How to fix it
Work through these in order, the most common causes come first.
Why Clogs Happen
Auger-based (masticating) juicers clog when fibrous material wraps around the auger screw instead of being pulled through it cleanly.
This is most common with celery strings, wheatgrass, and thick stems fed too quickly or in large clumps.
Blade-based (centrifugal) juicers clog when the mesh basket packs with pulp faster than centrifugal force can fling it outward, usually from overloading the feed chute, or when stringy produce wraps around the spinning basket rather than shredding.
Diagnosing Your Specific Problem
Clogs happen specifically with celery, wheatgrass, or thick greens: a fibrous-produce clog.
Cut produce smaller and alternate with firmer items between batches.
Clogs happen when feeding a lot of produce quickly: an overload clog.
Slow down and feed in smaller amounts.
Clogging has increased noticeably over time on the same machine: possible wear on the auger, blade, or screen.
Safety Note
Always turn off and unplug a juicer before attempting to manually clear a clog.
Never use fingers to clear a jam near the auger or blade area, use the provided pusher tool or a reverse function instead.
Our picks
Products we recommend
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Top pickBreville
One of the simplest juicers to operate, drop produce in, press a button
- 850W motor
- Cold Sp in Technology
- 70oz juice jug
- Two-speed centrifugal system
- Rinses clean with water in most cases
✓ Pros
- One of the simplest juicers to operate, drop produce in, press a button
- Easy rinse-clean design lowers the biggest barrier to sticking with the habit
- Large capacity jug means less stopping to empty during a session
✕ Cons
- Louder than most masticating juicers
- Lower yield on leafy greens than a masticating juicer
- Larger footprint than the more compact budget options
Omega
Simple three-position switch (on/off/reverse) is not much harder to learn than a centrifugal juicer
- 80 RPM dual-stage auger
- 200W motor
- 37oz juice container
- On/off/reverse switch
- 15-year warranty
✓ Pros
- Simple three-position switch (on/off/reverse) is not much harder to learn than a centrifugal juicer
- Better yield and less foam than any centrifugal beginner option
- 15-year warranty removes the risk of buying a machine that won't last
✕ Cons
- Slower pace takes some adjustment for someone used to a fast centrifugal machine
- More assembly and disassembly steps for cleaning
- Higher upfront price than the other beginner picks here
Hurom
Among the highest yields recorded in independent testing on dense produce like carrots and beets
- Single auger, upright design
- 150W quiet motor
- Adjustable pulp control lever
- 500ml feed chamber
- Very quiet operation
✓ Pros
- Among the highest yields recorded in independent testing on dense produce like carrots and beets
- Adjustable pulp lever helps fine-tune output on fibrous root vegetables
- Quiet motor even when working through dense produce
✕ Cons
- Most expensive option on this list
- Narrower feed chamber requires more pre-cutting of large beets and carrots
- Lower wattage than the Breville, which can mean a slower pace on big batches
FAQ
Common questions
Why do masticating juicers clog more with fibrous produce?
Fibrous produce like celery, wheatgrass, and thick greens can wrap around the auger instead of feeding through it smoothly, especially if fed too quickly or in large clumps. A masticating juicer with a reverse switch, like the Omega J8006HDS, can clear this type of jam in seconds by briefly running the auger backward. Without a reverse function, clearing the jam usually requires disassembling the machine.
Why does my centrifugal juicer clog even with soft produce?
Centrifugal juicers clog most often when the mesh basket becomes packed with pulp faster than it can be flung outward, usually from feeding produce too quickly or in too large a volume at once. Soft, high-fiber produce like overripe bananas or very stringy celery can also wrap around the spinning basket rather than shredding cleanly.
Can I prevent clogging instead of just fixing it after it happens?
Yes, mostly through feed rate and produce prep. Feeding produce steadily rather than in large amounts, cutting fibrous produce into smaller pieces, and alternating fibrous produce with easier-to-process items like apples all reduce clogging frequency significantly on both juicer types.
Is frequent clogging a sign my juicer is wearing out?
It can be, but it's not the most common cause. Check feed habits and produce prep first, since these account for most clogging. If clogging has increased noticeably on a machine that used to run smoothly with the same feeding habits, worn auger or blade components, or a degraded mesh screen, are worth inspecting.
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