Fruit Press

Ernest T Bass · Jul 2, 2012

I have a lead on a couple of presses. I know nothing about presses, what should I look for so I don't get stuck with a piece of junk? Thanks for any help.
Semper Fi

Wade E · Jul 2, 2012

It really depends on what you intend on using it on and how much of that you plan on doing at 1 time! If apples you need an apple pres, dont even try to do apples in a grape press! If making small amounts like say 6-20 gallons with grapes or soft fruit then a #20-#30 press tops and #30 is on the big side with a ratchet press as there are filler plates and you need to have it pretty full to even use it. Can you supply pics of the units you are looking at?

Ernest T Bass · Jul 2, 2012

This is probably on the wrong forum, but after reading the small print I can't find one that fits just equipment, I may have over-looked it.
I haven't seen the presses yet, they are about 70 miles from here, plan on going sometime this week to look at them. As I said, I know nothing about them or how to use them, I figure I'll post those questions after I get one.
How do I tell the difference between a apple press and a grape press, I want a grape press. Who are the good manufacturers and what type of screw type device is best and which one to stay away from. I seen some cheap one on the internet and read some bad reviews on them. Also, what is a ball park figure for the price of a good one. What parts wear out first and what to look for. Lot of questions, but I looked at two on e-bay and they were $400. If that is the case, I guess I'll have to keep squeezing them with my hands. Thanks for any advice.
Semper Fi

Wade E · Jul 2, 2012

This is what you want basically. Its a ratchet basket press and its on sale! The only thing that really wears out on these are 2 little metal shims that are replaceable very cheap and easy. I kind of messed up before, a press is just a press but for crushing there is a grape crusher and then there is an apple crusher. You will still need to break the fruit open first for fermenting purposes so Im not sure if this is what you really want!!!!! A press is for after fermentation to press the already busted fruit to squeeze the juice out of it all. I dont think this will do what you were expecting.
http://www.finevinewines.com/XPListDetWP.asp?MM_PartNumber=T25

Ernest T Bass · Jul 3, 2012

Thanks Wade, It doesn't do what I thought it did. I think I'll pass on the press, and thanks also for saving me some money for not buying something I don't need.
Semper Fi

Wade E · Jul 3, 2012

You actually should be able to find an older combo crusher/press! Ask around about this as Im not sure if the combo will work on grapes as they are really designed for apples but like I said they might do fine with other fruit as all you need to do is bust the fruit open, after that fermentation and pectic enzymes do the work.
http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/fruit_press.aspx#applegrinder