Tribest Greenstar Review

The Tribest Greenstar is a twin gear (masticating) juicer that has earned a loyal following among health enthusiasts and raw food advocates. Unlike centrifugal juicers that spin at high speeds, the Greenstar crushes and presses produce between two interlocking gears at a slow 110 RPM. This process maximizes juice yield and preserves enzymes and nutrients. But is it the right juicer for you? Our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to bring you this honest review.

Design and Build Quality

The Greenstar is a horizontal juicer with a sturdy, compact footprint. It measures 15.5 inches wide, 12.5 inches deep, and 8.5 inches tall, and weighs about 20 pounds. The body is made of GE Ultem plastic, which is BPA free and known for its strength and heat resistance. The gears are stainless steel, which is a step up from the plastic gears found in some other twin gear juicers. The unit feels solid and durable, and the 10 year motor warranty reflects the manufacturer's confidence.

One notable design feature is the adjustable pressure knob. This allows you to control how tightly the gears press, which can be adjusted for different types of produce. For example, you can use a looser setting for soft fruits and a tighter setting for hard vegetables or wheatgrass. This level of control is rare in juicers and contributes to the Greenstar's versatility.

However, the design is not without drawbacks. The chute is only 1.5 inches wide, so you will need to cut most produce into smaller pieces. The machine also has a learning curve when it comes to assembly. There are multiple parts, including the gears, screens, and hopper, and it takes practice to put them together correctly. Some users report that the gears can be tricky to align, but once you get the hang of it, assembly becomes quicker.

Performance and Juice Quality

The Greenstar excels at extracting juice from leafy greens, wheatgrass, and other fibrous vegetables. The twin gear action first crushes the produce, then presses it against a screen to squeeze out every drop. In our analysis of buyer feedback, many users report noticeably higher yields compared to their previous single auger or centrifugal juicers. For example, one user mentioned getting 30% more juice from kale.

The slow speed of 110 RPM means minimal heat buildup and oxidation, which helps preserve nutrients and enzymes. The juice also has a vibrant color and a longer shelf life (up to 72 hours in an airtight container in the fridge). The Greenstar can also handle nuts, seeds, and even make nut butters, sorbets, and baby food with the included accessories.

One area where the Greenstar is not ideal is citrus fruits. The twin gears tend to produce a bitter taste because they crush the pith and seeds. For oranges and grapefruits, a dedicated citrus press is recommended. Also, very soft fruits like berries can turn into a puree rather than juice, so you may need to use the blank screen to make smoothies or sorbets.

Ease of Use

In terms of day to day operation, the Greenstar is straightforward once assembled. You simply feed produce through the hopper and use the pusher to guide it down. The adjustable pressure knob lets you fine tune the extraction. The juicer runs quietly, especially compared to centrifugal models, so you can juice early in the morning without waking the household.

However, the preparation time is longer because you need to cut produce into small pieces. The chute is narrow, so a whole apple must be quartered. This can add a few minutes to your routine. Also, the Greenstar is not a continuous juicer; it has a pulp ejection port that can clog if you feed too fast. You will need to pause and clear it occasionally.

For those who are new to twin gear juicers, there is a learning curve. The manual is detailed, and you may need to watch a few videos to master the assembly and use. But once you are familiar, the process becomes second nature.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Greenstar is the biggest downside for many users. There are many parts: the gears, screens, hopper, pusher, and juice bowl. Each must be rinsed and scrubbed after every use. The stainless steel gears should not be submerged in water for long periods, so hand washing is recommended. The other parts are dishwasher safe, but the heat may warp the plastic over time, so hand washing is safer.

To make cleaning easier, some users recommend juicing in batches and cleaning once a day. You can also use a brush (included) to remove pulp from the gears and screens. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, which is longer than a single auger juicer. If you are short on time, this could be a deal breaker.

Maintenance is minimal. You should occasionally lubricate the gears with a food grade oil, as the manual suggests. The gears are durable and should last for years with proper care.

Common Buyer Complaints

While the Greenstar has a high satisfaction rate, some complaints appear frequently in reviews. The most common is the cleaning difficulty, as mentioned. Another is the narrow chute, which requires extensive chopping. Some users also mention that the plastic parts can stain from carrot or beet juice, though this is cosmetic.

There are occasional reports of the gears jamming if you feed too much hard produce at once. This can be avoided by cutting produce into smaller pieces and alternating soft and hard items. A few users have experienced leaking from the juice spout, but this is often due to improper assembly.

Finally, the price is a barrier for many. The Greenstar is a premium juicer, and there are cheaper alternatives that are easier to use. However, for those who prioritize juice quality and yield, the investment is justified.

Comparison with Alternatives

How does the Greenstar stack up against other popular juicers? Compared to the Omega VSJ843, a vertical single auger juicer, the Greenstar offers higher yield from leafy greens and more versatility (like nut butters). However, the Omega is easier to assemble, clean, and has a wider chute. The Hurom H-AA is also a single auger with a similar ease of use but lower yield on greens.

Within the Tribest line, the Greenstar Elite is an upgraded version with a larger feed chute and a more powerful motor. It also includes a pulp ejector that is easier to clean. The Greenstar Pro is the original model, which is what we reviewed here. If you can afford the Elite, it may be worth the extra cost for convenience.

For citrus lovers, neither the Greenstar nor any masticating juicer is ideal. A dedicated citrus press like the Cuisinart CCJ-100 is cheap and effective.

Final Verdict

The Tribest Greenstar is a high performance juicer for those who are serious about extracting the most nutrition from their produce. It is not for everyone, but if you are willing to invest time in preparation and cleaning, the results are outstanding. With a 10 year warranty and sturdy construction, it is built to last. If you want a simpler juicing experience, consider a single auger model. But for maximum yield and versatility, the Greenstar is a top choice.