Help me decide...

[PierreR]

Happy Thanksgiving!!

So I want to add to my equipment, and am looking at a couple options. I am considering a press or a new stainless steam juicer. Here is what I am thinking, please add or contradict as you see fit.

I really like the idea of a press, but as much as I would like a #20 or #30 double ratcheting press, I don't use enough volume of fruit to justify the extra cost, nor do I have the space to store it in a clean environment. (Garage is my knife making shop, shed is full of garden crap, and basement storage is crammed as is.)

On a "lets see how it works" whim, I got an aluminium steamer from eBay for $20, and used it to juice crab apples and Saskatoon berries this fall. The juice return was impressive! I got 3 gallons of juice from 4 gallons of berries.
I haven't experimented enough to know if the steaming affects the taste of the juice, I'm thinking not much if any. On the down side, it is a slower process, took almost 8 hours to get 5 gallons of apple juice. Would a press do better? in speed, yes, I'm sure of it. In volume of juice? I don't know, this is part of the reason I'm asking.

Here are the items I am considering...
http://fruitwinepress.com/product/oak-fruit-press/
This one seems quite sturdy, no ratchet head...

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200490513_200490513
This one has a ratchet head, but has the ACME thread post up the center.

And a steamer.
http://www.amazon.ca/Cook-Home-NC-00256-11-Quart-Stainless-Steel/dp/B0055Q2D2W/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1448638456&sr=1-1&keywords=steam+juicer

My dilemma is two fold. Steamer or press? If a press, which style?

Thanks in advance for your help. Don't be shy!!

 

[vacuumpumpman]

My personal answer is go for the juicer - if you have the time to do it.

I believe it will take up less room and you will get more juice than using a press.
Plus storing the press can be a pain and heavy if you are not using it alot - like you already mentioned.

You can always make a DIY press if needed.

 

[PierreR]

Has anybody switched from one to the other for any reason?