Most squeezers are sized for one fruit. A lime squeezer will not close over an orange half, and an orange squeezer leaves a lime rattling around in a bowl too wide to press it. That is fine if you only ever juice limes, but a kitchen that makes margaritas on Friday, orange juice on Sunday and lemonade for a party needs a plan for every size.
This guide is about that plan: squeezers that cover more than one fruit, hand presses sized for oranges, and the countertop lever presses that bars use when a hand squeezer gets tiring. If lemons are your main fruit, our guide to the best lemon squeezer goes deeper on lemon-sized tools, reamers and seed catchers.
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Quick verdict: which citrus squeezer to buy
For limes and lemons, the best citrus squeezer is the Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer: America’s Test Kitchen rated it highly recommended, its 3-inch bowl fits both fruits, and its geared hinge spares your grip. For oranges, add its big sibling, the Chef’n Citrus Orange Squeezer. If one tool has to cover limes and lemons in a single drawer slot, the Zulay Kitchen 2-in-1 Lemon Lime Squeezer puts both bowl sizes on one pair of handles. For a home bar that squeezes by the pitcher, a lever press such as the Eurolux Cast Iron Juicer does the work with your arm instead of your hand.
Five citrus squeezers compared
Our five standout picks side by side, one for each kind of kitchen. All eight squeezers are reviewed in full below.
| Squeezer | Best for | Type | Fruit sizes | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chef’n FreshForce Citrus JuicerBest overall
|
Limes and lemons, less grip | Geared hinged press | Limes, lemons, small citrus | View on Amazon |
Zulay Kitchen 2-in-1 Lemon Lime SqueezerTwo bowls in one
|
One tool for limes and lemons | Double-bowl hinged press | Limes, lemons, small oranges | View on Amazon |
Chef’n Citrus Orange SqueezerBest for oranges
|
Oranges and large citrus | Geared hinged press | Oranges, large citrus | View on Amazon |
Eurolux Cast Iron JuicerBest lever press
|
Home bars, pitchers of juice | Countertop lever press | Citrus up to oranges; pomegranates | View on Amazon |
IMUSA Orange SqueezerBudget pick
|
Occasional oranges | Cast aluminum hinged press | Oranges, lemons, limes | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Fruit sizes are as each maker states. Check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best citrus squeezer
These eight squeezers fall into three groups: hand presses for limes and lemons, hand presses sized for oranges, and countertop lever presses for big batches. Two of them, the Chef’n FreshForce and the Hamilton Beach lever press, also appear in our other citrus guides; we include them here because nothing else in their class has better backing, and we explain how each fits the multi-fruit kitchen.
1. Chef’n FreshForce Citrus Juicer – Gears Multiply a Light Squeeze
America’s Test Kitchen rated the FreshForce highly recommended and the winner of its review of manual citrus juicers. ATK measured the bowl at 3 inches and found that its bowls “comfortably accommodated limes and lemons,” which is exactly the range this tool is for. That review covered the yellow version, model 102-159-017; this lime-green version, model 102-159-018, is the same tool in a different color.
The hinge holds a patented dual-gear mechanism that Chef’n says increases pressing power and reduces hand fatigue, and the maker claims about 20 percent more juice than conventional handheld juicers. We have not seen that figure measured independently, but ATK’s results put it at the top of the handheld presses. It is built from nylon and stainless steel and goes on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Its limit is size: it is a lime and lemon tool. For oranges, Chef’n makes the larger squeezer below, and the two together cover nearly every citrus a home kitchen buys.
Why we like it
- Winner of ATK’s manual citrus juicer review
- 3-inch bowl fits limes and lemons, per ATK
- Dual-gear hinge reduces hand strain, per Chef’n
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 102-159-018 |
|---|---|
| Type | Hinged press with dual-gear mechanism |
| Fruit sizes | Lemons, limes, small citrus |
| Bowl size | 3 in (ATK) |
| Material | Nylon and stainless steel |
| Seed control | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, top rack |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who squeezes limes and lemons most days, for margaritas, salsa, ceviche or dressings, and wants the handheld with the strongest independent results.
