining option so you can alter the amount of fruit to your taste preferences, it’s a top-of-the-line gadget. Pricey, yes, but just imagine the time you’ll save on cleaning. The quiet motor is an added bonus.

Best Efficiency: NutriBullet 800W Juicer

Weight: 6.9 pounds | Speeds: 2 | Type: Centrifugal  | Power: 800 watts

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Why we chose it: A streamlined juicing process, complimented by a 27-ounce, save-it-for-later juice pitcher.

Over 500 reviewers agree that the NutriBullet 800W Juicer is one of the most efficient juicers in the game. It boasts a 3-inch-wide chute that can fit whole fruits and veggies, two speeds to combat tough exteriors, and a nifty sealed juice pitcher that can be stored for up to 48 hours, in case you’re in a hurry. There’s even a pulp basin to catch extra liquid and maximize the juice content, so you’ll be sipping multiple glasses of your supply.

Best Splurge: Omega VSJ843QS Vertical Slow Masticating Juicer

Weight: 23 pounds | Speeds: 1 | Type: Masticating | Power: 150 watts

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Why we chose it: The pick for when you’re ready to take your juice habit to the next level. 

The crème de la crème of juicers, the $400 Omega VSJ843QS Vertical Slow Masticating Juicer does it all. Mainly, it uses a patented Slow Squeezing Technology to give you the maximum amount of nutrients from a minimum amount of fruit, while simultaneously leaving less pulp (if that’s your thing). This machine will squeeze the good stuff from anything, be it leafy greens or almonds. The 15-year warranty certainly doesn’t hurt either.

How We Chose These Products

To choose the best juicers, we started by speaking to experts we trust, like a private chef and a fast-casual cafe owner. Then, we focused on including different price points, sizes, and wattage, and considered clean-up and even warranty time. Finally, we wanted a mix of centrifugal and masticating juicers, since both styles have aspects we like.

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Juicers

Centrifugal vs. Masticating Juicers

Known as “fast juicers,” centrifugal juicers use high-speed centrifugal force to blend fruits and veggies, ideal for those who want immediate results. Masticating, or “slow juicers,” on the other hand, use a rotating gear and screen, but extract more nutrients and a higher yield—this is especially helpful for hard-to-juice citrus fruits.

Capacity

A juicer’s capacity is all about the amount of juice it can make in one fell swoop. The Breville Juice Fountain Cold Plus, for example, is a large capacity machine that comes with a container to store 70 ounces of juice in. Our value pick, on the other hand, has a container that’s about about half that amount. Capacity also depends on a machine’s handling of pulp and extraction—you’ll get more juice from a machine that is better at extraction. 

Pulp vs. No Pulp

We all have our preferences. Though many prefer no-pulp juice, pulp contains fiber, which regulates blood sugar levels. If you detest pulp regardless, then opt for a slow juicer, which produces a smoother tasting drink without the pesky bits of fruit or vegetable.

Speed & Power

While you will sometimes see a 3-speed juicer on the market, most will be 1- or 2-speeds, with wattage of our chosen juicers ranging from 150 all the way to 1000. Wattage on masticating juicers will, by nature of the style, be lower and slower; centrifugal juicers are your speed demons.

Noise Level

Juicers, like high-speed blenders, aren’t the quietest in the countertop appliance bunch. If you’re looking for an option that won’t wake everyone up in the morning, a masticating juicer might be the right choice, as they are generally quieter than their centrifugal counterparts. However, our overall pick is centrifugal and gets some extra points for being quieter than expected.

Accessories

Most juicers come with basic accessories: a pusher to help fruits and vegetables down the chute, a cleaning brush, a pulp container. But some have additional features, like a sealable pitcher to store juice in, spouts for pouring directly into a glass, and various strainers for different outputs like smoothies and ice cream. 

Easy Cleaning

Because slow juicers produce less pulp, they’re also the easiest to clean. The speed of centrifugal juicers means more pulp, and unfortunately, more mess. “It’s easiest to clean a juicer after it’s been soaked in warm, soapy water for a couple of minutes,” says Richards. Some juicers, like the Nutribullet, allow you to disassemble the pieces and put them directly into the dishwasher. But before you go that route, always read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Warranty

Warranties for juicers vary, but those on our list range from 1 year to 15(!).

Ask the Experts

Q: Is a juicer better than a blender?

Well, they’re two different products! Not to be too on the nose, but it’s oranges to apples. Blenders puree, smoothie (here, a verb), ice crush, and whip, while juicers extract and liquify. Tossing a whole apple in a high-speed blender like a Vitamix will result in juice, but a much thicker variety with more pulp; the same apple will show completely different results in a juicer because of how it discards pulp. You’re using these tools for different purposes, so it’s important to have an understanding of your needs before investing.

Q: What’s the best way to clean a juicer?

While the best juicers come equipped with cleaning tools, Donenfeld advises using a toothbrush to clean your juicer with soap and warm water in a pinch. And don’t fret about stains, either. “If you’re juicing with beets and turmeric on a regular basis, the juicer will stain eventually, but it won’t affect the taste,” she says. “A friend of mine who juiced for 108 days during the pandemic views it as a badge of juicing honor.”

Q: I’m looking for juice recipe inspiration! Can you share some favorites?

