Margarita Bar & Drinkware

Cheap but Built to Last: The Best Cheap Citrus Juicer

The best cheap citrus juicer for limes, lemons and oranges: budget hand presses, reamers and small electrics that reviewers rate and that last.

A glass citrus reamer topped with an orange half on a wooden board beside a cut orange, a knife and a glass of orange juice
A glass reamer, a cut orange and a glass of fresh juice.

You do not need to spend much to get good fresh juice. Some of the most praised citrus juicers are also among the least expensive, and a simple hand press often outlasts a gadget with more parts. The trick is telling the cheap juicers that work from the ones that bend, rust or leave half the juice in the lime.

This guide sticks to the low end of the market: hand presses, reamers and small electric juicers that cost a fraction of a premium machine. It names the ones independent reviewers rate, the ones built to commercial standards, and the one popular budget electric that a reviewer told readers to avoid.

Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports, along with the published equipment reviews we cite.

Quick verdict: the best cheap citrus juicer for most kitchens

If you want electric juicing on a budget, the best cheap citrus juicer is the Dash Dual Electric Citrus Juicer, America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Buy, with two cones that take limes up to grapefruit. If you mostly juice limes and lemons, the Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer hand press is the top-rated manual juicer from two independent reviewers and costs even less. For the smallest outlay of all, the OXO Good Grips Wooden Reamer was Reviewed’s best value.

Below, the five standouts side by side, then all seven juicers in full.

Five budget citrus juicers at a glance

Our five standout picks side by side, one for each kind of buyer, with the details each maker or listing states. All seven juicers are reviewed in full below.

Citrus juicer Best for Type & material Cleaning (per maker) Buy on Amazon
Every citrus, small kitchens Electric reamer, two cones, 20-ounce container Parts come apart for hand washing View on Amazon
Limes and lemons for drinks and cooking Geared hand press, nylon and stainless steel Top-rack dishwasher safe View on Amazon
Pitchers of juice for a crowd Electric reamer, 32-ounce container Dishwasher-safe, per the listing View on Amazon
A lime or two over a dish Handheld reamer, solid beechwood Hand wash and dry promptly View on Amazon
IMUSA 3 Piece Lime

Limes, lemons and oranges, one size each Three hand presses, cast aluminum Not stated in the listing View on Amazon

Product images from Amazon. Details are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.

Our picks for the best cheap citrus juicer

All seven of these sit in the budget price tier for their type. They cover small electrics, geared and plain hand presses, a glass reamer and a wooden one. Each pick explains who it suits and gives one honest reason to pass.

1. Dash Dual Electric Citrus Juicer – Test Kitchen Best Buy

Best cheap electricDash Dual Electric Citrus Juicer Machine - Orange Juicer and Lemon Squeezer with Auto-Reversing Reamer

The Dash is a small electric reamer: press a half onto the cone and it spins, reversing direction to pull out more juice. It comes with two interchangeable cones, a small one for limes and lemons and a large one for oranges and grapefruit, which is the main thing that separates a useful budget electric from a frustrating one. The pulp screen adjusts, and the juice collects in a 20-ounce container with a spout that Dash says pours without drips.

America’s Test Kitchen named it the Best Buy of its electric citrus juicer review, calling it inexpensive and lightweight with a strong yield. ATK also found the reamer slower than the top models and the double strainer prone to clogging with pulp, which slows the flow. Those are fair trade-offs at this price.

The cones, container and lid come apart, and Dash describes them as easy to hand wash. The listing does not say they are dishwasher safe, and it does not state the wattage or warranty terms, so check the box before you rely on either.

Why we like it

  • America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Buy electric juicer
  • Two cones, small limes to grapefruit
  • Adjustable pulp screen
  • Light and compact to store

Key specifications

Model JB065AQ
Type Electric reamer, auto-reversing
Material Not stated
Power Not stated
Capacity/fruit size 20-ounce container; small limes to large grapefruit
Pulp control Adjustable pulp screen
Dishwasher-safe parts Not stated; hand washing described
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you want an electric juicer for breakfast orange juice and the occasional batch of margaritas, without giving it much cupboard space or spending much.

Skip it if you juice large amounts at once; the 20-ounce container and slower reamer make a bigger machine better for parties.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Strong yield, per ATK
  • Two cone sizes
  • Small and light

Cons

  • Strainer clogs with pulp, per ATK
  • Small container
  • Dishwasher use and warranty not stated

Check price on Amazon

2. Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer – Top-Rated Press, Budget Price

Best hand pressChef'n FreshForce Lemon Squeezer Citrus Juicer

This is the clearest case of a cheap juicer that is also the best of its kind. The yellow FreshForce, model 102-159-017, is the exact press that won America’s Test Kitchen’s manual citrus juicer review, and Reviewed ranked the FreshForce first overall among every juicer it tried, electric ones included, finding it fast and less messy than most.

