Which is best? A spindle press or a cross beam press?

Here, at Lovebrewing we are often asked to explain the difference between the two styles of fruit press. So, here are a few of the things we discuss:

Advantages of the Spindle Press

  • The first and most important is the spindle press is considerably cheaper. So, you can achieve a greater capacity for your money.
  • Also, you can get far more leverage whilst turning down the pressed fruit. It’s much easier to tighten the top. Further, it’s at right angles to the press (however you shouldn't over-tighten).
  • The mechanism at the top stops the ratchet from turning back on its self which helps at the final stage of tightening.
  • Additionally, the Spindle Press was the original design. This has been used by the French and Italians for generations for making wine.
  • Actually, the basket will open up into two half-moon sections (held together by 4 pins) which makes it really easy to clean. We recommend a quick wash with a jet hose.

Advantages of the Cross Beam Press

  • Now, with the swing-away top, the whole basket can be filled without the spindle interfering with the fruit. Especially useful, when the fruit is in a straining bag).
  • Further, there is no need to use the packing blocks if the basket is only half full.
  • Also, there is no need to have the tightening mechanism protruding above the basket.
  • The bottom plate is not painted as it's cast aluminium. Hence, there no corrosive action taking place due to the acidity of the fruit.
  • There are no painted parts that come into contact with the pressed juice.
Additional Features
  • Another feature is that it's possible for the top to swing away. Consequently, the crusher can then be left sitting on the top of the wooden frame. We can then press the fruit directly into the basket of the press and then remove the crusher. So, all we then have to do is swing the top of the press back into position and start the pressing process. Brilliant if it’s a one-man job. In reality, we do tend to find that this is not such an advantage as it is nearly always the case that there are two of us, one is doing the pressing and one doing the crushing.
  • The basket will open up into two half-moon sections (held together by 4 pins) which makes it really easy to clean. We recommend a quick wash with a jet hose.
  • We don’t sell any larger Cross Beam Presses than 20 litre. Because we believe there is too much pressure put on the plate with it having such a large surface area. Also worth noting, if you are looking for larger capacity you should look at the 30 or 45 litre Spindle Presses.
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