Skip it if you want one tool for oranges too. Its bowl is sized for limes and lemons.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Independent review backing
- Easy on the hands
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not for oranges
- Nylon body, not all metal
- Warranty not stated
2. Zulay Kitchen 2-in-1 Lemon Lime Squeezer – Two Bowl Sizes on One Tool
The usual answer to limes and lemons is two squeezers, a green one and a yellow one. Zulay’s 2-in-1 nests a lime-sized bowl inside a lemon-sized bowl on one pair of handles: use the inner bowl for limes, lift it away for lemons, and Zulay says it also handles small oranges. That makes it the most compact way on this list to cover more than one fruit.
Zulay makes it from aluminum finished with a food-grade coating and says it is designed to be easy on the hands. Holes in the bottom of the bowl hold back seeds and pulp, and the whole tool goes in the dishwasher or rinses clean under the tap. Zulay backs it with a lifetime guarantee.
We have not found an independent review of this squeezer, and Zulay does not give bowl diameters. The coating is what protects the aluminum from acidic juice, so hand washing will likely keep it looking newer longer, even though the maker allows the dishwasher.
Why we like it
- Lime and lemon bowls on one tool
- Handles small oranges, per Zulay
- Seed-straining holes
- Lifetime guarantee
Key specifications
| Model | 2-in-1 Lemon Squeezer (yellow and green) |
|---|---|
| Type | Hinged press with two nested bowls |
| Fruit sizes | Limes, lemons, small oranges |
| Bowl size | Not stated |
| Material | Aluminum, food-grade coating |
| Seed control | Straining holes |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes (Zulay) |
| Warranty | Lifetime guarantee |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if drawer space is short and you want one squeezer for both limes and lemons, with a small orange now and then.
Skip it if you want a review-tested tool. This one has only the maker’s description behind it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Two sizes, one tool
- Lifetime guarantee
- Low price tier
Cons
- No independent review found
- Bowl sizes not stated
- Coated aluminum, not stainless
3. Chef’n Citrus Orange Squeezer – The Geared Press, Sized for Oranges
This is the big sibling of the FreshForce above: the same patented dual-gear hinge, built around a bowl with the extra depth that oranges and other large citrus need, according to Chef’n. The maker says the gears give maximum juice with minimal force, and that the squeezer keeps seeds and splatter out of the glass.
Chef’n builds it from reinforced nylon and stainless steel, model 102-408-008, and it goes on the top rack of the dishwasher. Be aware that the listing gives two lengths: the title says 15 inches, the size field says 12.75 inches. Either way it is a long tool, so check that it fits your drawer.
A hand press for oranges makes sense when you want a glass or two of juice, or orange juice for a marinade or a pitcher of agua fresca, without bringing out a machine. America’s Test Kitchen has not reviewed this orange model, so its results rest on the smaller FreshForce’s record and the maker’s claims.
Why we like it
- Deep bowl for oranges and large citrus
- Same dual-gear hinge as the FreshForce
- Reinforced nylon and stainless steel
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 102-408-008 |
|---|---|
| Type | Hinged press with dual-gear mechanism |
| Fruit sizes | Oranges and large citrus |
| Bowl size | Not stated; tool 12.75 to 15 in long |
| Material | Reinforced nylon and stainless steel |
| Seed control | “No seeds”, per Chef’n |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, top rack |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you squeeze oranges by hand and want the geared hinge that made the smaller Chef’n a review winner.
Skip it if you mostly juice limes. A half-lime will not press well in a bowl this large.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sized for oranges
- Less grip needed than a plain hinge
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Long; listing gives two lengths
- Not reviewed independently
- Too big for limes
4. Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Lemon Squeezer, Large – All Metal, Lime to Small Orange
For a squeezer with no coating to chip, this large Zulay press is made from 18/8 stainless steel, with blue silicone sleeves on the handles. Zulay says its bowl takes limes, large lemons and even small oranges, and lists the citrus it is meant for by name, from Key limes and Mexican limes to Meyer, Eureka and Lisbon lemons.