What makes it work is a patented dual-gear hinge that Chef’n says adds pressing power and reduces hand fatigue. Chef’n also claims up to 20% more juice than standard squeezers, a figure we could not find measured independently. ATK measured the bowl at 3 inches, the minimum size it found worked best, since the fruit sits inside the bowl instead of bulging over the edge.

It is nylon and stainless steel with non-slip handles, sized for lemons, key limes and similar fruit, and it goes on the top rack of the dishwasher. The cheapness comes from simplicity, not thin metal.

Why we like it

  • Winner of ATK’s manual juicer review; Reviewed’s best overall
  • Dual-gear hinge reduces effort
  • 3-inch bowl takes lemons and limes
  • Top-rack dishwasher safe

Key specifications

Model 102-159-017
Type Hinged hand press with dual gears
Material Nylon and stainless steel
Power Manual
Capacity/fruit size Lemons, key limes, small citrus; 3-inch bowl (per ATK)
Pulp control Basket catches pulp and pits
Dishwasher-safe parts Whole tool, top rack
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if limes and lemons are most of what you juice. For margaritas, salsas and a squeeze over tacos, nothing in this price tier has stronger independent backing. Our best lime squeezer guide covers it alongside other lime tools.

Skip it if you want orange juice in quantity; the bowl is too small for big oranges and grapefruit.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Two reviewers’ top pick
  • Gears save your grip
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Too small for grapefruit
  • Mostly nylon, not all metal
  • Warranty not stated

Check price on Amazon

3. BLACK+DECKER 32oz Electric Citrus Juicer – A Party Pitcher on a Budget

Best for pitchersBLACK+DECKER 32oz Electric Citrus Juicer

When a cheap electric needs to fill a pitcher, container size matters, and the CJ625’s clear 32-ounce container is the largest on this page. It has measurement markings and doubles as a serving pitcher with a handle and drip-free spout. The cone is pressure activated and reverses automatically, and pulp control is adjustable, with pulp collecting in a removable basket.

Reviewed named it the best electric citrus juicer it reviewed, noting that it handled both small and large citrus and that the container was easy to clean. America’s Test Kitchen recommended it with reservations: quick with small and medium citrus, a roomy carafe and parts that detach easily, but “extremely loud”, with an extra strainer that adds to cleanup.

The listing calls it dishwasher-safe, and BLACK+DECKER gives a one-year warranty, one of the clearer warranties among budget electrics.

Why we like it

  • Reviewed’s best electric citrus juicer
  • Large 32-ounce pitcher-style container
  • Adjustable pulp with a removable basket
  • One-year warranty

Key specifications

Model CJ625
Type Electric reamer, pressure activated
Material Plastic container; cone material not stated
Power Not stated
Capacity/fruit size 32-ounce container; small and large citrus
Pulp control Adjustable, with pulp basket
Dishwasher-safe parts Yes, per the listing
Warranty 1 year

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you host and want to juice a bag of limes or oranges straight into something you can pour from.

Skip it if your kitchen is open-plan and noise matters; ATK found it very loud.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Biggest container here
  • Adjustable pulp
  • Dishwasher-safe parts

Cons

  • Loud, per ATK
  • Extra strainer to wash
  • Takes cupboard space

Check price on Amazon

A halved lime and a whole lime beside a yellow lemon on a white surface
Limes beside a lemon: fruit size decides which bowl or cone fits.

4. OXO Good Grips Wooden Reamer – Reviewed’s Best Value

Best valueOXO Good Grips Wooden Reamer

A wooden reamer is about as cheap as a citrus juicer gets, and OXO’s is the one reviewers back. It is solid FSC-certified beechwood with a natural oil finish and a large handle: twist it into the cut half of the fruit over a bowl, and the ridges break up the flesh and release the juice.

Reviewed named it its best value, finding one of the highest yields in its lineup and good-tasting juice, though it was the slowest and messiest tool there. America’s Test Kitchen recommended it as a “compact, straightforward tool”, but found reamed juice less aromatic than pressed juice, and noted the tip can poke through thin lime peels.

There is nothing to break or wear out. OXO says to hand wash it and dry it promptly, and backs it with a satisfaction guarantee.

Why we like it

  • Reviewed’s best value; recommended by ATK
  • High yield, per Reviewed
  • Solid beechwood, no moving parts
  • Takes almost no drawer space

Key specifications

Model 1064758
Type Handheld reamer
Material Solid beechwood, natural oil finish
Power Manual
Capacity/fruit size Lemons and limes
Pulp control None; no strainer
Dishwasher-safe parts No; hand wash and dry promptly
Warranty OXO satisfaction guarantee

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you want the least expensive tool that still gets good juice out of a lime, or a backup for the odd lime over dinner.

