Fix it
Juicer Not Working? Common Problems and Fixes
Why your juicer stopped, jams, leaks, or produces wet pulp: motor overload, chute jams, dull cutters, and seal issues fixed.
Juicers fail in predictable ways, and most are user-fixable in minutes. Work through these in order before assuming the motor is dead.
The juicer will not start at all
Check the safety interlock first: most juicers refuse to run unless the lid, pulp bin, and juice jug are fully locked in place. Reassemble firmly until each piece clicks. Then check the overload reset: many motors have a thermal cutoff button underneath that trips after strain; unplug, wait 10 minutes, press reset, and retry with smaller produce loads.
The auger or chute jams mid-juice
Stop and reverse. Masticating juicers have a reverse function precisely for this: run it briefly to back material out, then feed more slowly. For centrifugal models, unplug and clear the chute with the pusher, never fingers. Prevent recurrence by cutting produce smaller and alternating fibrous items (celery) with hard items (apple) that push material through.
Pulp is very wet and juice yield dropped
On centrifugal juicers this usually means a clogged mesh screen: fine pulp blinds the mesh over time. Remove the cutter assembly and scrub the screen with the included brush under hot water. On masticating juicers, check that the end cap or pressure setting has not loosened, and confirm you are not overfeeding faster than the auger can process.
Juice leaks from the base or pulp ejects oddly
Leaks almost always trace to misaligned seals or overfilled containers. Disassemble, check the silicone seals and gaskets are seated flat with no pulp trapped underneath, and reassemble. Empty the pulp bin before it packs solid; an overfull bin forces pulp past seals. If leaking persists with correct assembly, the gasket may be worn and need replacement.
Questions, answered
Why does my juicer vibrate excessively?
Uneven loading or an unbalanced cutter basket. Feed produce steadily rather than dumping it in, and check the cutter is seated evenly. Persistent violent vibration can indicate a bent basket that needs replacement.
Can I juice frozen fruit?
Not directly; frozen fruit can crack housings and stall motors. Thaw partially first, or use the homogenizing/sorbet function on masticating juicers designed for it, feeding small amounts.