The bowl holds back seeds, and the squeezer goes on the top shelf of the dishwasher like a mug, according to the listing. Zulay backs it with a lifetime warranty. Stainless steel does not react with citrus juice and will not discolor, which makes it a sensible choice for a kitchen that squeezes every day and runs everything through the dishwasher.
As with most squeezers, the maker does not give a bowl diameter, and we have not found an independent review of this model.
Why we like it
- 18/8 stainless steel, no coating
- Large bowl for limes to small oranges
- Silicone handle sleeves
- Dishwasher safe; lifetime warranty
Key specifications
| Model | Stainless Steel Lemon Squeezer (Large) |
|---|---|
| Type | Hinged press |
| Fruit sizes | Limes, large lemons, small oranges |
| Bowl size | Not stated (“Large”) |
| Material | 18/8 stainless steel, silicone sleeves |
| Seed control | Bowl holds back seeds |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes, top shelf |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want one all-metal squeezer that handles the full run from limes to small oranges and can go in the dishwasher daily.
Skip it if your grip is weak. A plain hinge needs more squeeze than the geared Chef’n presses.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stainless steel throughout
- Wide range of fruit
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- No independent review found
- Needs a firm grip
5. IMUSA Orange Squeezer – The Cast Aluminum Classic in Orange Size
IMUSA’s cast aluminum squeezers are a fixture of Latin American kitchens, sized by fruit and colored to match: green for limes, yellow for lemons and this orange one for oranges. It measures 9 inches, according to IMUSA, and has straining holes to filter seeds and pulp, plus a hanging ring so it can live on a hook by the stove.
IMUSA lists homemade orange juice, ceviche, margaritas, marinades and tea among its uses, and says it handles lemons and limes too. A small lime will press better in a lime-sized cup, but for a kitchen that wants one cheap squeezer that at least fits an orange half, this is it.
The listing does not give care instructions. IMUSA tells buyers of its green lime squeezer to hand wash with soapy water, and that is the sensible approach for painted cast aluminum. The listing also carries a California-style chemical disclosure naming aluminum and trace metals; IMUSA points buyers to imusausa.com for details.
Why we like it
- Orange-sized cup in IMUSA’s color-coded range
- Straining holes for seeds and pulp
- Built-in hanging ring
- Cast aluminum, 9 in long
Key specifications
| Model | VICTORIA-70009 |
|---|---|
| Type | Hinged press, Mexican style |
| Fruit sizes | Oranges, lemons, limes |
| Bowl size | Not stated; tool 9 in long |
| Material | Cast aluminum, orange finish |
| Seed control | Straining holes |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated; hand wash advised |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want an orange-sized squeezer for occasional use, or a third color to hang beside a green and a yellow one.
Skip it if you want dishwasher-safe tools. Painted aluminum is a hand-wash tool.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low price tier
- Fits an orange half
- Hangs on a hook
Cons
- Hand wash only, in practice
- Cup size not stated
- Plain hinge, no gears
6. OXO Good Grips Citrus Squeezer – Die-Cast Press With Cushioned Handles
OXO’s citrus squeezer, model 1057962, is a hinged press made for lemons and limes. The listing says it strains seeds and pulp as you squeeze, so the juice can go straight into a glass, a pan or over a salad without a separate strainer.
It is built from die-cast aluminum with non-slip, pressure-absorbing handles, according to OXO, and it is dishwasher safe. Those soft handles are the reason to pick it over a bare-metal press if you squeeze a bag of limes at a time. The listing also says the squeezer is recommended by America’s Test Kitchen; we did not read that review ourselves.
OXO does not state the bowl diameter, and the listing sizes it for lemons and limes only. The listing gives the tool at about 10.5 inches long. OXO backs it with a satisfaction guarantee: return it for repair, replacement or refund.