Skip it if seeds in your juice are a problem; it has no strainer, so you will need a small sieve.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very low price tier
  • Good yield and flavor
  • Nothing to break

Cons

  • Slow and messy
  • No strainer
  • Hand wash only

Check price on Amazon

5. IMUSA 3-Piece Citrus Squeezer Set – One Press for Each Fruit

Best for mixed citrusIMUSA 3 Piece Lime

The classic hinged squeezer comes color-coded in Latin kitchens: green for limes, yellow for lemons, orange for oranges. IMUSA sells all three as a set, in cast aluminum at 7.7, 8.6 and 9 inches long, and the listing says together they cover limes, lemons, oranges and small grapefruit. Each has straining holes to hold back seeds and pulp and a built-in hanging ring.

IMUSA lists margaritas, lemonade, ceviche and guacamole among the uses, which is a fair summary of what a Mexican kitchen does with citrus. Buying a set solves the main problem with a single cheap squeezer, a bowl that is the wrong size for the fruit in your hand; our lime squeezer vs lemon squeezer comparison explains why size matters.

The trade-offs are the finish and care. These are painted aluminum, and the set listing gives no cleaning instructions; IMUSA’s single green squeezer is listed as hand wash only, so treat the set the same way. There is no gear or lever assist.

Why we like it

  • Three sizes for limes, lemons and oranges
  • Straining holes hold back seeds
  • Hanging rings for storage
  • Light cast aluminum

Key specifications

Model VICT-70002SET
Type Hinged hand presses, set of 3
Material Cast aluminum, painted finish
Power Manual
Capacity/fruit size 7.7, 8.6 and 9 inches long; limes to small grapefruit
Pulp control Straining holes
Dishwasher-safe parts Not stated
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you juice several kinds of citrus and want the right-size press for each,.

Skip it if you want dishwasher-safe tools or a finish that cannot chip; stainless steel suits you better.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Right size for each fruit
  • Simple and light
  • Seed-straining holes

Cons

  • Painted finish
  • Care not stated; hand wash advised
  • No independent review found

Check price on Amazon

A pile of squeezed orange halves and whole oranges
Spent orange halves after juicing.

6. Bellemain Stainless Steel Lemon Squeezer – All Metal, Nothing to Chip

Best stainless steelBellemain Metal Lemon Squeezer

If you want a budget hand press with no coating at all, Bellemain’s is 304 stainless steel, with what the company describes as reinforced hinges, thick casting and strong levers. Thick silicone-bonded handles give a steadier grip than bare metal, and the bowl directs juice downward while catching seeds and pulp.

Bellemain says it takes lemons, limes and suitably sized orange halves, and that it rinses clean or goes in the dishwasher. Stainless steel has nothing to chip, peel or react with citrus juice, which is the main reason to choose it over painted or enameled aluminum.

Reviewed included a Bellemain stainless steel lemon squeezer in its ranking, praising its looks, sturdiness, comfortable handles and compact size, but finding its yield only average. We could not confirm that was this exact listing, so read that as a guide to the design rather than a verdict.

Why we like it

  • 304 stainless steel, no coating to wear
  • Silicone-bonded handles
  • Seed-catching bowl
  • Dishwasher safe

Key specifications

Model Lemon Press
Type Hinged hand press
Material 304 stainless steel, silicone handles
Power Manual
Capacity/fruit size Lemons, limes, small orange halves; bowl size not stated
Pulp control Bowl catches seeds and pulp
Dishwasher-safe parts Yes
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you want a sturdy, all-metal squeezer that goes in the dishwasher and should not chip or rust.

Skip it if maximum yield matters most; the geared Chef’n is better backed by reviewers.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Stainless steel body
  • Comfortable handles
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Average yield, per Reviewed
  • No gear assist
  • Warranty not stated

Check price on Amazon

7. TableCraft Glass Juicer – A Classic Reamer With a Spout

Best glass reamerTableCraft H223 Glass Manual Juicer with Handle and Pour Spout – Vintage-Style Clear Glass Lemon Juicer

The ribbed glass juicer is the old-fashioned countertop reamer: a cone in the middle of a dish, with a moat around it to catch juice and seeds. TableCraft, a foodservice supplier, makes this one in clear faceted glass, 6 inches across and 8.5 by 6 by 3.25 inches overall, with a handle and a pour spout.

You press and twist the fruit on the cone, then pour the juice off. Glass does not react with citrus or hold smells, and TableCraft says it is dishwasher safe. The company also suggests turning the dish over to use as a glass rimmer for salt or sugar, a handy extra for margarita night.

America’s Test Kitchen found reamers generally slower and messier than presses, and that bigger reamers worked faster than small ones; at 6 inches, this is a large one. No independent reviewer has published results on this exact model.

