Indispensable Kitchen Tool: Citrus Juicer

by Caitlin

My husband will bust my chops for saying this but, really: YOU GUYS. 

You guys.

I had a great post written up and apparently TypePad got all angry or hungry or something and destroyed/ate it. 

So. I'm sorry. But instead of regaling you with a tale of how I almost killed my little cousin with a peanut M&M (True story. Spoiler alert: I was four, and totally had good intentions.), I shall make a recommendation to you about one of my most favorite and oft-used kitchen tools. 

Behold, the lemon juicer!

Photo via amazon.com.

This is the wretchedly named Chef'n Freshforce Citrus Juicer. 

It sounds like an action figure. I'm picturing a giant dude in a yellow and green striped cape who - though he is a tattooed, foul-mouthed chef by day - swoops in on a refreshing, clean, citrus-scented wind to enforce the law and seek out justice when duty calls. Possibly he focuses on the arena of food safety violations. FRESHFORCE!

(Insert secret handshake here.)

We did have an issue with one of the juicers breaking when it encountered a lemon that was (WAY WAY) too big. But we took it back to Sur La Table, and they replaced it with no questions asked. We haven't had any problems since, and we use this regularly. Making lemonade, adding lemon juice to pies, smoothies, or a quick spritz into your pasta dish or veggies. Need lime juice for salsa, fish tacos, or margaritas?  All you have to do is cut the lemon or lime in half, throw it in, pull down the handle, and presto: Juice. 

At about $20 a pop, they're not exactly a bargain: But this thing is solid and I'd rather pay $20 once than $7.99 four times. If you've been looking for an easy, efficient, sturdy juicer, this is it. I also think it would make a fun hostess gift (perhaps at a cocktail party - throw in a bag of limes and a bottle of tequila), a housewarming gift, or a Hey Thanks For Not Killing Me with a Peanut M&M After All! gift.

Do you have a favorite citrus juicer? And why do you think TypePad hates me?

Comments

[Jen L.]

TypePad hates me sometimes, too. Ususally, if I accidentally close out a window or crash the computer, it saves my post and lets me auto-recover. But if the post is REALLY good? It's all "Screw you!"

Anyway, I have an OXO juicer that I'm quite fond of. Three cheers for lemonade and stuff.

[Val @ mental chew]

The Amco enameled lemon juicer is fantastic and about $12. They sell a lime version as well, but wouldn't you know it, you can use the lemon version on limes as well. At least we do. It is incredibly sturdy and we love it.

I have one blog in Blogger and the other in WordPress. Sorry, I am of no help.

[kakaty]

I lusted after a jucicer like this until I saw Michael Symon using his kitchen tongs as a citrus juicer on Iron Chef. Slice it in half and squeeze it in between the handles, close to the fulcrum. Works like a charm!

[Caitlin]

kakaty, that is GENIUS! I am going to try that next time I'm in the kitchen!

[Swistle]

"Chef'n Freshforce"? I LOVE IT. Superhero FOR SURE. With the power to SQUIRT LEMON JUICE IN YOUR EYES.

*SQUIRT POW*

*SQUIRT OUCH*

[Caitlin]

Oooh, Swistle! Good call! What OTHER special super powers does he have?

Perhaps a pair of handcuffs disguised to look like a lemon - but he breaks the lemon in half and POP! Out come the cuffs!