Prep Tools

Citrus Juicer

Squeezes every last drop from lemons, limes, and oranges

Extracts juice from halved citrus while straining out seeds and pulp. A handheld press gives you leverage for limes and lemons; a reamer suits oranges. Roll the fruit firmly on the counter first to free up more juice.

A citrus juicer extracts juice from halved citrus while straining out seeds and pulp. A handheld squeeze press gives you leverage for limes and lemons; a reamer or press suits bigger oranges. The real secret to more juice isn't the tool — it's rolling and warming the fruit first to free up the liquid inside.

Types & varieties

Handheld squeeze press

Hinged bowls that invert the fruit half and squeeze; great leverage for limes and lemons, seeds caught in the holes.

Reamer

A ridged cone (wood or metal) you twist into a halved fruit over a bowl; cheap, simple, good for oranges.

Press stand / lever juicer

Countertop lever for high volume with little effort — best when you juice a lot.

Electric citrus juicer

Spinning reamer for batches; fast for oranges and grapefruit.

Get more juice out

Cold fruit holds its juice tightly. Roll it firmly under your palm on the counter to break the internal membranes, and if it's been in the fridge, warm it 15–20 seconds in the microwave or under hot water first. With a handheld press, cut the fruit and place it cut-side down so the bowl turns it inside out as you squeeze.

Roll the fruit firmly on the counter first
Warm cold fruit for a moment before juicing
Cut crosswise (across the segments), not pole to pole
Place cut-side down in a handheld press for max yield

Common uses

Juicing lemons and limes for dressings and marinadesSqueezing oranges and grapefruit for drinksMaking fresh lemonade and cocktail mixersAdding acid to brighten sauces and soupsStraining seeds out as you juice

Tips & pitfalls

Roll lemons and limes hard on the counter before cutting — it releases noticeably more juice.
A handheld press works best cut-side down, so it turns the fruit inside out as it squeezes.
Warm fridge-cold citrus for 15 seconds in the microwave to loosen the juice.
Zest the fruit before juicing — you'll never get good zest off a squeezed half.
Freeze surplus juice in ice-cube trays for cooking and drinks later.