Why we like it

  • Non-reactive glass
  • Pour spout and handle
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Doubles as a glass rimmer, per TableCraft

Key specifications

Model H223
Type Countertop glass reamer
Material Glass
Power Manual
Capacity/fruit size 6-inch diameter; 8.5 x 6 x 3.25 inches; citrus
Pulp control Moat catches seeds; no strainer stated
Dishwasher-safe parts Yes
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you like a simple, dishwasher-safe reamer you can pour from, and want something that also rims glasses.

Skip it if you want speed; a press is faster and less messy, and glass can break if dropped.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Glass will not react with acid
  • Pours neatly
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Slower than a press
  • Breakable
  • No independent review found

Check price on Amazon

Close-up of halved limes and a halved lemon
Halved limes and a lemon, ready to juice.

How to choose a budget citrus juicer that lasts

With cheap juicers, the risk is less about yield and more about buying something that fails or frustrates. Five checks cover it.

1. Match the tool to how much you juice

For a few limes at a time, a hand press is cheaper, faster to clean and better reviewed than any budget electric. A small electric starts to make sense when you juice oranges for breakfast or a pitcher of limes every weekend. Our cluster guide to the best citrus juicer covers lever presses and premium electrics if your volume is higher than a budget tool handles.

2. Get the bowl or cone size right

America’s Test Kitchen found press bowls of at least 3 inches worked best, while small bowls left juice in larger lemons. For electrics, look for two cones or one universal cone so limes and oranges both fit. Persian limes, the common supermarket kind, are about 2 to 2½ inches across, according to a University of Wisconsin Extension guide.

A wooden bowl of green limes and yellow citrus on a table
A bowl of limes and yellow citrus.

3. Check what touches the juice

Citrus is acidic. Stainless steel, glass and the nylon-and-steel build of the Chef’n stand up to it; painted aluminum can wear with time and is usually hand wash only. On cheap squeezers, the finish is where corners get cut.

4. Read the care and warranty lines

Many budget listings do not state dishwasher safety or a warranty at all, and we mark that as “Not stated” above rather than guess. A clear warranty, like BLACK+DECKER’s one year, is worth something at this level.

5. Think about your hands

Plain hinged presses put all the force on your grip. If that is hard for you, a geared press or a small electric helps; our guide to the best citrus juicer for arthritic hands goes further.

How we picked these seven budget juicers

We looked for inexpensive citrus juicers that do the job well and are built to keep doing it: a good yield, seeds kept out of the drink, a finish that survives citrus acid, and honest care and warranty information. We searched the citrus juicers sold on Amazon in the United States, kept only those in the budget tier for their type, and checked each was in stock with Amazon’s product data on the day of writing. Specifications come from the maker or the listing. For performance we relied on America’s Test Kitchen’s electric citrus juicer review, its manual citrus juicer review and Reviewed’s citrus juicer ranking. We left out the Proctor Silex Alex’s Lemonade Stand juicer, a popular budget electric that Reviewed told readers to avoid for its low, bitter yield and weak pulp settings, as well as presses those reviewers did not recommend and near-identical squeezers from sellers with no maker details. Three picks, the IMUSA set, the Amco and the TableCraft, have no independent review we could find, and we say so. We also left out glazed or enameled picks whose makers give no lead-free statement. We have not used these juicers ourselves; where we describe how one performs, we say whose findings those are.

Cheap citrus juicer questions, answered

What is the best budget citrus juicer?

For electric juicing, the Dash Dual, America’s Test Kitchen’s Best Buy. For limes and lemons by hand, the Chef’n FreshForce, which won ATK’s manual review and was Reviewed’s best overall.

Is an inexpensive citrus juicer worth buying?

Yes, if you choose carefully. The best-rated handheld press in both reviews we cite is a low-cost tool. The risks with cheap juicers are thin coatings, small bowls and missing care information, so check those before you buy.

Can you get a good electric citrus juicer without paying premium prices?

Yes. The Dash Dual and the BLACK+DECKER CJ625 both sit well below premium presses like Breville’s and both earned recommendations from independent reviewers, with caveats on speed for the Dash and noise for the BLACK+DECKER.

Is a cheap hand press or a cheap electric better for margaritas?

For a round of drinks, a hand press: it is quicker to grab and rinse. For a pitcher, a small electric saves your hands. Either way, squeeze into a measuring cup first so seeds stay out of the shaker, and keep a bottle of margarita mix for nights when the limes run out.

Our final word on budget juicers

Start with the Chef’n FreshForce if limes and lemons are most of your juicing; it is cheap and still the best-reviewed hand press around. Add the Dash Dual or the BLACK+DECKER if you want orange juice or pitchers without the effort. For the rest of the bar, see our guide to margarita accessories.

And if you would rather someone else did the squeezing, see our drinks or call to order.

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