Why we like it
- Made for both lemons and limes, per OXO
- Non-slip, pressure-absorbing handles
- Strains seeds and pulp as it squeezes
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 1057962 |
|---|---|
| Type | Hinged press |
| Fruit sizes | Lemons, limes |
| Bowl size | Not stated; tool about 10.5 in long |
| Material | Die-cast aluminum, cushioned handles |
| Seed control | Strains seeds and pulp |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes (OXO) |
| Warranty | OXO satisfaction guarantee |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a hinged lime and lemon press that is kinder to your hands than bare metal and can go in the dishwasher.
Skip it if you need to juice oranges too. OXO sizes it for lemons and limes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cushioned handles
- Dishwasher safe
- Built-in straining
Cons
- Bowl size not stated
- Too small for oranges
7. Eurolux Cast Iron Juicer – Lever Power for a Home Bar
When a party means squeezing thirty limes, a hand squeezer becomes a wrist workout. A countertop lever press moves the effort to your arm: set the half cut side down in the bowl, pull the lever, and the press pushes the fruit down onto a cone. Eurolux’s version, model RAK250016, has a heavy cast iron body that Eurolux describes as built for continuous juicing, and a stainless steel cup that sits under the spout to collect the juice.
Suction cups on the base hold it in place while you pull, and Eurolux says they can be swapped for small rubber feet. The parts that touch the fruit lift off and go in the dishwasher, and the body wipes clean. Eurolux lists oranges, lemons and pomegranates among the fruit it handles; very small limes can be harder to center in a big lever bowl, so a hand squeezer still has a place for single drinks.
America’s Test Kitchen rated a different cast iron lever press, Zulay’s, highly recommended, saying it was speedy and yielded great volumes of juice. We have not found a review of this Eurolux model, but the design is the same type.
Why we like it
- Cast iron body for continuous juicing
- Lever does the work, not your grip
- Stainless steel collection cup included
- Fruit-contact parts are dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | RAK250016 |
|---|---|
| Type | Countertop lever press |
| Fruit sizes | Citrus to oranges; pomegranates |
| Bowl size | Not stated (“Extra-Large”) |
| Material | Cast iron body, stainless steel cup |
| Seed control | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Fruit-contact parts |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you squeeze by the pitcher for parties, aguas frescas or a weekend of margaritas and want to spare your hands without buying an electric juicer.
Skip it if counter or cabinet space is tight. A cast iron lever press is heavy and tall.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast for big batches
- Uses arm, not grip
- Includes a collection cup
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Small limes are harder to center
- No independent review of this model
8. Hamilton Beach Commercial 932 Manual Citrus Juicer – An NSF-Certified Bar Press
The Hamilton Beach 932 is the diner-style lever press, built for commercial kitchens. Hamilton Beach says its extractor arm exerts up to 2,000 pounds of force for maximum juice with minimal skin oil and pulp, and that its metal parts and enamel finish resist wear from citrus acid. Sure Grip feet keep it from tipping.
It is certified by NSF International, the independent organization that certifies foodservice equipment, which matters if you run a food truck, a church kitchen or a home bar that serves a crowd. The stainless steel strainer cone and ABS plastic funnel lift off for cleaning, and the title lists lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit. Hamilton Beach gives a one-year parts and labor warranty.
It also appears in our main citrus juicer guide. Here it is the step up from the Eurolux: the same lever idea, with commercial certification and a stated warranty.
Why we like it
- NSF certified for foodservice
- Up to 2,000 lb of pressing force, per Hamilton Beach
- Acid-resistant enamel finish
- One-year parts and labor warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 932 |
|---|---|
| Type | Commercial countertop lever press |
| Fruit sizes | Lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit |
| Bowl size | Not stated |
| Material | Metal with enamel finish; stainless cone |
| Seed control | Stainless steel strainer cone |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated; cone and funnel remove |
| Warranty | 1 year parts and labor |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you squeeze for a crowd often enough to want certified commercial equipment with a warranty behind it.