Donenfeld has been making juice by combining beets with tamarind-ginger water and lemon juice. “Boil sliced ginger and a tamarind pod in water, then strain, cool, and mix with juiced beets and lemon juice,” she says. For his part, Richards prefers green juice with some spice. “I use celery, apple, parsley, kale, and ginger for a little kick,” he says. “I also add cayenne to aid in digestion.”

Our Take

Choose a juicer based on your preferences for (or tolerance of) pulp, how quickly you’d like a glass to be ready, and your budget. We love the Breville for the way it uses its power without leaving behind too much pulp, but our other picks will suit just about anyone searching for a juicer.

The post Chefs and Restaurateurs Sound Off on the Best Juicers to Try in 2022 appeared first on Saveur.

There’s nothing quite like a glass of fresh-squeezed juice. In a world where many of us have grown accustomed to meal-prepping at home, gone are the days of running out to buy a $12 blend. After all, why bother with a gratuitous (and expensive) errand when there are so many quick, affordable, and easy-to-clean juicers that allow you to make your very own batch from scratch, with plenty leftover? We reached out to Jill Donenfeld, co-founder of private-chef service The Culinistas, and Lisle Richards, co-owner of NYC fast-casual cafe Village Den, to get their expert recommendations for the best juicers to buy now, and did some research of our own, too.

• Best Overall: Breville The Juice Fountain Cold Plus
• Best for Easy Cleanup: Hurom Masticating Slow Juicer
• Best Splurge: Omega VSJ843QS Vertical Juicer

Features to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Juicers

Centrifugal vs. slow juicers: Known as “fast juicers,” centrifugal juicers use high-speed centrifugal force to blend fruits and veggies, rendering them ideal for those who want immediate results. Slow (masticating) juicers, on the other hand, use a rotating gear and screen, but extract more nutrients and a higher yield — this is especially helpful for hard-to-juice citrus fruits.

Pulp vs. no pulp: We all have our preferences. Though many prefer no-pulp juice, pulp contains fiber, which regulates blood sugar levels. If you detest pulp regardless, then opt for a slow juicer, which produces a smoother tasting drink without the pesky bits of fruit.

Easy cleaning: Because slow juicers produce less pulp, they also happen to be the easiest to clean. The fast pace of centrifugal juicers means more pulp, and unfortunately, more mess. “It’s easiest to clean a juicer after it’s been soaked in warm, soapy water for a couple of minutes,” says Richards.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Breville The Juice Fountain Cold Plus

Check Price

The Breville Juice Fountain is a go-to for many die-hard juicers, as it gives you the speed of the centrifuge and the rich, pulp-free taste of a cold press — the best of both worlds. With a unique space-saving design in brushed stainless steel, an extra-wide chute for shorter prep, and a custom nozzle for easy pouring, it’s sleeker-looking than most models, as well as highly functional (the capacity is a whopping 70 fl oz, considerably more than your average juicer). Plus, since it only comes with a couple of pieces, it’s relatively painless to clean too. It’s no wonder, then, that everyone from chefs to nutritionists cite it as their favorite.

Best for Easy Cleanup: Hurom H101 Easy Clean Masticating Slow Juicer

Check Price

If you want delicious juice without making a mess, then this Hurom H101 Easy Clean Slow Juicer is for you (yes, the product name says it all). Featuring specially-designed groove strainers that don’t catch excess pulp and a special outlet that gets rid of pulp caught inside the chamber, as well as a fine and coarse straining option so you can alter the amount of fruit to your taste preferences, it’s a top-of-the-line gadget. Pricey, yes, but just imagine the time you’ll save on cleaning. The quiet motor is an added bonus.

Best Splurge: Omega VSJ843QS Vertical Slow Masticating Juicer

Check Price

The crème de la crème of juicers, the Omega VSJ843QS Vertical Slow Masticating Juicer does it all. Mainly, it uses a patented Slow Squeezing Technology to give you the maximum amount of nutrients from a minimum amount of fruit, while simultaneously leaving less pulp (if that’s your thing). This machine will squeeze the good stuff from anything, be it leafy greens or almonds. The 15-year warranty certainly doesn’t hurt either.

Ask the Experts

What is the benefit of using an electric juicer over a handheld one?

To put it simply, “An electric juicer is simply less work,” says Donenfeld. Adds Richards: “It’ll give you a healthy serving of juice with minimal effort.”

What’s the best way to clean a juicer?

While the best juicers come equipped with cleaning tools, Donenfeld advises using a toothbrush to clean your juicer with soap and warm water in a pinch. And don’t fret about stains, either. “If you’re juicing with beets and turmeric on a regular basis, the juicer will stain eventually, but it won’t affect the taste,” she says. “A friend of mine who juiced for 108 days during the pandemic views it as a badge of juicing honor.”

I’m looking for juice recipe inspiration! Can you share some favorites?

Donenfeld has been making juice by combining beets with tamarind-ginger water and lemon juice. “Boil sliced ginger and a tamarind pod in water, then strain, cool, and mix with juiced beets and lemon juice,” she says. For his part, Richards prefers green juice with some spice. “I use celery, apple, parsley, kale, and ginger for a little kick,” he says. “I also add cayenne to aid in digestion.”

The post Chefs and Restaurateurs Sound Off on the Best Juicers appeared first on Saveur.