Skip it if you juice a few limes a week. It is a large, heavy press in a higher price tier than any hand squeezer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Commercial certification
- Handles every common citrus
- Stated warranty
Cons
- Heavy and tall
- Dishwasher care not stated
- Overkill for small batches
How to choose a citrus squeezer for more than one fruit
A squeezer that suits every citrus does not quite exist, so the real choice is how to cover the fruit you buy with as few tools as possible. These points decide it.
1. Match the bowl to the fruit
America’s Test Kitchen found that press bowls at least 3 inches across worked best for lemons and that small bowls lowered yield. Limes are smaller: Persian limes, the common supermarket kind, run about 2 to 2½ inches across, and Key limes 1 to 2 inches. An orange half needs a deeper, wider bowl still. If a tool claims to do everything, check what the maker actually lists.
2. One tool, two tools or a lever press
For limes and lemons, one good press such as the Chef’n FreshForce or the Zulay 2-in-1 is enough. Add an orange-sized press if you squeeze oranges by hand. If you squeeze more than a dozen fruit at a time, a lever press does all three sizes faster and saves your hands.
3. Grip and leverage
A plain hinge needs a firm squeeze. Geared hinges, like Chef’n’s, multiply your force, and lever presses use your arm. If your hands get sore, our guide to the best citrus juicer for arthritic hands covers tools chosen for that.
4. Press, not reamer, for drinks
ATK found presses yielded more than reamers, were faster and less messy, and released aromatic oils from the peel that made the juice more fragrant. For a margarita or a paloma, that peel oil is part of the flavor.
5. Material and care
Stainless steel and Chef’n’s nylon go in the dishwasher. Painted aluminum is a hand-wash tool, since the coating is what protects the metal from acidic juice. Enameled presses vary, so follow the maker’s word.
How we picked these eight squeezers
We started from America’s Test Kitchen’s review of manual citrus juicers, which measured bowl sizes and yield, and looked for tools that cover more than one fruit size or press a whole batch: two-bowl and large-bowl hand presses, orange-sized presses and countertop lever presses. Specifications come from each brand’s own Amazon listing unless a review is named. We left out squeezers ATK did not recommend, including the OXO 2-in-1 and the KitchenAid hinged squeezer, sellers with no identifiable maker, and tools showing low stock or out of stock when we checked. We could not read Wirecutter’s citrus juicer coverage, so we do not cite it. We did not use these tools ourselves; where a review measured something, we name the review.
Citrus squeezer questions, answered
What citrus squeezer do reviewers recommend?
America’s Test Kitchen rated the Chef’n FreshForce highly recommended as its winning handheld press, and a cast iron lever press from Zulay highly recommended for big batches. Wirecutter also covers citrus juicers, but we could not access its current picks, so we do not report them.
Can one squeezer handle limes, lemons and oranges?
Partly. Large stainless presses like the Zulay take limes to small oranges, and lever presses take every size, but small limes press best in a small cup. Our comparison of lime and lemon squeezers explains where the sizes overlap.
What should I look for in citrus squeezer reviews?
Look for a measured bowl size, a yield comparison against other tools, and notes on mess and cleanup. Buyer comments about a hinge loosening or a coating chipping matter more than general praise.
Is a lever press better than an electric juicer for a bar?
A lever press needs no outlet, has fewer parts and keeps the peel oils that a press releases. An electric juicer is faster for oranges by the dozen. Our guide to the best citrus juicer machine covers the electric side.
How many limes do I need for a margarita?
It depends on the lime and the recipe, so squeeze into a jigger rather than counting fruit. Measure the tequila the same way: pour standard measures, offer an alcohol-free agua fresca alongside, and never drink and drive.
Our citrus squeezer plan for a busy kitchen
Start with the Chef’n FreshForce for limes and lemons, add the Chef’n orange squeezer if you juice oranges by hand, and move to the Eurolux or Hamilton Beach lever press when parties mean squeezing by the bag. For lemon-only tools, see the best lemon squeezer; for the rest of the bar, the home margarita bar guide; and for drinks made with all that juice, our guide to aguas frescas. If you would rather we did the squeezing, see the drinks at Julia’s or call to order.